Latest news with #LicensingExpo
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Global Licensing Industry Navigates Economic Changes And Trade Shifts
Amanda Cioletti, VP Content/Strategy, Informa Markets Global Licensing Group, organizers of Licensing Expo and media brand License Global. The global licensed consumer product industry is on edge. The ever-changing tariff regulations are throwing global businesses into a state of confusion thanks to constantly moving deadlines, rate fluctuations, exemptions and reinstatement and more. But business marches on. Licensed consumer products are heavily driven by fan culture and a connection to well-known, beloved brands, and they continue to outperform the broader retail market, according to data from Licensing International's Global Licensing Industry Study. Generations of shoppers across the world seek to engage with their favorite brands and characters, with purchases driven by emotional connection, fandom and loyalty to popular intellectual properties (IPs). During times of economic uncertainty, fan-favorite IPs often fare better than non-branded like products. New import duties mark a shift in global dynamics, and several shifts are emerging in response to the new trade environment. Many companies are seeking multi-regional or near-shore production strategies to lessen their reliance on a single manufacturing hub. Complex networks are being forced to spring up to navigate origin duties and taxation. Predictably, more cutting-edge manufacturing processes are being leveraged, such as print-on-demand, particularly in the U.S., where some goods are shielded from tariffs. This does exclude major product categories (toys, for one, are greatly affected since many parts are manufactured in China), but for apparel, where materials can be sourced domestically, it could be a godsend. Fears around quality control, lack of inventory, skyrocketing raw material costs and more persist, but like the tariff rates and negotiation talks, the conversation is changing daily. Future-proofing is top of mind for brands, as noted in the recent Top Global Licensing Agents Report, which highlights six strategies being adopted by the world's leading companies: data-driven decision making, digital and e-commerce expansion, sustainability, global collaborations, customer engagement and adaptability and flexibility to ensure they remain responsive to market changes. Companies are also focusing on strengthening brand value to justify premium pricing. In other words, businesses are deepening emotional connections with their audiences to make their products more meaningful and desirable despite higher price points. This approach is complemented by the introduction of carefully curated, exclusive products and limited editions that create a sense of uniqueness and exclusivity. Additionally, companies are elevating their production standards, emphasizing superior materials, craftsmanship and attention to detail to deliver products that demonstrate tangible value to consumers. Moving forward, the industry's trajectory includes cost optimization and greater efficiencies from end-to-end operations, strengthening and upholding sentiment and connection to consumers through enhanced value proposition, quality, care and consistency. Companies will also look to adopt new marketing strategies to reach consumers in meaningful ways amidst the ongoing changes in the landscape. The collaborative nature of the global licensing industry remains fundamental to its success. Brand owners, manufacturers, retailers, agents and designers must work in concert to create products that resonate with increasingly budget-conscious consumers. Looking back at the industry's track record, licensed consumer products have successfully navigated numerous challenges, from the financial crisis of 2008 to massive supply disruptions and the global pandemic. Each obstacle has ignited innovation and led to stronger market positions, demonstrating the industry's resilience. While the current landscape presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for evolution and strengthening of business strategies. The licensing industry's ability to maintain growth underscores the enduring appeal of branded products and experiences. As consumers become more selective in their purchasing decisions, the emotional connection and perceived value offered by beloved brands become increasingly important differentiators in the marketplace. This fundamental strength, combined with the industry's demonstrated ability to adapt and innovate, suggests a promising outlook despite the current challenges. Forbes Business Development Council is an invitation-only community for sales and biz dev executives. Do I qualify?
Forbes
17-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
7 Reasons Why Networking At Conventions Can Transform Your Brand
Tonia Ryan, Business Development and CEO of Have you been putting off attending conventions because you're "too busy" or feel a little shy? It's time to toss those excuses aside. Networking at conventions isn't about ticking off a box or aimlessly milling around a crowded expo hall. It's one of the smartest moves you can make to solidify your brand, build meaningful relationships and open doors to incredible opportunities. I recently attended the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, where I had the opportunity to network and connect with major brands and professionals. Not only did I walk away with new collaborations and insights, but I also formed meaningful friendships and lasting professional relationships that continue to grow. If you've been waiting for a nudge to RSVP to that upcoming conference, consider this your sign. Here's why grabbing your badge and mingling at conventions could be the ultimate game changer for you and your brand. Why Networking At Conventions Is More Than Just A Good Idea Video calls and direct messages are great, but I've found nothing compares to the magic of an in-person interaction. Conventions give you a space to chat with potential clients, collaborators or mentors in a professional, yet relaxed, setting. It's human connection at its finest. I have made some lifelong friends and business associates after attending conventions. Conventions invite the best minds in the business to share knowledge through panels, workshops and live Q&As. Imagine picking up tips from someone whose accomplishments you admire. These moments can help you learn how to level up like nothing else. For example, if you're looking to launch a trading card game like Pokémon, attending a major card collector convention, such as the West Coast Card Show, for example, is highly recommended. Observing how top vendors showcase, sell and engage with collectors in person can offer invaluable insight you can't get anywhere else. If you struggle to explain what you do in a few sentences, conventions are the perfect practice ground. Before any convention I attend, I always do my homework; I make a list of who will be there and tailor my pitch to speak directly to the people I want to connect with. Knowing exactly what I want to say about my business not only helps me stand out but also makes those first conversations more impactful and memorable. Events can be powerful incubators for unexpected partnerships. Whether it's a quick chat in the coffee line or a deeper exchange during a breakout session, conventions have a way of connecting you with people whose strengths align with yours. I once met a major executive after she accidentally spilled coffee all over herself—I helped her clean up, completely unaware of who she was at the time. That moment turned into one of the most valuable connections I've ever made. Just showing up at conventions already says something powerful about you and your brand. It signals that you're serious, engaged and invested in your industry. Showing up with a sharp outfit, confidence and an unforgettable business card can help you position your brand as professional and bold. Moreover, sharing your expertise, participating in conversations or even speaking on stage positions you as a thought leader. The more you're seen contributing to the industry, the more likely doors will open for opportunities like collaborations, speaking gigs or media coverage. Conventions are more than just 'networking'; they're hubs of innovation and ideas. Scouting vendor setups, noting branding styles and observing industry trends can inform what you do next. Are competitors leaning into a new marketing strategy? What's buzzing in your sector? These are golden insights that can help keep your brand fresh, relevant and one step ahead of the curve. Why keep the networking magic limited to in-person? Conventions offer plenty of social media fodder. Snap selfies, share insights or tag new connections in posts. When your followers see your engagement in the industry, it can solidify your reputation as someone active and dedicated. How To Network Like A Pro Feeling excited about networking but unsure how to ace it? I've found a few quick tips can help ensure you make the most of your experience: Prep ahead. Take plenty of business cards, review the schedule in advance, and practice your elevator pitch. Dress the part. Choose an outfit that's polished yet true to your personal style. Break the ice. Everyone's there to connect, so don't be shy about starting conversations. In my experience, a simple, 'What brought you to the event?' works wonders. Follow up afterward. After the event, send a personalized message to the people you connected with. Thank them for their time—and then keep the conversation going. One strategy that's worked really well for me is inviting them to grab a quick lunch or dinner. Sharing a meal creates a relaxed, personal setting that helps deepen the connection and opens the door for more meaningful conversation. Final Thoughts Networking at conventions isn't just about mingling and collecting tote bags. It's about creating opportunities, building trust and showcasing your passion for what you do. The next time you're debating whether to attend a convention, take the leap. Every handshake, conversation and shared laugh could be the start of something amazing. Your brand deserves the spotlight, and conventions are your chance to shine. Grab that badge, head to the show floor, and get ready to level up your networking game. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
San Francisco Chronicle
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Conan O'Brien cast in ‘Toy Story 5,' says his role is better than Woody or Buzz
Comedian and Oscar host Conan O'Brien has been added to the voice cast of 'Toy Story 5,' joining Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and other franchise regulars. Emeryville's Pixar and parent company Disney revealed the casting of O'Brien during the Consumer Products section of Disney's Licensing Expo presentation on Monday, May 19. He'll fill the role of a new character, Smarty Pants, which joins Woody (Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Allen) in the toy box. O'Brien followed up with an Instagram video, calling the casting 'crazy.' In a good way, of course. The host of the HBO/Max travel series 'Conan O'Brien Must Go' joked that he had initially sought the role of Woody. 'They told me they had already promised the role to Tom Hanks,' O'Brien said. 'I was like, 'Uhhh, you kinda been there done that, you know? You're in a bit of a rut, don't you think?' … I said, 'OK, how about Buzz Lightyear? Let me guess: Tim Allen. ... Guys, you gotta think outside the box.'' O'Brien then said when he was shown the new character of Smarty Pants, he called it 'the best character of them all. … I don't even wanna play Woody or Buzz anymore, even if they beg me.' The plot details for 'Toy Story 5,' set for release on June 19, 2026, are under wraps, but the theme is said to be how the traditional toys are dealing with the modern-day threat to children's attention in electronics and video games. Andrew Stanton, who has been a part of every 'Toy Story' film since the 1995 original, is the director for this installation, with McKenna Harris as co-director and Jessica Choi as producer. Pixar is riding high after the success of ' Inside Out 2,' which came out last year and briefly held the all-time record for highest grossing animated film at about $1.7 billion. Its next film, 'Elio,' is due out June 20.
Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Licensing Expo Unites Global Leaders as Industry Surges with $13 Billion Annual Growth
Licensing Expo addressed tariffs, category diversification, uncovered new IP and brought together global decision makers. LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESS Newswire / May 22, 2025 / Licensing Expo, the leading event dedicated to licensing, IP extension and brand collaborations, organized by Informa Markets' Global Licensing Group and sponsored by Licensing International, gathered over 12,000 registered professionals, including leading retailers, licensees and manufacturers to connect with brand owners and agents to discuss new deals driving licensed consumer products and brand collaborations of the next two to five years. Recently announced in the Licensing International 2025 Global Licensing Industry Study, worldwide sales of licensed products and services totaled $369.6 billion plus last year, up from $356.5 billion in 2023. With a record of over 10,000 accepted meeting invites, developing purposeful relationships remains the core focus of Licensing Expo. Hosting 381 exhibiting companies, with 142 new to show exhibitors like Calm, emoji, FC Barcelona, Roblox and UFC, more than 5,000 established and upcoming brands were represented from entertainment, sports, fashion, food and beverage, toys and art and design. Brand owners, licensing agents, licensees and service providers powering the biggest names like Airstream, Coca-Cola, Crayola, Nintendo, NASCAR and LEGO as well as major studios Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, Disney, Hasbro, NBCUniversal, Mattel and Netflix, connected to negotiate, earn and plan new IP partnership deals throughout the showcase including two days of media upfronts and three days of exhibition. Celebrity guest appearances ranged from Mike Tyson, Vanessa Hudgens, Young Dirty Bastard (YDB) and Lil Mr. E of Foo's Gone Wild. International attendees represented nearly 30% of the expo audience with global buyers keen to gain first access to new releases unveiled at the industry's global meeting place. Exhibitors spanned 30 countries, with emerging opportunities across South Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and Latin American markets. Increased major retailer presence from companies such as Amazon, Dick's Sporting Goods, H&M, Inditex, Miniso, Pop Mart, Primark, Target and Walmart were among 2,000 e-commerce, specialty shops and big box stores, reaching sought-after brands to add to store shelves in the coming seasons. A riveting panel addressed top-of-mind concerns and challenges on navigating the global tariff environment with actionable insights reviewing strategies from legal solutions and implementing specific protective clauses as well as balanced approaches to shipping and warehousing considerations. Experts Steven Heller (The Brand Liaison), Jed Ferdinand (Meister Seelig & Fein), Sam Hafif (Concept One Accessories) and Jay Foreman (Basic Fun!) commented on the importance of face-to-face connection at Licensing Expo to negotiate key deals, stay on top of fast changing decision needs and maintain bottom line. 'You could feel the momentum fueling the next generation of licensing across the show floor. The record number of meetings, new to show innovative concepts looking to break into the market, unique emerging category opportunities, showcases from global leaders across all major production studio houses, as well as the presence of name-brand goliaths known all around by devoted fans, proves the resilience of the licensing community,' says Anna Clarke, Senior Vice President of the Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets. 'The message was clear that as we navigate the future of the supply chain together, the value of connecting in person at the industry's most important deal-making event is irreplaceable, fostering quality connections with game-changing business outcomes.' 'The licensing landscape in 2025 is evolving with remarkable agility in response to both economic pressures and changing consumer behaviors. At Licensing Expo, we observed how brands are strategically navigating tariff challenges while simultaneously capitalizing on the resurgence of nostalgic brand revivals that continue to resonate deeply with fans. Significant growth in food and beverage licensing marks a fresh powerhouse sector in interesting cross collaborations while wellness category opportunities are emerging from trend to essential consumer priority. Necessity, emotional connection and customer experience will be core decision motivators both for purchasers and manufacturers. Licensors and licensees are collaborating to create authentic engagements that transcend traditional product boundaries proving once again that our industry thrives on creativity even amid market complexities,' notes Amanda Cioletti, VP of Content and Strategy at the Global Licensing Group. Announcements from top brands included TV family favorite, Hasbro's Peppa Pig, welcoming the addition of baby sister, Evie, to its character roster; Monster Jam's new Grave Digger Stars & Stripe monster truck reveal; Disney's plans for the production of Toy Story 5, as the franchise celebrates its 30th anniversary, as well as Roblox's first-ever off-platform retail link, the Approved Merchandiser Program (AMP), for official purchases to avatar items and accessories; and finally The Skibidi Toilet movie announcing famed Michael Bay to direct. Location-Based Entertainment, another growing category segment for licensing, also celebrated the launch of Universal's Epic Universe, opening to the public this week. The licensing industry remains incredibly resilient and innovative, constantly finding new ways to connect beloved brands with consumers across increasingly diverse touchpoints through the upcoming transformative frontier for brand extension. From inception to proof of concept, manufacturing to retail, and expansion to cross-category proliferation, Licensing Expo remains the premier destination to negotiate the biggest and best brand deals in-person and build a lifelong network of industry resources and experts to deliver the products consumers know and love around the world today. Licensing Expo returns May 19-21, 2026, at Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Brand Licensing Europe will convene at Excel London, UK, October 7-9, 2025. To stay updated on events from Global Licensing Group, please visit Follow the latest and most up-to-date news from the top authority voice in the licensing industry, online at About Licensing Expo Launched in 1980, Licensing Expo is the world's largest and most influential annual tradeshow dedicated to licensing and brand extension. Every year, more than 5,000 brands and 16,000 retailers, licensees, manufacturers, distributors, and licensing agents attend Licensing Expo from more than 70 countries. Licensing Expo is a part of the Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets, the licensing industry's leading tradeshow organizer and media partner. Its mission is to provide licensing opportunities around the world by bringing brands and products together. Connect with Licensing Expo and join the conversation on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram. About Licensing International Licensing International is the leading trade organization for the $369+ billion global licensing industry. Licensing International's mission is to foster the growth and expansion of licensing around the world, raise the level of professionalism for licensing practitioners, and create greater awareness of the benefits of licensing to the business community at large. Founded in 1985, Licensing International members in over 40 countries enjoy access to an array of benefits, including extensive educational programming and worldwide networking events. Visit for more information and to utilize licensing's definitive online resource. Media Contact Global Licensing Group PR [email protected] SOURCE: INFORMA MARKETS - GLOBAL LICENSING GROUP press release
Geek Tyrant
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Conan O'Brien Joins the Cast of TOY STORY 5 — GeekTyrant
Comedian and host Conan O'Brien is set to take on the new role of Smarty Pants in Toy Story 5 , Disney and Pixar announced on Monday, during the Consumer Products section of Disney's Licensing Expo presentation. O'Brien appeared in a video Instagram message celebrating the news, saying, 'Isn't that crazy? Legendary franchise. These films are amazing. I can't believe this!' Admittedly, O'Brien said, he asked initially for the role of Woody and was told it was promised to Tom Hanks. 'And I was like, 'Uh, you kinda been there and done that. You know? You'e in a bit of a rut, don't you think?' And they said, 'No, Tom Hanks, it's his role,'' Conan shared. He joked that he then went after the role of Buzz Lightyear, only to be told he lost it to Tim Allen. 'And I went, 'Guys, you gotta think outside the box,'' O'Brien deadpanned. 'But anyway, then they showed me this new character, Smarty Pants. It's the best character of them all. I far prefer this character. I don't even wanna play Woody or Buzz anymore, even if they beg me. I'm Smarty Pants; I love this!' No further details on O'Brien's character were provided. In the new film, slated for release on June 19, 2026, it's Toy meets Tech when Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the rest of the gang's jobs are challenged after being introduced to what kids are obsessed with today—electronics! The film hails from writer-director Andrew Stanton, the two-time Oscar winner behind WALL-E and Finding Nemo . McKenna Harris is co-directing, with Jessica Choi producing and Pete Docter exec producing. Others newcomers to feature in the voice cast, as previously announced, include Ernie Hudson, who takes over the late Carl Weathers's role of action figure Combat Carl, and Anna Faris in an undisclosed part. Joan Cusack is expected to be among the other returning cast members, reprising her role as Jessie. via: Deadline
