28 June 2018 -- Entries for Brand Licensing Europe’s 2018 License This! competition open tomorrow – June 28 - with two award categories being presented this year: Art & Design and Brand & Design. The competition is now in its eighth year and is a proven propeller for entrepreneurs to launch themselves in to the licensing industry. Applicants can enter for free online at https://bit.ly/2tDQdEz. The deadline is 5pm Friday 14 September.
This year’s winners will receive a free exhibition stand at BLE 2019, one year’s LIMA membership, PR support and advice from a panel of industry experts. Previous entrants – both winners and finalists – have also signed lucrative agent and licensing deals off the back of the competition.
Last year’s winner was the children’s brand Ioguis. Since being at the show in October, they have found an executive producer in LA who is pitching to broadcasters. They’re hoping by the time they exhibit at BLE in October, they will have a publishing deal and can meet with licensees to expand the IP.
Partner Flor Kohan urged brand owners to take part in License This!: “Do not hesitate. It is a great opportunity to show your license to an International market. It opens great possibilities to you in every sense.”
Charlotte Reed, who won in 2016 with her book of motivational thoughts and illustrations - May the Thoughts Be With You – has since partnered with licensing agent Larkshead Media. She is expecting to see her branded calendars and greetings cards in shops this year and is in discussions regarding leisure and nightwear launches.
Charlotte commented: “Entering License This! was a great experience. I met so many useful contacts and was exposed to an abundance of agents and licensees through the competition’s panel and audience. I was very lucky to win – totally shocked – so I would absolutely encourage other brand owners to enter – it’s an amazing platform to get into the licensing industry.”
Ends
For media information:
Charlie Le Rougetel at BIGTOP, 07736 330676, charlie@bigtop-pr.co.uk
Editor notes:
BLE is the definitive event for the licensing industry in Europe, taking place 9-11 October 2018 at Olympia London. Over 7,500 retailers, licensees and marketers are expected to attend, over one third of whom will travel to London from overseas.
Registration is open now at https://bit.ly/2yI6GgN
About Brand Licensing Europe
Part of UBM’s Global Licensing Group, Brand Licensing Europe 2018 (www.brandlicensing.eu) takes place from 9-11 October 2018 at Olympia London. It is the only pan-European event dedicated to licensing and brand extension. Now in its 20th year, BLE 2018 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 organised by UBM, which in June 2018 combined with Informa PLC to become a leading B2B information services group and the largest B2B Events organiser in the world. To learn more and for the latest news and information, visit www.ubm.com and www.informa.com. It is sponsored by the international Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association (LIMA). License Global is the official publication.
Celebrating 20 years of BLE
Brand Licensing launched in 1999 as a small hotel-based event, before moving to London’s Business Design Centre and then Olympia; it is now a well-established date on the licensing industry calendar attracting key industry players from all over Europe. The show was re-branded as Brand Licensing Europe in 2007 to reflect the international nature of its exhibitors, properties and visitors.
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.