Dubai Character and Licensing Fair set for tomorrow

    Dumped value of 'ID':
'173226';

Dumped value of 'images_loop':
[];

Character Dubai is the first and only dedicated trade event in the Middle East for marketing and licensing of cartoon characters, logos, films, brands, arts & designs. This fair will attract more than 350 professional companies from around the world in addition to 15,000 trade visitors and dealers who will come together to interact, network and exchange business deals, knowledge and expertise.

The Dubai International Character and Licensing Fair 2008 aims to bring investors, business people, industry elites, corporate representatives, leading international characters producers, media, advertisers, graphic designers, marketers, manufacturers, retailers, licensees, licensing agents, licensors and other decision makers from the entire Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries, together under one roof. It will facilitate for international corporate to penetrate the UAE and Arab market which is considered as one of the world's leading importers of this industry estimated at billions of dollars annually.

The Dubai International Character and Licensing Fair 'Character Dubai' is a unique fair that will be held for the first time in the UAE the Middle East and North Africa. Character Dubai is a member of the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association LIMA based in the United States with membership of over 1000 members specialized in the production, promotion and intimation of character licensing industry. Dubai International and Character Fair is a valuable addition to the exhibition industry in the UAE. Parallel to Dubai International Character and Licensing Fair, Dubai World Game Expo will also be held.

The Dubai International Character and Licensing Fair is the ideal platform in bringing together the leading international character producers. UAE companies and corporate entities which are participating in this event include MTV Arabia, Nickelodeon Arabia, Palm International Qanawat, and Real Image ,SOCOOOL- Ajyal Entertainment LLC, VISA MEDIA SERVICES FZ LLC, Dubai Children's City, Copyright Licensing ,CS Media Space Toon International, Modhesh, Rubicon Group, Watani, Blink Studios, Clear Pictures, Emari Toons, EOV - Emirates Omni Vision and etc.

Arab countries including Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Syria and Egypt are participating in the event. Participants from Asian countries, like Japan in particular will introduce Japanese Arts Gallery it will be showcased in one of the largest stands at the exhibition.

In addition, a number of specialized Japanese animators and cartoon producing companies such as Nerima Animation Association, Studio Hibari, the Clockworkx and Bihou Co. Malaysia will be represented by MSC Malaysia while Mitra Sinar Millenium will stand for Indonesia. South Korea, one of the largest participant from Asia will give a way their support and participation through Korean Culture and Content Agency, Character Seoul, Character Line, Project 109 Trunk Animation, TSE and Vooz. Silver Elephant Media will embody China, Toons Animations for India and Sharp Image for Pakistan. Participants from Western countries such as SFS Legal & NSM Music, Withit and Guide to the Licensing World will also exhibit their licensing prowess. France is sending Kazachok while Spain gave its blessings to KAVINCOOPER Productions.

Top 25 speakers in Character and Liceensing Industry:

25 notable speakers will address different issues related to character and licensing industry during the conference and workshop scheduled to run along with the exhibition.

Abdul Salam Al Madani, President of INDEX Holding will deliver the Keynote address of the conference. Charles M. Riotto, President of the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association (LIMA) will speak on the subject of Licensing, as strategic Marketing Tool. Film Clip on Intellectual Property Licensing: Pop Culture in Marketing and Advertising will be the presentation of Larry McAllister VP - Worldwide Content Licensing of Paramount Pictures. Character Licensing and Merchandizing subject will be covered by Si-Bum Kim, President - Character Line. DUBAILAND - Hub for Global IP presentation will be covered by Jan Erik Redrupp, Vice President of Parks & Resorts - DUBAILAND and Modhesh will be introduced by Ghanim Ahmed Al Ghanim Managing Director - Glory Horizons.

The conference will also discuss the International Licensing, Protection of Characters the presentation of this subject will be delivered by Si-Bum Kim, President - Character Line.

The Dubai Police will organize a Press Conference regarding HEMAYA Saeed Hemaya Campaign Protection, a project which calls for the protection of our societies and our children.

The second session of the conference will cover the Role of Media on Character Development. Speakers Samer Almarzooqi Channel Manager - MTV Arabia. Cross Media Development of Licensed Characters by Norman MacDonald Director Merchandise of MBC and Developments in International Licensing will be presented by Francesca Ash Editor - Total Licensing.

The third session will cover Character & Licensing - UAE Experiences

Dr.Naif Al-Mutawa, Chairman and CEO - Teshkeel Media Group will Chair the session. Mohammed Baharoon Deputy Coordinator General - WATANI will give presentation on the experiences of Ajaaj and the specific cultural challenges of creating a superhero for the Middle East market. Mohammed Saeed Harib Founder - Lammtara, will present FREEJ, presentation on repackaging culture and traditions for the 21st century. Shabiyath Cartoon will share their story of success by Adnan Omar Al Obthani, Managing Director - Qanawat. THE 99: Taking Regional Intellectual Property Global presentation will be introduced by Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa Chairman and CEO - Teshkeel Media Group

Valuable Licensing Workshop

The Licensing workshop will start on the second day 29 October .The workshop will be conducted by Danny Simon President and CEO - The Licensing Group Limited. He will cover series of vital subjects such as the basic elements of licensing. He will discuss the definition, purpose, deal memo and agreements of licensing. In addition, he will also explain the following subjects such as evaluating and negotiating a licensed property, reasons for buying a licensed property and reasons for not buying a licensed property. The basic licensing deal terms, negotiating financial matters in closing a licensing agreement and the marketing of a licensed property will also be covered by the seminar.

The seminar will cover the basic tools on how to build, sell, buy and legalize a license. Questions on how to market your licensed properties will also be answered during the seminar. Judging the real value of a property, the worth of investing and the method of maximizing a property's full potential comprise important subjects which will be considered by the seminar.

Abdul Salam Al Madani, President of INDEX Holding said,'Dubai International Character and Licensing Fair and the professionally designed seminars and workshops that will run in conjunction with the Fair will address the important aspects of licensing industry.'

'Dubai International Character and Licensing Fair 2008 is the first of its kind in Dubai, U. A. E. and in Middle East and North Africa. This internationally recognised Fair will be staged annually because of its unique nature. It is a significant addition to the exhibition industry in the UAE, GCC Countries and in MENA Region.'

'Character Dubai will focus on the intellectual property of characters, as well as on technological, cultural and educational aspects of the industry. The event will bring together a wide spectrum of investors, innovators, manufacturers, importers, distributors, traders and business leaders under one roof. Character Dubai will signify the importance of trademarks and patents and will open up fresh avenues for investors. The implications of the event are enormous as the regional markets are among the largest importers of such products and services, estimated to be worth tens of billions of dollars.'

'The Dubai International Character and Licensing Fair is the ideal platform that bring together the leading international characters producers, media, advertisers, graphic designers, marketers, manufacturers, retailers, licensees, licensing agents, licensors and other decision makers and investors from the entire Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries, the Indian Sub - continent, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas.'

Mr. Al Madani added.

'The Dubai International Character and Licensing Fair will provide a remarkable opportunity to brand-owners, retailer, and consumer product manufacturers, licensors of Character and Animation agencies, media companies to mingle with the decision makers, licensing agents, and marketing professionals from overseas. The event will initiate and finalize licensing deals, secure potential leads and create general awareness about licensing procedures to global buyers. The anticipated Dubai World Game Expo 2008 will run in conjunction with the Dubai International Character and Licensing Fair.' Al Madani concluded.