Speakers Announced for WiT Empowerment Day

Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) has announced WiT Empowerment Day, the organization’s annual event that helps women who want to take their business, brand or product ideas to new heights. The event will be held on Thursday, May 23, during Licensing Expo at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. 

Through access, mentorship and education, participants of WiT Empowerment Day will find themselves networking with toy companies, retail buyers and industry executives, with an opportunity to pitch ideas.  

“Today, it’s rare to have a chance to sit down and talk with decision makers invested in women’s success,” say Gena Lavallee and Leila Nosrati, board members and Empowerment Day co-chairs, WiT, in a joint statement. “Our toy company partners and the Walmart buying team are deeply aligned with our mission of helping women thrive, and their participation in this event underscores their commitment to a more inclusive and equitable industry.” 

This year’s lineup of speakers includes:  

Keynote with Lisa Whitaker: Licensing Unlocked! Keys to Success in the Licensing Business by Leveraging Trends in Toys and Entertainment – Expert advice from Whitaker, a kids’ business veteran, including exclusive access to insights from industry luminary Tom McGrath’s coveted “Kids’ Toys and Entertainment Trends” presentation. Guests who attend the WiT Breakfast at Licensing Expo on Wednesday, May 22 are invited to attend this keynote. 

A fireside chat with Michele Martell and Stephanie Pottick: Licensing In & Out: Key Legal Insights – Experienced entertainment and licensing attorneys, Martell and Pottick, will present an overview of key legal issues in licensing agreements. Whether one is looking to license their IP out or license another brand in for their product, topics covered will include typical scenarios, key deal points and important concerns. 

Masterclass with Sharon Weisman: Commercializing Creativity – Creative Capital isn’t an oxymoron. Artistic vision can be combined with market savviness for commercial success. This conversation will illuminate the pathway from creative concept to commercial success, providing the tools to translate innovative ideas into marketable assets. Attendees can dive into the essentials of branding, licensing and the power of creative storytelling to learn how to monetize their muse. 

Inventor-tainment with Barry & Jason: Sparking Ideas, Powering-Up Pitches and Having Fun with Failure – Barry McLaughlin and Jason Lautenschleger, the team behind Barry & Jason Games & Entertainment, will share their three-step process and what happens when it’s met with creativity, flexibility, active listening and a great sense of humor. 

Held in partnership with Informa’s Global Licensing Group, organizers of Licensing Expo, WiT Empowerment Day offers women inventors, creators and entrepreneurs unrivaled access, education, inspiration and opportunities for career growth. The day features exclusive pitch meetings with leading toy and game companies and Walmart buyers, personalized mentorship from dozens of seasoned industry experts and inspiring keynote and masterclass presentations. 

Licensing Expo, the world’s largest trade event for brand licensing and collaborations, provides a valuable backdrop for WiT Empowerment Day participants, especially those unfamiliar with licensing. It serves as a pivotal platform for inventors and entrepreneurs, introducing them to a world of opportunities, offering a broader landscape of potential partnerships and collaborations to propel their innovations to new heights of success. 

“Hosting Empowerment Day at Licensing Expo adds an exciting dimension to our event, giving participants the chance to connect with the wider licensing community and discover exciting new opportunities for growth and collaboration,” says Ehi Oviasu-Kahn, board chairwoman, WiT. “Our partnership with Informa aligns perfectly with their commitment to our shared values of empowering women, promoting diversity and championing industry growth.” 

Registration for WiT Empowerment Day is open through April 30. For more information and to register, visit Womenintoys.com/empowerment.

Licensing Expo 2024 takes place Las Vegas, NV from May 21-23.

Register for Licensing Expo 2024.