This year, for the first time, we hosted a Scholarship Experience at Brand Licensing Expo in London for recipients of the Licensing International Foundation’s Scholarship Program. This experience was created to inspire scholarship recipients, offering them immersive educational sessions, one-of-a-kind networking opportunities, and invaluable mentorship from leaders in the global brand licensing community as part of our mission to support the next generation of licensing leaders.

Luis Arturo Cepeda, Student at Imperial College London
Attending BLE, I was most excited to learn directly from professionals in the industry and to get to see the booths. This was my first time engaging so closely with people working in licensing, and I’m very grateful I had the chance to gain that first-hand experience. In particular, meeting amazing professionals like Suzy Raia, Ted Larkins, and Rachel Humiston was so impactful. Their stories helped me see that licensing isn’t just about business; it’s about connecting people to what they love and bringing joy through creativity. It gave me a new perspective on how meaningful and people-centered a career in licensing can be.

Nora Atwa, Former Student at LIM College; Creative Licensing Coordinator, The Joester Loria Group
This was my first time at BLE and, I must say, what an amazing opportunity and experience it was! I was most excited about getting to see the world of licensing all come together in one place and to witness firsthand how diverse and intricate the industry truly is. One of my most memorable moments was getting the opportunity to meet the other previous scholarship winners. Hearing about their journeys and dreams—and being surrounded by like-minded individuals who all aspire to flourish in this industry—was incredibly inspiring.

Nicolas Graves, Student at University of Arkansas
We got to meet so many senior-level leaders in the industry, and the knowledge and practical experience everyone had was impressive. One of the biggest surprises for me was seeing business transactions taking place at the event. From the idea sharing to the partnerships coming together in real time, it showed me not only how dynamic this industry is but how willing many people are to diversify their partnerships. And, in an industry that is forever changing and evolving, research is going to be important for consistent growth moving forward. 

Amilyah Smith, Former Student at LIM College
My most memorable moment was taking away how licensing is truly involved in everything, from entertainment and gaming to beauty, apparel, and food. When we spoke with Brandgenuity, and I noticed “The Sims” cover on their wall and I was immediately intrigued. Learning that they were behind so many products and collaborations I’ve seen was truly amazing.

Matt Stein, Student at Point Loma Nazarene University
Licensing is more than product sales and promotion; it’s about developing long-term brand relationships that create value for both the licensor and licensee. Learning this at BLE made me more interested in exploring a career in this field because it combines creativity, marketing, and business strategy.

Andreaz Glasgow, Student at Long Island University
What excited me most about this experience was the opportunity to gain a new perspective in a different market. Compared to Las Vegas, BLE felt more intimate and manageable. The smaller scale allowed me to connect more deeply with people and engage in more meaningful conversations. The biggest takeaway for me was how much my perspective on the licensing industry has expanded. After attending Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, I thought I wanted to focus strictly on food and beverage. However, after experiencing the European market, I’ve gained a broader understanding of the industry as a whole and discovered new areas that interest me. While I still have a passion for the food and beverage category, exploring other sectors and learning more about the relationships between agencies, licensors, and licensees has been truly eye-opening.

Learn more about the Licensing International Foundation’s Scholarship Program. Applications for the Scholarship Program close January 30, 2026.

Want to support our Scholarship Program? Join us at the Hall of Fame event — our annual scholarship fundraiser — on December 3, 2025 at 11:30 am EST and help us empower the next generation of industry leaders. Register here