64-65 Licensing Week Virtual_muk.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 06/07/2020 11:36 Page 64
EVENT REVIEW: LICENSING WEEK VIRTUAL
Virtual reality
The licensing industry is built from connections and, with Licensing Expo postponed until 2021, there was a gap in the calendar where traditionally executives from across the globe would be getting together, strengthening existing partnerships and forging new ones. Enter Licensing Week Virtual. LSB finds out how the industry’s first digital conference and exhibition united the business.
A
t a time when physical networking and real face-toface deal-making isn’t really possible, Global Licensing Group – organiser of Licensing Expo and Brand Licensing Europe – recognised the importance of having an event which could still bring the global licensing community together. So, in the space of ten weeks, the idea for Licensing Week Virtual was conceived, built and – across June 15-19 – successfully executed. The virtual conference
64
LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2020
Above: 4,477 attendees logged in to Licensing Week Virtual over the course of the five days. Below: The week saw 2,933 meetings coordinated through the Matchmaking Service.
and exhibition – organised in partnership with Licensing International – attracted 4,477 attendees over the course of the five days, with the top five countries represented, including the US, UK, Mexico, Brazil and Japan. In terms of retailers, key names participating included Build-A-Bear Workshop, C&A, El Corte Ingles, Guess, John Lewis, Moonpig, Primark, Selfridges, Steve Madden, Target and Toy R Us among others. Notably, the week saw 2,933 meetings coordinated through the Matchmaking Service – nearly parallel to the number of meetings which took place at the last live Licensing Expo. “This business is built from connections and the fact that the number of meetings coordinated during the event virtually mirrors the number set up in-person at our live events showcases the industry’s immense need for Inset: Anna Knight says the team is connections and learning,” says Anna pleased with the Knight, vp Global Licensing Group at results of Licensing Week Virtual. Informa Markets.