The team behind BLE has announced the first licensing and retail experts speaking at the inaugural Licensing for Retail conference on 19 April, 2023, at Convene in London.
Among the speakers are Blues Group, English Heritage, The Point.1888, Retail Week and beforeSTORES.
Organised in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, the new retail event has already attracted sign-ups from almost 140 retailers.
Four themes will define the agenda: Setting the Scene – The power of brands at retail; Licensing and You – How brand licensing is so much more than ‘brand slap’; The Future – How will brands be represented at retail in five to 10 years?; Coming Together – Licensors, licensees and retailers.
Speakers confirmed so far include:
- Retail Week editor in chief, Charlotte Hardie and guests for the Consumer Trends Panel.
Charlotte commented: “Covid, the cost-of-living crisis, rising inflation, increased choice and customisation offered by technology – these are just some of the trends impacting shifting consumer spending in recent times.
“Never has there been a better time of a greater need for retail to find a point of differentiation. I’m looking forward to discussing how licensing can help solve many of the challenges facing retail at April’s Licensing for Retail conference.”
- Kingston Myles, head of commercial development, English Heritage – Brands with Purpose: How successful Licensing is so much more than brand slap
- Licensing Chose Me panel session with Ruth Golightly, design sales and licensing director at Blues Group; Harris McQueen, sales and marketing director EME at Overstuff; and Will Stewart, founder and md of The Point.1888.
Ruth said: “I contacted Laura about being involved in Licensing for Retail because I love being immersed in this industry. I also have a passion for coaching, and I want to share experience I have that may help and support people who are new to, or not so familiar with, licensing. I love helping people think differently and connecting with new faces.”
Will added: “I’m looking forward to Licensing for retail because I honestly believe licensing can solve all the problems that buyers have. Driving traffic into stores, creating noise and a competitive advantage, driving margin, and helping reduce costs of running a retail outlet. Ever since I crossed to the light side, I’ve been determined to help build understanding in retail for what licensing can deliver. This event will be huge in that endeavour.”
- Warren Parker Mills, ceo, beforeStores and ceo Fashion Metaverse Club, and Russ Singler, founder of MetaGallery for How will we shop in 10 years time?
- Caroline Mickler will be using her slot to speed pitch six brands, including The Beatles, Horrid Henry, The Masked Singer and others.
Caroline said: “BLE and Licensing International have put together a very impressive event with important attendees. It offers us an exceptional opportunity to present our side-ranging brands to retailers in an environment where we can discuss how best to create a compelling offering for the consumer.”
A limited number of free tickets are available to vetted retailers. Non-retailers (licensees, licensors, brand owners, agents, and service providers) can purchase tickets. Booking is now open online and discounts are available to Licensing International members.
