Advanstar Communications has announced the addition of Warren Kornblum, the former chief marketing officer at Toys "R" Us, and current ceo of Shadow Ent. Group and Shadow Branding, to its list of keynote speakers at the Licensing International Networking Conference Link. This executive-level conference for the licensing industry will bring together top licensors, licensees, retailers, licensing agents, marketers and the media from Nov. 2-4, 2004, at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami, Florida.
In his keynote presentation, Kornblum will offer his unique perspective on branding. His presentation will cover his thoughts on competing in a "Wal-Mart world," branded entertainment and the keys to effective brand marketing. As ceo of Shadow Ent. Group, Kornblum develops and produces television, film, live and/or music properties. In his role at Shadow Branding, he works with content owners in the area of brand development with an eye to creating franchise properties. As the former chief marketing officer for Toys R Us, Kornblum was responsible for overseeing marketing and brand management for all "R" Us divisions on a global basis. During his five-and-a-half year tenure at Toys R Us, Kornblum was also responsible for developing corporate strategic alliances/partnerships and managing the corporation's entertainment industry relationships. He was a member of the executive committee of Toys R Us Inc. and a direct report to the ceo.
The goal of the Link Conference is to offer real opportunities for business professionals to connect with decision makers who can create new revenue streams for their companies, said Joyceann Cooney, editor-in-chief of LICENSE! magazine. We are excited to have Warren Kornblum, who will offer his unique perspective on branding opportunities, complement our stellar line-up of keynote speakers this year.
Kornblum will be joining Tom Miller, managing director of market research consultant NOP World; Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst of The NPD Group; and Todd Kahn, evp/coo of Sean John.
In addition, Cooney will moderate an Entertainment Roundtable with panelists Bruce Morrison, vp global sales, Disney Consumer Products Worldwide; Travis Rutherford, svp, MGM Consumer Products; Maureen Taxter, svp New Property Development and Retail, Nickelodeon Consumer Products; and, Karen McTier, evp of Domestic Licensing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products Worldwide. In addition, Michael Exstein, broadlines analyst for Credit Suisse First Boston, will speak to the future of retail.
For more information about the event, call (800) 331-5706 or visit www.linkconference.com.
LICENSE! magazine is recognized as the leading forum where manufacturers, property owners and retailers connect to strategize merchandising, promotions and exclusives; evaluate product and sales performance; and explore co-branding opportunities and brand extensions. Following properties from creation through merchandising and promotions, LICENSE! publishes the latest industry news, trend forecasting, demographic data and analysis. For more information, visit www.licensemag.com.
Advanstars Global Licensing Group is a worldwide business information company that publishes LICENSE! magazine and LICENSE! EUROPE and produces several international events including Licensing International Show (U.S.) and Brand Licensing (London). For more information, visit www.advanstar.com.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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