Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - September/October 2020

19 NEWS & EVENTS Creative Retail Awards post pone ceremony Creative Retail Awards ceremony has been postponed until 10 th June, 2021 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Creative Retail Awards are original in their blend of celebration, networking and entertainment. Following government guidelines there’s significant doubt that large scale indoor events will be able to operate in September, even with social distancing observed. Since its inception, the Creative Retail Awards has always been an experience led occasion with its characteristic twist on conventional award ceremonies, and the organisers strongly feel if they’re unable to provide the highest quality event it’ll do a disservice to all entrants, their projects and those attending. With a worldwide audience, the awards attract attendees from all over EMEA and North America who wish to celebrate the industry’s achievements, which wouldn’t be possible in the current environment. All entries for 2020 will be automatically submitted in to the 2021 awards, with the judging range expanded to projects that were completed during 2019 and 2020. The Creative Retail Awards’ partnerships with leading bodies, including Shop & Display Equipment Association, National Association of Shopfitters, British Display Society and the London Design Festival has helped to solidify the awards’ position as the pinnacle showcase of worldwide retail design & display, with the UK as its centre. The Creative Retail Awards’ Partnership with London Design Festival will continue for the 2021 Awards by showcasing all shortlisted entries alongside category winners when announced. Entries for Awards close on 28 th February, 2021 for all projects completed by the end of 2020. For more information or to request a media pack, please visit www.creativeretailawards.com Brand Licensing Europe moves to all virtual event Brand Licensing Europe has announced that the 2020 show will transition to an all-virtual event. In its place, the Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets, the organisers behind BLE, is introducing Festival of Licensing, a never-before-seen celebration of the business of brand licensing, in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International. Running from 6-29 October 2020, Festival of Licensing is a four-week, large-scale virtual gathering bringing together the licensing industry to connect, learn, strike deals and do business on an international stage. It is set to be the most inclusive global licensing event to-date and builds off the momentum of the Global Licensing Group’s Licensing Week Virtual event, which exceeded expectations in its inaugural launch in June. Festival of Licensing will comprise of four regionally tailored events in key licensing territories, each powered by the Global Licensing Group’s world-leading event brands. • Week 1: 6-8 October - Europe, powered by Brand Licensing Europe • Week 2: 14-15 October - Asia, powered by Licensing Expo China and Licensing Expo Japan • Week 3: 20-22 October – North America and Latin America, powered by Licensing Expo • Week 4: 28-29 October - Global C-suite virtual conference - Licensing Leadership Summit The festival will conclude with Licensing Leadership Summit taking place 28-29 October. Originally scheduled as an in- person, senior-level, global gathering of the industry’s C-Suite and thought-leaders from brands, agents, manufacturing and retail, the new virtual offering will draw on key learnings from the previous three weeks and future-looking topics that will facilitate debate and shape the future of the global licensing industry. Visit www.festivaloflicensing.com LONDON STATIONERY SHOW POSTPONED Organisers, Ocean Media Group, has announced that London Stationery Show 2020, which was due to be held on Friday 11 th September, will not be taking place this year. London Stationery Show is the UK’s only trade show dedicated to writing and paper products and attracts the UK’s biggest retailers, influential buyers and brands from the stationery and gift sectors. The show was originally moved from April to a new September date at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. “We’re very sad to have to cancel the show” said event director, Alex Butler. “The ongoing impact of the pandemic and its effect on businesses is far reaching. We’ve been listening to our exhibitors and visitors and feel it’s important to give the industry time to rebuild, before coming together in better times.” The next edition of London Stationery Show will now take place on Wednesday 21 st and Thursday 22 nd April, 2021 at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, when the show will celebrate its belated 10th birthday. If you have any questions you can contact the London Stationery Show team at stationeryshow@oceanmedia.co.uk. 