In high demand: BRANDmate includes strong brands and a new backdrop

• Perfect mix of well-known names and new exhibitors
• RetailDay brings interests of the trade into sharper focus

Anticipation of BRANDmate is growing. On 25 and 26 June, people from a huge range of sectors with a common interest in licensing and collaboration will be getting together to network and develop innovative ideas for the future. Many highly respected businesses have already confirmed their attendance at the event. The World Heritage Site of the Zollverein Coal Mine in Essen offers participants a new, fashionable location featuring creative showcases. Also celebrating its premiere will be RetailDay, fully integrated into the event and promising inspiring discussions and valuable business opportunities. 

IP owners, producers, retailers – for everyone, BRANDmate is the ideal event at which to present brands and products to a fully engaged audience and gain in-depth insights into the latest trends in the field. Demand is strong. With new topics and innovative ideas, g.l.a.m., Hasbro, Kiddinx, Mattel, NBCUniversal, RTL Consumer Products, Seven.One Licensing, Studio 100 International, Tessloff, Vontz, the WDR mediagroup, Wildbrain CPLG and many other companies will be taking part. A large number of new exhibitors have also registered. They include, for example, G. Güldenpfennig, the private label clothing company that has grown into a strong partner for major retail customers in recent decades, offering various products licensed from companies such as Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, PAW Patrol and Looks by Wolfgang Joop. 

RetailDay with a practical focus

New this year is ‘RetailDay powered by Licensing International and BRANDmate’. A show within a show organised in close cooperation with the licensing association, it takes place on Thursday 26 June – a day devoted exclusively to the topic and tailored specifically to the requirements of retailers in all sectors. Its wide-ranging programme promises high quality presentations from exciting speakers and inspiration from moderated round-table discussions, offering all kinds of insights into the latest trends in licensing, examples of best practice and creative business models. 

Perfect collaborations

“The way BRANDmate is developing is terrific,” affirms founder Eva Stemmer. “Our BRANDbabies illustrate just how fruitful and innovative partnerships within our community can be.” She is referring to pairs of brands that have found one another at the event and have enjoyed particular success together. Examples include the Pac-Man Oreo biscuits jointly marketed by food company Mondelez and games manufacturer Bandai Namco Europe, and the launch of the Ardell Lashes product range from audience-ratings star ‘Germany’s Next Topmodel’ (Seven.One Licensing). Ambitious businesses can still grab one of the last few spaces available at the forthcoming event, where they can start creating their own BRANDbabies.

BRANDmate Managing Director Christian Ulrich is looking forward to welcoming the entire sector to Essen. “The commitment our participants have shown thus far, combined with a colourful programme that is both practical and forward-looking, gives us the prospect and promise of two days full of inspiration and intensive networking.”