There’s a new conference for the licensing industry, but like most event in the Year of Covid, the inaugural 2020 Sustainability in Licensing Conference (SILC) will be held virtually over two days in November.
Breaking new ground in the licensing industry, the Sustainability in Licensing Conference 2020, to be staged digitally over a two day period on 24 – 25 November 2020, is aimed at everyone in the licensing arena, from retailers to licensors, licensees to trade suppliers.
The conference is based on the idea that, to “future proof” one’s business, operators have to develop sustainable strategies that foster company longevity. This requires a business approach that creates long-term value, taking into consideration how a given organization operates in the ecological, social and economic environment.
Being launched by Max Publishing and Helena Mansell-Stopher, experienced licensing executive and founder of the Products of Change group, the Sustainability in Licensing Conference (SILC 2020) will inspire and inform as to how our dynamic sector can continue to innovate and grow commercially while not costing the planet.
“Sustainability is so much more than a buzzword, it is and will continue to be a vital driver of business decisions,” said Mansell-Stopher, conference director and curator.
“To drive sustainable growth within the licensing industry over the next few decades will require a radical approach to business practices be it through embracing new materials and production techniques, re-engineering packaging or adopting new marketing methods, all without sacrificing financial growth. Our aim with SILC 2020 is to help both future-proof our industry and our world.”
The jam-packed agenda will see leading lights and visionaries from outside and within the industry as well as retail experts, all sharing their inspiring achievements and demonstrating the gains, both environmentally and financially, that can be made.
“The licensing industry is huge and multifarious, generating US$272 billion at retail at the last count,” said Mansell-Stopher. “The brands and properties that feature on all manner of consumer goods across the whole retail spectrum bring so much pleasure to millions of people.
“I have every confidence that the learnings shared at the Sustainability in Licensing Conference will see some significant gains being made on the environmental front too. We’re all on this journey together, but ensuring we establish a more sustainable footing is no distant wish, it’s very much a necessity.”
The digital conference is split over two sessions, over two days, and will provide a framework and understanding to start the journey toward sustainable growth. Sustainability is not only about the materials we use, says mansell-Stopher, but the waste from the manufacturing process, the transportation of goods, the well being of staff and the coming together of an industry to drive systemic change.
The speaker line-up includes leaders from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Tesco, Asda, Marks and Spencer, Teemil Tech/Rapanui Clothing, Retail Economics, Central Saint Martins, Breakdown Plastics, Wastebusters, Kids Insights and the R&A (The Open) Sustainable Sporting Events covering a wide spectrum of topics.