The 7th Kazachok Licensing Forum will take place in central Paris on the 8th & 9th April, 2010. The international rendez-vous for representatives of the licensing industry, the Kazachok Forum is also for many the first must-attend, industry specific event of the licensing calendar – perfectly placed just after the Bologna Book Fair and before MipTV and Las Vegas – creating early-bird competitive advantages for those who participate.

Natalie Chouraqui, Director of Kazachok, commented: “The Kazachok Licensing Forum provides an ideal opportunity for switched-on representatives of the international licensing industry to preview new properties, meet new prospects, sign deals, observe and analyse emerging industry trends and latest market data from key territories. All of this over two days, located in a beautiful venue in the centre of Paris – the city of light and licensing!“

Over 80 exhibitors have already signed for the 2010 Licensing Forum including CPLG, The Smiley Company, Freemantle Media, 4 Kids Entertainment, Moonscoop and Nickelodeon. 20% of exhibitors will be making their show debut from Nelvana, and Planeta Junior, to Chaplin and Fitzroy media.

Laurent Taieb, VP Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products France comments: “For three years both the French and International Nickelodeon teams have been taking part into the Kazachok Forum. The timing of the Forum is ideal; as it is the first trade show of the year, it enables agents and rights-holders such as N&VCP to reveal as a sneak preview its properties to come.”

Based at La Halle Freyssinet in Paris, the Kazachok Licensing Forum has developed over the last 7 years from a French focused show into an international event.

“The first licensing forum concentrated solely on the French market, however, over the last 7 years the show has evolved into an international destination for the licensing industry,” comments Kazachok Director, Natalie Chouraqui. “The business heart of the world’s fifth largest economy, Paris offers many plus points for the international licensing community – more convenient and less costly than Las Vegas and just as convenient as London. The international agenda of the show, however, will not compromise its unique French ambience and approach to business – relaxed and socialable yet deal driven and focused.”

The Licensing Forum not only provides the venue and the opportunity for meetings and networking but also features a conference programme that takes place over both mornings. An insight into the latest international licensing trends and a focus on sectors such as digital opportunities, food licensing, back to school and European retail strategy will be covered.

Throughout the day, exhibiting companies will present their new properties and brand updates to an invited audience at the Pitch sessions. New for 2010 will be the dedicated Retail Lounge, which provides a unique area where retailers can prepare for and hold meetings.

All visitors and exhibitors will once again enjoy free catering for the duration of the show – breakfast, lunch, coffee and a cocktail are included in the registration fee. A show guide is also given to all attendees when they arrive at the show, to help them navigate the show and get the most out of their visit.