International brands such as Chupa Chups, WWF and ELLE, as well as brand owners and creators Smart Brands (Cartoon One), Ankama, Averbode, Planeta Junior, Global Licensing and Propertiz will all exhibit exclusively at the Kazachok Licensing Forum, which takes place in central Paris, 8th-9th April. Nathalie Chouraqui, Director of Kazachok commented: “With its unique timing and location, The Kazachok Licensing Forum provides the ideal platform for these international companies who have chosen not to exhibit and promote their brands at any other licensing show this year. This is a great endorsement and we look forward to welcoming visitors interested in the unique mix of deals, opportunities and trends that the show will offer.” Exclusive exhibitors include international magazine, fashion and style brand ELLE, who will be discussing the latest developments in their extensive stylish licensing programme including their Home and Tableware brands ELLE Décoration and ELLE à Table. Also, renowned for their vital conservation work with endangered animals and habitats, WWF or World Wildlife Federation will be previewing licensing opportunities that promote living in harmony with nature through conservation, sustainability and waste reduction. First time exhibitors from Spain, Chupa Chups and Planeta Junior, will also be exhibiting exclusively at the Forum. The world famous lollipop brand will be presenting its design driven and colourful lifestyle licensing programme, while licensing agents Planeta Junior will be looking to extend the licensing reach of a number of properties including Maya the Bee.

The licensing division of Belgian publisher Averbode will be focusing on opportunities for the Hopla brand, while Italy based European production company Smart Brands (Cartoon One) will be promoting the licensing potential of its successful "School For Vampires" & "TeenDays" TV properties, aimed at children 6-12 and 6-9 years old respectively.

Based in France, brand builder, Global Licensing, will present two new fashion brands Besomeone and Yoshiko. Already successfully launched onto the French market, lines are listed by major retailers and boutique clothing chains.

Also not to missed, progressive French company Ankama are leaders in the artistic and digital creation of cross media worlds from online games to TV, publishing and events. Constantly developing their portfolio, which currently features the Wakfu and Dofus properties, Julien Fabre licensing executive at Ankama explains why the Forum works for them: “Ankama, through its Ankama Products division, is a young player on the licensing and merchandising market. The Forum provides the opportunity to establish contact with market players and develop a core group of current and future partners.” Lastly, independent licensing agents, Propertiz, handle the rights for universal and iconic character Le Petit Prince, who will be the focus of a new animated series and online interactive universe in 2010.

French licensing companies and broadcasters who hold world-wide rights for well known and up and coming brands such as The Podcats (France Télévisions Distribution), Ushuaïa (TF1), Choco’Miss (VIP) and Asterix (Albert René) will also be exhibiting at the show.

Franck Cymes, France Télévisions Distribution’s Director of Licensing and Events comments: “The Forum is a key event where we present our property portfolio, exchange views and discover anything new on the market. More and more it is an international not-to-be-missed rendez-vous where agents, rights holders, licensees, potential partners, promotion agencies and retailing buyers gather in a sociable atmosphere.”

Licensing companies, production studios, broadcasters, publishers and retailers will all gather at the spacious La Halle Freyssinet venue in the centre of Paris on the 8-9th April, 2010. The first must-attend, industry specific event of the licensing calendar – perfectly timed just after the Bologna Book Fair and before MipTV and Las Vegas – the Kazachok Licensing Forum is an ideal event to preview and test market new properties, arrange key meetings with European partners and review strategies and priorities for the coming months.

The Licensing Forum not only provides the venue and the opportunity for meetings and networking but also features a conference programme that takes place over both mornings. An insight into the latest international licensing trends and a focus on sectors such as digital opportunities, food licensing, global market trends and European retail strategy will be covered. Throughout the day, exhibiting companies will present their new properties and brand updates to an invited audience at the Pitch sessions. New for 2010 will be the dedicated Retail Lounge, which provides a unique area where retailers can prepare for and hold meetings.

All visitors and exhibitors will once again enjoy free catering for the duration of the show – breakfast, lunch, coffee and a cocktail are included in the registration fee. A show guide is also given to all attendees when they arrive at the show, to help them navigate the show and get the most out of their visit.

For further information visit: http://forumlicence.kazachok.com