BLE 2014 set to be biggest event in 16 yearsBrand Licensing Europe - August 2014 |
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This year’s Brand Licensing Europe 2014, the Advanstar organised licensing exhibition, is officially the biggest to date in its 16 year history, featuring around 235 exhibitors of which over 55 are new.
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The total floor plan for BLE 2014 has already exceeded last years and has broken all targets with just under two months still to go until the show takes place. This year’s new exhibitors span categories including sports, entertainment, heritage and fashion. Just some of the new faces include: Darren Brechin, BLE Event Director, commented: “The 16th annual Brand Licensing Europe event has already surpassed our expectations at this stage of the event cycle. As we welcome back many loyal exhibitors, it’s encouraging to see so many new faces attending the show and feel this growth is a strong reflection of the stability of the licensing industry as whole.” |
Judging panel announced for License This! 2014
Brand Licensing Europe , the Advanstar organised licensing exhibition, has announced the judging panel for this year’s License This! challenge.
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Ian Downes, Director of Start Licensing, will chair the panel. He is joined by Paul Bufton, VP, Consumer Products Licensing and Retail EMEA, Rovio Entertainment Ltd; Richard Haines, Acquisitions & New Business Manager, Penguin Children's, Penguin Random House and John Carolan, Head of Buying – Childrenswear, Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd. Now in its fifth year, License This! offers new creative concepts the chance to break into the global licensing industry. It is open to any new artwork, brand or character that has no merchandising deals already in place or pending. Ian Downes said: “New licensed properties are the lifeblood of the industry. It is essential that new properties have an opportunity to shine to ensure continued growth and to stimulate new product development. Therefore, I am delighted to chair License This! It’s a great springboard for new properties, and a fabulous opportunity for creators to get a foothold in the licensing market, I’m looking forward to reviewing some of the best ideas in the industry.” |
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The judges will select a shortlist of four entries which will be pitched to them in front of an audience at BLE on 9 October 2014. The winner will receive a fully?furnished stand at Brand Licensing Europe 2015, worth £4,500, so that the new property can be brought back to market next year.
Last year’s winner was Mr Trafalgar, a whimsical rodent drawn in distinctive black and white silhouette. The property will be on display at this year’s BLE and, since winning, property owner Bella Binus and creator Jamie Patterson have been working with TaylorHe on a range of products including iPhone / iPad covers, mug and coaster sets, cushions and clocks. Other past winners and finalists have gone on to sign deals in the gifts, apparel, homeware and stationery categories as a result of the show.
Property creators/owners can submit their property to be part of License This! by completing the entry form, found at www.brandlicensing.eu before the 5 September deadline.
Brand Licensing Europe 2014 takes place from 7-9 October 2014 at London’s Olympia. Registration is now open at www.brandlicensing.eu. Follow us on Twitter using @bleurope for the latest show news and updates.