BRANDmate 2023: B2B networking event sets new benchmarks

• More than 750 attend industry gathering in Offenbach
• High-profile names and informative programme

An exuberant mood, enthusiastic guests and exhibitors, inspiring discussions and networking until well into the night: now in its second year, BRANDmateset new benchmarks as an event and brand festival focused on collaborations, partnerships and licensing. Inexcess of 750 participants from some 330 companies met for a get-together in a class of its own in Offenbach on 21 and 22 June, using the event as a cross-sectoral platform for exchange and networking. More than 2,800 speed dating sessions were arranged through the matchmaking feature on the event website, which gave all participants – whether brand owners or licensees, in retail or marketing – the opportunity to connect in advance of the gathering. The face-to-face meet-ups then took place in the relaxed atmosphere of BRANDmate, where new business ideas were discussed and developed. The guests finished out the first day with a live band, DJ, buffet and drinks at the official BRANDmate party on the Wednesday evening.

Strong brands

"This year’s BRANDmate exceeded all of our expectations – together with the exhibitors and guests, we celebrated a real brand festival!" said a delighted Eva Stemmer, Organiser of BRANDmate and Managing Director of BRANDmate GmbH. "The collective passion for brands, licences and cooperation is what makes BRANDmate so special. The energy and enthusiasm felt over these two days in Offenbach are the best proof that we are making an important contribution to networking in our industry."The exhibitors presented themselves in the Brand Experience Area and celebrated BRANDmate with unique showrooms, walking acts, special promotions and happy hours. This year’s event focused on the gaming & e-sports, food & beverage, home & living and sports industries – in addition to the familiar entertainment, toys and stationery themes. The exhibitors included German and internationally renowned entertainment companies, such as Super RTL, Warner Bros., NBC Universal, Paramount, WDR mediagroup and rbb. Also present were toy giants Mattel and Hasbro, along with sports brands BVB and Eintracht Frankfurt, the Eintracht Spandau e-sports club and publishing houses Burda Licensing, Jahreszeiten Verlag and Carlsen Verlag. Food brands such as Jokolade and KoRo as well as home & living brands like Koziol, IBENA Textile and Carrera completed the portfolio.

Well-known presenters

Numerous speakers shared their expertise and provided inspiring insights into the trends of today and tomorrow across three stages. These included Maura Regan (President Licensing International), Carolin Stüdemann (Managing Director of Viva con Agua de Sankt Pauli e.V.), Jakob Neise (co-CEO and co-founder of PLAY THE HYPE), Linda Häusler (Senior Project Manager, Podstars by OMR), Johann Lafer (chef, brand and brand ambassador), Dorjee Lhamo Gerhard (Concept Copy, Jung von Matt NERD) and Sven Göth (CEO of Futuriser, business futurist & keynote speaker). "Baker of the Year" Axel Schmitt who is also the official baker of the legendary Wacken rock music festival put his technical skills on display in a dedicated show kitchen.

"It’s wonderful to see how the different industries have come together in Offenbach to generate ideas and create business," said Christian Ulrich, Managing Director of BRANDmate GmbH and Spokesperson of the Executive Board at Spielwarenmesse eG. "The engagement of all participants makes BRANDmate what it is: a vibrant, innovative and stimulating event that sets benchmarks." The next BRANDmate will take place on 19 and 20 June 2024.