Licensing International has announced that the annual U.K. Licensing Essentials Course will take place virtually Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30. 

For the first time, there will be no cost to attend the event. 

The U.K. Licensing Essentials Course is a one-stop-shop for all aspects of brand licensing. The event is targeted to all brand licensing professionals with a focus on retail executives and other professionals looking to break into or expand their profile in this $293 billion industry.

The program will take place over two, half days from 13:30 – 16:00 GMT. It will feature both live and pre-recorded sessions broken up by a series of networking activities, including virtual roundtables and a happy hour at the “Virtual Licensing Bar.”  

Sessions will cover best practices, basic licensing know-how and new industry standards in light of recent global events. Among the topics to be covered are: 

Confirmed speakers include Susan Bolsover, Penguin Ventures (part of Penguin Random House); Andrew Carley, TILT Global Brand & Licensing Solutions; Dave Collins, PowerStation Studios; Rob Corney, Bulldog Licensing; Louise French, Beanstalk; consultant Aysha Kidwai; Adrienne Mirviss, Wildbrain CPLG; Holly Oldham, Rubie’s UK; Gary Pope, Kids Industries; Claire Potter, Metrostar Media; Julia Redman, Buyers Eye; consultant Graham Saltmarsh; commercial strategist Pete Selby; Will Stewart, The Point.1888 and Steven Ekstract, brand director, Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets. 

“The decision to host Licensing Essentials Course online this year has allowed us to open it to a global audience, but also make it free to attend for the first time,” says Maura Regan, president, Licensing International. “This event is a must-attend for anyone looking to expand their understanding of the brand licensing industry, especially retail executives who may be exploring new ways to adapt or enhance their business models in light of the disruption we’re currently seeing.” 

The U.K. Licensing Essentials Course continues Licensing Internationals educational initiatives. The group recently wrapped up its Licensing University sessions at Licensing Week Virtual.