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| Global brands sign up HK as premier licensing partner ( 01/06/2005 ) | |||||||||||||
Bountiful partnership opportunities are expected from the show that last year attracted over 15,000 visitors from 83 countries and regions, an increase of almost 100 percent on the previous year. George Medina, president of New York-based Intercontinental Licensing USA, said he is returning to the show for a second year because of the positive response in 2004. The company has an office in Hong Kong and represents the brands Hanadeka Club, Planet Happy, Sad Sam & Honey, Emily, the Ballerina Bears and Mr Cool. Launchpad to China "Last year we received quite a number of inquiries for marketing rights in China on our trademarks and brands, including Sina Net, and signed up two major deals. We think there will be more inquiries this year and in the years to come, as the China market becomes more mature in its acceptance of licences." Philippines-based Empire International Merchandising Corporation, a multimedia licensing group representing popular characters including The Legend of Zorro, Archie, Mighty Mouse and Totally Spies agrees the show is a proven performer. "We regularly attend the Hong Kong Licensing Show as it seems the best way to penetrate the Asian region as well as scout for any new properties," said creative director Carlos Arellano. "Based on the positive responses to date and an increase in sales, the show is a great way to expand our growing list of clients." Information sharing
Veronica Cabalinan, chief marketing officer for Click! Licensing Asia, Inc agrees. “The show will not only showcase the growing number of Click!'s properties but it is an ideal venue for meeting licensees and potential partners. Since our company represents several brands in Asia, the Hong Kong Licensing Show will greatly help in reaching our target market, and open doors for future partnerships in the region.” One first-time exhibitor is Europe's Fashion TV (FTV), which has offices in Paris and Vienna, broadcasting fashion and lifestyle shows to 300 million households worldwide. "We decided to attend the event in order to provide interested parties with an opportunity to join forces with our licensing venture and to take their share of the successful capitalisation of our international brand value," Yaron Jakobowicz, FTV's marketing and brand manager said. "The Hong Kong Licensing Show seems to be the right place to approach relevant business partners from all over the world, who come to benefit from the cosmopolitan network offered by the event." Numerous opportunities ahead Hong Kong-listed Byford International, representing UK heritage brand Byford, is also attending for the first time, aiming to extend its global reach. The show will help announce to the world "that the Byford brand is now in Hong Kong with numerous trendy licensing opportunities opening up," executive director Jacob Lin said. He added that Hong Kong is the best platform to launch new or prestige brands to the China market. Hong Kong companies have experience in the mainland, which is always a plus in business relationships, Mr Lin added. The opportunities opened up under Cepa (the free trade agreement) further enhance the Hong Kong advantage. The three-day Hong Kong Licensing Show will be held at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The concurrently held industry conference will explore different types of licensing programmes, latest trends and future development, market information and new business opportunities. Related link
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