Licensing for Retail Conference Announces First Batch of Speakers

Informa Markets’ Global Licensing Group, the team behind Brand Licensing Europe (BLE), has announced the first list of licensing and retail experts speaking at the inaugural Licensing for Retail conference, set to take place on April 19 at Convene, London.  

Organized in partnership with Licensing International, the event has already attracted sign-ups from almost 140 retailers. This year’s BLE Retail Mentoring Programme delegates will be out in force, including delegates from Asda, Claire’s, FatFace, HMV, New Look, John Lewis, Very Group, Tesco and Morrisons. 

Four themes define the agenda: 

Licensing for Retail Day speakers 

On the Consumer Trends panel will be Charlotte Hardie, editor-in-chief, Retail Week and guests. “Covid, the cost-of-living crisis, rising inflation, increased choice and customization offered by technology – these are just some of the trends impacting shifting consumer spending in recent times,” says Hardie. “Never has there been a better time or a greater need for retail to find a point of differentiation. I’m looking forward to discussing how licensing can help solve many of the challenges facing retail at April’s Licensing for Retail conference.”  

Related:Record Breaking Year for the Retail Mentoring Programme

Kingston Myles, head of commercial development, English Heritage, will lead a session entitled Brands with Purpose, where he will discuss how successful licensing is so much more than “brand slap.” 

The Licensing Chose Me panel session will be chaired by Will Stewart, founder, managing director, The Point.1888. Joining Stewart is Ruth Golightly, design, sales and licensing director, Blues Group and Harris McQueen, sales and marketing director EME, Outerstuff. 

“I contacted Laura [Freedman-Dagg, head of retail, Global Licensing Group] about being involved in Licensing for Retail because I love being immersed in this industry,” says Golightly. “I also have a passion for coaching, and I want to share experience I have that may help and support people who are new to, or not so familiar with, licensing. I love helping people think differently and connecting with new faces.” 

“I’m looking forward to Licensing for Retail because I honestly believe licensing can solve all the problems that buyers have,” says Stewart. “Driving traffic into stores, creating noise and a competitive advantage, driving margin and helping reduce costs of running a retail outlet. Ever since I crossed to the light side, I’ve been determined to help build understanding in retail for what licensing can deliver. This event will be huge in that endeavor.” 

Warren Parker Mills, chief executive officer, beforeSTORES and chief executive officer, Fashion Metaverse Club, will be joined by Russ Singler, founder, MetaGallery, for a session entitled Beyond Online vs Physical Experience. How Will We Shop in 10 Years’ Time? 

Licensing agent, Caroline Mickler, will be using her slot to speed-pitch six brands: The Beatles, Toxic Waste Hazardously Sour Candy, Horrid Henry, Molang, The Masked Singer and several Stanley Kubrick movies. 

“BLE and Licensing International have put together a very impressive event with important attendees,” says Mickler. “It offers us an exceptional opportunity to present our wide-ranging brands to retailers in an environment where we can discuss how best to create a compelling offering for the consumer.” 

A limited number of free tickets are available to vetted retailers. Non-retailers (licensees, licensors, brand owners, agents and service providers) can purchase tickets.

Booking is now open online and discounts are available to Licensing International members.

Licensing for Retail Day Agenda: Planning for the Future

9 a.m.-10:10 a.m.: Registration and networking  

9:30 a.m.-10:10 a.m.: Breakfast Briefing *Retail Mentoring Programme delegates only* 

10:10 a.m.-10:20 a.m.: Welcome and setting the scene for the day, Steve Manners, U.K. managing director, Licensing International, and Laura Freedman-Dagg, head of retail, Global Licensing Group, Informa Markets. 

10:20 a.m.-10:30 a.m.: Brand Sizzle: Caroline Mickler  

The Beatles, Toxic Waste Hazardously Sour Candy, Horrid Henry, Molang, The Masked Singer and several Stanley Kubrick movies. 

Setting the Scene  

10:30 a.m.-11 a.m.: Brand Licensing: State of the Nation. A look at emerging trends for 2024 and beyond, Ben Roberts, EMEA content director, License Global.   

11 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Consumer Focus panel. An examination of shifting consumer habits and how brand licensing can be part of the solution to many of the challenges retail is facing.   

11:30 a.m.-11:40 a.m.: Brand Sizzle  

Break and networking 

Noon-1 pm.: Keynote – to be announced  

Lunch and networking 

2 p.m.-2:10 p.m.: Brand Sizzle 

Licensing and You  

2:10 p.m.-2:45 p.m.: Brands with Purpose: how successful licensing is so much more than “brand slap” – A showcase of brand licensing as a force for good, Kingston Myles, head of commercial development, English Heritage. 

2:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m.: Licensing Chose Me – A panel discussion between leaders from the world of licensing and retail on how they got to where they are today and the qualities that will set someone apart in this dynamic industry. Followed by facilitated networking with the speakers. 

Ruth Golightly, sales and licensing director, Blues Group design. 

Harris McQueen, sales and marketing director EME, Outerstuff. 

Chair: Will Stewart, founder and managing director, The Point.1888. 

Break and networking 

The Future 

4 p.m.-4:45 p.m.: Beyond Online vs Physical Experience. How Will We Shop in 10 Years’ Time? – An interactive presentation centered on the opportunity to engage with fans in an immersive and personalized way. Warren Parker Mills, chief executive officer, beforeSTORES and chief executive officer, Fashion Metaverse Club. Russ Singler, founder, MetaGallery. 

Coming Together  

5 p.m.-5:45 p.m.: Panel Debate – By the Industry for the Industry. A chance to hear from licensing industry leaders on the issues affecting us right now and their predictions for the future. 

Followed by a Q&A.  

Networking drinks until 7:45 p.m. 

Licensing for Retail has two “sponsored sizzle” slots remaining. These are the only sponsored content on the agenda. Interested brands can email Laura Freedman-Dagg, or Steve Manners.

Click here to find out more, or to book your place at Licensing for Retail Conference 2023.