Malik Ducard, director of content partnerships at YouTube, will be the opening speaker at the inaugural Digital Media Licensing Summit at Licensing Expo June 8.

Ducard will open the summit with an interview at 11:45 a.m. that will be moderated by Richard Raddon, co-founder and co-chief executive officer of the technology company and YouTube partner, Zefr. Ducard will discuss the strength of the new generation of content creators on YouTube and the opportunity they present to the licensing world.

The Digital Media Licensing Summit is part of Licensing University, which is hosted by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association and will take place in conjunction with Licensing Expo June 9-11 in Las Vegas, Nev. 

“Digital stars are fast becoming the brands of the future, and there is so much opportunity to connect with new audiences through dynamic partnerships," says Ducard. "Licensing Expo is the perfect forum to begin these important conversations.”

In his role at YouTube Ducard oversees business development efforts for YouTube’s family entertainment and educational content. Previously he served as head of West Coast partnerships for the company, managing film, TV and original content partners. A long-time figure in the licensing industry and at Licensing Expo, Ducard also served as senior vice president of digital distribution for the Americas at Paramount Pictures prior to joining YouTube. 

“We are pleased to welcome Malik to the inaugural Digital Media Licensing Summit," says Jessica Blue, vice president, Licensing Expo. "For 35 years, Licensing Expo has connected the world’s most influential brand owners and agents with consumer goods manufacturers, licensees and retailers. Malik’s presentation will help us all navigate and leverage the digital landscape and understand this new area of the business while we create successful partnerships.”

The first-of-its-kind Digital Media Licensing Summit is designed to connect licensees, retailers and manufacturers with the world's most successful and popular digital media companies and stars. The program will feature exhibitors, panels and keynotes from the digital content world, spotlighting new business opportunities that leverage the tectonic shift in young consumers’ media habits toward digital platforms and stars. Speakers will also include fashion designer and influencer Bethany Mota, who will deliver The Big Interview keynote on June 9 at 2:30 p.m.

A sampling of some of the other June 8 panels includes "The New Face of Beauty"; "Influencing the Home & Beyond"; "The New Fashion Influencer" and the Closing Fireside Keynote titled "From Views and Subscribers to Brick & Mortar: How Digital Power Houses are Partnering with Traditional Retailers." The Closing Keynote will feature Amy Kocourek, executive vice president and general merchandising manager at Kohl's, and Jim Fielding, head of global consumer products at DreamWorks Animation and AwesomenessTV, with moderator Brent Weinstein, head of digital media at United Talent Agency.

The Digital Media Licensing Summit is free to attend for all registered exhibitors and attendees of Licensing Expo. Click here for complimentary registration for Licensing Expo.