Santa Monica, Calif. – Licensing Expo, the world’s largest and most influential licensing industry event, today announced the addition of the Digital Media Licensing Summit to the 2015 show on June 8 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. The Summit, which takes place in conjunction with LIMA’s Licensing University, is a first-of-its kind program designed to connect licensees, retailers and manufacturers with the world’s most successful and popular digital media companies and stars. The Licensing Expo trade show is open June 9–11.

For 35 years Licensing Expo, sponsored by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA), has connected the world’s most influential brand owners and agents with consumer goods manufacturers, licensees and retailers. The show is now looking to ensure that its attendees are introduced to this new world of partnerships with globally-recognized digital brands.

The inaugural Summit features exhibitors from the digital content world, as well as a full day of programming on Monday, June 8, which features a number of keynotes and panels focusing on new business opportunities that leverage the tectonic shift in young consumers’ media habits towards digital platforms and stars. Discussions with high-level stars and executives will explore the future of licensing in categories including fashion & beauty, games & electronics, kids, the home and more. All of these programming elements and exhibits were specifically created to bring these two worlds closer together, and foster the development of new licensing partnerships.

Jessica Blue, Vice President, Licensing Expo: “Introducing the new digital exhibitors and attendees to Licensing Expo plays a key role in the future of the industry. For 35 years our event has featured the who’s who of the $251 billion licensing marketplace and we are pleased to add a new digital aspect to an already strong show that features more than 15,700 of the world’s most influential licensing professionals.”

Registration is complimentary for both Licensing Expo and the new Digital Media Licensing Summit. The Summit will be a part of the LIMA-organized Licensing University program, the annual 25-session educational conference that runs June 8-11. There is a modest fee to attend the full Licensing University conference schedule, and can be purchased at www.licensingexpo.com

Charles Riotto, President, LIMA: “The power of licensing is reflected in the ongoing evolution of the popular culture and how people live their lives. The Digital Summit shows that a new generation of celebrities and brand authorities have been spawned by a media technology that didn’t even exist a decade ago.”

Highlights from the Summit include Amy Kocourek, EVP/GMM, Kohl’s; Jim Fielding, Global Head of Consumer Products and Retail, Dreamworks Animation and AwesomenessTV; Samantha Woolf, EVP, Managing Director of Blue Group Entertainment, and executives from companies including Maker Studios and United Talent Agency as well as digital stars including Andrea Brooks, Hannah Hart, Connor Franta and more.  Complimentary registration for Licensing Expo is available at: www.licensingexpo.com/registerhere