The Licensing Awards 2020 are now open for entry. All of the award categories – including those for licensed products, licensed properties, retailers, marketing, honorary achievement, as well as new awards for sustainability, international retailers and licensed live events – can now be entered via the website.
These 2020 awards cover licensed product launches, licensing activity and licensed retailing execution in the 12 months up to the end of May 2020.
In a change from previous years, the licensed product categories will be online only, rather than physical products having to be submitted.
Ian Hyder, joint managing director of Max Publishing (which owns and organises the Awards), explained: “Having consulted with the industry, in light of the uncertainty and disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted a failsafe method for people to be able to enter their licensed products.
“With the majority of offices and warehouses currently closed, and with many people working from home, submitting imagery and accompanying information online seems an ideal solution.”
The judging of the licensed product categories will also be undertaken online by anextensive judging panel made up entirely of retailers from across the spectrum.
The deadline for entering the licensed product categories is 7 August, 2020. As ever, entry is free and the entry process is quick and easy.
This year’s Licensing Awards programme welcomes the introduction of three new award categories – The Sustainability Product Award, the Best Licensed Live Event Award, as well as Best International Retailer of Licensed Products.
“It has always been our core belief that to maintain their respected status, the Licensing Awards categories would need to evolve in order to reflect the developments within the industry,” said Jakki Brown, joint md of Max Publishing. “The addition of a dedicated Licensed Sustainability Product Award is a perfect example of this.”
She continued: “The changing UK retail landscape has seen the proliferation of international retailing brands who are engaging in licensing and needing to be recognised, hence the new Best Overseas Retailer of Licensed Products category.”
Also new for this year is the Best Licensed Live Event award, which will be open to all paid for theatrical shows and events, fairground rides or events within paid for experiences – great examples of how brand owners are engaging with consumers.
Points out Ian: “While the current situation precludes these events taking place right now, as the period for entry goes back to the start of last June, all the great activity over last summer, right up to middle of March, can be entered.”
Anyone seeking further clarification on entering the awards should contact Ian Hyder on ianh@max-publishing.co.uk or on 07525 634306.
The Licensing Awards 2020 have the strong backing of major names in the industry as official sponsors. The headline sponsor of the awards is Brand Licensing Europe, while Licensing International is an official supporter.
The finalists of The Licensing Awards will be announced in July, while the winners will be unveiled at an evening extravaganza event to be held on Wednesday 16 December 2020 in The Great Room at The Grosvenor House Hotel to be attended by 1,400 licensors, retailers and licensees.
Tickets and tables can be reserved quickly and securely online by visiting Max-Tickets.net or by contacting Clare Hollick of Create Events: clare@createvents.co.uk or phone +44 (0)1183 340085.
