VEGAS 2010: The verdict
Now that everyone is back at work, fully recovered and - hopefully - in the middle of some very productive follow-up after a positive Licensing Expo, LTW thought it was about time we found out how you thought it went...
“Overall the show felt busier and definitely had more of a buzz. The WB showcase was an unmitigated success; the stand was packed and our schedules were non-stop; not to mention some pleasant impromptu meetings. I enjoyed several excellent meetings with key retail partners who were keen to see all of the materials from our content slate. Licensees were actively looking for what’s hot and I’m glad to say WBCP ticked the boxes on a number of counts. It seems that the Licensing Show has found a natural home in Las Vegas, we look forward to returning next year.”
Paul Bufton, general manager, WBCP UK
"We had a great show. Visitor numbers had significantly increased and there were noticeably more UK retail buyers attending, which is a significant factor for us. The increase in exhibitors, along with improved in-hall signposting gave the show a much more cohesive feel. Another nice improvement was the improved entrance area with its marketing and display opportunities. It gave us a great platform to showcase a range of our products to visitors waiting to register, and really attracted a lot of attention."
Richard Hollis, head of UK licensing, BBC Worldwide
"The Licensing Show was a big success for American Greetings Properties. Excitement continues to grow around American Greetings’ programming launch on The Hub this Fall, particularly with our beloved evergreen properties Strawberry Shortcake and Care Bears, that will have their own shows. We felt a buzz around our new properties, Maryoku Yummy and Twisted Whiskers, from both international and domestic licensees. Overall, we were very happy with the number of deal-making conversations we had, particularly from the international market. "
Gabrielle Oliff, marketing director, American Greetings Properties
“It was a very positive trip for 4Kids/4Sight. We had six new properties to show, each with very different positioning in the market. Vsitors to the stand were very keen to learn more about them. All the meetings were focused with business in mind, less general curiosity, which made the meetings productive. It appeared to be busier than last year and there was certainly no drop in visitors to the 4Kids/4Sight stand. The atmosphere was very positive from both the larger retailers and licensees. The feedback from meetings was very encouraging and I am sure will result in more business. The highlights for me were being able to share the exciting new properties that 4Kids/4Sight have acquired and not having to travel far from hotel room to the conference! The distance is still a difficulty for smaller retailers and it would be good too see more International retailers attend although there did appear to be more than last year. We will definitely attend next year, the format is good and well organized and it is the rendezvous of the year.”
Sandra Vauthier- Cellier
, managing director, 4kids
“E1 had a really successful expo in Vegas this year. From our experience, attendance was certainly up on last year, with many more companies making the trip. The aisles were constantly busy and some of the stands were very impressive. It's a great space for a licensing show. My only comment would be that attendance was low on the final day. As UK licensing manager, I had back-to-back meetings on the first two days with many more UK licensees and retailers here this year over last year. It's a great opportunity to present our brands to retailers, update our existing licensing partners and of course search for new business opportunities, which is key for a trade show such as this. And in terms of growing our brands internationally, Vegas is definitely the place to be. It's a great city for networking. The choice of restaurants and bars is extensive and the layout of the Mandalay particularly makes it really easy to meet new contacts and discuss opportunities that you wouldn't necessarily discuss on the stand. It is an essential show to attend if you're from the licensing industry.”
Hannah Mungo, licensing manager, E1 Entertainment
"The attendance and energy level was up from last year and should be even bigger next year. Las Vegas is a superior venue from our vantage point - it's closer to our home base in Hollywood, there are more modern facilities and better amenities at a lower cost. We are very happy that Advanstar made the move and will definitely be back as an exhibitor in 2011."
Darren Kyman, executive director, marketing and retail development, Paramount Licensing
Overall there was a much more positive atmosphere at the show. Growth is definitely back on the agenda for the industry in general and some key players in particular - Warner Bros. Consumer Products being one of them! 3D was definitely the new buzzword this year, while the increased role of DTR, the opening of new industries to licensing and new business models were some of the other hot topics.”
Bruno Schwobthaler, SVP, sales and business development, WBCP EMEA
“This was our first year exhibiting and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the turnout and the reception to our new slate of properties. The mood was upbeat and everyone was looking to put the recession and change of venue behind them. I made a lot of new contacts and was able to spend quality time with existing partners. I personally was not a fan of the 10am start. Most people are up around 5:30am and would prefer to start earlier and finish the day at 5pm.”
Polly Beel, director licensing and marketing, DHX Licensing
“We were extremely busy with meetings back to back. It definitely felt like attendance was up significantly over last year - not only based on our meetings but also on how crowded the show floor seemed and the general tenor of the show. The show remains an important venue for Sesame Workshop and we will be back next year.”
Maura Regan, SVP and GM global consumer products, Sesame Workshop
“The Licensing Show in Vegas provided us with a great opportunity to
catch up with all of our international agents to showcase our new
properties, Little Charley Bear and Rah Rah The Noisy Lion, as well as
old favourites, Roary and Fifi. We had a successful show and we are
already looking to book for next year.”
Melissa Brown, director of marketing, Chapman Entertainment
"We definitely felt that attendance was up on 2009 and there was a
great buzz especially on the first day. However, the last day, as
suspected, was significantly quieter and all but done by midday.
Although signage for stands had apparently been improved, it was still
proving difficult for clients to find booths."
Helen Howells, commercial director, Target Entertainment Group
“There seemed
to be a very positive vibe overall. The companies we spoke to were
really buoyed up and seemed very keen to take things forward – there was less of a downbeat approach and people were not just there because they were asked to go. Attendees were
much more pro-active and appeared to be decision-makers, so it was very
worthwhile for us. We've gathered a huge number of what appear to be
very valuable leads from companies operating in many different categories, not just US-based, but from Australia, Far East and Europe also. We
were unaware of many US retailers, but did see a couple of UK- based!
However, the number of potential licensees was really positive. We had some
really enthusiastic interest from some NY and east coast companies,
which was very gratifying, compared to last year, when they were all
California-based. Thursday was incredibly quiet. We had only a handful
of new leads that day, so I was very glad we had scheduled a couple of
meetings that took up a large part of the day, which would otherwise
have been very dull. Footfall and traffic flow was
good (where we were!) and the row labelling was much improved, but still
we had quite a lot of people asking us for directions for specific
booth numbers. The balance of visitors over the three days still needs to be evened out. Day one was very, very
busy and day three very, very quiet. The air con is also set way too high,
everyone was complaining it was too cold and in some cases even
draughty.”
Lauren Sizeland, director licensing and business development, V&A Enterprises
"The
footfall seemed high, although a lot of people did their networking
away from the show or in the lobby, or even in the pool... Also a lot
more of the studios and licensors are holding longer presentations for
up to 300 guests during show hours, so you have to arrange meetings
around licensee availability. As ever, it is good to have the licensing
industry in the same place. It's a great opportunity to hear what else
is going on and get a feel for where your brands stand against the
competition. There was slightly better signage this year, but still
room for improvement."
Jane Kennedy, senior UK licensing manager, RDF Rights
"I thought the show in some ways crystallized where the industry is at the moment with a certain degree of consolidation. My impression is the ‘big’ companies did well at the show as they offer licensees and retailers relatively safe bets in a tougher market, but in my view the industry needs a full range of rights to succeed so it is important that other properties are considered and evaluated to ensure a healthy cross section of choice in the future. On the first morning I was concerned that the show was too dominated by the large scale players, but as the show developed I became more reassured that visitors were walking the show. Good measurement was the experience of one of our clients Bang on the Door whose stand was quite busy with a mix of existing and new visitors. It was also interesting to see the rise in licensing opportunities from areas such as gaming , food brands, heritage and sports. As the media landscape changes I think non-media brands will become more important to the overall mix. I thought it was a shame some people packed up on the third afternoon – I think it is important that in London we try to last the distance but maybe there is an argument to look at the opening hours in Las Vegas. Overall I thought the show was positive for me and we had some great meetings with international contacts that wouldn’t have happened without the forum of the show and I thought the quality of the stands was fabulous – a really good presentation for the industry as a whole."
Ian Downes, director, Start Licensing Limited
"I
felt the show really improved upon last years inaugural event. The
traffic was up and the quality of attendees was much better as well. We
had appointments that covered every major world market and we generated
some terrific new business. My only issue was the confusing floor plan
as the aisle numbers were very difficult to follow as the show floor
plan had some aisle numbers just ending due to the dog leg layout of
the show. Most of our appointments figured it out but it certainly
affected everyone trying to stay on schedule. Next year show management
needs to figure the aisle numbers out so that everyone can navigate the
show a little easier.”
Mark Freedman, president, Surge Licensing, Inc
“Traffic
was strong and steady throughout the Show. Mood was upbeat with both
sides ready to make deals in anticipation of improved retail
environment in 2011. Venue is elegant and comfortable.”
Janice Melhorn, VP licensing, Lassen International, Inc.
"I
think that it was a good show. There appeared to be more people in a
far more positive frame of mind than last year. The buzz was vastly
better than last year and almost on par with New York. In terms of
improvements for 2011 it would be great if the layout was easier to
navigate."
Alex Bloom, commercial director, Spearmark
“While overall exhibitor attendance at Licensing Expo was reportedly
down this year, we observed that the diversity of brands represented on
the floor significantly increased. As a team recognised for our success
in establishing non-traditional and lifestyle-focused licensing
programmes, we secured a number of new representation agreements at the
show with brands in the publishing, fashion, corporate, fine art and
even cause-related industries. Without a doubt, entertainment continues
to dominate the licensing industry as a key driver for merchandise, but
even media properties and celebrities are now looking to lifestyle
licensing as a vehicle for creating long-term, relevant programmes.
Gator Group’s second year in Vegas was extremely successful, announcing
several new brands and winning two prestigious LIMA Licensing
Excellence Awards for its work in building Paul Frank from a small art
brand into a true multi-faceted global lifestyle brand (Best Art Brand
License of the Year, Best Art Brand Licensee Kids Headquarters).”
Jennifer Sullivan, VP global account management, Gator Group (G8R, LLC)
“The
show this year was a major success for Bradford Licensing. With the
exception of a few, about 95 per cent of appointments we scheduled were
attended by decision makers including high level executive decision
makers from major corporations. The walk-in rate that represented
potentially very lucrative deals was also high. One notable difference
from last year’s show was that the tone of potential licensees seeking
partnerships with us seemed to be serious and promising; could be a nod
to an improving economy.”
Neil Platt, brand associate, Bradford Licensing
“I saw the show as an opportunity to reach a wide national and international audience and I
was not let down. I made a tremendous number of contacts with potential
for new business; discovered how the “big boys” In entertainment and
brand representation operate (they like to exclude the little guy!);
heard lots of war stories with happy endings that made me even more
determined to succeed; connected with seasoned professionals who can
help my brand grow; and in general had a lot of fun at the fair and out
on the town. I was amazed at the breadth of the international contacts.
I am not sure there is any other way to reach so many different markets
in three days. While I have always been aggressive in finding ways to
expand my brand, I feel I have jumped to a new level. I was also
impressed with the layout, set up, and cleanliness of the show. If
follow up business is good, I will be back next year.”
Judy Caplan, nutritionist/owner, Nutrition Ammunition
“While it’s still a profitable show for us, we wish it was still in NY. From trends and fashion to better business contacts, NY has much more to offer. Vegas feels stale – no real buzz. Last year the topic was all about the move, this year the topic was? It doesn’t help that show management keeps moving the art and design section around and hiding us in the corners (see 2011 show floor). I have a feeling that show management is indifferent in regards to our participation.
Mark Fisher, production manager, MHS Licensing
“In my opinion the show has been better since it moved to Las Vegas. The traffic both years seemed about the same to me. We had a steady flow of current licensees, leads we had been talking with prior to the show, and walk up leads. I’m confident several deals will be closed as a direct result of the show. Having the ability to stay at the same location as the show is a major plus. About the only negative comment I heard, and I heard it from several people, is that the floor layout is a little difficult to figure out and navigate. I agree with that statement.”
Cliff Hackney, VP sales, Paws Inc. (Garfield)
“The show was good, but not great. Most like ourselves in the art and design section felt
that Surtex in New York was a much better show for us designers,
although I know two exhibitors (Royce Art and Ellen Crimi-Trent)
thought Licensing Expo was better. The show was slightly better for us then last year and that is positive. Many
exhibitors in the art and design section feel like we're getting thrown
all over the floor plan, with another move scheduled for next year. If
you take the last year in NYC, that will be four years in a row our
section on the floor is opposite from where it was the year before. Why?
This is a real sore point with all art and design exhibitors and leads to a feeling of being second class citizens.
We must find an area in the
convention center and keep it there.... plain and simple.”
Robert Giordano, VP, Giordano Studios LLC
“The online art gallery drove a tremendous amount of traffic to my website. I went from maybe 500 hits a month to over 7,000. So that was impressive. This my first show and I was also impressed with the calliber of attendees. The people that stopped by my booth were CEO's and top level management. I love that because I find them to be intelligent, open-minded to new things and they know what they like. I had a great turnout and have several new projects and licensing deals in the works. Thank you!”
Stacy Peterson, principal, Stacy Peterson
“The art and design section was very slow, with hardly any traffic. However I did get a few interested licensees, but mostly spoke with other visual artists who had attended to see if they should rent a booth for next year.”
Synthia Saint James, artist
“It was an exceptional show for the Zolan brand. What I love about the Las Vegas venue is that it brings in a cross section of American companies from all over the United States and I feel that a global presence is stronger as well. The diversity of all the world's brands located in one hall makes for an exhilarating show with great opportunities for all.”
Jennifer Zolan, president, The Zolan Company
“This was our seventh appearance as an exhibitor and overall we had a solid show. This Expo was certainly about quality over quantity. While foot traffic was light, this show attracted the decision makers. There was much interest in licensing Alan's artwork, and we were able to engage in many productive conversations that laid the groundwork for lots of post-Expo follow-up! Would love to see an exhibitor arrangement for art gallery and smaller vendors that improves inclusion rather than exclusion at Expo next year.”
Peg Zokowski, partner/communications manager, Alan James Robinson
.
Social Links