The content programme for Brand Licensing Europe 2022 (BLE), which takes place on 20-22 September 2022 at ExCeL London, includes daily keynotes; forward-looking panel sessions; retail-focused education; 10 catwalk shows; two License This! Finals; as well as exclusive content for first-timers at the show and newcomers to the industry.

Europe’s leading event for licensing and brand extension, BLE will offer an inspiring yet practical content programme with something for everyone to further their learning about the opportunity that brand licensing presents.

Keynotes

Mattel President and COO Richard Dickson will take centre stage on Tuesday 20 September with ‘Barbie x Fashion’. This is followed by ‘Leaders panel: building a post-pandemic retail & licensing strategy’ on Wednesday 21 September, when industry leaders will air expectations and hopes and fears for the future of retail, as well as give insight into long-term opportunities for licensing.

Moderated by Ben Roberts (EMEA Content Director, License Global), panellists for the second keynote include Marianne James (VP EMEA and Asia Licensed Consumer Products, Hasbro); Daniel Avener, (CEO, MDR Brand Management); and Jalil Rahman (Director of Brand Partnerships & Licensing, Liberty). The third keynote will be announced imminently.

Meanwhile, highlighting what’s in store for licensing at retail is ‘Forecasting the future of retail through consumer trends’. Participants include Francesca Lisle (Lisle Licensing), Hannah Craggs (TrendBible) and Abi Wilson (Buying & Design Manager – Celebrations, Sainsbury’s).

New for 2022

The BLE team will hold orientation sessions and show tours at 9:30am on the first two days. As well as helping attendees navigate the show floor, sessions will ensure they don’t miss any content that’s specifically relevant to them.

Furthermore, Kelvyn Gardner License This! final pitching will take place over two days. The Product Design category will be decided at 11am on Tuesday 20 September. Character & Animation and Brand & Design trophies will also be awarded at 10:30am on Thursday 22 September.

Commenting is Anna Knight, SVP Licensing, Informa Markets. “BLE exists to support everyone working in and with the European licensing industry to do better business and identify new opportunities. That means providing retailers, manufacturers and brand owners with meaningful content, introductions and meetings to drive their businesses forward.

“It’s brilliant to be able to offer so much new and diverse content to this year’s visitors, in person or online, from our new orientation sessions for first-timers, inspiring daily keynotes and category-specific educational panels on sports and LBE, to hosting 10 fantastic catwalk sessions.”

Content programme to date

Both the seminar sessions and keynotes are free to attend. They will take place in the License Global theatre on the show floor. More sessions and speakers to follow.

Tuesday 20 September

9.30-10.00am – Brand Licensing Europe 2022 Orientation
Tips on how to navigate the show floor for new attendees flying solo or previous attendees eager to see what’s new at BLE this year.

10.00-11.00am – Brand Licensing Europe 2022 Show Tour
A guided tour of BLE 22, including the different exhibit zones and activations as well as where to grab a coffee or take a break.

10.30-10.30am – Brand Designs
Marking the launch of the first Brands Untapped 100, co-founder Billy Langsworthy chairs a panel exploring the creative strategies and design thinking that goes into crafting authentic, successful brand extensions.

11:00-11:40am – Kelvyn Gardner License This! Competition Finale – Product Design Category
Two months after the opening of applications, one winner will be selected from the finalists live in London.

1.00-1.45pm – DAY ONE KEYNOTE: Barbie x Fashion
Speaker: Richard Dickson, President and COO, Mattel

3.15-4.00pm – Sports Panel
Moderated by SGLP MD Simon Gresswell

4.15-5.00pm – Can the Licensing Process be Rebuilt?
From supply chain challenges to the need for faster speed to market; does the licensing process need reviewing?

Panellists include Susan Bolsover (MD/Founder, Lightbulb Licensing); Emily Fawcett (Head of Global Licensing, Abysse Corp); and Steve Manners (Head of Marketing, Licensing International)

Wednesday 21 September

9.30-10.15am – Forecasting the Future of Retail through Consumer Trends
Discussion on emerging and future consumer behaviours and how they influence the retail space.

Participants: Francesca Lisle (Director, Lisle Licensing); Hannah Craggs (Head of Subscription, TrendBible); and Abi Wilson (Buying & Design Manager – Celebrations, Sainsbury’s)

9.30-10.00am – Brand Licensing Europe 2022 Orientation

10.00-11.00am – Brand Licensing Europe 2022 Show Tour

1.00-1.45pm – DAY TWO KEYNOTE: Leaders Panel: Building a Post-Pandemic Retail & Licensing Strategy
Industry leaders will air expectations and hopes and fears for a post-Covid future for retail, giving insight into long-term opportunities for licensing.

Participants include Ben Roberts (EMEA Content Director, License Global); Marianne James (VP EMEA and Asia Licensed Consumer Products, Hasbro); Daniel Avener, (CEO, MDR Brand Management); and Jalil Rahman (Director of Brand Partnerships & Licensing, Liberty)

2.30-3.15pm – Location-Based Experiences Panel

4.15-5.00pm – Following the Money: How the New Age of Consumers Spends
Discussion on Gen Z and Millennials – where you can find them, what they want – as well as how they engage with brands in new and more meaningful ways.

Participants include Gary Pope (CEO and Co-Founder at Kids Industries); Sian Rider (Strategy Director, KidsKnowBest); and Allana Holmes (Brand & Sales Director, Hunter Price)

Thursday 22 September

9.30-10.00am – Sustainability Case Study – Hasbro
Catrina O’Brien (Head of Retail EurAsia – Licensing Consumer Products, Hasbro) and Helena Mansell-Stopher (Founder & CEO, Products of Change)

10.30-12.00pm – Kelvyn Gardner License This! Competition Finale – Character & Animation and Brand & Design Categories
Be part of the exciting conclusion to the License This! competition as our finalists battle it out to win the final two category trophies.

1.00-1.45pm – Day 3 Keynote to be announced soon

For further information and visitor registration, please click here.