The all-star lineup includes Walmart Entertainment Counsel, Skibidi Toilet, Crunchyroll, Toys “R” Us, The Toy Book, Hot Topic, The Trendhunter, Scuti, Moonrock, Mattel, Funko and more…
This year’s LA Fall Toy Previews are underway in the greater Los Angeles area and the action is heating up.
The week of Sept. 9-13 is particularly stacked as executives from the toy industry and adjacent businesses coming together in the entertainment capital of the world.
On Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, the offices of United Talent Agency (UTA) in Beverly Hills will host XTracks’ “The Future of Licensing” Executive Summit. Boasting a “robust lineup of executive thought leaders, world renowned futurists and top retail executives sharing a roadmap for licensing industry growth today and tomorrow,” this event is designed to serve as “a high-level masterclass for industry leaders on the transformative power of AI, the latest digital brands and emerging trends driving consumer buying habits, new e-commerce data and technologies, and the biggest opportunities impacting hot categories ranging from toys and food to sports, experiential and gaming.”
XTracks was founded by licensing media/event developer Steven Ekstract, and carefully curated in collaboration with UTA and GennComm. Octane 5 and Nolan Heimann are on board as sponsors. The day includes breakfast, lunch, and a VIP Cocktail Party alongside presentations, panels, workshops, and breakout sessions. Check out the agenda below.
MORNING SESSIONS
The Power of Reinvention
- Kathi Sharpe-Ross | The Sharpe Alliance
UTA Study: AI Takes Center Stage: The Real-Time Impact of AI on Creative Media & Marketing
- Joe Kessler | UTA
AI Is The Ultimate Wingman – How AI Can Be a Fantastic Business Partner
- Robin Zucker | The CMO Practice, Business Insider CMO-To-Watch
- Matt Edelman | Super League
- Genna Rosenberg | GennComm
Pioneer or Pirate – Legal Implications of AI
- David Schnider | Nolan Heimann
- Morvareed Salehpour | Salehpour Legal
- Mark Humphrey | Mitchell Silberberg
- Hemanshu Nigam | Venable
The Magic Behind Toys “R” Us, the World’s First AI Brand Film and the Future of Production
- Kim Miller | Global Chief Marketing Officer and President, Toys “R” Us Studios
- Nik Kleverov | Chief Creative Officer at Native Foreign
- Lesley Silverman | UTA
Unleashing The Power of AI Workshop with 7 Essential Keys
- Mark Onufer | Trend Hunter
Engaging the Consumer IRL – The Growth of Experiential
- Stacy Moscatelli | Original X Productions
- Veronica Hart | HARTstring Entertainment
- Meredith Lawson Norrie | Mattel
- Steven Ekstract | Entertainment XTracks
AFTERNOON SESSIONS
Fireside Chat with Walmart Entertainment Counsel
Kids and Kidult superfans are hungry for entertainment-driven merch in every aisle.
- Ned Ward | Walmart Entertainment Counsel
- Genna Rosenberg | GennComm
Gaming or Shopping? Turning Digital Rewards into Phygital Goods in Roblox & Beyond
- Sharon Weisman | Power Station Studios
- John Gaudiosi – Moonrock
- Howard Beech | Scuti
- Jason Bischoff | Funko
- J. Eatedali | UTA Gaming
The Next Wave of Mega-Franchises Come From Digital
- Adam Goodman | Inviz for Skibidi Toilet
- Elie Dekel | Dekel Brands
- James Zahn | The Toy Book
Unlocking Japanese IP From Fashion To Toys and More
- Ed LeBay | Hot Topic
- Anna Songco Adamian | Crunchyroll
- Laura Takaragawa | Viz Media
Shiny New Tools – Smart Technology Driving E-Commerce and Advertising
- Dave Fisch | Panorama AI
- Cory Griner | GEENEE Holdings
- Sid Kaufman | UTA
Sports Licensing – Winning Off the Field: The Business of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness)
- Daniel Siegel | The Brandr Group
Women in Sports Panel
- Special Guests to Be Announced
The Industry Making an Impact – Tapping Talent and Profits Tied To Purpose
- Britton Payne | Paramount
- Marlene Sharp | Pink Poodle Productions
- Judi Uttal | Autism in Entertainment
- Nancy Weintraub | Easterseals Disability Services
- Malia Wright | Milt Wright & Associates Inc.
- Rick Wood | Impact Parks
Flavor Meets Fashion: Licensing Strategies for Food & Beverage Brand Collaborations
- Ross Misher | Brand Central
- Stu Seltzer | Seltzer Licensing
- Allie Brodsky Demeter | UTA
Limited to just 100 attendees, this event is aimed at senior leaders in licensing, marketing, product development, legal, sales, and more, at retailers, studios, toy companies, licensing agencies, manufacturers, and media companies.
Tickets are available via EventBrite, while supplies last.
