The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association has assembled a robust roster of Licensing University sessions for this year’s Licensing Expo, providing learning opportunities on a wide range of topics to help attendees advance their business and bolster their bottom line.

Information-packed seminars covering topics such as royalty rates, choosing the right license, effective retail presentations and more are scheduled daily in conjunction with the trade event from June 16-19.

The Licensing University All-Access Pass lets show attendees attend all four days of  sessions for the single price of $149 (for LIMA members, $169 for non-LIMA members).

The 2014 program will kick off at 8 a.m. June 17 with a keynote address by Jeffrey Katzenberg, chief executive officer of DreamWorks Animation. Later in the day Nicole Richie, creative director of the fashion brand House of Harlow 1960, will also speak in the Big Interview session, moderated by License! Global’s Tony Lisanti at 2:30 p.m. These two special sessions are free for all Expo attendees and exhibitors.

Among the many Licensing University seminars available this year are:

This session will offer a 360-degree view on royalty rates, defining what they are as well as how they differ by category and the ways in which they relate to margins and cost of goods. The presenters will explain the risk/reward effect, demystify the “net sales definition,” identify when to escalate or de-escalate and more.

Adina Avery-Grossman of Brandgenuity will moderate the panel which will include: Dana Kuperman, director of licensing business development, Weight Watchers International; Paul Bessinger, director innovation, Quill.com/Staples; Steven Shweky, top dog, Fetch…for pets!; and Teri Niadna, director of business development, National Football League.

Before a licensed product actually appears on a store shelf or an e-tailer’s website, the property owner has to convince a licensee to take the brand, and together or separately, sell it into retail. This seminar will provide insights into how merchants and manufacturers evaluate the properties and products that come across their desks.

Moderated by Marty Brochstein of LIMA with presenters including: Adam Beder, executive vice president global licensing and business Affairs, Spin Master; Ed Labay, senior buyer, Hot Topic; Lorne Bloch, vice president, licensing, Junk Food Clothing; and Sean Bunner, vice president of new business development, HSNi.

This session will provide practical advice from retail, sales and analysts to help attendees develop great retail presentations.

Moderated by Leigh Ann Schwarzkopf of Project Partners Network, the session’s presenters will include Michael Connolly, head of global consumer products, DreamWorks Animation; and Mitchell Stevenson, president, Formula Brands.

Attendees will learn about the unique dynamics of food licensing from a food manufacturer, agency representative and licensor, who will answer questions about this growing segment of the licensing business. In addition, panelists will discuss the trends, challenges and opportunities of food licensing.

Moderated by Susie Frausto of Jel-Sert with presenters: Janna Markle, vice president, Valen Group; and Megan May, brand licensing manager, Dr Pepper Snapple Group.

With the proliferation of entertainment available on the web, companies are emerging as aggregators of diverse content. Through case studies, anecdotes and questions from panelists, attendees will learn what the impact of these companies will be on the licensing industry in 2014 and beyond.

Moderated by Brent Weinstein, head of digital media, United Talent Agency, with presenters: Andrew Graham, senior talent manager, Fullscreen; and Jim Fielding, global head of consumer products and retail, Awesomeness TV.

To see the full schedule of Licensing University sessions and to register, click here.