Informa Markets' Global Licensing Group is launching a new event for U.K. retailers – Licensing for Retail – in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International.   

Licensing for Retail: About the Event

The inaugural Licensing for Retail conference, "Planning for the Future," will take place at Convene, London, on Apr. 19.

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

Registration is now open, and discounts are available to Licensing International members.

Delegates from Brand Licensing Europe's Retail Mentoring Programme will also attend their first event of the year, including representatives from Asda, Claire's, FatFace, M&Co, HMV, New Look, John Lewis, Very Group, Tesco, and Morrisons.
“The Licensing for Retail programme has been designed 100 per cent with retailers’ objectives in mind,” says Laura Freedman-Dagg, head of retail, Global Licensing Group. "By providing through-the-year content, in addition to the Retail Mentoring Programme and Brand Licensing Europe (BLE), our goal is to help retailers understand more about how brands and customer fandom can drive their strategy forward,” adds Freedman-Dagg. “As a result, retailers can maximize their use of brand partnerships to drive sustainable growth, which is important given all the challenges retailers face."

"We've been working closely with Informa to find ways to further engage with retailers and create relevant and informative programmes that demonstrate the value of licensing," says Steve Manners, U.K. managing director, head of global marketing, Licensing International. "Licensing for Retail is a natural progression from our previous events, which we are confident will significantly benefit retailers, licensees, licensors and agents." 

License Global caught up with Laura Freedman-Dagg, to find out more about the event.

Licensing for Retail Conference: Seminar Content

Licensing for Retail will deliver numerous trend presentations, case studies and seminars, each designed to provide practical takeaways that will help retailers to navigate the world of branded consumer products. From licensing insights to updates on the latest technological advances, the content will follow four themes throughout the day, with a special keynote address before lunch.  

 Those themes are:  

There will also be plenty of opportunities for peer-to-peer networking throughout the day and at post-event drinks.

Licensing for Retail is offering three 'sponsored sizzle' slots – the only sponsored content on the agenda – giving sponsors the opportunity for a short brand pitch. There will also be brand exposure opportunities within the venue, including product showcase options. Interested brands can email Laura Freedman-Dagg, or Steve Manners ([email protected]).  

Licensing for Retail: Planning for the Future Agenda  

9:00 – 10: Registration and networking   

9:30 – 10:10: Breakfast Briefing *Retail Mentoring Programme delegates only*  

10:10 – 10:20: 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 – 10:30: Brand Sizzle 1: Get to know a brand in 10 minutes. One of three fast brand pitches designed to inspire your next potential partnership.   

Setting the Scene 

10:30 – 11:00: Brand Licensing: State of the Nation. A look at emerging trends for 2024 and beyond, Ben Roberts, EMEA content director, License Global.    

11:00 – 11:30: Consumer Focus panel. Examining shifting consumer habits and how brand licensing can be part of the solution to many of the challenges retail faces.    

11:30 – 11:40: Brand Sizzle 2   

Break and networking

12:00 – 13:00: Keynote – to be announced   

Lunch and networking  

14:00 – 14:10: Brand Sizzle  

Licensing and You

14:10 – 14:45: Brands with Purpose. A showcase of brand licensing as a force for good.   

14:45 – 15:30: 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 you apart in this dynamic industry.

Break and networking

The Future

16:00 – 16:45: 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.      

Coming Together

17:00 – 17:45: 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 19:45

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