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LICENSING EXPO VIRTUAL
Inset: Informa Markets has invested in improving the virtual platform, offering more exposure to brands and IPs.
Expo essentials Preparations for Licensing Expo are continuing apace and, while they may not include digging out your passport and packing the factor 50 in anticipation of the fierce August Vegas heat, you should be checking out the virtual platform to get a handle on what will be happening – from big name keynotes through to meeting options with global, US and LATAM brands. LSB catches up with Anna Knight, vp licensing at Informa Markets, to get the lowdown.
BLE is back
Planning is continuing apace for Brand Licensing Europe, with the show due to return to ExCeL from 17-19 November. “In terms of the in-person event, we are currently working on elements that constitute this year’s theme, which I can’t announce just yet, but I can say it’s very forward looking,” Anna offers. “We will have three activations, one of which is in partnership with Products of Change. The Retail Lounge will be back, and we will be delivering content in-person and virtually to ensure everyone gets the best experience. It’s been two years since we were all together, and we just can’t wait to bring everyone back to BLE.” The team is confident that it will be able to run a very he countdown to Licensing Expo productive and safe BLE, and the reaction from the may look different this year, but industry to its return has been positive. Anna explains that certainly doesn’t mean that that where there is hesitancy, it’s more around the uncertainty relating to travel, whether that’s due to inAnna Knight, vp licensing, and her region or corporate restrictions. team in Informa Markets’ Global “When it comes to concerns about safety, these are Licensing Group are any less busy. very different to six months ago and I’d say of course As of 24 June, 139 exhibitors had it’s a concern, but there is more faith in the concept of live events now and also in our ability to put signed up for Licensing Expo Virtual the required measures in place to ensure a – which is running from 24-26 safe event.” August – and close to 200 are And there’s more good news from Anna expected by showtime. … the character parade will also be back: “I’m really looking forward to seeing the return of one of the cornerstones of BLE - I’ve really missed every single one of them.” Inset: Anna Knight, vp
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licensing at Informa Markets.
LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2021
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