BBC Studios and XBOX are the latest big names to join the Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) content agenda, with two new sessions exploring franchise building and the fast-growing location-based experiences market.
Taking place at ExCeL London from October 6-8, BLE will welcome Suzy Raia, EVP global consumer products at BBC Studios, to the License Global Main Stage on October 7 for a fireside chat entitled “The ‘Bluey’ Effect: Building Franchises for Generations”.
With the highly anticipated Bluey movie on the horizon, Suzy will explore how one of the world’s leading content companies transforms authentic stories into global franchises.
On opening day, Bob Brennecke, director of experiences and music licensing at XBOX, will be joined by Paul Moreton, EVP and chief development officer at Merlin, for a candid chat on what it really takes to bring a global brand such as Minecraft into the physical world.
The session will explore the practical realities of location-based experiences, from due diligence and deal structures to timelines, operations and building experiences designed for long-term success.
Ella Haynes, BLE event director, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome BBC Studios and Minecraft to this year’s agenda, giving the BLE audience exclusive insight into two hugely successful global franchises.
“Attendees will hear first-hand what it takes to build a franchise with lasting global appeal and get practical advice on taking brands into location-based entertainment, leaving with ideas, lessons and strategies they can apply to their own licensing programmes.”
The new sessions join a packed 2026 content programme, including Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products celebrating 25 years of Harry Potter, plus Carrefour, Sun City and Jazwares exploring how powerful partnerships can unlock opportunities in European retail.
