May 28, 2012 – For the vast majority of brands and products, the retailer is the key gatekeeper between product and consumer.  It’s vital for brand owners and manufacturers to understand as much as possible about merchants’ concerns, motivations and hot buttons to increase their chances of getting onto those vital store shelves.
The Licensing University™ program assembled by LIMA (The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association) will feature a range of seminars especially designed to provide a better understanding of how successful IP owners establish and enhance their brand image at retail.  Attendees will be able to gain insights and practical, real world information from a lineup of industry-leading experts, who will share strategies and techniques for maximizing a brand’s chances in the retail space.  These retail-themed sessions are part of LIMA’s broad range of more than 35 Licensing University programs to be held at the premier annual event of the worldwide licensing industry, Licensing International Expo 2012, June 10-14 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.  Celebrated businesswoman Kathy Ireland, CEO and Chief Designer of kathy ireland Worldwide®, delivers the keynote address, June 12.  

Retail will be the main focus of the following Licensing U. sessions:

2012 State of Retail Presentation and Store Safari – Sunday, June 10, 12:30-5:30pm

Deluged with data, frenzied by new formats, pressured by price hikes…2011 was a rollercoaster ride for retailers, yet those left standing are on the offensive and determined to evolve into multi-touch-point brand platforms.  What are the implications for brand marketers as retailers become more than just distribution points?  In her third annual State of Retail presentation, Carol Spieckerman, retail expert and President and CEO of Newmarketbuilders, will detail tools and tactics for brand marketers seeking to retool for these and other retail realities.  Attendees are invited to stay for the retail safari, where Carol will serve as tour guide around a carefully selected group of major retailers that are defining the future of retail in multiple categories.

Taking a Brand from Digital to Retail – Tuesday, June 12, 4:15-5:45 pm

From Angry Birds and Moshi Monsters to Talking Friends and Stardoll, popular entertainment properties don’t just come from movies, TV and books anymore.  This session offers insight into the challenges involved in taking a brand from the digital domain to retail.  Moderated by LIMA’s Marty Brochstein, the panel explores how to successfully translate properties from the computer and smartphone screen into physical product at retail.  Panelists include Ciaran Coyle of The Beanstalk Group, global licensing agent for Talking Friends; Darran Garnham, Chief Business Development Officer/Chief Licensing Officer for Mind Candy (Moshi Monsters); Mattias Miksche, Co-Founder and CEO of Stardoll Media; and Marc Mostman of Most Management LLC, U.S. licensing agent for Angry Birds.

What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You: 5 Things to Know When Presenting to Retail –
Wednesday, June 13, 12:30-2:00pm

The competition for retail placement is brutal.  This session will show participants how to know their consumer, find insights on their competitive set, and discover the strategies they need to create an effective retail presentation.  This program is designed to help attendees provide the answer to a retailer’s key question: “Why should I get behind this product or program?”  Presenters include: Leigh Ann Schwarzkopf, Principal Project Partners Inc.; Lynn Scott, Principal, Project Partners Inc.; and Kelli Sogar, Global Licensing Manager, The Coca Cola Company.

Fundamentals of Direct to Retail – Wednesday, June 13, 2:30-4:00pm

In this session, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the emerging importance of the exclusive relationship between brands and retailers.  In the constantly evolving retail landscape, direct-to-retail (DTR) programs are being leveraged to generate excitement and strengthen the bond with consumers. This seminar will review the benefits of this model to both parties and how the DTR strategy is impacting the licensing industry.  A panel of experts who have launched many successful contemporary DTR programs will provide insight on best practices for pitching a DTR program to a retailer, the unique dynamics of the DTR relationship, and how to cultivate an active partnership that ensures long-term success.  Brand, celebrity and entertainment programs all will be in focus during the program.  Rachel Terrace, Associate Vice President, Brand Management, The Beanstalk Group moderates the panel, which includes: Nicole Desir, Vice President, Brand Management, The Beanstalk Group; Ron Feinbaum, Senior Vice President/General Manager, Consumer Products, Scripps Networks – Home Category; and Sean Bunner, Vice President, New Business Development, HSN.

To see the complete schedule and register for Licensing University™ sessions taking place leading up to and during Licensing Expo 2012, click here.  Licensing International Expo is produced by Advanstar Communications and sponsored by LIMA.

About LIMA
Founded in 1985, the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) is the primary trade organization for the worldwide licensing industry.  LIMA’s mission is to bring together all segments of the industry for the advancement of professionalism in licensing through research, national and international seminars, trade events and publications.  With members in 35 countries, offices in New York, London, Munich, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong, and representatives in New Europe, India, Italy, Spain and Australia, members enjoy access to a wide variety of activities, resources and benefits.  For more information on LIMA sponsored trade shows, educational programming, networking opportunities and more, please visit www.licensing.org.  To learn more about LIMANET, the most complete network of Property Information and Licensing Professionals online, please visit www.limanet.com.

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Alison Grand                                                                        Laura Liebeck
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