Networking highlight of the year: That was BRANDmate 2024
On June 19 and 20, the stylish industrial hall in Offenbach near Frankfurt was transformed into a real brand festival for collaborations, partnerships and licensing. Around 800 participants from more than 350 companies came together to network at the third edition of BRANDmate. The event offered numerous opportunities to exchange ideas and develop new business ideas in a relaxed atmosphere. An industry party with soccer coverage and live music rounded off the overall experience.
Innovative networking
The development of BRANDmate is particularly appreciated by exhibitors from the very beginning. "The quality of the event with innovative concepts and networking options has increased once again: so many great new ideas have been implemented and numerous opportunities have been created to exchange ideas and talk to each other," says Nick Mondry-Ritter, Licensing Coordinator at Warner Bros. Entertainment. Even before the event, visitors had the opportunity to arrange speed dating appointments using the matchmaking function on the event website. Over 3,400 contacts were made. "Over the last few days, we have been able to meet our partners in a great atmosphere and make numerous new, promising contacts. We are happy!", says Kathrin Brandhorst, Regional Director Northern Europe at Universal Consumer Products.
Top-class brands on site
Individually designed showrooms, interactive activities and walking acts created a great atmosphere at BRANDmate. The exhibitors included both German and internationally renowned entertainment companies such as Hasbro, NBC Universal, Mattel, Paramount, RTL CP, Seven.One Licensing, Warner Bros. and the WDR mediagroup. This year, Crunchyroll, Lukas Podolski's Strassenkicker brand, the book and games publisher Kosmos, EMP - the mail-order company for merchandising products - and Coca-Cola as a sponsor were present as exhibitors for the first time. In the outdoor area and at the von.tz stand, which was on site with 19 walking acts - including Adler Paule (DFB) and Albärt, the official mascot of UEEFA EURO 2024 - people cheered on the European Championship match between Germany and Hungary on Wednesday evening. "We are proud that the event is not only a platform for inspiring encounters, but also makes a significant contribution to strengthening the brand and cooperation landscape," says BRANDmate founder and Managing Director Eva Stemmer.
Inspiring input
Keynotes, panels and talks were part of the comprehensive program at the event. Flobo Berger (DONKEY), Jennifer Günther (Sonoma Internet GmbH), Per Lasse Küpper (Mondelēz International), Christian Krömer (Toysino GmbH), Lucie Lagerwerf (Cosnova GmbH), Moritz Möller (Veganz Group AG), Daniel Pflieger (Geheimpunkt GmbH), Ute Stauss (Licensing International Inc.) and Michael Tschakert (Live Matters GmbH), among others, provided inspiration and information. The varied program also included a "Let's Dance" performance by RTL, cooperation consultations by MarkenKuppler, readings and an escape game. On Wednesday evening, the guests celebrated the BRANDmate party with the live bands Heavysaurus and Glow. "With its dynamic performance, BRANDmate has definitely presented itself as a pioneering brand and networking festival," summarizes Christian Ulrich, Managing Director of BRANDmate GmbH and Spokesman of the Board of Spielwarenmesse eG.
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