Hear it from the Experts! LICENSING UNIVERSITY 2011
LICENSING UNIVERSITY – LICENSING INTERNATION AL EXPO
June 14 – 16, 2011 Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas
Hear it from the Expert! Michelle Alfandari, President/CEO of MODA Licensing, Inc. will be a featured panelist in the following seminar:
“Working with Licensing Agents and Consultants”
Tuesday, June 14
10:00am – 11:30am
Licensing agents and consultants can play a central role in the development of an effective licensing program. This seminar will aid participants in defining respective roles; key into the pertinent questions they should be asking if considering an agent or consultant and learn how the best relationships work. Panelists will include executives who work with corporate trademarks, entertainment and character properties, and literary and art properties.
SPEAKER BIOS:
MARTY BROCHSTEIN
Senior VP of Industry Relations and Information, LIMA
Mr. Brochstein joined the LIMA staff in 2008 after 12 years as Executive Editor of The Licensing Letter, a New York-based newsletter that covers the global licensing business. He also was Editorial Director of the parent publishing company, EPM Communications. In addition to writing and editing the twice-monthly newsletter, he also compiled the publication’s industry numbers and edited EPM’s other licensing-related publications, including International Licensing: A Status Report, and The Licensing Letter’s Sports Licensing Report. Brochstein was a business journalist for more than 20 years, primarily covering the consumer products and retail industries. Before joining The Licensing Letter, he spent five years as Senior Editor of Television Digest. He is a graduate of Boston University.
MICHELLE ALFANDARI
President/CEO, MODA Licensing, Inc
Michelle Alfandari is President/CEO of MODA Licensing, Inc. She has over 30 years of business development, licensing, strategic planning, marketing and sales experience.
Ms. Alfandari established MODA Licensing, Inc. (as MODA International Marketing, Inc.) in 1988 and has developed MODA into a globally recognized leader in brand licensing.
MODA Licensing has been in the forefront in recognizing the value of licensing as a business model to build businesses from corporate brands, non-profits, trademarks and technology. MODA has developed and executed licensed businesses globally across diverse industries and retail channels. MODA’s innovative methodology has delivered a track record of success for its clients including generating incremental revenue, protection of IP and enhancing core businesses.
Ms. Alfandari is a member of LIMA (Licensing Industry Merchandising Association) and LES (Licensing Executives Society). She has written articles for licensing and trade journals and was a contributor to Licensing for Dummies published by Wiley Publishing, Inc. Ms. Alfandari has been a speaker at licensing conferences including the Licensing International Expo (New York and Las Vegas), CLE (Continuing Law Education) conferences, Luxury Marketing Council and Cause Marketing Forum’s annual conference and is considered an authority on brand licensing for corporations and non-profits.
Farnsworth House™ joins the LEGO® Architecture Collection of Building Sets
Modernist architectural icon immortalised in LEGO® bricks
ENFIELD, Conn. (April 4, 2011) – Bauhaus director and modernist Mies van der Rohe is the latest architect to have his works immortalised in LEGO® bricks as his modernist masterpiece Farnsworth House™ joins the LEGO Architecture collection of building sets that celebrates the past, present and future of architecture through the LEGO brick.
The Farnsworth House, located in Plano, Illinois, just outside Chicago. It was designed and constructed between 1945 and 1951 as a one-room weekend retreat for Dr. Edith Farnsworth, a prominent Chicago medical specialist. Today, the house is a pilgrimage site for architects and designers world-wide, owned and operated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The house museum is open to the public.
“We are proud to introduce Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House, a new chapter in architectural history for LEGO Architecture,” said Paal Smith-Meyer, Head of New Business at the LEGO Group. “Our main job has been to capture the essence of this iconic design with our own celebrated icon, the LEGO Brick, and we hope the model and the story behind the building will be an inspiration to builders around the world”
“The Farnsworth House is one of the most celebrated and iconic symbols of Modern architecture and the National Trust is delighted to partner with the LEGO Group to offer this extraordinary home as part of the LEGO Architecture Series,” said Crista Gibbons, Associate Director of Marketing Programs at the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
LEGO Architecture is a collaboration between the LEGO Group and Chicago architect Adam Reed Tucker. It started as a pilot of 200 boxes in 2007. In 2010, international distribution started through LEGO online stores, brand retail stores and in a growing number of outlets around the world.
LEGO Architecture products come in two types: Landmark and Architect. The Landmark series features well-known buildings, while the Architect series focuses on the work of important architects. Mies van der Rohe is the second architect to be featured after Frank Lloyd Wright.
The LEGO Farnsworth House™ is available for purchase in LEGO brand retail stores, LEGOLAND® Stores and online at http://shop.lego.com/ for $59.99 USD. Toy stores, mass retail stores, bookstores, art galleries, museums, hotels, gifts souvenir shops, hobby shops and online will carry the item in June. The set is designed for ages 12 and up and includes a content-rich booklet with facts and history of Farnsworth House™.
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About the LEGO Group
The LEGO Group is a privately held, family-owned company, based in Billund, Denmark. It was founded in 1932 and today the group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of play materials for children, employing approximately 9,000 people globally. The LEGO Group is committed to the development of children’s creative and imaginative abilities. LEGO products can be purchased in more than 130 countries.
About National Trust for Historic Preservation
The National Trust for Historic Preservation www.PreservationNation.org is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, eight regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories.
LEGO and the LEGO logo are trademarks of The LEGO Group. ©2011 The LEGO Group.
DiMaggio’s 56-Game Streak
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
May 15, 2011
After 70 years, DiMaggio’s 56-Game Streak Remains Untouchable
Joe DiMaggio Fans to Celebrate the Anniversary of this Remarkable Feat
Hollywood, Fla. (May 15, 2011) – It was 70 years ago that New York Yankee Joe DiMaggio began a legendary hitting streak that obliterated the previous record and has gone unchallenged to this day. In fact, no one has ever come close. To commemorate the anniversary of this historic achievement, Americans young and old are invited to participate in celebrations and remembrances hosted by JoeDiMaggio.com and the official Joe DiMaggio Facebook page.
On May 15, 1941, hoping to shake off a hitting slump, a young DiMaggio stepped up to the plate and got his wish. He hit in that game, and the next, and the next… After 45 games, he broke a hitting record that had stood for 44 years—and he kept on going. The American public, weary from economic depression and impending war, went absolutely wild. They breathlessly followed the Yankee Clipper as he continued the streak for an amazing 12 more games. By the time the streak ended, two months and two days after it began, “Joltin’ Joe” DiMaggio had captured the imagination of an entire nation and become a potent symbol of American perseverance.
To commemorate the 70th year anniversary of this historic athletic achievement, JoeDimaggio.com is launching an online retrospective and commentary on the streak as it was unfolding in a series called “Reliving Joe DiMaggio’s Streak.” The series will include sports writer and celebrity guest posts and never-before released insights on the 56 games from Joe DiMaggio himself. Readers will also be invited to write their own reflections on DiMaggio, with the top two submissions being included as guest posts. The blog series will also be featured on BleacherReport.com, the web’s leading publisher of original and entertaining sports editorial content.
Throughout the two-month celebration, fans will also find opportunities to join the conversation and win memorabilia on the official Joe DiMaggio Facebook fan page. Prizes will be announced on the anniversary of the end of the Streak—July 17, 2011—which has been declared Joe DiMaggio Day.
“In an era when America needed a hero, Joe DiMaggio inspired many through his graceful style and determination on and off the field,” says Elizabeth Kanna, a managing partner in Joe DiMaggio, LLC. “This celebration of his legacy offers fans a chance to rekindle that excitement and sense of human possibility.”
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About Joe DiMaggio, LLC.
Joe DiMaggio, LLC, manages and licenses the Joe DiMaggio brand, which celebrates this quintessential American hero and athlete whose legendary hitting streak has gone unchallenged to this day.
Both on and off the diamond, Joe DiMaggio embodied the American spirit of integrity, perseverance and the ability to win while raising the game of those around him – all while demonstrating artless grace and era-defining style.
The re-casting of this rich legacy into a lifestyle brand rekindles the excitement and sense of human potential Joe inspired. Today, with gracefully dignified power in shorter supply than ever, Joe DiMaggio can inspire Americans to recognize and tap their own personal greatness.
FOR LICENSING INFORMATION CONTACT:
michelle@joedimaggio.com
m.alfandari@pixelelves.com/moda
212 687 7640 ext 214
www.pixelelves.com/moda
MODA’s Client Tour de France and Licensee Cycle Force Group Nominated
MODA’s Client Tour de France and Licensee Cycle Force Group Nominated for 2011 Licensing Excellence Awards!
DIVERSE LINEUP OF NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2011 INTERNATIONAL LICENSING EXCELLENCE AWARDS
LIMA has announced a slate of 69 nominees from around the world for the annual LIMA International Licensing Excellence Awards. The awards, which recognize outstanding creativity and performance in trademark licensing, will be announced at LIMA’s Opening Night Awards Ceremony on June 14th during Licensing International Expo 2011 in Las Vegas.
Licensing Excellence Awards will be presented to licensors and licensees in the following seven categories: Art or Design; Character or Toy; Corporate; Film, Television, Celebrity or Entertainment; Sports or Sports-themed Entertainment; Licensed Promotion; and Retailer of the Year.
MODA’s Client Tour de France and Licensee Cycle Force Group Nominated for Best Sports or Sports-themed Entertainment:
Best Sports or Sports-Themed Entertainment Licensee of the Year
Licensee Property/Product
Cycle Force Group Tour de France/Bicycles & Accessories
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. Ultimate Fighting Championship/action figures, playsets & role play
K’NEX NASCAR/building sets
PB Teen NFL/bedding
Sportcraft ESPN/indoor & outdoor recreation
“Cause Licensing Update” Web Conference — May 19, 2011
MODA’s President/CEO is the guest speaker on May 19, 2011 for the Cause Marketing Forum web conference!
The Cause Marketing Masters Series presents Michelle Alfandari of MODA Licensing
“Cause Licensing Update”
Thursday, May 19 from 1:30pm – 2:30pm EST
For some nonprofit organizations, pursuing brand licensing opportunities has proved a valuable source of funds while for others it has been a waste of time and money. Learn how to assess your group’s brand licensing prospects from Michelle Alfandari whose company has developed successful programs for America’s Vet Dogs, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, The Victoria & Albert Museum.
Speaker Profile: Michelle Alfandari is President/CEO of MODA Licensing, Inc. She has over 30 years of business development, licensing, strategic planning, marketing and sales experience.
Ms. Alfandari established MODA Licensing, Inc. (as MODA International Marketing, Inc.) in 1988 and has developed MODA into a globally recognized leader in brand licensing.
MODA Licensing has been in the forefront in recognizing the value of licensing as a business model to build businesses from corporate brands, non-profits, trademarks and technology. MODA has developed and executed licensed businesses globally across diverse industries and retail channels. MODA’s innovative methodology has delivered a track record of success for its clients including generating incremental revenue, protection of IP and enhancing core businesses.
Ms. Alfandari is a member of LIMA (Licensing Industry Merchandising Association) and LES (Licensing Executives Society). She has written articles for licensing and trade journals and was a contributor to Licensing for Dummies published by Wiley Publishing, Inc. Ms. Alfandari has been a speaker at licensing conferences including the Licensing International Expo (New York and Las Vegas), CLE (Continuing Law Education) conferences, Luxury Marketing Council and Cause Marketing Forum’s annual conference and is considered an authority on brand licensing for corporations and non-profits.
Client and Property Portfolio:
Clients (past & present*) include:
Taste of Home* (a Readers Digest company), UNICEF*, America’s VetDogs*, The New York Times, Audiovox Corporation* (including Audiovox, Advent, Acoustic Research, Jensen), Champion® Athleticwear (a Division of Sara Lee Corporation), LYCRA®* (an Invista brand now part of Koch Industries, formerly DuPont), Le Tour de France*, Trader Vic’s (Nubeco Corporation), The Henry Ford (including The Henry Ford, Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum), Ritz Hotel-Paris, National Trust for Historic Preservation*, Bushnell Outdoor Products* (including Bushnell, Bollé, and Tasco brands), Victoria & Albert Museum – London, National Aquarium in Baltimore, Nature Conservancy, ASE (National Institute for Automotive Services Excellence), Meredith Corporation – Better Homes & Gardens, Snap-on Tools, Mack Trucks, Inc., UNIPAL International Corporation*, Coty, Inc.
Brand Partnership:
MODA announced in January of 2011 that they are an equity partner in the newly formed Joe DiMaggio, LLC. MODA and its partners will promote and license the name, likeness and image of Joe DiMaggio by leveraging his legendary status on and off the baseball field.
Licensed brand extensions include:
Home Furnishings, Tableware and Decorative Accessories, Rugs and Carpets, Food, Bicycles and Accessories, Cardio Exercise Equipment, Cosmetics, Paints & Finishes, Decorative Moulding, Tools, Food, Dog Treats and Toys, Automotive Aftermarket products, Footwear, Apparel and Accessories, Electronics, Promotional and Incentive products, Stationery & Gift, Plush, Headwear, Juvenile, Die-cast, Toys, Wine Club, Books.
Distribution channels for licensed products include:
Mass market, Home Improvement Warehouses, Department and specialty retailers, catalog and direct mail, B2B and Online/e-commerce.
Prior to establishing MODA, Michelle’s background included sales, marketing and management positions in the garment and textiles industries for Burlington Industries and the health services arena.
For more information, please go to www.pixelelves.com/moda
Visit the website to register for the web conference.
http://www.causemarketingforum.com/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=bkLUKcOTLkK4E&b=6423029&ct=9309737
DiMaggio Dollars
JOLTIN’ JOE ESTATE SCORES LATEST PRODUCT BONANZA
(New York Post February 7, 2011) The Yankee Clipper is getting ready to step to the plate again – and take a few swings as a consumer product brand.
The estate of baseball legend Joe DiMaggio has cut a deal to put the fleet-footed center fielder’s name and likeness on a slew of new merchandise that’s planned to launch next year.
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak – one of the most enduring records in sports – an assortment of trading cards, bats, T-shirts and jerseys are already in the works, Michelle Alfandari of MODA Licensing said.
But the bigger initiative is to develop a stable of enduring product lines inspired by Joltin’ Joe, from food to fragrances, she said. A new line of men’s clothing and accessories aimed at department stores will be a special focus.
MODA Licensing Announces New Partnership
PRESS RELEASE
MODA LICENSING ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP
New Business Model to License and Market Joe DiMaggio
New York, NY (January 25, 2011) — MODA Licensing, Inc. (www.pixelelves.com/moda) is pleased to announce it is a partner in the newly formed entity, Joe DiMaggio, LLC. As a principal of Joe DiMaggio, LLC, MODA is exclusively representing Joe DiMaggio® for all brand licensing and extensions of the Joe DiMaggio brand worldwide. The company was formed to energize, promote and license the Joe DiMaggio brand and likeness.
Joe DiMaggio is recognized equally for being one of the world’s greatest baseball players as for his legendary style, grace and striving to be ‘best’ on and off the field. He is an enduring pop culture icon with a mystique that comes from his 56 game hitting streak, his team spirit, being a Baseball Hall of Famer, his marriage to Marilyn Monroe, as well as being immortalized by Simon & Garfunkel’s refrain ”where have you gone Joe DiMaggio?”
“MODA’s focus will be on creating sustainable branded Joe DiMaggio licensed businesses. We are developing a strategy that will leverage the strongest assets of DiMaggio’s legend, fame and celebrity to a select range of consumer products and service. In addition to packaged goods and services we will leverage Joe DiMaggio’s image for advertising, promotion and film. The immediate opportunity is licensing the 2011 70th Anniversary of Joe DiMaggio’s 56 game hitting streak for collectibles and apparel,” said Michelle Alfandari, President/CEO of MODA Licensing.
Several strong sub-brands including Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio® and Joe DiMaggio – The Yankee Clipper®, and of course his highly recognizable signature, will support and expand the anchor brand.
According to Michelle Alfandari, “Our approach is to partner with and support best in class licensees with our powerful means to drive traffic, engage consumers and build community. MODA’s deliverables are enhanced by the talented partners comprising Joe DiMaggio, LLC. MODA is working with Dominant Players, Inc. an integrated marketing, branding, digital publishing and communications firm owned by Elizabeth Kanna, a principal in Joe DiMaggio LLC. Morris Engelberg, DiMaggio’s longtime friend, confidant, co-author of DiMaggio: Setting the Record Straight and trustee for DiMaggio, LLC will act as counsel for the new venture. This winning combination of resources and talent will benefit our licensing partners by expertly using the web, traditional and non-traditional marketing and licensing to build enduring and profitable licensed businesses.”
About MODA Licensing, Inc.:
MODA Licensing (www.pixelelves.com/moda) est. in 1988 is a global licensing and business development agency specializing in intellectual property. MODA is a leader in using licensing to add value and build businesses from brands.
About Joe DiMaggio, LLC:
Joe DiMaggio, LLC formed on January 1, 2011 and is based in the Joe DiMaggio Building in Hollywood, FL. Joe DiMaggio, LLC has the exclusive rights to market and license the name, image and brand of Joe DiMaggio.
Contact: Michelle Alfandari
MODA Licensing, Inc.
212 687 7640 ext 214
m.alfandari@pixelelves.com/moda
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The New York Times
Via licensing, MODA extended The New York Times authority to a wine club. An innovative integration of traditional and new media, marketing and direct mail has resulted in a critical and commercial success. The New York Times Wine Club provides wines from the top regions of the world accompanied by Tasting Notes that includes related articles from The New York Times archives and is rated by an independent blind testing as having best wines of competitive wine clubs.
LYCRA®
MODA took the ingredient brand LYCRA® and made it a consumer brand in cosmetics on behalf of its client INVISTA (formerly DuPont). Licensed to Coty Cosmetics, this successful business is now entering its 8th year. LYCRA® products feature the benefits of LYCRA® (e.g. strength, resistance, last) and are available throughout the world where Rimmel and Astor cosmetics are sold.
