• Expert-led education topics span NFTs, TikTok, Retail, and more
• Licensing U passes will become available on April 11 on the online platform

Licensing Expo today revealed the 2022 Licensing U content agenda, developed and produced by trade association Licensing International to provide industry newcomers and those looking to advance their knowledge of licensing with elementary and trend-focused education on what they need to know about the $292-billion licensing industry. Passes for Licensing U will become available on April 11. Those wishing to access the content must be registered to attend Licensing Expo and indicate their interest in the program here to be notified once the platform opens.

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For the first time, Licensing U content will be available both live and on-demand, enhancing the value of the experience for all attendees and exhibitors. First presented in-person at Licensing Expo on May 24-26, participants who have secured a Licensing U pass can enjoy the live sessions followed by Q&As and follow-ups in person with speakers. They can also benefit from a show floor tour with Licensing International to help them identify key trends and new brands, plus enjoy drinks reception at the Licensing International booth.

The on-demand content will become accessible via the online platform from May 26 to enable participants greater flexibility to engage with and revisit content at a time that best suits their schedule and prioritize meetings during the live event.

Sessions for the 2022 edition are strategically developed to advance the $292 billion global licensing industry, including:

Tuesday, May 24:

• 9:30-10:00 am: Back to Basics
  
  Learn everything you need to know about licensing if you're new to the industry. This session answers all your questions about licensors, licensees, agents, and agreements.

• 10:15-11:00 am: The New Rules of Retail
  
  Forget what you thought you knew about the style guide because fast-fashion retailers' desire for differentiation is all the rage. And by adapting your creative requirements, you can better respond to global and regional trends.

• 4:00-4:30 pm: Press Play on YouTube and TikTok
  
  The days of relying solely on linear media are long gone. YouTube and TikTok are the new juggernauts, which means it's crucial to understand how these digital platforms capture consumers' hearts and drive franchise development.

Wednesday, May 25:

• 9:00-9:30 am: WTF is up with NFTs
  
  Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and the Metaverse are on everyone's radar right now. But what exactly are they, and how can you take advantage of this new digital world?

• 2:00-2:30 pm: Information Overload
  
  More research is available than ever before, which is why it's critical for companies to use that information effectively. Learn what part data should play in your decision-making process without stifling radical creativity.

• 2:30-3:00 pm: The Lowdown on International Distribution Law
  
  Product distribution in the US can be as broad or limited as the licensor permits, but the same can't be said for the EU and the UK. Learn everything you need to know about global anti-competitive regulations and how to make the right commercial decisions for your business.

"The licensing industry must evolve at a rapid pace to stay in sync with the changing needs of consumers, making education and peer-to-peer deliberation more important than ever before,” said Maura Ragan, President of Licensing International. “We've never faced challenges quite like those experienced in the past few years, both as a collective industry and personally. This year's edition of Licensing U will deliver expert-led, trend-focused education and will also serve as a creative outlet and a platform for much-needed conversation that we are proud to facilitate jointly with Licensing Expo."

"We're in a trend-driven industry," said Anna Knight, SVP of the Global Licensing Group. "As such, it’s crucial for licensees and licensors alike to have a pulse on the latest trends that are shaping consumer behavior to inspire and drive business forward. Our attending and exhibiting communities rely on Licensing U every year to discover new ways to creatively address current challenges and dig deeper into exciting trends to better leverage brand extension as a strategic tool."

The speaker line-up of industry experts will be revealed in advance of the online platform opening on April 11, at which point conference passes will become available.

Licensing Expo's continued momentum and an increasing number of exhibitors signing on daily have locked in registrations from thousands of sought-after retailers, licensees, and manufacturers. New and notable participants include American Eagle Outfitters, Target, Walmart, Zulily, Hot Topic, Mad Engine, Hallmark, Primark, Simba Dickie, Macy’s, PacSun, Pyramid International, and many more.

Press can register for free credentials here.

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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.

About Licensing International

Licensing International is the leading trade organization for the $290+ billion global brand licensing industry. Licensing International's mission is to foster the growth and expansion of brand 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 www.LicensingInternational.org for more information.

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