Licensing Expo, the world's largest and most influential licensing industry event, has announced Pitch the Brands, where inventors can present their product to an executive panel of consumer product experts and enter for a chance to win a prize package valued at more than $18,000. 

The event is made possible through an exclusive collaboration between Licensing Expo and InventHelp, which will provide innovative entrepreneurs with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

An official part of Licensing Week 2019, Pitch the Brands will allow 10 finalists to receive feedback and direction from influential licensing and consumer product executives. The expert panel includes Michael Stone, chairman, Beanstalk; Steve Scebelo, vice president, licensing and business development, NFL Players Inc.; Dion Vlachos, executive vice president, U.S. retail sales and global publishing, Viacom Nickelodeon; Greg Winters, manager, licensing programs, Boy Scouts of America and Robert Yusim, president, Product Counsel. One finalist will be chosen to receive InventHelp’s services, valued at $18,000.

“It is a privilege to team up with Licensing Expo to support inventors with Pitch the Brands,” says Robert Susa, president, InventHelp. “This unique and inspiring opportunity provides direct feedback from leading executives in a variety of industries. The foundation of Pitch the Brands mirrors the mission of InventHelp–supporting innovation and providing inventors the resources they need to pursue their passion.”

Brand licensing can help to successfully launch new products into market by providing credibility, appealing to an established audience, securing distribution and utilizing a brand’s promotional resources. In 2017, global retail sales of licensed products and services reached $271.6 billion, according to the 2018 LIMA Annual Global Licensing Industry Survey.

“Products are a cornerstone of the brand licensing industry. Innovations in design, production and distribution help keep our industry growing year over year,” says Jessica Blue, senior vice president, Global Licensing Group, UBM. “We’re thrilled to give entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their product on the biggest stage in brand licensing. These new ideas help shape the industry through unique products and selection.”

Licensing Expo will be accepting submissions on its website through April 15. By April 29, InventHelp will choose 10 finalists to present a demonstrable product in front of a live panel and audience at Licensing Expo 2019.

Pitch the Brands will be held Wednesday, June 5 from 2pm-3pm at Global Licensing Group Theater inside the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

To learn more and apply for Pitch the Brands, click here. To register for Licensing Expo for free, please click here.