How to make licensing work in-store and traditional versus digital play patterns and their effect on licensing are just two of the hot topics set to be covered at LIMA UK's Licensing Essentials Course this year. The event, to be held on 22nd May at top London venue, No. 11 Cavendish Square, (The Kings Fund Building), Deans Mews, London, W1G 0AN, will be followed by LIMA'S Question Time-style Legendary Licensing Debate and Spring Fling networking event, sponsored by The Beano .

Established as the best one-day educational event in licensing, this year's programme includes speakers from high profile organisations including Beanstalk, research giant Gfk, Rizon Studios, Chapman Productions and Sheridans Solicitors. Suitable for everyone from total beginners to old hands, the day is packed with seminars covering best practice, essential licensing know-how, new opportunities and trends. The day kicks off with an essential introduction to licensing by Kelvyn Gardner, Managing Director of LIMA UK, followed by:

1. Serena Sibald of Beanstalk on the role of the licensing agent
2. Patrick Bailey of Blues Clothing on successful licensing from a licensee's perspective
3. Stuart Burns of Fisher Forensics on essential financial know-how
4. Tahir Basheer of Sheridans Solicitors on essential legal know-how
5. Wendy Munt of Be Inspired Consulting on making licensing work in-store for retailers, licensors & licensees
6. Max Templeman of Gfk Research on scope and value of research into consumer products & licensing
7. Gary Pope of Kids Industries on traditional vs. digital play patterns and their effect on licensing
8. Dave Collins of Rizon Studios on why great design is at the heart of successful licensing

The evening event will start at 5pm with the annual Legendary Licensing Debate – a lively and often provocative discussion on licensing, 'Question Time' style, with a panel of industry leaders including Bob the Builder creator Keith Chapman of Chapman Productions, Paul Comben of Game of 2 Halves, Denise Penn of Dependable Solutions, Daniel Amos of Tinderbox and Jeremy Goldsmith of Event Merchandising taking questions from the audience.

The day is rounded off with the much-anticipated Spring Fling networking party sponsored by The Beano. One of the industry's hottest tickets of the year, the party will be attended by over 150 senior industry executives.
Kelvyn Gardner, Managing Director of LIMA UK, comments: "In one day participants will get enough information to understand how licensing works, how to go about it, the resources they need and who they need to work with – as well as exclusive insights into trends not available anywhere else. Our Spring Fling networking party in the evening also gives people the opportunity to build valuable business relationships, discuss important issues and catch up with contacts. Do not miss it!"