Informa Markets’ Global Licensing Group is joining forces with trade association Licensing International to launch Licensing Week.

Taking place on 15-19 June 2020, Licensing Week will offer five days of virtual support. This includes keynotes, educational and topical seminars, matchmaking, networking and a digital exhibition.

The week-long virtual event will bring the global licensing industry together; connecting licensing businesses with retailers, manufacturers, experts and media at a time when physical networking is proving impossible.

It will also complement and supplement Licensing Expo (11-13 August 2020 in Las Vegas, NV) and Brand Licensing Europe (6-8 October 2020 in London).

Reflecting the experiences and content found at Licensing Expo and Brand Licensing Europe, Licensing Week will spotlight Brands & Lifestyle, Character & Entertainment and Art, and Design & Emerging Categories. It will also host Licensing International’s Licensing University; a live ‘Pitch the Brands’ event; an exhibit hall; and a matchmaking service.

Three keynote addresses will take place at 9.00am PST and 17.00pm BST Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. They have been scheduled at times that are convenient for both US and European audiences.

Commenting is Anna Knight, vice president at Global Licensing Group, Informa Markets. “Doing business within the licensing industry is simply not possible without connections. Whether that be making new ones or reinforcing and nurturing existing ones.

“We know from speaking to our colleagues that it’s business-critical for them to have the chance to connect in early summer. This is why we have pulled out all the stops to create this new event in June.”

Maura Regan, president at Licensing International, adds: “The global licensing industry is creative, innovative and robust. But, like many others, it has been battered by the Covid-19 storm.

“It’s our job at Licensing International to help the industry not only weather that in the short term, but also to work together to adapt to this new normal, understand what it means for all of us, and help to rebuild the industry long term.

“By pooling our reach and resources with Anna’s team at the Global Licensing Group, we believe Licensing Week will mark the start of that journey. I look forward to welcoming the entire industry online.”

Those interested in taking part in Licensing Week can contact Anna Knight at anna.knight@informa.com or Maura Regan at mregan@licensing.org.