By Kirsty Barr

Did we smile and hug? We sure did!

And was there a good turnout?  I’d say yes, but there were noticeable absentees, although that’s not really surprising.  These were from outside of Europe, but let’s not forget this is Brand Licensing Europe – based in London, not Las Vegas!  Welcome to BLE 2021 at ExCeL.  As Sandra Vauthier-Cellier from Acamar Films said to me this morning “We are thrilled to be so busy.  All our meeting slots are filled.  It’s great to see so many people and more Europeans than expected.”

A cautious return
Is that a stand-out show?  It’s probably best described as a playing-it-safe show because so many were cautious of it being cancelled. There’s no show bag on arrival, no WOW stand that made me shout out loud, but it’s definitely a safe place to be.

For those who chose not to attend, they need not have worried. The aisles are wider, there’s more seating than ever before (I believe this is because the 2019 feedback said that those who didn’t have stands would like a choice of more meeting venues without having to leave the show floor) and more places to buy food and drink. This is all good news for show visitors.

There was a was a wonderful “welcome to all” opening party at the end of the day that was widely attended and still going strong after 7pm.  It was great to see the industry come together at the show floor bars and embrace being back together.

There were stands on Day One that positively BUZZED!  Hasbro had a packed stand from start to finish. As did Bravado. So did some of the smaller stands and that was a delight to see – Bulldog Licensing attracted the adorable Guide Dogs for the Blind and Products of Change did themselves proud – they had a continual flurry of guests all day. It’s encouraging to see so many industry executives embracing the discussion. The Point 1888 was busy all day, as was the Acamar Films stand with a prime position right beside an entrance/exit. To be fair, every exhibitor had made an effort in creating a polished stand worthy of any normal BLE year and was clearly relishing being a part of BLE’s return!

Of course, every show day has its highlights; here’s my birds eye view of the best moments from Day One.

• Slip-streaming through arrivals. Well, I couldn’t ignore mentioning the fact that all the Covid pass checks were quick, seamless and efficient! Less than a minute and I was through the doors.
• Feeling captivated by the beauty of 120 years of Peter Rabbit portrayed on the Penguin Ventures stand; I could have this stand recreated into a room in my own home.
• Celebrating the news that Charlotte Reed, a former winner of License This!, has secured a film option through her licensing agent, Larkshead Licensing, with Archface Films, to develop her life story into a movie “My Path To Happy”. This will be one to watch and a movie for all those who believe in finding a path to happiness and a true-life happy ending.
• Matchmaking Lounge. Another clear winner for BLE.  Every table was booked out, all day. If that doesn’t prove people want to connect, interact and talk, nothing will.  If you’ve not utilised this service in 2021, make note of it for next year!
• Team GB Day One Keynote. Read on.

So, the Day One Keynote was probably most relevant to UK attendees.  After all, how big is BMX cycling in Europe?  It probably isn’t, and I don’t know for sure, but shout me down if I’m wrong!  But this was a great session with Team GB and The Point 1888; probably not the best attended in BLE history and not helped by the fact you had to leave the show floor, as it was Day One after missing a whole year together. People know they can watch the replay next week, and any negatives aside, all I can say is watch the replay if you missed it in person, it’s worth enjoying.

Anna Knight held the room, and even admitted that she could have just focused her questions solely at the two Olympian gold medallists.  The fact that Tom Daley was on video didn’t matter, the quality was excellent. Her interviewees provided great answers and insight into their respective careers and Anna linked it well into both business and licensing.  If you’re a fan of Tom Daley he’s making a news announcement next Thursday – one wonders if it’s linked to knitting rather than diving?  But nonetheless he gave BLE guests a tip-off!  And Charlotte Worthington was a joy to see.  For such a young Olympian she was wise, commercially savvy and relishes being a part of Team GB.  For The Point 1888 and the team’s Commercial Director, Tim Ellerton, it’s great to see sport in licensing extend exponentially beyond football and rugby.  And sport is not my passion.  But this keynote was inspiring.

To end my Day One birds-eye view, I’m going to share a comment from Worthington which rings true with me, and should be a reminder to us all working in this industry; one which brings us together year round, regardless of any Herculean challenges.

Charlotte said if you love what you do, then you’ll do it well and give it your best.

That’s what we do in licensing.  Love what we do.  Give it our all.

See you tomorrow, after Day Two.

Kirsty Barr has worked in media and entertainment for “as long as I can remember,” starting her career in BBC Publicity followed by production roles on some of the UK’s best loved prime-time entertainment programmes (Absolutely Fabulous, Top of The Pops, Royal Variety Performance to name just three!). Once she found her destiny in PR, she worked for powerhouse Discovery Communications, and started her own business in 2007.  

She’s proud to currently represent, and have previously managed, trade and consumer communications for clients both internationally and in the UK across toys, licensing, publishing, lifestyle and  preschool entertainment.