Moshi Monsters Creator Set for BLE Keynote

LONDON: Michael Acton Smith, the CEO and founder of Mind Candy and the creator of Moshi Monsters, is slated to deliver a keynote address at this year’s Brand Licensing Europe.

The online Moshi Monsters community of adoptable pet monsters for children has attracted some 50 million users globally. The property brought its popularity into the licensing world in January 2010, with a range of merchandise, including trading cards, a toy line, books and a self-published magazine. Currently, half of all children in the U.K. ages 6-12 have a Moshi Monster, and in the U.S. the figure stands at one in five children in that age group.

Humaira Kaiser, the marketing director for Europe at Advanstar Licensing, organizers of BLE, said: “Moshi Monsters is a hugely innovative and globally recognized property, making it the perfect fit for Brand Licensing Europe 2011 keynote speaker slot. Michael’s appearance at the show will continue to cement Brand Licensing Europe as the must-visit licensing event and we’re very excited to welcome him to the show.” 
 
Smith commented: “I’m delighted to have been offered the BLE 2011 Keynote Speaker slot. We’ve had an amazing journey with Moshi Monsters over the last two years and I’m keen to share our successes, failures and thoughts on shaking up the licensing industry for a new digital age.”