Brand Licensing Europe officially opens its doors at midday today (Tuesday 20 September), with Informa Markets’ svp licensing, Anna Knight, saying that the show will be “packed with content”.
Running from today until Thursday 22 September, the show – which has changed its traditional opening hours today due to the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II yesterday – will play host to more than 220 brands, thousands of IP ready to licence, daily keynotes, a spotlight on France, a sustainability and DEI day, plus networking drinks among other activity.
A fashion theme will run throughout the event, kicking off today with a special keynote from Richard Dickson, president and coo at Mattel, entitled Barbie x Fashion.
Catwalk shows will underline the theme, showcasing how brands including Barbie and Sonic the Hedgehog among others have come to life through fashion collaborations.
In addition, the popular character parade featuring the likes of The Snowman, Smurfs, The Batman, Peter Rabbit, Pip & Posy and The Gruffalo returns at 3.30pm today and at 11.30am on Wednesday (21 September).
As you can see from the main image, and the special video below, Paddington has already tested the new Elizabeth line, which makes it quicker and easier than ever before to get to ExCeL from east, west and central London.
The BLE & POC Sustainability Café will recycle materials from last year’s Sustainability Activation and showcase sustainable consumer products and fashion lines from 12 brands including Primark, The Eden Project, WasteBuster, Smiley, Wow! Stuff & RSPB, Hasbro & Asda, The Smurfs & Pure Top Table, and Discovery.
Meanwhile, Products of Change, with United Nations and Junk Kouture, will present an educational and inspiring catwalk show with presentations and performances centred around the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Junk Couture will host an exclusive catwalk presenting recycled fashion designed and modelled by 13-18 year old students.
An exclusive lounge for retailers to meet, relax and recharge as well as talk to the BLE team about taking part in next year’s popular Retail Mentoring Programme will also be available. Also – and new for 2022 – take part in a competition to create a brand licensing programme for Carte Blanche’s Tatty Teddy and you could win £500 of Champneys Spa vouchers.
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