10.30am – 11.00am
Gaming has gone far beyond being just one category among many within a brand's roll-out strategy, becoming a central asset for the strategic development of content and fandom for any property aiming to reach kids, teens, and young adults’ audiences. In this panel, we will discuss the opportunities offered by the development of IPs into gaming; the language and the adaptation process; what kind of new storytelling develop; how accessible it can be, and above all, the opportunities gaming offers to the licensing industry.
Speakers: Michelle Perez Barruos, General Manager, Feenix Group, Madrid
11.10am – 11.50am
In partnership with Spielfabrique
As the lines between digital media continue to blur, the video game industry presents exciting new opportunities for book publishers to explore. This panel will bring together video game developers and book publishers to discuss how digital strategies can unlock new markets and foster collaborations. From book to games, this discussion will explore the potential for book IPs to thrive in the gaming ecosystem. Panellists will share insights on audience engagement, digital platforms, and how publishers can adapt to an ever-evolving digital landscape, creating fresh opportunities for both industries.
Moderated by: Thierry Baujard, Co-founder, Spielfabrique, Germany
Speakers: Per Rosendal, Digital Media Producer, Savannah, Denmark; Jean Gobert de Coster, CEO and Founder, Belgium
12.00pm – 12.40pm
In partnership with Products of Change
Companies that embed sustainability into their operations consistently outperform competitors in revenue growth and brand equity. As the leading voice in sustainability within the brand and licensing industry, Products of Change is bringing this conversation to the forefront. In an exclusive discussion with Studio 100, Smiley and Tulipop, we explore how sustainability is shaping the future of brands, driving innovation, and creating long-term business success. Join us as we unpack the strategies that are making sustainability a commercial advantage while delivering positive environmental impact.
Moderated by: Helena Mansell-Stopher, CEO, Products of Change, UK
Speakers: Joachim Knödler, Head of Licensing, Studio 100 International, Germany; Helga Árnadóttir, Co-founder and CEO, Tulipop, Iceland, Valerio Costabile, Vice President Brand Collaborations, Smiley Company, UK
12.50pm – 1.20pm
In partnership with TOYS
In today's entertainment landscape, the interaction among books, toys, and licensing has never been more dynamic. As streaming platforms propel characters to global stardom and nostalgia-driven brands make powerful comebacks, the opportunities—and challenges—for publishers, toy companies, and licensors are rapidly evolving. This panel brings together industry experts to explore the creative and commercial forces shaping the future of licensed products. How do book franchises successfully extend into the playroom? What role does sustainability play in the next generation of licensed goods? And how can licensors balance brand integrity with market demands? Don't miss this chance to gain insights, network with industry leaders, and discover what's next at the intersection of storytelling and play.
Moderated by: Astrid Specht, Editor in Chief, TOYS & 1st Steps magazine, Germany.
Speakers: Gaby Dior, Head of EMEA Licensing, BBC Studios, UK; Kirstin Kreppel, Head of Entertainment & Licensing, KOSMOS, Germany.
2.00pm – 2.30pm
In partnership with Young Horizons Industry
The PUCIO brand and its complementary merchandising products have conquered Polish speaking children’s homes. The books are available in 8 different countries and the soon to be realised animated series is ready to be discovered by the European market.
Meant for preschool kids, in the book and animated series Pucio will explore his environment with his parents, sister Misia, brother Bobo, grandma, grandpa and aunt Iga. The stories reflect on adventures every child encounters. Thus Pucio will become familiar with farm sounds, learn to segregate trash, set off on his first journey, conduct kitchen experiments and even find out how storms develop. Children will learn how to express themselves and to speak about their encounters. Every episodic topic will allow children to participate in Pucio’s adventures alongside his family in a unique interactive way. Following the original mission of the books, Pucio will encourage viewers to join him in speech therapy exercises, learning new words and repeating them together.
The child's identification with these everyday situations and the beautiful warm colored illustrations are not the only parts of the success. IP owner, Marta Galewska-Kustra and Paulina Talarska, of EGoFILM, which produces the series the producer of the series will talk about their individual approach from book to screen and towards a huge visible merchandising strategy in Poland. An opportunity the PUCIO brand might offer also at the European level.
Moderated by: Viola Gabrielli, Media Consultant & Head of Programme, Young Horizons Industry, Poland
Speakers: Marta Galewska-Kustra, IP Owner, speech therapist, creativity educator and writer, Poland; Paulina Talarska, producer, EGoFILM, Poland
2.40pm – 3.20pm
In partnership with Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA)
Why Taiwan? With its vibrant and diverse culture, Taiwan fosters an environment that encourages and empowers content creators develop market-driven content; moreover, its long-standing technological strength and creative talents have provided exceptional business prospects in audiovisual, digital content, publishing, licensing, and more. This allows for flexible cross-disciplinary collaborations with international partners.
Speakers: Theodore Huang, Senior Manager, Publishing and Licensing Team, Taiwan Creative Content Agency, Taiwan; Alice Lee, Project Manager at Sunthingood Co., Ltd., Taiwan; Jeannie Yong, Business Development Dept. Manager at Jimmy S.P.A. Plus Co., Ltd., Taiwan; Yu Shih, Project Manager at Dreamland Image Co., Ltd, Taiwan
3.30pm – 4.00pm
FANDOM. HOW TO ENGAGE YOUR TARGET
What are the tools to understand today's consumer? Why is Fandom the new key trend, and what exactly does it mean? How is it the definitive approach to creating a loyal relationship with your brand's target audience?
In this panel, we discuss the role and importance of Fandom in the brand-building process and we will discover why it is more than ever a definitive trend for the content and licensing industry.
Speaker: Olivia Deane, Research Manager, Ampere Analysis, UK
4.30pm – 5.30pm
Don't miss the award ceremony for the best child- and youth-oriented licensing projects and products developed during 2024, the well-known Bologna Licensing Awards.
The award ceremony will be followed by a cocktail reception open to all participants.
Except where otherwise indicated, the sessions will be moderated by Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief at Licensing Magazine.
Tulipop Studios has developed a 360-degree brand strategy spanning TV, licensing, and merchandising. The preschool series Tulipop Tales (52 x 7’) has become a hit in multiple international markets, and the upcoming Tulipop Seasons (3 x 30’) is set to launch in 2026. With a strong background in business, media, and brand development, Helga is passionate about storytelling and creativity, working alongside industry leaders to bring Icelandic culture and values to children worldwide through engaging and imaginative content.
Thierry is the co founder of pan European video game catalyst Spielfabrique based in Germany. They develop European professionalization programmes for indie video games studios and help them to get to the next level. Thierry has been an expert in financing the creative industries for the last 25 years and has been involved in many cross sector projects involving public and private funding. He holds an MBA from Bocconi university.
In his free time, Valerio supports small organizations that empower communities and give back. On today’s panel, he will discuss Smiley’s commitment to an industry transformation process and the pursuit of a sustainable business model
Jean-Gobert has a knack for new adventures. He worked professionally as a software engineer, an actor, a teacher and now founder of his gaming studio: Funtomata. The common denominator has always been creativity and storytelling. He now looks towards the book industry to create new bridges between the digital and physical media to continue this storytelling adventure.
Began her career in Licensing with leading European agency CPLG (Wildbrain CPLG) representing and developing leading entertainment brands and franchises within the DreamWorks portfolio (Shrek, Madagascar & Kung Fu Panda) Sony Pictures ( Spiderman, Ghostbusters) Twentieth Century Fox ( The Simpsons, Ice Age) and LINE FRIENDS. Also developed licencing programmes across Europe for leading video games companies Ubisoft (Les Lapins Crétins) and Sega ( Sonic) whilst at CPLG. On the licensor side worked internationally for Zodiak Rights ( now Banijay) on brands including Waybuloo, Yo Gabba Gabba, Mr Maker and Mr Bean directly and through agents. Working at BBC Studios for coming up to 4 years heading up EMEA licensing across the portfolio and managing the Bluey licensing programme across EMEA within the UK EMEA team and appointed licensing agents across hardlines and softlines
Viola Gabrielli is an experienced international media consultant specializing in content and talent scouting worldwide with a special focus on animation and young audience content. She provides world sales and creative producers with a bespoke service to find the right business partners. Currently she also works as Head of Program at Young Horizons Industry, an annual international co-production and pitching event for kids and youth media content and as the animation feature program delegate for the Shanghai International Film&TV Festival
Ph.D., creativity researcher and educator, speech therapist. Author of best selling series for children in Poland.
He used to worked for the National Palace Museum, Taiwan. He had many merchandising, marketing experience, and took part in the international collaborations with well-known brands, such as McDonald's, LINE, Sanrio, and Snoopy.
Joachim is a strategic marketing, entertainment and licensing oriented leader with demonstrated track record for managing international brands and entertainment properties across all big Hollywood studios with over 30 years’ experience in that corner.
He worked on B2B and B2C brand strategies for iconic brands and Hollywood studios including CBS, Paramount, 20th Century Fox, Sony, MGM, Dreamworks, Universal, Sesame Workshop, Nickelodeon, Sega, Peanuts, Emoji, Line Friends, Ironmen, Popeye, Hello Kitty, Apex Global Brands.
With stations for companies such as Hasbro, WildbrainCPLG in international roles and now since 5 years with S100 International overseeing the global licensing activities Joachim turned successful brands in profitable licensing business across multiple categories.
Joachim has a Diploma in business and administration, is a proud father of 3 girls and meanwhile grandfather of a cute 9 months old granddaughter.
Next to his profession in business Joachim loves traveling, reading, theatre and sports especially skiing, hiking, wind surfing and he is a professional Krav Maga Defcon instructor and teaches self-defence in his free time
Prior to joining Kosmos, I spent five years at a major German magazine publisher (Burda), where I implemented partnerships in the licensing department related to titles such as Fit for Fun, many women's magazines, and Playboy. I began my career in the licensing industry with Copyright Promotions Licensing Group - CPLG, where I collaborated with my panel colleague Gaby Dior from 2010 to 2014 in brand management of licensed brands such as Power Rangers, Sesame Street, The Simpsons, and many more.
Alice has extensive experience in brand marketing, with a deep understanding of consumer behavior and market dynamics, enabling her to effectively identify and anticipate emerging trends. She currently oversees Takokuma’s international licensing operations and serves as the producer of the animated series "Takokuma’s Adventure Story", leading the brand’s expansion into global markets.
Helena Mansell-Stopher is CEO and founder at Products of Change, a global organization driving positive change across the brand and licensing industry by influencing the reduction of the industry’s environmental impact. It guides a growing community of brand owners, manufacturers, retailers and supporting businesses towards building more sustainable and regenerative business practices, through education and knowledge sharing.
Products of Change is a membership organisation, a media and events platform and an advisor’s service that provides a safe place for industry to learn, connect and transition to a more sustainable future. Helena curates the sustainability in licensing conference (SILC) the first of its kind in the brand and licensing industry, formed to advance the industries knowledge on future innovations within the sustainability space.
With over 20 years of experience in gaming and licensing, Michelle Perez Barruos specializes in connecting iconic brands with emerging trends in gaming, metaverse experiences, and UGC platforms. As General Manager of Feenix Studio, she leads strategic partnerships and innovative brand extensions that drive growth and engagement.
Michelle has collaborated with renowned brands like Sega, Disney, and Marvel, contributing to projects such as the Paddington Bear Roblox experience. Her portfolio includes titles like Minion Rush, Disney Magic Kingdom, and Fall Guys x Hello Kitty. Recognized as a Top Woman in Games and Women in Games Ambassador, Michelle also mentors young talent and contributes to education programs at ISDE and Barça Innovation Hub.
Works daily on bringing new digital life to literary IPs such as Alfie Atkins, Rasmus Klump, The Blue Eyed Kitty, Ernest & Celestine, The Story of the Little Mole Who Went in Search of Whodunit and many more
Yu Shih is a project manager at Dreamland Image, a company dedicated to collecting and developing materials from contemporary culture, transforming them into original productions, and bridging industries through the value of intellectual property (IP). This connection spans film, documentary, animation, theater, curation, and publishing. For the My Little Boys A-Nee-Gu IP project, Yu Shih works on animation production, sales, and marketing, as well as theater sales and marketing. Additionally, she manages the IP marketing, licensing and distribution works.
Astrid has over a decade of experience in publishing, media, and brand storytelling. As Editor-in-Chief of TOYS and 1st Steps, two of Germany’s best known trade publications for the toy and baby markets, she brings insights into industry trends, consumer behavior, and the evolving landscape of play. Passionate about the intersection of storytelling and licensing, she is dedicated to exploring how toys and books inspire young audiences and drive brand engagement.
Producer at EGoFILM, in charge of distribution and acquiring business partners. Recent studio’s success is the series “Kicia Kocia”, which attracted about 1 million viewers in cinemas in Poland
Jeannie YONG has over 15 years of experience in the licensing industry, specializing in content licensing, consumer product licensing, and brand licensing. She is currently the Manager of the Business Development Department at Jimmy S.P.A. Plus Co., Ltd., the management company representing renowned Taiwanese picture book author Jimmy Liao. She has led key projects such as the HTC Vive x Jimmy Liao’s All of My World Is You Virtual Reality Experience, Jimmy Liao’s solo exhibition The Essential and the Invisible at Museo ABC in Madrid, Spain, and the Thank You, Furry Bunny animation for a theme park, among many others.
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