Exhibitors and visitors clearly appreciated the 2011 Kazachok Licensing Forum, and the forthcoming 9th Edition - held on April 11th & 12th, 2012 at Halle Freyssinet in downtown Paris - is on its way to live up to that high standard. The Kazachok Licensing Forum became the 1st major date on the calendar of licensing events, ideally set just after the Bologna Book Fair, MIP TV and before Las Vegas – allowing professionals to follow upcoming trends and develop their strategy plans. The yearly 2-day event for key licensing players allows agents, rights holders, licensees, manufacturers, distributors and agencies to meet, network and sign or renew deals. The conference program of 4 topics hosted by top speakers and the private Pitching sessions during which exhibitors unveil their strategies, make the Forum the perfect opportunity to get a feeling for the latest trends and keep in touch with the market’s evolution.

In 2011, the Forum consolidated its international status by welcoming close to 1,500 visitors from 18 different countries. However, the international dimension doesn’t infringe on the Forum’s French Touch and its mixture of relaxation and availability as well as business orientated and state of the art atmosphere that make it a unique experience.

“Over the past 8 years, the Kazachok Licensing Forum evolved from a show that focused on the French market into a European event. Our aim is to offer a spring meeting with European Licensing professionals. Therefore, we work beforehand with rights holders and licensing agents in order to display the largest possible European offering so that visitors, whatever their geographic background might be, can position themselves on future licensing hits. Our goal for 2012 is to continue expanding our international status", explained Kazachok’s joint GM Ms. Nathalie Chouraqui.

The Kazachok Licensing Forum is not only about appointments and networking. The cycle of 4 conferences, hosted by expert speakers, offers insight about the upcoming international licensing trends in various fields such as textile, adult brand extension, the latest market figures and results and how to make the suitable property choices.

Furthermore, the private Pitching sessions enable exhibitors to showcase their latest properties and keynotes.
Visitors enjoy the Forum’s networking potential that will be enhanced by new lounge corners near the different bars, all kinds of animations taking place along the alleys or at the booths.

On April 11th a party will take place to continue getting acquainted in an informal way.

Numerous novelties in 2012

This 9th Edition will take place on a Wednesday and Thursday to make it easier for visitors to set up their appointments. Foreign attendants will appreciate the opportunity to stay in Paris for the weekend!

In order to continue increasing the quality of communication we provide for licensing players, Kazachok developed a new highly interactive website: http://forumlicence.kazachok.com. Once you have signed up you will be able to organize your appointment schedule, get directly in touch with the people you want to contact beforehand and sign up for the Pitching sessions, which have been reorganized so they no longer overlap.

Another novelty is the possibility to see screenings of major film line-ups in order to anticipate and be positioned on the next property developments.

Yet another new feature in 2012: Licensing Best-Seller Awards will be presented by the French Licensing Federation (Fédération Française des Droits Dérivés - F2D2) during the Kazachok Forum.

Last but not least, a new section - The Licensing Gallery - will showcase novel licensed products in real- life conditions for central buyers.
A wide array of exhibitors!

Numerous French and international exhibitors have already confirmed their presence: Copyright Promotions France, Nickelodeon Consumer Products, TF1 Licences, France Télévisions Distribution, Nelvana, Alphanim, Toei Animation Europe, 4Kids Entertainement, Canal+ Licence, Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Ankama, M6 Licences, The Licensing Company, Zodiak Kids – Marathon Media, Gallimard Jeunesse, Les Editions Albert René, Mediatoon, Wiley Publishing, Lagardère Active, Sega, Norprotex, Les Fées Existent, Dependable Solutions and for the first time Téo Jasmin.

"The number of exhibitors who are interested in the Kazachok Forum is awesome and it goes to show what an important European event it has become. After the 2011 Edition, some of the exhibitors started confirming for next year as soon as June! The new 45€ entrance fee for both days boosted attendance figures considerably", explained Ms. Nathalie Chouraqui.

A fun moment every year
The 2011 Edition of the Kazachok Licensing Forum received excellent feedback.

"We conducted a satisfaction survey after the Forum that showed 72% of people felt they had achieved more than 75% of their goals. When they attend this event visitors wish to be proficient, make or keep up contacts, scout for properties they don’t want to miss and evidently they’re coming to do business", commented Ms. Chouraqui.

A few returns:
Pierre-Alek, D.G. Osibo Licensing: "Congratulations for that edition of the Forum. The welcome and layout were a success. I enjoyed the spacious alleys and the agreeable conditions to eat. We made very interesting contacts, etc. Thanks again!"

Anne Roure, Texalliance: "I really like the Forum’s atmosphere, it’s friendly and warm. It was a real pleasure, keep up the good work!"

Valery Dulait, Neyrat Autun France: "The hostesses were remarkable; the staff was welcoming and nice. Nothing negative to say, the conditions were great for working and it was well organized, congratulations."

For further information please go to: http://forumlicence.kazachok.com