International licensors and local licensing agents will meet to search for partners and expand their regional licensing network at the Hong Kong Licensing Show and Conference 2002 (April 24 – 25).

Held in conjunction with Asia’s premium trade event, the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair (April 23 – 26), it is also an opportunity to examine the legal aspects of licensing, particularly in relation to the mainland.

According to the Trade Development Council’s (TDC) manager of services promotion, June Ngan, the conference is timely as the licensing industry is thriving in today’s global economy and more licensing opportunities open up for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“We have invited some of the leading brand names to talk about the licensing business and the direction of opportunities for Hong Kong companies and their partners. Those in the licensing business in Hong Kong are mainly SMEs and this conference is designed to help them navigate the important legal aspects, understand their responsibilities, and explore future potential. By sharing their experience, SMEs can learn how to proceed with confidence.”

The conference coincides with the Gifts & Premium Fair, which is also a big area in the licensing business.

“The purpose is to help SMEs power their business growth by meeting ideal partners,” Ms Ngan said. “It is a one-stop platform fostering business co-operation among all the relevant parties - licensors, agents, licensees, manufacturers, retailers, advertising and promotional agencies.”

Industry-renowned speakers addressing the conference include Mickie Leong, vice-president Greater China and South East Asia for Warner Bros Consumer Products, Mariane Guarnieri, managing director Asia-Pacific for Elle Licensing, Tetsuo Ishida, president of Cosmo Merchandising, Masao Kurosu, general manager international marketing and production of Nippon Animation, and Rebecca Lo, chairman of the Licensing Executives Society (LES) of China, Hong Kong Chapter.

Go Licensing (International) Co Ltd, a Hong Kong-based exhibitor representing many major brands in the Greater China region, said participating in the show was a means of letting local and overseas potential clients learn about the company. “Moreover, it is an opportunity to meet industry players,” director Winnie Sze said.

Another exhibitor, UK-based Chorion (Asia) Ltd, said the show gave the company exposure and a platform to promote its brand in a single event to potential partners at all levels, both locally and within the region. “I have always believed Hong Kong is the best city to host a regional licensing show in Asia because of its advantages in communications, geographical location, its close connection with China, and being the city with probably the highest number of regional headquarters and regional offices of multinational firms,” licensing manager Angelina Lau said.