Global licensing trade show Brand Licening Europe (BLE) will not be taking place as a physical show this October, instead forming part of a new global event – the Festival of Licensing – which will run over a four week period, from 6 – 29 October 2020.
The move online was confirmed by show organisers The Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets on Wednesday 22 July 22, with a statement confirming that Brand Licensing Europe will be transitioning to an all-virtual event for 2020.
In its place will be the Festival of Licensing – a four-week large scale virtual gathering which GLG is aiming to make the most inclusive global licensing event to date, building on the momentum of June’s Licensing Week Virtual.
“We are incredibly excited to announce Festival of Licensing and proud of the opportunities and experiences it offers to the global licensing industry,” said Anna Knight, GLG’s vice president. “Although the decision to transition Brand Licensing Europe to an all-virtual event was a difficult one and we will miss seeing everyone at ExCeL this year, I’m proud that we have a comprehensive offering in its place and look forward to the European event kicking off Festival of Licensing.”
The four-week event will feature four regionally tailored events in key licensing territories, with a two or three day focus in each area. Week one will be kicking things off with a UK and European focused programme, powered by Brand Licensing Europe, while the festival will conclude with the Licensing Leadership Summit which was originally due to take place in New York last March.
“We have had great feedback from June’s Licensing Week Virtual, so we know that there is huge potential and appetite for industry connection during this challenging time when meeting face-to-face is difficult,” Anna continued.
“We also want Festival of Licensing to offer amazing experiences for everyone who joins us. One of the joys of virtual is that it can make the previously impossible possible, and we plan to use the power of the platform to fuel the imagination, delight and inspire in a fitting celebration of this industry and the people within it.”
Visit www.festivaloflicensing.com for more information.
