ViacomCBS will share insights from its corporate Diversity & Inclusion efforts with a specific focus on its recently conducted toy research study during Brand Licensing Europe’s second-day keynote. 

Mark Kingston, senior vice president, international, ViacomCBS Consumer Products, will lead the keynote and review the impact on culture, community and industry when there’s a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging. The keynote will also include Ameeta Held, vice president, insights and business strategy, consumer products, ViacomCBS, referencing original toy research detailing the importance of authentic representation in dolls and the impact on choice.   

The keynote, which takes place in-person at BLE from 1-2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18, will also set the background as to why the consumer products and licensing community play such a pivotal role in diversity and inclusion.  

“As an organization we are dedicated to creating content that reflects the global audiences we serve, and within consumer products we are especially committed to ensuring our products are inclusive and representative,” says Mark Kingston, senior vice president, international, ViacomCBS Consumer Products. “Our latest research shines a light on the important role our industry plays in our continued conversation around Diversity & Inclusion, and I look forward to presenting our thoughts and findings alongside my colleagues at BLE.” 

Ahead of ViacomCBS’ keynote, representatives from Black Lives Matter Licensing U.K. will take to the stage to talk about the group’s purpose, goals and activity in the sector to date.  

“It’s not possible to underestimate the importance of this keynote to our industry and I implore everyone who is attending BLE to pre-register now and secure a spot,” says Anna Knight, vice president of licensing, Informa Markets. “Consumer products has a huge responsibility – and opportunity – to represent, embrace and empower diversity if we are to build a more inclusive and equal future for consumers across the world.” 

ViacomCBS is one of over 150 exhibitors currently confirmed for BLE, which takes place in-person at ExCeL London from Nov. 17-19 followed by an online event on Nov. 30-Dec. 1. The exhibitor list features companies from all three licensing categories – Character & Entertainment, Brands & Lifestyle and Art, Design & Image – and with strong representation from Europe, the U.K. and wider afield.