Our Middle East Africa conference brings professionals together to learn, share and do business with the most influential people in the industry.
Elevate your professional journey by attending the Licensing Horizons 2025 Conference on February 25, 2025, at the prestigious Sofitel Downtown Dubai. This exclusive, invitation-only event is the premier gathering for industry leaders, innovators, and experts in the Middle East and Africa's brand licensing sector.
Don't miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of shaping the future of brand licensing in the Middle East. Secure your spot today and join us for a day of learning, networking, and celebration.
Why Attend Licensing Horizons 2025?
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Gain Strategic Insights: Engage with thought leaders as they delve into the latest trends, challenges, and advancements shaping the licensing industry in the MEA region. This year's theme, 'Bridging Retail, Consumer Trends, and Market Opportunities in MENA' promises to offer forward-thinking perspectives on the fusion of traditional and digital realms.
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Expand Your Network: Connect with a curated group of professionals, including experts, industry leaders, and peers. The conference provides an excellent platform to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build lasting relationships that can benefit your future endeavors.
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Celebrate Excellence: Be part of the Licensing Awards ceremony, where we recognize champions in various areas of the industry, celebrating innovation and success.
Programme Highlights: Your Roadmap to Success
Opening Remarks: Kick off the conference with an inspiring address by the President of Licensing International, who will set the stage for the day’s transformative discussions. Explore how retail and licensing serve as powerful strategic tools for innovation, differentiation, and growth, particularly in the MENA region.
Keynote Presentation: Trends and Insights for the Future
A prominent retail leader will deliver the keynote, sharing invaluable insights into emerging retail trends and their impact on licensing. Learn how businesses can align their strategies with evolving market demands and regional consumer preferences to stay competitive and relevant.
Panel 1:
New Gens, New Rules – Consumer Behavior Across Generations
This session brings together specialists from consumer behavior and market research, gaming, toys, and retail sectors to explore how these digital-native generations are reshaping industries. Discover strategies to engage with these influential cohorts, understand their preferences for authentic and personalized experiences, and learn how to adapt your brand to meet their evolving expectations. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights into capturing the loyalty of the consumers of tomorrow.
Panel 2:
Trends in Licensing – Insights into Licensing Segments and Their Growth
In this discussion, industry leaders from television networks, licensors, licensees, agents will dig into the transformative trends reshaping the licensing landscape. Explore how societal shifts, such as the growing demand for sustainability and ethical consumption but also the growing influence of fandom, are influencing licensing strategies. Additionally, examine the evolution of retail, highlighting the rise of lifestyle and experiential licensing that cater to consumers' desires for products that align with their values, interests, and evolving purchasing behaviors.
Panel 3:
Engaging audiences: The power of gaming and immersive experiences in brand activation
With the rapid evolution of entertainment and consumer engagement, brands are leveraging gaming and immersive experiences to connect with audiences in innovative ways.
This session brings together experts from virtual & gaming activations, on-site immersive experiences, manga-themed live events, and video content creation to explore the latest strategies in brand activation. The discussion will include real-world examples such as Nestlé’s Fortnite campaign, Dubai Police’s esports tournament, and Vegesaurs' immersive attraction.
Panel 4:
Practical Growth Strategies for Retail in Licensing
Join industry experts—from licensors to retailers—as they share actionable strategies to drive licensing success through retail. This panel will explore how brands can navigate the evolving retail landscape, from leveraging digital transformation to tailoring localized marketing strategies. Discover innovative approaches to maximize consumer engagement, optimize retail partnerships, and stand out in competitive markets. Whether you're looking to expand your brand's presence or enhance your retail impact, this session will provide practical insights to fuel growth.
Interactive Round Tables: Deep Dives into Industry Hot Topics
Licensing Horizons 2025 will feature expert-led round tables, offering attendees the opportunity to gain focused, actionable insights in an intimate setting. Key topics include:
Licensing 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Brand Licensing.
New to licensing? This expert-led session is designed for those looking to understand the fundamentals of brand licensing in a simple and engaging way. Industry veterans will break down key concepts, from how licensing works and why it’s a powerful business strategy to the roles of licensors, licensees, and agents. Learn the essential steps to launching a successful licensing program, common pitfalls to avoid, and real-world examples that illustrate the power of licensed brands in various industries. Whether you’re a startup, retailer, or just curious about how big brands expand through licensing, this session will equip you with the knowledge to get started.
Artificial Intelligence in Licensing: The Future of Content, Commerce, and Engagement.
AI is transforming the licensing industry—reshaping how brands create, distribute, and connect with audiences. This expert-led discussion will explore the game-changing role of artificial intelligence in content creation, predictive consumer insights, and personalized brand experiences. Discover how AI-powered tools are optimizing licensing strategies, from streamlining product development to enhancing retail performance and fan engagement. Whether you're a licensor, licensee, or industry innovator, this session will provide key insights into leveraging AI to stay ahead in an evolving market.
And more to come ...
Awards Ceremony: Celebrating Excellence
Licensing Horizons 2025 will conclude with an exclusive awards ceremony, honoring brands, businesses, and individuals who are driving innovation and excellence in the licensing sector. Categories will spotlight achievements in creativity, sustainability, and leadership, celebrating those who set new benchmarks for success in the MENA region.
Networking: Connect, Collaborate, and Grow
One of the core highlights of Licensing Horizons is the unparalleled networking opportunities it offers. Whether you’re looking to establish new partnerships, strengthen existing relationships, or explore business opportunities, this event brings together key decision-makers, thought leaders, and industry professionals from around the globe. The collaborative environment will empower attendees to expand their reach and unlock new avenues for growth.
Meet The Panelists
Roshni Sheth
Middle East Retail Lead - NIQ-GFK
Julia Nikolaeva
General Manager - Animotion Media Group
Nahel Selo
Creative Director - Sedar Global
Saeed Sharaf
CEO - Esports Middle East
Fayez Sabbagh
Founder & CEO - Spacetoon
Philippe Guinaudeau
CEO - BrandTrends
Albert Zbily
Founding President - FIFCO
Philip Apaza
Chief Strategy Officer - Feral
Daniel Avener
Founder & CEO - Magic Hat Brand Management
Amer Bitar
Founder & CEO - BBM Licensing
Jason Sutton
Vice President - Telefunken
Edward Kondrat
Co Founder - Pixel Perfect
Joachim Knödler
Head of Licensing - Studio 100
Laurent Taieb
President - Licensing International France
Jeffrey Li
Group President - INCUBASE Studio
Barth Montarello
CCO - Smiley Group
Kishan Deepak Palija
CEO - Geekay Group
Nicolas Loufrani
CEO - Smiley Company
Jitendra Adani
COO - Hollywood Magic Business
Event is Moderated By
Once Again, Why Attend?
🔥 Stay Ahead of Industry Trends – Gain exclusive insights into the latest licensing strategies, consumer shifts, and emerging markets.
🤝 Network with Industry Leaders – Connect with top executives, brand owners, retailers, and innovators shaping the future of licensing.
🚀 Discover Growth Strategies – Learn actionable tactics to expand your brand, maximize retail impact, and drive consumer engagement.
🎤 Expert-Led Discussions – Dive into panels and roundtables covering AI, experiential licensing, sustainability, fandom culture, and more.
🏆 Celebrate Industry Excellence – Attend the prestigious Licensing Awards recognizing innovation and success in the field.
🌍 Unlock Global Opportunities – Explore licensing trends from the Middle East, Africa, and beyond, and discover untapped market potential.
✨ Experience Dubai in Style – Join us at the Sofitel Downtown Dubai, a world-class venue offering the perfect setting for learning and networking.
Don’t miss this chance to elevate your licensing game—secure your spot now! 🚀
Register Now: Use the Full Potential of Licensing in MENA
Venue Spotlight
Sofitel Downtown Dubai
We are thrilled to announce that the iconic Sofitel Downtown, Dubai, will play host to Licensing Horizons.
This prestigious venue is not just a location; it's an experience, offering attendees a unique and inspiring environment that perfectly aligns with our shared vision for the future of licensing in the Middle East.
Event Location
Media Partners
