- Four entrepreneurs to go head to head in bid for top prize -

Brand Licensing Europe 2010, the Advanstar-organised licensing exhibition, has today revealed the shortlist for its licensing challenge, License This! The Next Big Thing.

• Bondiband, a boys' action animation, starring a rock band with very special musical instruments
• Animaru, a graphic design property from UK artist Sophie Hinton
• Made in Me, a web-based concept for young children, centred on story telling and imaginative play
• Gombby, a Portuguese animated pre-school series about a boy baker

The challenge is an opportunity for those with brand new creative concepts looking to break into the global licensing industry. The shortlisted entrepreneurs will pitch to an esteemed judging panel in front of a live audience at 1pm on the final day of the show, Thursday 30 September 2010. The chosen winner will receive a fully-furnished stand at Brand Licensing Europe 2011, worth an estimated £4,500, and the chance to showcase their property to over 5,000 retailers, manufacturers and sales professionals.

The judges, who are leading licensing experts, will determine which concept has the best potential for an extensive licensing programme.

Helen McAleer, MD of Walker Books and chairman of the judging panel, said, "It was not an easy task as we received many applications from all over the world, featuring a huge cross-section of content. The four ideas we selected all had something a little unusual and very appealing about them. We could see how licensing could play an important part in their future development and I am looking forward to hearing their creator’s pitch on the 30th September 2010."

Brand Licensing Europe 2010 will take place over three days from 28-30 September 2010 at London’s Grand Hall, Olympia. To register please visit www.brandlicensing.eu.