News Releases

6 October 2017: The world’s first and biggest digital news organisation – BuzzFeed – will keynote at Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) next week. The session, called ‘Licensing: the next generation’, will take place at 12pm on Wednesday 11 October and will debate next gen platforms, content, retail & merchandising, commerce and tech.

Eric Karp, head of licensing at BuzzFeed, will be joined by Dan Amos, Tinderbox, John Erlandson, Authentic Brands Group and Naz Cuevas, Sybo Games’ new head of licensing. The panel will be chaired by License Global group publisher Steven Ekstract and is one of over 30 sessions covering the latest trends in gaming, toys, fashion and lifestyle, sports and much more in the Licensing Academy and Brands & Lifestyle Theatres.

The show – now in its 19^th year – will open its doors at Olympia London on Tuesday. With more floor space, visitors and content, it is expected to be the biggest BLE to date.

Meet everyone’s favourite feline, Streetcat Bob, the ginger cat from the hit film A Street Cat Named Bob at 12:00 on Wednesday 11 October on the Brands With Influence stand Q20. Don’t forget to share your best selfie with him at #BLE2017.

He will be fighting for the limelight with:

• Battersea dog Peppa the miniature German Schnauzer (time TBC)
• Sir Killalot from BBC2’s Robot Wars
• Six fabulous Elmer the Elephant sculptures provided by Wild In Art, which will be dotted throughout the show for selfies – tag #BLE17 – there will be a prize for the winner!
• Zippy who’s posing for selfies at 4:30pm on Tuesday on the Fremantle stand in celebration of Rainbow’s 45^th anniversary

What else is at BLE 2017?

• 2,500+ innovative brands are being showcased across entertainment, sports, video games, food & drink, celebrity, heritage and more.
• The beautiful Product Showcase will let retailers and licensors discover over 170+ licensed products ranging from apparel to DIY and from electronics to stationery.
• With the global games market set to reach $109 billion in 2017, visitors can uncover the potential of gaming licensing with the all-new Gaming Activation Area, keynote session and gaming exhibitors including Sony, Sega, Activision and Capcom.
• The brand-new Toy & Game Innovation Zone from Mojo Nation will showcase some of the most interesting examples of licensed toys and games launched within the last 12 months, as well as preview some of the hottest new lines coming Christmas 2017 and beyond. Don’t miss ‘Meet the Designer’ sessions at 12:30pm on Tuesday and 3:00pm on Wednesday.
• License This! final between Ioguis and Deckled Edge at 13:15, Thursday 12 in the Licensing Academy Theatre
• Birthdays celebrations! The Hungry Caterpillar is 50, Rainbow is 45, JCB is 20 and Rocket Licensing is 10.
• Europe’s largest character parade – 11:00 am, Tuesday 10 October.
• The MTV Bar returns to D95 for a fabulously immersive experience. Create your very own GIF at the taxi photo booth, enter for a chance to win tickets to this year’s MTV EMAs, and power up with a drink (or two).

Brand Licensing Europe is the definitive event for the licensing industry in Europe and takes place from 10-12 October 2017 at Olympia London. Visitors can register for free tickets at www.brandlicensing.eu/register.

Ends

For media information:
Charlie Le Rougetel at BIGTOP, 07736 330676/charlie@bigtop-pr.co.uk

About Brand Licensing Europe, part of UBM’s Global Licensing Group
Brand Licensing Europe 2017 (www.brandlicensing.eu) takes place from 10 – 12th October 2017 at Olympia London. It is the only pan-European event dedicated to licensing and brand extension. Now in its 19th year, BLE 2017 will feature over 280 exhibitors showcasing over 2,500 brands, characters and images. A free educational programme runs alongside the show featuring advice and sector-specific sessions, workshops and panel discussions along with keynotes from industry trailblazers.

Brand Licensing Europe is owned by UBM and is sponsored by the international Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association (LIMA). License Global is the official publication.

About Global Licensing Group
The Global Licensing Group at UBM is the global licensing industry’s leading tradeshow organizer and media partner. Its mission is to provide opportunities around the world to bring brands and products together to explore and cement licensing partnerships. The following events and information products are produced for the licensing industry by the Global Licensing Group: Licensing Expo, Brand Licensing Europe, Licensing Expo Japan, Licensing Expo China, NYC Summit, License Global magazine, License Global Daily E-news and License TV.

About UBM EMEA
Brand Licensing Europe is organised by UBM plc.  UBM is the largest pure-play B2B Events organiser in the world. Our 3,750+ people, based in more than 20 countries, serve more than 50 different sectors. Our deep knowledge and passion for these sectors allow us to create valuable experiences which enable our customers to succeed.  Please visit www.ubm.com for the latest news and information about UBM.