LICENSING CONFERENCE ROOM - HALL 29 – MALL 2
9.30am – 10.00am
ANIME AND ANNIVERSARIES. YU-GI-OH! CASE HISTORY
The 25th Anniversary of Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Cards is the first of a series of events at IKLD dedicated to the anniversaries of major international brands. On this occasion, we will also discuss in detail how to optimise anniversaries to promote and strengthen IP awareness and licensing programmes, as explained by one of the major international key players. Speaker: Jennifer Coleman, Vice President, Marketing & Licensing, Konami Cross Media, USA
Speaker: Jennifer Coleman, Vice President, Marketing & Licensing, Konami Cross Media, USA
10.00am – 10.30am
KEYNOTE INTERVIEW. 35 YEARS OF ELMER
What better place than Bologna to celebrate one of the most enduring IPs in the history of children’s literature, and one of the most successful in the world of licensing. From fashion to toys, Elmer’s colourful world has extended awareness of the character far beyond the book. Andersen Press tell us about this long, rich journey.
Speaker: Paul Black, PR and Brand Director, Andersen Press, UKn
10.40am – 11.20am
THE TREND OF NOSTALGIA, FROM BROADCASTING TO LICENSING. THE CASE HISTORY OF GRISU
This panel will take place in the Italian language only
The nostalgia trend is one of the most important to keep abreast of today. Some IPs have over time built up a multi-generational fan base, and are now returning to television to conquer new audiences of children and teenagers, appealing to parents in addition to a family audience that remembers previous versions. The challenge is to reposition content and brands to generate new appeal without losing their original identity. For this panel discussion, we talk with the broadcaster and producer about developing a classic IP, Grisu, together with a licensing plan to give this great classic a new position.
Speakers: Silvia D’Archivio, Licensing Brand Manager, Mondo TV Spa, Italy; Annita Romanelli, Head of Animation and Kids Drama Production, Rai Kids, Italy
11.30am – 12.15pm
NAVIGATING THE WORLD OF KIDS’ LICENSING: CHALLENGES, SUCCESS STORIES, AND CROSS-MEDIA STRATEGIES
Join us for an engaging panel discussion on the dynamic landscape of kids’ licensing. Speakers will delve into the intricacies of brand expansion, successful cross-media ventures, and the art of translating beloved IP into captivating licensing experiences. We will investigate how these experts have tackled challenges, leveraged successful brand extensions, and created compelling content for kids and families. Whether you’re an IP owner, content creator, or industry enthusiast, this panel promises valuable insights and lively discussions!
Speakers: Morghan Fortier, Co-founder and CEO, Skyship Entertainment, Canada; Brett Jubinville, Co-founder and COO, Skyship Entertainment, Canada; Emmet O’Neill, CEO, StoryToys, Ireland
Moderated by Neal Hoskins, Publishing Consultant, Poland
12.25pm – 1.10pm
UTILIZING STORYTELLING ACROSS PRODUCT, MEDIA, PUBLISHING AND CONTENT TO CATALYZE SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
Organized in partnership with Products of Change
Utilizing storytelling across product development, media, and publishing to catalyze social and environmental change is a powerful strategy. By weaving narratives that highlight sustainability and social responsibility into our products, media content, and published works, we have a chance to inspire action and foster a collective commitment to positive change. Join us as we explore how storytelling can be harnessed across a variety of different platforms to drive meaningful impact on both societal and environmental fronts.
Speakers: Marianne James, VP EMEA & Asia Licensed Consumer Products, Hasbro, UK; Alan Vele, Producer and CEO, AL-ONE, Italy; Daniele Tombini, V.P. Business Development Southern Europe, Smiley World Ltd., UK
Moderated by: Helena Mansell-Stopher, CEO, Products of Change, UK
2.00pm – 2.30pm
MILAN CORTINA 2026: THE ITALIAN SPIRIT OF THE GAMES, IN LICENSING
A journey based on emotions, challenges, excellence and the vibrant Italian spirit that will lead us to a unique experience, offering an equally unique opportunity to be a lead character on the world stage. The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will showcase local excellence, combining and supporting deep, sports-based values by creating licensed products.
Speaker: Moris F. Calasso, Head of Licensing, Olympic Winter Games, Milano Cortina 2026, Italy; Stefano Gili, Head of Retail & E-Commerce, Milano Cortina 2026, Italy
2.40pm – 3.10pm
A PREVIEW OF MOOMIN’S 80TH ANNIVERSARY
The most famous family of characters in children’s literature and the world of licensing returns to Bologna to talk about their development and promotion plans for an extraordinary milestone: their 80th anniversary, which will be celebrated next year. This panel preview raises the curtain on what’s being scheduled to celebrate Moomin around the world in 2025.
Speaker: Roleff Kråkström, CEO, Moomin Characters, Finland
3.20pm – 3.50pm
FROM SMILEY TO MINI SMILEY. KIDS’ BRAND EVOLUTION
How can a lifestyle brand evolve into a character property through the development of an animated series and a brand-new, kids-focused licensing programme? A quality production by PGS Entertainment, a new 3D animated series and a new adventure for Smiley will all be unveiled in Bologna for the first time. It’s time to discover all the details of this new Smiley franchise.
Speaker: Daniele Tombini, V.P. Business Development Southern Europe, Smiley World Ltd., UK
4.00pm – 4.30pm
HELLO KITTY: 50 YEARS OF AN ICON
This interview celebrates the 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty, an icon of licensing, going back over her international milestones and future challenges, from lifestyle to a successful, animated TV series.
Speaker: Silvia Figini, Chief Operating Officer Sanrio, EMEA, India and Oceania Mr Men Worldwide, Sanrio GmbH, Italy
4.30pm – 5.00pm
HELLO KITTY’S CAKE PARTY
Organized in partnership with Sanrio
A break to celebrate Hello Kitty. Open to all attendees
5.10pm – 5.40pm
ADAPTING TALES TO TECH: CHARTING THE IMPACT OF CONSUMER TRENDS ON CHILDREN AND FAMILY-CENTRIC READING EXPERIENCES
Explore the transformative landscape of Children’s Publishing, where consumer evolution reshapes the storytelling experience for children and families. This panel discussion shares the intricate threads of how, fuelled by technology and changing family dynamics, emerging consumer trends impact the world of children’s literature. Gain insights into adapting narratives, embracing digital platforms, and creating immersive reading experiences that resonate with modern families’ evolving expectations. Discover the keys to achieving success in an era where every page turns into a new chapter in the intersection of storytelling, technology, and familial connections.
Speaker: Philippe Guinaudeau, Chief Executive Officer, The BrandTrends Group, France
Except where otherwise indicated, all sessions will be moderated by Cristina Angelucci, Editor-in-Chief at Licensing Magazine.