Brand Licensing Europe has unveiled a programme of support for retailers and manufacturers who are new to licensing and/or visiting the show for the first time this September (24-26, ExCeL, London).
Around half of all attendees to BLE each year are first time visitors, or only just entering the world of brand licensing. As the leading licensing show in Europe, the organiser wants to help their experience at BLE and educate them as much as possible through pre-show and onsite content and sessions.
Three sessions each morning on days one and two in the License Global Theatre:
1. 09:45 – Navigating the BLE show floor: This session is a must-attend for new attendees flying solo or returning attendees eager to find what is new for 2024. The BLE team will discuss tips for navigating the show floor, leaving visitors feeling the event is created just for them.
2.a. 10:00 – Licensing 101 (Tuesday 24 September): This session is for attendees eager to learn more about the licensing industry. Experienced industry veterans will deliver the basics of brand licensing – terminology, key players, market definitions and much more. It will be followed by a live Q&A with the experts. Attendees can ask questions during the session or submit them beforehand through Licensing Unlocked, after completing Module 1.
2.b. 10:00 – Licensing 101 (Wednesday 25 September): Learn the licensing basics and strategies needed to make that first, second or 50th deal. This fact filled, educational seminar will include all the basics and strategies for manufacturers, brand owners and everyone in between. The session will cover the essential topics including deal structure, royalty rates guidelines and legal tips and use case studies showing how some of the world’s largest brands use licensing to reach their marketing and financial goals.
3. 10:45 – Show floor tour: Join members of the BLE team to tour the show floor, discover the must-attend activations and know where to go or who to ask for help or advice. The tour is open to anyone visiting the show for the first time or those who need a refresher.
BLE is hosting its first Retail Mentoring Programme drop-in session for retailers at 15:00 on Wednesday 25 September in the Retail Lounge (E141). This informal drop-in session will give retailers a chance to meet the team behind BLE’s Retail Mentoring Programme and hear how they and/or their team can take part in 2025. This CPD accredited, free training programme is designed for established retail brands with an interest in taking their brand licensing strategy to the next level and applications open officially at BLE (closing in December). For more information, please contact laura.freedmandagg@informa.com
Licensing Unlocked – free learning module. Licensing Unlocked is a new learning platform with content delivered by some of the brightest minds in the industry to help new joiners to the brand licensing industry get ahead in their careers. Module 1: The ABC’s of Brand Licensing is free to download and a great prep tool before heading to BLE. It explores how licensing can benefit businesses and delves into the key players involved in the licensing journey. You can meet the team on the Global Licensing Group booth (E221) to find out more about the programme.
BLE event director, Ella Haynes commented: “BLE is here to support everyone wherever they are on their licensing journey, and that includes those new to the industry and / or new to BLE. It’s a big show with a lot of players and our programme of events is designed to remove any barriers to finding the right people, brands and information to better their businesses and themselves.
“Everyone on this year’s Retail Mentoring Programme has downloaded and watched Licensing Unlocked: Module 1 to prepare ahead of meetings at the show and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We are delighted to bring the show tours back and to work with Licensing International on Licensing 101, too – the perfect start to the day before embarking on a round of meetings and show floor shopping.
“If you’re coming to BLE for the first time this September, check out our website and please drop by our stand (E221) to meet the team and ask any questions throughout the three exciting days of Brand Licensing Europe.”
