LIMA announces the Licensing University program set to take place Monday, June 17-Thursday, June 20, 2013 at the Licensing International Expo.
The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) is once again making Licensing International Expo, the largest annual event of the $185 billion a year licensing business, an even stronger must-attend proposition with its popular Licensing University program.
For the first time, LIMA and show organizer Advanstar Licensing will offer attendees an all-access pass to the extensive array of 24 diverse, info-packed Licensing University sessions – all for one low price. Presented by a who’s who of industry-leading experts and designed to serve newbies and seasoned veterans alike, this year’s Licensing University is an invaluable resource for acquiring new strategies and gaining important insight, innovative ideas and practical solutions for achieving success in the dynamic, ever-evolving industry.
The program takes place from Monday, June 17-Thursday, June 20, 2013 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
“Our Licensing University program has consistently been one of the bright spots at Licensing Expo – and this year’s new pricing structure will help make the program even more affordable and accessible to professionals from all across the business,” said LIMA President, Charles Riotto. “Each of our 24 sessions is specifically designed to deliver enlightening and actionable information to help companies directly and positively impact their bottom-line. As Licensing University ‘graduates,’ attendees come away better prepared to attain an even greater level of success.”
Just a small sampling of this year’s Licensing University sessions includes:
Executive Keynote Panel – “A Licensing Roadmap: Where Are We Headed, and How Will We Get There?”
Four key industry execs will engage in a wide-ranging discussion about the state of licensing today and the forces that will impact the industry’s future – from the globalization of retailing, communication, brands and products to the effects of technology on interaction with retailers, brands and content; how the changing media landscape will affect business and more. Panelists include: Brad Globe, President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products; Andy Prince, Sr. Category Director, Toys, Walmart; Josh Silverman, EVP, Global Licensing, Disney Consumer Products; and Henry Stupp, Director and CEO, The Cherokee Group.
Keynote Address – Gwyneth Paltrow, Brands on the Brink of Global Expansion
Actress, fashion icon and entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow will tell the story of how her personal newsletters – which she created to share ideas and information with friends – developed, over time, into Goop, a lifestyle resource for readers around the world. She will also describe her work as co-owner of the Tracy Anderson brand, whose broad range of fitness products are helping people transform their bodies and lives. Paltrow will discuss key licensing and product collaboration strategies that are being implemented to grow the brands into new territories and product categories, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her approach and experience.
Monetizing Digital Platforms
Until recently, console- and handheld-based games could be counted on as a major cash cow for an entertainment licensing program. But the rise of apps and casual gaming has altered the equation. The session will look at how the licensing business is dealing with these changes, the increasing importance of virtual goods and in-app purchases, and other major transformations. Careen Yapp of Sony’s Gaikai moderates the panel, which includes Eric Karp, Chief Licensing Officer, Lima Sky; Mark Mostman, Partner, Striker Entertainment; Ted Adams, CEO-Publisher, IDW Publishing; and Ze’ev Rozov, CEO, Iconicfuture GmbH.
From Good to G’RATE: What Every Licensing Professional Should Know About Royalty Rates
This session will offer a 360-degree view on royalty rates – what they are, how they differ by category and how they relate to margins and cost of goods. The program will explain the risk/reward effect, demystify the “net sales definition,” offer advice on when to escalate or de-escalate and more. Adina Avery-Grossman of Brandgenuity will moderate the panel, which includes Elise Contarsy, VP, Brand Licensing, Meredith Corporation;Ira Hernowitz, EVP, “R”Us Brands, Toys“R”Us, Inc.; Jeffrey Fisher, SVP/Senior Advisor, FAB;Kate Winn, SVP, Consumer Products, A+E Networks; and Tammy Talerico, Director of Licensing, Church & Dwight, Co. Inc.
Licensing in Emerging Markets: A Focus on China and Brazil
This panel will give an overview of the dynamic potential of licensing outside North America in two of the world’s fastest growing territories – China and Brazil. Experts with many years of experience licensing in these territories will discuss the market dynamics and the potential growth. Roz Nowicki, EVP, Global Sales and Retail, Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products, moderates the panel, which includes David Diesendruck of Redibra; George E. Williams, Managing Director, LMCA Asia; Jenny Koo, Director, Service Promotion, Hong Kong Trade Development Council; and Jose Eduardo Severo Martins, President, Panini Brazil.
Retail Success Stories – Case Studies from Coke to Kellogg's
This seminar will outline the steps to effective retail presentations, covering concrete examples and best practices. The program will zero-in on promotions, both big and small, and discuss a variety of techniques, including in-aisle, endcaps, pallet trains and more, across multiple distribution channels. Leigh Ann Schwarzkopf of the Project Partners Networkwill moderate the panel, which includes D. Thomas Froberg, Partner/Creative Director, StyleWorks Creative; Kathleen Pavlack, Kellogg’s; Kelli Sogar, Global Licensing Manager, The Coca-Cola Company; and Lynn Scott, Principal, Project Partners Network Inc.
What’s a Celebrity Worth?
The right of publicity that gives rise to endorsements and celebrity branding at all levels differs from other types of licensing in several ways. This session will explore the ways in which a celebrity’s brand or right of publicity can grow exponentially as the celebrity develops and enhances their image and how to place a value on these rights throughout various contexts in the licensing industry. Panelists include Larry W. McFarland, Partner, Kilpatrick Townsend; and Weston Anson, Chairman, Consor.
How to Evaluate a Children’s Property
Not all content produced for kids can make a successful transition from TV show, book or app to lucrative toy and ancillary product lines. So what characteristics make a children's property ideal for licensing and what questions should licensees ask to get the whole picture? This panel of expert licensees and licensors will draw on their decades of experience in the kids entertainment business to provide a checklist for potential property partners. Lana Castleman of Kidscreen/iKids will moderate the panel, which includes Anna Hewitt, Head of Licensing, Walker Books UK; Lynn Smith, Director of Business Development, Ruckus Media Group; and Nancy Fowler, Co-Founder, The Licensing Shop Inc.
To see the full schedule of Licensing University sessions and to register, click here. Licensing International Expo is produced by Advanstar Communications and sponsored by LIMA.
And, for those seeking to continue their education beyond Licensing Expo, Licensing University is the kick-off to the industry’s only year-long educational program – LIMA’s Certificate of Licensing Studies (CLS). Led by some of the industry’s foremost executives, CLS provides a comprehensive view of licensing – from Basics to Advanced Strategies, and a wide variety of sessions in between.
This year LIMA is introducing Personalized Sessions that let CLS studentsgain from educational opportunities that speak to their specific career interests and goals. Online coursework begins in September and concludes with a final project in May 2014.
Source: LIMA
Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.
