Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) is preparing for this year’s WiT Empowerment Day. The event invites industry hopefuls to several panels and opportunities, with everything from a keynote talk by Lisa Whitaker to a masterclass with Sharon Weisman. The 2024 Empowerment Day will be held on May 23 during Licensing Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. 

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.
Ehi Oviasu-Kahn, WiT Chairwoman of the Board

Empowerment Day offers attendees opportunities to connect with industry experts, toy companies, and retail buyers. This year’s events include a keynote from Lisa Whitaker titled “Licensing Unlocked! Keys to Success in the Licensing Business by Leveraging Trends in Toys and Entertainment.” Those who attend the WiT Breakfast at Licensing Expo on May 22 are invited to the keynote.

A fireside chat hosted by Michele Martell and Stephanie Pottick, both experienced attorneys, titled  “Licensing In & Out: Key Legal Insights” will explore the legal side of licensing agreements.

Today, it’s rare to have a chance to sit down and talk with decision makers invested in women’s success. 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.
— Gena Lavallee and Leila Nosrati, WiT board members and Empowerment Day Co-Chairs

Sharon Weisman is offering the “Commercializing Creativity” masterclass, which will invite discussion about the path from concept to commercialization, highlighting issues such as branding, licensing, and more.

Finally, Barry McLaughlin and Jason Lautenschleger, the team behind Barry & Jason Games & Entertainment, will share their process in “Sparking Ideas, Powering-Up Pitches, and Having Fun with Failure.”

The WiT Empowerment Day events are held in partnership with Informa’s Global Licensing Group. Beyond the events listed, the organization will host exclusive pitch meetings with potential buyers, mentorship opportunities, and more. More information about WiT Empowerment Day is available on the official webpage.

About the author

Bug Hartsock

Bug Hartsock

Bug is a News Writer for The Toy Insider, The Pop Insider, and The Toy Book. They are also a Master’s student in biology, currently studying sleep in arthropods. When they aren’t writing or working with small critters, they spend their time reading sci-fi novels, playing tabletop RPGs, or throwing creative projects at the wall. Bug had a mullet once, and is not against having one again. Reach out or find more from them at their website.

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