ViacomCBS will share insights from its corporate Diversity & Inclusion efforts with a specific focus on its recently conducted toy research study during Brand Licensing Europe’s second-day keynote.
The keynote – which takes place in-person at BLE from 13:00-14:00 on Thursday 18 November – will also set the background as to why the consumer products and licensing community plays such a pivotal role in diversity and inclusion.
Mark Kingston, svp international at ViacomCBS Consumer Products, will lead the keynote and review the impact on culture, community and industry when there’s a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging.
The keynote will also include Ameeta Held, vp insights and business strategy, consumer products at ViacomCBS, referencing original toy research detailing the importance of authentic representation in dolls and the impact on choice.
“As an organisation we are dedicated to creating content that reflects the global audiences we serve, and within consumer products we are especially committed to ensuring our products are inclusive and representative,” Mark commented. “Our latest research shines a light on the important role our industry plays in our continued conversation around Diversity & Inclusion and I look forward to presenting our thoughts and findings alongside my colleagues at BLE.”
Ahead of ViacomCBS’ keynote, representatives from Black Lives Matter Licensing UK will take to the stage to talk about the group’s purpose, goals and activity in the sector to date.
Anna Knight, vp licensing at Informa Markets, added: “It’s not possible to underestimate the importance of this keynote to our industry and I implore everyone who is attending BLE to pre-register now and secure a spot. Consumer products has a huge responsibility – and opportunity – to represent, embrace and empower diversity if we are to build a more inclusive and equal future for consumers across the world.”
ViacomCBS is one of over 150 exhibitors currently confirmed for BLE, which takes place at ExCeL London from 17-19 November, followed by an online event on 30 November to 1 December.
Want to read more news like this? Simply sign up to our daily digest by clicking here. You can also follow @LicensingSource on Twitter and @licensing_source on Instagram.
