New York, NY, June 9, 2014 – The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) has assembled a robust roster of Licensing University™ sessions for this year’s Licensing Expo, providing learning opportunities on a wide range of topics to help attendees develop meter-moving strategies to advance their business and bolster their bottom line. Information-packed seminars covering topics such as royalty rates, choosing the right license, effective retail presentations, and more are scheduled daily, affording attendees with a wealth of opportunities to connect with experts and colleagues across various specialties. Licensing Universitytakes place from Monday, June 16, to Thursday, June 19, 2014 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The 2014 program kicks off with a keynote address by Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation and a notable media visionary. This special session takes place on Tuesday, June 17, at 8am and is free to all Expo attendees and exhibitors.

Among the many Licensing University seminars to focus on strategic planning are:

• From Good to G’RATE: What Every Licensing Professional Should Know About Royalty Rates – Tuesday, June 17, 9:30-10:45am

  This session will offer a 360-degree view on royalty rates, defining what they are as well as how they differ by category and the ways in which they relate to margins and cost of goods. The presenters will explain the risk/reward effect, demystify the “net sales definition,” identify when to escalate or deescalate, and more. Adina Avery-Grossman of Brandgenuity will moderate the panel to include: Dana Kuperman, Director Licensing Business Development, Weight Watchers International; Paul Bessinger, Director Innovation, Quill.com/Staples; Steven Shweky, Top Dog, Fetch…for pets!; and Teri Niadna, Director Business Development, National Football League.

• How Retailers and Licensees Look at Licenses – Tuesday, June 17, 4-5:15pm

  Before a licensed product actually appears on a store shelf or an E-tailer’s website, the property owner has to convince a licensee to take the brand, and together or separately, sell it into retail. This seminar will provide insights into how merchants and manufacturers evaluate the properties and products that come across their desks. Moderated by Marty Brochstein of LIMA with presenters to include: Adam Beder, Executive VP Global Licensing & Business Affairs, Spin Master; Ed Labay, Senior Buyer, Hot Topic; Lorne Bloch, VP Licensing, Junk Food Clothing; and Sean Bunner, VP New Business Development, HSNi.

• Winning Retail Presentation Strategies – Wednesday, June 18, 9:45-11am

  This session will provide practical advice from retail, sales and analysts to help attendees develop great retail presentations. Moderated by Leigh Ann Schwarzkopf of Project Partners Network, the session’s presenters include: Michael Connolly, Head of Global Consumer Products, DreamWorks Animation; and Mitchell Stevenson, President, Formula Brands Inc.

• Category Focus: Food Licensing – Lots to Chew On – Wednesday, June 18, 11:30am–12:45pm Attendees will learn about the unique dynamics of food licensing from a food manufacturer, agency representative and licensor, who will answer questions about this growing segment of the licensing business. In addition, panelists will discuss the trends, challenges and opportunities of food licensing. Moderated by Susie Frausto of Jel-Sert, presenters include: Janna Markle, VP, Valen Group; and Megan May, Brand Licensing Manager, Dr Pepper Snapple Group.

• Reaching The “You Tube” Generation: How New Digital Companies are Uniting Content Creators, Brands and Consumers – Thursday, June 19, 10:45am-12pm

  With the proliferation of entertainment available on the web, companies are emerging as aggregators of diverse content. Through case studies, anecdotes and questions from panelists, attendees will learn what the impact of these companies will be on the licensing industry in 2014 and beyond. Moderated by Brent Weinstein, Head of Digital Media, United Talent Agency, presenters include: Andrew Graham, Senior Talent Manager, Fullscreen; and Jim Fielding, Global Head of Consumer Products and Retail, Awesomeness TV.

LIMA’s All-Access Pass lets show attendees attend all Licensing University sessions for one low price of $149 for LIMA members ($169 for non-LIMA members). To see the full schedule of Licensing University sessions and to register, click here. Licensing Expo 2014 is sponsored by LIMA and produced by Advanstar Communications.