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Join the Licensing Expo Retail Mentoring Program

Free training for retailers of licensed consumer products

We are piloting a US retail program inspired by the popular UK initiative, now in its 15th year.  

In the lead up to Licensing Expo 2025 we will help selected retailers understand the massive potential of brand licensing. This free, bespoke program allows retailers to get information and insight relevant to their own unique business requirements. We welcome applications from buyers and category leads from established retail businesses – please note that you must be committed to attending Licensing Expo and ready to start or diversify your licensing strategy to be considered for this program. 

Space on this pilot year is extremely limited. Please email the team to express an interest. There will be a 2026 waitlist in place for those unsuccessful this year. 

APPLY FOR 2025 APPLY FOR 2025

Program Benefits

  • Full free access to Licensing Unlocked, the Global Licensing Group’s new online platform. Find out more here
  • Personalised advice from our retail team. 
  • Trend insight from License Global and Licensing International. 
  • Introductions to the people behind world leading brands. 
  • Support setting up meetings at Licensing Expo. 
  • Access to the Retail Lounge with refreshments. 
  • Priority access to the Licensing Expo official party. 
  • Priority VIP access to future Global Licensing Group initiatives as program alumni. 

 

Who should apply?

New to Licensing & Junior Retailers

Learn the fundamentals of licensing, from key terminology to understanding how a licensing agreement works.

Category Managers & Heads of Buying

Take advantage of this programme to upskill yourself or develop your team members licensing knowledge. This is the perfect opportunity to make contact with big brands in a smaller forum.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

“After 10 years working within licensing there is always something new to learn. Business is a two-way street, and all agreements require both sides to understand what is at stake to come to a happy agreement. Finding creative freedom in a world of rules, needs a course like the Retail Mentoring Programme to allow creative minds and business sense to come together in a fun and relaxed environment."

Brand Director, TruffleShuffle

“I was approached by my line manager informing me of the BLE Mentoring Programme, asking if this is something I was interested in joining - Of course my answer was YES! Although I have wealth of experience as a Junior Buyer, my experience within the Brands portfolio was very limited. I felt joining the programme would give me the facts to be confident within my role, the skills to succeed and the knowledge to be respected within the industry. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting other delegates from large retailers and learning their practices. Licensing certainly is a minefield to beginners however what better way to start than with BLE?!”

Junior Buyer, DFS Commercial

"The Programme provided me with a well-rounded introduction to licensing from different angles. I have found it extremely beneficial to my buying role as it gave me a good understanding of both sides of licensing for retail, giving me the confidence and knowledge to have influential and meaningful conversations with my own suppliers."

Partner & Buying Assistant, John Lewis

 

Want to find out more?

Get in touch with our Head of Retail, Laura Freedman-Dagg for any questions you have relating to the event or Retail Mentoring Programme.

Licensing Expo
 For more than 40 years, Licensing Expo has connected the world's most influential entertainment, character, art, and corporate brand owners and agents with consumer goods manufacturers, licensees and retailers.

 

Global Licensing Group
Through our world-class tradeshows, best-in-class media brand and educational programs, we are the global market-leader in advancing the business of licensing, brand extension and collaborations. Wherever you are in your licensing journey, it starts here. 
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