Malik Ducard Of YouTube Joins The Digital Media Licensing Summit At Licensing Expo As Opening Speaker

SANTA MONICA, Calif., June 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Licensing Expo, the world's largest and most influential licensing industry event, today announced that Malik Ducard, Director, Content Partnerships, YouTube will open the Digital Media Licensing Summit with a Fireside Chat at 11:45 a.m., moderated by Richard Raddon, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Zefr.  Ducard will be discussing the strength of this generation of creators who are reaching, moving and inspiring their large and deeply passionate YouTube fanbases and the opportunity that presents to the licensing world.

The Digital Media Licensing Summit is part of the Licensing University, which is hosted by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association (LIMA).  It is a first-of-its-kind program designed to connect licensees, retailers and manufacturers with the world's most successful and popular digital media companies and stars. The Licensing Expo trade show takes place June 9–11. 

Malik Ducard, Director, Content Partnerships, YouTube: "Digital stars are fast becoming the brands of the future and there is so much opportunity to connect with new audiences through dynamic partnerships. Licensing Expo is the perfect forum to begin these important conversations."

As the Director, Content Partnerships, Ducard oversees business development efforts for YouTube's family entertainment and educational content. Previously he served as Head of West Coast Partnerships, managing film, TV and original content partners. A long time figure in the licensing industry and at the Expo, Ducard served as senior vice president of digital distribution for the Americas at Paramount Pictures and oversaw distribution of content to online, mobile and digital platforms prior to joining YouTube. 

Jessica Blue, Vice President, Licensing Expo: "We are pleased to welcome Malik to the inaugural Digital Media Licensing Summit. For 35 years, Licensing Expo has connected the world's most influential brand owners and agents with consumer goods manufacturers, licensees and retailers.  Malik's presentation will help us all navigate and leverage the digital landscape and understand this new area of the business while we create successful partnerships."

Monday's Digital Media Licensing Summit panels include: The New Face of Beauty; Influencing the Home & Beyond; The New Fashion Influencer and the Closing Fireside Keynote titled "From Views and Subscribers to Brick & Mortar: How Digital Power Houses are Partnering with Traditional Retailers." The Closing Keynote will feature Amy Kocourek, EVP/GMM, Kohl's and Jim Fielding, Head of Global Consumer Products, DreamWorks Animation and AwesomenessTV, with Moderator Brent Weinstein, Head of Digital Media, United Talent Agency.

On Tuesday, June 9 at 2:30 p.m, fashion designer and influencer Bethany Mota will deliver The Big Interview keynote.  This dynamic session will be moderated by Benjamin Grubbs, Asia Pacific Head of Family Entertainment & Learning at YouTube.

The Digital Media Licensing Summit is free to attend for all registered exhibitors and attendees of Licensing Expo.  Complimentary registration for the Expo is available at: www.licensingexpo.com/registerhere

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About Licensing Expo (www.licensingexpo.com)
Now in its 35^th year, Licensing Expo is the world's largest and most influential annual trade show dedicated to licensing and brand extension. The show floor is merchandised into four zones: Characters and Entertainment; Art and Design; Brands and Agents; Sourcing and Production. More than 15,700 retailers, licensees, manufacturers, distributors and licensing agents attend from more than 90 countries. Licensing Expo is owned and organized by UBM Advanstar and is sponsored by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association (LIMA). UBM Advanstar also owns and operates License! Global magazine and Brand Licensing Europe.

About UBM Advanstar
UBM Advanstar, part of UBM Americas, is a US-based event and marketing services business serving the fashion, licensing, life sciences and powersports industries. The company owns and operates a portfolio of 54 tradeshows, 100 conferences, 30 publications, and almost 200 electronic products and websites. Our market-leading brands and a commitment to delivering innovative, quality products and services enable UBM Advanstar to "Connect Our Customers With Theirs." UBM Advanstar is a UBM plc company.

SOURCE UBM Advanstar