Staying on Top of Licensed Children’s Publishing News

November 15, 2024: Karen Raugust’s ongoing coverage of children’s publishing for Publishers Weekly, with a focus on licensing and other partnerships, continues. Recent stories have focused on a new PBS Kids TV series from author/illustrator Zachariah OHora, Carl the Collector, which stars a character with autism; the daily online game Murdle moving into middle-grade publishing with Little, Brown; Penguin Young Readers’ expansion of its successful Bluey publishing program; and author Mo Willems’ new YouTube series of read-alouds featuring children reading and commenting on stories featuring The Pigeon, Elephant and Piggie, and more. Meanwhile, Karen’s “Licensing Hotline” column, which covers the latest news at the intersection between licensing and publishing, comes out about once a month. See a list of her latest writings for PW here. 

Nokomis Opens RC Photo’s 2024 Craft Season With Successful Event 

November 10, 2024: RC Photo Cards & Crafts opened its 2024 craft fair season with a great event at Lake Nokomis Community Center in Minneapolis on November 9. The 2024 Nokomis Fall Urban Craft and Art Fair attracted a steady crowd of new and returning customers. Sales were strong, with our magnets and snowman cards being particular highlights this year. 

Shop for Photo Gifts at the Carleton Craft Fair and Bake Sale

November 10, 2024: Head to Northfield, Minnesota, for the Carleton College Craft Fair and Custodial Bake Sale on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will be held at Weitz Center for Creativity, 320 Third Street East, in Northfield. RC Photo Cards & Crafts will participate in the sale for a second time, offering coasters, photo collages (matted and framed), greeting cards (boxed and single), magnets, gift tags, and jewelry. All feature photographic images, including florals, landscapes, winter scenes, and more. All proceeds from the event support the Carleton Custodial Scholarship Fund.

Produce Blueprints Highlights Trade Trends

November 5, 2024: For the trade supplement of the November/December issue of Blue Book Services’ Produce Blueprints magazine, Karen Raugust wrote the introductory article, “Overview: Smooth Sailing or Rough Seas?,” which takes a look at trade trends in four key regions around the world. Excerpts from the story also appeared in the Produce Reporter daily e-newsletter. 

RC Photo Cards & Crafts Participates in Masonic Holiday Bazaar for First Time

November 4, 2024: The Minnesota Masonic Home Holiday Bazaar, on November 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., will feature more than 40 local vendors in a century-old building. RC Photo Cards & Crafts will be a first-time exhibitor at the event, located in Dan Patch Hall at the Minnesota Masonic Home at 11501 Masonic Home Drive in Bloomington, Minnesota. Whether you’re searching for one-of-a-kind presents or holiday décor or want to support local artisans, the bazaar is the ideal opportunity to find something unique while enjoying a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Legal Network Relies on Raugust Communications

November 1, 2024: Karen Raugust’s recent writing projects for Meritas, a global network of independent law firms, include articles on a variety of legal topics, survey analyses, key takeaways from webinars and presentations, meeting summaries, social posts, and the organization’s internal member newsletter, among other projects. This is a long-time client of Raugust Communications.

RC Photo Cards and Crafts to Exhibit at CPC Holiday Boutique

October 30, 2024: RC Photo Cards & Crafts will be taking its photo crafts, including coasters, photo collages (matted and framed), greeting cards (boxed and single), magnets, gift tags, and jewelry to the 2024 CPC Holiday Boutique on November 23, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event is held at Christ Presbyterian Church, 6901 Normandale Road in Edina, Minnesota. We look forward to seeing you there!

Nokomis Craft and Art Fair Counts RC Photo Cards & Crafts Among Exhibitors

October 30, 2024: RC Photo Cards & Crafts, a division of Raugust Communications, will be exhibiting at the 2024 Nokomis Fall Urban Craft and Art Fair, held at the Lake Nokomis Community Center, 2401 E Minnehaha Parkway in Minneapolis, on November 9, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. RC Photo is a long-time exhibitor at this great community event, sponsored by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board.

Spend Small Business Saturday at CIDNA Holiday mART

October 25, 2024: Join RC Photo Cards & Crafts at the annual CIDNA Holiday mArt on Small Business Saturday—November 30, 2024—from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event, sponsored by the Cedar Isles Dean Neighborhood Association, will be at the Jones Harrison Residence, 3700 Cedar Lake Avenue in Minneapolis. There will be cookies and cider and a chance to win a door prize with a purchase from any vendor. Check out RC Photo’s merchandise featuring floral and landscape photography on magnets, cards, coasters, gift tags, and jewelry as well as framed and matted photo collages.

Licensing Course Features Raugust Communications Presentation

September 30, 2024: Karen Raugust was one of several guest speakers in a course on licensing at Long Island University, which also used Raugust Communications’ The Licensing Business Handbook and other resources throughout the semester. Raugust’s session focused on the role of the licensee, with a number of case studies presented. If you are looking for a speaker for an educational session, contact Raugust Communications to discuss. 

Simba Publishes PreK-12 Publishing Report 

September 30, 2024: Simba Information, a division of The Freedonia Group, recently released Publishing for the PreK-12 Market 2024-2025, written by Karen Raugust along with Martha Scharping. The report is available for purchase in full or as individual sections. It provides a roadmap for educators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, analyzing current trends, emerging technologies, and state and federal initiatives to offer insights into the future of K-12 education in the United States and the evolving role of instructional materials in shaping student outcomes. Key topics include the increasing shift to digital learning, the challenges of funding sustainability, the rise of alternative educational models, and the competitive dynamics among leading educational publishers and edtech companies.

Latest Produce Blueprints Topics Include Brand-Building, L.A. Retail and Foodservice

September 5, 2024: Karen Raugust wrote a feature for the September/October issue of Produce Blueprints magazine, published by Blue Book Services, on the benefits, challenges, and best practices of building a brand in the fresh produce industry. She also contributed an article on the retail and foodservice landscape in Los Angeles for a supplement to the issue focused on that city. Both articles were excerpted in the publication’s daily e-newsletter, the Produce Reporter. 

LIU Features Raugust Communications Resources in Licensing Course

August 30, 2024: A Long Island University course on licensing used Raugust Communications’ educational materials, including The Licensing Business Handbook, RaugustReports, and custom case studies, as its core and supplemental texts. Additional universities that have used the Handbook and/or other Raugust Communications’ materials include LIM College, New York University, Lehigh University, and Southern New Hampshire University. Contact Raugust Communications if you’re looking for educational materials for your college courses, professional classes, or corporating training. 

Presentation Offers Insights Into Current Brand Licensing Trends

August 20, 2024: Karen Raugust recently gave an interactive presentation at a virtual town hall for members of The Society of Product Licensors Committed to Excellence (SPLiCE), an association of professionals specializing in brand licensing. This the latest of semi-regular presentations Karen has given to this group, each focusing on a current licensing trend with the goal of spurring conversations about challenges and best practices. If you’re interested in a presentation at one of your events, please contact us to discuss.

The Latest Produce-Industry Happenings in Food Service, Latin America

July 8, 2024: The main feature in the July/August issue of Blue Book Services’ Produce Blueprints magazine was a focus on the foodservice industry and its progress in recovering from the pandemic, written by Karen Raugust. She also completed another piece, on the main produce-growing regions in Latin America and the Caribbean, for a supplement to the main issue. Excerpts of both pieces were published in the Produce Reporter daily e-newsletter.

Raugust Communications Capabilities Deck Available Upon Request 

June 15, 2024: Raugust Communications has produced a new deck, available on request, of its licensing-related research and consulting capabilities. It includes an overview of Raugust Communications’ services; a detailing of the types of project-based consulting and research it completes for clients; a summary of its research methodology; and details on its capabilities in competitive analysis, market studies, category analysis, property evaluations, strategy consulting, trend research, education, presentations, and property and category brainstorming. It also includes background about the company and its publications, and endorsements from satisfied clients. Contact us if you’d like a copy and to discuss how Raugust Communications can help you.

Licensing Expo Wrap-Up Offers Snapshot Of Licensing Business Trends

June 7, 2024: One common refrain from exhibitors and attendees at Licensing Expo in Las Vegas this year was that there was not much new on exhibit. And the stats seem to back this up: Show organizer Informa said that 106 brands were new to the show—some of them were new to licensing as well—out of more than 5,000 total. That translates to just about 2%. In fact, many of the most notable trends spotted at Licensing Expo this year were related more to the changing nature of the licensing business and the trade show industry than to new trends in properties and products. Read Raugust Communications’ wrap-up of all the trends on the show floor—a good snapshot into what’s happening in the business overall—here.

Competitive Analysis Report Offers Insights Into PreK-12 Instructional Materials Industry

May 30, 2024: Freedonia Group and its Simba Information division have released PreK-12 Instructional Materials Industry Competitive Analysis, written by Karen Raugust. The study analyzes the market and financial health of the educational materials industry, touching on key industry trends and how publishers have responded, publishers’ recent financial performance, stock price trends, and M&A and private equity activity. The report is sold in its entirety as well as by individual section. 

Mangos and More Mangos

May 5, 2024: Karen Raugust wrote an article on all things related to the global fresh mango industry, from new introductions to up-and-coming growing regions. The piece was published in the May/June 2024 issue of Produce Blueprints magazine, a produce-industry trade publication from Blue Book Services. It was also excerpted in the Produce Reporter daily e-newsletter. 

From Warehouse Clubs to Western Canada: The Latest from Produce Blueprints

March 15, 2024: Karen Raugust’s “Retail Report: Warehouse Club Stores” was the cover story in the March/April 2024 issue of Produce Blueprints magazine, published by Blue Book Services. The article looks at trends in this retail tier, key players and their strategies, and the clubs’ sale and merchandising of fresh produce. Karen contributed a second piece to the magazine’s Canada supplement, covering an overview on fresh produce operations in Western Canada, from British Columbia to the Prairie Provinces to the Far North. Read the issue on the Produce Blueprints website.

New Simba Report Looks at K-12 Reading Materials Market

January 20, 2024: The latest project completed by Karen Raugust for Simba Information, a division of the Freedonia Group, is K-12 Reading Market Report, 2024. The publication explains how increasing implementation of Science of Reading (SoR) programs in schools is creating change across the K-12 reading landscape and affecting purchases of core and supplemental reading materials. The report also includes discussions of other trends impacting the market for reading and English language arts materials.

What’s Ahead for the Produce Industry in 2024?

January 15, 2024: For the fourth year in a row, Karen Raugust authored Produce Blueprints’ cover story looking ahead at the trends expected to affect the fresh produce industry in the coming year. “The Year Ahead 2024,” published in the January/February 2024 issue of the magazine, covered topics including artificial intelligence, climate change, labor, and food safety. The article was also excerpted in several issues of the Produce Reporter daily e-newsletter.

Annual Look at the Year in Licensing Now Available

December 19, 2023: The licensing business had an eventful year in 2023, as it dealt with new technologies, economic and consumer confidence challenges, controversies, strikes, and more. At the same time, there were many bright spots, including notable growth trajectories in several property sectors and product categories. Our annual Year in Review for 2023 highlights 20 of the most notable trends of the year.

Produce Blueprints Provides Overview of Asian Trade Trends

November 20, 2023: Karen Raugust’s story, “Trade with Asia: Opportunities and Risks,” appears on page 14 of the Global Trade supplement to the November/December 2023 issue of Produce Blueprints magazine, published by Blue Book Services. The article reviews the top Asian countries for imports and exports of fresh fruits and vegetables with North America, with China being the dominant player. It also looks at up-and-coming competitors, particularly Vietnam, whose influence within the region has been growing. 

Simba Release Covers PreK-12 Publishing Industry Trends

October 27, 2023: Simba Information, an imprint of the Freedonia Group, just released Publishing for the PreK-12 Market, 2023-2024, written by Karen Raugust. The report found that total sales of instructional materials for PreK-12 schools reached $9.9 billion in 2022, up 6.3% from $9.31 billion in 2021. It attributed this growth to continued replenishment of classroom materials after lengthy lockdown breaks; the increased need for additional materials to address learning loss; more robust local budgets due to increased state and local tax collection; growing state budgets that represent an increased effort to reverse poor educational results; continued ESSER funding from the federal level; and the return to practices that were put on hold during the pandemic (such as state testing). It also looks at challenges ahead as ESSER funding runs out in fall 2024.

Catch Up on All the Trends from Toy Fair 2023

October 18, 2023: Raugust Communications posted its detailed recap of licensing-related trends spotted at Toy Fair New York 2023, held September 30 to October 3. The presence of licensing was wide-ranging, from holiday licenses to preschool properties to candy and snack brands and beyond. A few of the key trends included the influence on licensing and toy development of the metaverse in particular and technology in general, food and cooking as an important theme with significant licensing activity, the “kidulting” trend, and the strength of the plush category, among others. You can read the coverage here.

PW Recaps Toy Fair Happenings for Publishing Industry

October 18, 2023: Karen Raugust covered Toy Fair 2023 for Publishers Weekly, with a focus on the changes to the show itself after a three-year pandemic break. The October 17, 2023, edition of Karen’s regular Licensing Hotline column in the same publication featured news items about several publishers exhibiting at the show. You can find links to all of Karen’s Hotlines and other writings for PW here. Sign up for the free PW Children’s Bookshelf newsletter to read Karen’s columns as soon as they are published.

Handbook Helps Teach Licensing at Lehigh

October 15, 2023: The Licensing Business Handbook was the required textbook in “Ventures in Brand Licensing,” an intensive two-day class taught by Stu Seltzer of Seltzer Licensing Group at Lehigh University in fall 2023. The Handbook has also been used as the textbook, sometimes along with other Raugust Communications educational resources, at LIM College, New York University, and Southern New Hampshire University. If you are interested in using Raugust Communications’ materials in one of your licensing classes or seminars, contact us. 

Spotlight on Produce Industry Trade Associations, Career Opportunities

September 15, 2023: Karen Raugust contributed a special double cover feature called “Industry Focus” to the September/October 2023 issue of Blue Book Services’ Produce Blueprints magazine. “Part I: IFPA” looked at the merger between the Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh into the International Fresh Produce Association, one-plus year in, examining the synergies and challenges as integration continues (page 17). “Part 2: Careers in Produce” (page 40) examined the opportunities that await job candidates in the produce industry, with a focus on lesser-known areas like technology, data analytics, and sustainability. You can read the most recent issue on the website. Excerpts from both pieces have run in The Produce Reporter newsletter as well.

New Report Outlines Competitive Issues Facing PreK-12 Publishers

August 31, 2023: PreK-12 Instructional Materials Industry Competitive Analysis, written by Karen Raugust and published by Simba Information, a division of the Freedonia Group, takes a look at how publishers are making a variety of adjustments to what they need to do to be competitive and successful to deal with the major forces and changes confronting public PreK-12 schools. These include responding to the lingering effects of pandemic-induced lockdowns in the U.S., causing an ongoing need to address matters like learning loss, social-emotional learning, more flexible learning, and the rapid growth in the use of digital tools and platforms. The report also looks at market and financial trends impacting the entire industry.

Articles Examine Produce Industry M&A, U.S.-Mexico Trade

August 15, 2023: The cover story in Produce Blueprints’ July/August 2023 issue, published by Blue Book Services, is “Better Together? M&A Activity in the Industry” by Karen Raugust. The article discusses recent M&A deals in the fresh produce industry, reasons for the increase in M&A activity of late, best practices to drive success, and what might be ahead. Karen also wrote an article in a supplement to this issue, “Expanding Horizons: A Trade Report on Mexico, Central, and South America.” Her piece, “Dominating the Export Market: Mexico Remains a Force to Be Reckoned with for Fresh Produce,” examines top imports to the U.S. from Mexico, the growth of controlled-environment agriculture and exotic produce categories, changes in growing-region dominance and trade patterns, and challenges at the border.

Licensing Hotlines Look at Intersection of Licensing, Kids’ Publishing

July 7, 2023: If you’re interested in the intersection between children’s publishing and licensing, check out Karen Raugust’s Licensing Hotline column in Publishers Weekly, which appears first in the free PW Children’s Bookshelfnewsletter (sign up here) before being posted on the PW website. Recent columns on June 6, June 29, and July 6 include items about Wandering Planet’s Nancy Drew action figures, Odd Dot’s Build-A-Bear books, Random House’s Afro Unicorn books, Scholastic and Insight Edition’s titles tied to XOMG Pop!, Nosy Crow’s global nonfiction program with the University of Cambridge, and Curiosity Ink’s Cats Vs Pickles program distributed by Dynamite Entertainment, among many others. The columns go beyond the press release to give you additional insights into the world of licensed preschool, children’s, middle grade, and young adult literature. To see Karen’s recent coverage for PW, including the Hotlines, visit her author page.

Licensing Expo 2023 Recap Published

June 21, 2023: Our annual in-depth wrap-up of the trends noted at Licensing Expo has just been posted. Many of the observations mirror trends covered in RaugustReports on an ongoing basis: the prominence of anime within the entertainment licensing business; the importance of collectibles and collectibility in the business; conversations about how to best utilize newer digital platforms, including NFTs, the metaverse, and TikTok; the work being done on diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as sustainability; the continued importance of audio as a content platform to support licensing programs; the dominance of food and beverage-related licensing in the corporate sector; and much more. There is also a discussion about how the Expo is, like most trade shows, evolving as the needs of attendees, exhibitors, and other stakeholders change. Read the story here.

Publication Looks Ahead at Policy and Budget Trends Impacting Schools

June 15, 2023: PreK-12 Policy & Budget Outlook, 2023-2024, a new report written by Karen Raugust and published by Simba Information, a unit of the Freedonia Group, examines educational policy and funding trends at the federal, state, and local level. On the funding side, both federal appropriations and state budgets for PreK-12 education remained strong during the 2022-2023 school year, but uncertainty lies ahead. The report also outlines policy trends including curriculum restrictions and book bans; growth in social issues such as mental health, inclusivity versus fairness, and gun violence in schools; teacher dissatisfaction; classroom connectivity; policy updates on various subjects including computer science; cybersecurity and privacy; and school choice bills on the rise.

Produce Blueprints Highlights Retailers, Trends in California, Ontario

May 14, 2023: Supplements to the May/June issue of Blue Book Services’ Produce Blueprints magazine, one on California and the other on Ontario, Canada, both include stories by Karen Raugust. Her “Retail Snapshot: Stater Bros. Markets” appeared in the former, while “Retail Trends in the Greater Toronto Area” is in the latter. You can read the most recent issue of digital Produce Blueprints here.

Recent Licensed Publishing News

May 12, 2023: Recent stories by Karen Raugust in PW Children’s Bookshelf and the PW Daily e-newsletters have included pieces on Mo Willems’ formation of the Hidden Pigeon Company, Random House pairing with Hasbro for books tied to Kiya and the Kimoja Heroes, Silver Dolphin’s expansion of its You’re My Little… book series, HarperCollins’ licensing deal with Elf on the Shelf, Mattel’s new publishing imprint, and Barnes & Noble’s partnership with the Moomin brand, among others. In addition, her Licensing Hotline column, all about the intersection of licensing and publishing, continues. Link to any of Karen’s articles for PW here.

Legal Industry Writing Projects

May 6, 2023: Some of Karen Raugust’s latest projects for the global legal network Meritas, a long-time client, include writing substantive trend articles for legal publications on behalf of the organization, facilitating and editing promotional videos, creating promotional posts for social platforms, compiling the network’s member newsletter, writing copy for the organization’s website, and summarizing data from member surveys. Meritas has 183 law member law firms in 92 countries around the world.

100th E-Newsletter Published

April 19, 2023: The April issue of Raugust Communications’ monthly e-newsletter is the 100th edition since the company launched RaugustReports, its twice-weekly e-publication covering licensing trends as they happen, along with this complementary newsletter, just over eight years ago. All 100 of the two features in each edition of the newsletter, the Licensing Trend of the Month and the Datapoint research spotlight, are archived; you can also access all the 800-plus posts published in RaugustReports. Together, these resources offer a wealth of information for your licensing research needs. You can subscribe to both publications here.

Simba Releases Analysis of PreK-12 Enrollment and Demographics

April 15, 2023: Simba Information, a division of the Freedonia Group, has published PreK-12 Enrollment and Demographics, 2023-2024, researched and written by Karen Raugust. The report details the trends impacting enrollment in public PreK-12 schools, including student migration to religious or other private schools, home schooling, virtual schools, public charter schools, and other learning alternatives. The publication covers both long-term and post-lockdown trends and their implication on public school enrollments.

Grocery Retailers to Watch

April 3, 2023: Karen Raugust wrote the cover story for the March/April 2023 issue of Blue Book Services’ Produce Blueprints magazine, “8 Retailers to Watch.” The piece profiles Wegmans, Raley’s Supermarkets, Redner’s Markets, Southeastern Grocers, Erewhon, The Fresh Market, Sprouts Farmers Markets, and Hy-Vee. Karen also wrote a profile of Canadian grocer Save-On-Foods for the issue’s Canada supplement. You can read the most recent issue of digital Produce Blueprints here.

RaugustReports Publishes 800th Post—and Counting

February 17, 2023: On February 16, 2023, RaugustReports published its 800th post offering insights on licensing trends across property types, product categories, and geographic regions. Each post aims to connect the dots between all the news items licensing executives receive in their in-box each day and help them make sense of it all, so they are armed with the information they need to excel. You can subscribe to this free publication to receive new insights by email every Monday and Thursday or visit the archives to search or browse all 800-plus stories if you need inspiration or are collecting trend research for specific projects. And please add us to your press list (raugustcommunications@gmail.com); we will include your news as relevant trends come up.

Colleges Turn to Raugust Communications for Licensing Courses

The Year Ahead in Produce and Grocery

Trend Presentation Examines Licensing Trends

Spotlight on Marvel Licensed Publishing

Simba Examines College Course Materials Market

What Were the Top Licensing Trends of 2022?

RC Photo Crafts Completes 2022 Craft Fair Season

Produce Blueprints Covers Status at Ports

Simba Publishes Latest Report on PreK-12 Testing Market

Articles, Reports Completed for Long-Running client Meritas

Author Gary Eldon Peter Publishes New Book, Updates Website

Trends from Licensing Expo

Licensing Trend Coverage from Bologna

Reaching Kids Through the Metaverse

March 19, 2022: Publishers and consumer products marketers, owners of literary characters and other intellectual property, and the licensing community generally are all trying to figure out how to take advantage of the metaverse to reach young consumers. A three-hour webinar on February 24 called “The Metaverse for Kids and Young Adults: How It Is Impacting Licensing” gave an overview of this hot topic. The virtual session was the focus of the first of two International Kids Licensing Days held in conjunction with the Bologna Licensing Trade Fair, which runs alongside the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. Karen Raugust summarized highlights from the session for Publishers Weekly.

Simba Publishes Science Report

March 16, 2022: Simba Information has published K-12 Science Market Outlook, a research report by Karen Raugust. The report provides a comprehensive examination of the current and future landscape of the market for instructional materials in science and STEM for grades K-12, including estimates of current market size and forecasts for the next two school years. Read more about the content of the report, download a sample, or make a purchase on the Simba website.

A Look at Growth in the Dollar Store Channel

March 15, 2022: Karen Raugust wrote the cover story, “Dollar Stores and Fresh Produce: A Winning Strategy?,” for Produce Blueprints magazine’s March/April 2022 issue. The piece discusses the rise of fresh food sales in dollar stores and has a produce-centric slant, but it also offers an overview of growth, trends, and challenges in this segment overall. Read the piece on page 14 of the digital issue.

Assistance Available for Artists

February 8, 2022: Raugust Communications offers consulting services specifically designed for artists. Possibilities range from an hour of personalized advice on specific areas of need (for $300) to broader projects such as how-to sessions, property evaluations, strategy recommendations, and more. Note that these are one-off projects, not artist representation. Among the practitioners taking advantage of these services include artists with specific questions or challenges, or who just feel stuck, as well as agencies that have new or potential artist clients who they feel would benefit from a referral for a quick course on licensing. Interested? Contact us here.

RaugustReports: 700 Posts and Counting

February 1, 2022: On January 31, RaugustReports debuted its 700th twice-weekly post covering licensing trends and insights across property types, product categories, retail channels, and geographic regions. For those in the licensing business who are conducting research for a project, all the posts are searchable and browsable. Those who want to keep up with the latest observations can subscribe to receive the most recent post in their email inbox every Monday and Thursday.

The Year Ahead in Fresh Produce

January 18, 2022: Karen Raugust wrote the cover story, “On the Other Side? All Things Fresh in 2022,” for Produce Blueprints’ January/February 2022 issue. This look at the year ahead focuses on the fresh produce industry. It discusses challenges such as supply chain disruptions and inflation, as well as positive developments including better packaging and last-mile improvements. You can read the issue here; the story starts on page 14. Excerpts from the piece also ran in the Produce Reporter daily e-newsletter.

What Were the Top Licensing Trends of 2021?

December 21, 2021: Raugust Communications has published its annual list of the top licensing trends of 2021. Many of the notable happenings of the year could be described as new milestones or turning points related to trends that have been ongoing for some time. But 2021 was notable for some entirely new trends—from NFTs to collegiate NIL licensing—that were quickly embraced by the licensing community during the year. Supply chain issues, sustainability, and DE&I were also top of mind. Read our take on the top 20 trends across property types, product categories, and territories here.

Website Refresh Completed for Author Gary Eldon Peter

December 20, 2021: Raugust Communications paired with JHR Design to do a website refresh for Gary Eldon Peter, author of the short story collection Oranges and the novel The Complicated Calculus (and Cows) of Carl Paulsen. The two companies initially created Peter’s website in 2018.

A Pandemic-Era Look at Movie Tie-Ins for PW

December 15, 2021: Karen Raugust wrote the print feature “Movie Tie-ins at a Crossroads” (also available online) for the December 13 issue of Publishers Weekly. It focuses on the challenges of licensed publishing connected to feature films since the start of the pandemic. You can read the online version here.

Produce  Blueprints Cover Story Spotlights Amazon’s Grocery Business

November 29, 2021: The cover story in Produce Blueprints’ November/December 2021 issue, written by Karen Raugust, was “Amazon and the Future of Grocery,” several excerpts of which also ran in the Produce Reporter daily e-newsletter. The publication covers the fresh produce category, and the story primarily highlights Amazon’s activities in grocery retailing. You can read the issue here.

Survey Documents Legal Organization’s DE&I Strategies To Date

October 22, 2021: Karen Raugust’s latest project for Meritas, a global legal network of small and mid-sized independent firms, is an analysis of a recent survey of the organization’s members and their strategies for improving diversity, equity, and inclusion. The report will be used internally by Meritas firms and the organization as a whole to set strategies and develop programs to support DE&I. This is the one of many projects Karen has recently completed for this long-time client.

Craft Fair Cancellations Continue

October 18, 2021: This would normally be craft fair season for RC Photo Cards & Crafts, a seller of nature photography and photo crafts and a division of Raugust Communications. However, the lingering pandemic has caused all of our half dozen annual events to be put on hold for another year. We will keep you posted about our presence at live craft fairs in the Twin Cities area when they resume.

Licensing Hotline, Other Coverage Focuses on Licensed Publishing

October 15, 2021: Karen Raugust’s monthly Licensing Hotline column continues to be featured in Publishers Weekly’s PW Children’s Bookshelf e-newsletter and online at publishersweekly.com. The column is accompanied by additional stories on licensed publishing for children. Recent topics have included HarperCollins’ Dungeon & Dragons middle-grade publishing program, the Seuss Chef foodie sub-brand for kids, King Features bringing its classic comics into the young adult and middle-grade arenas, Marvel’s growing kids’ publishing programs tied to Spider-man and other properties, and Random House’s partnership with Sesame Street and Headspace for preschool mindfulness titles. Read Karen’s articles for PW here.

Chicago Marathon Runs to Raugust Communications for Editorial Services

October 12, 2021: The Bank of America Chicago Marathon was back as an in-person event this year. As has been the case for the past several years, Raugust Communications was responsible for the final proof of the official print program for the event. It includes biographical information on runners, memories of past events, and details about this year’s race. Next year’s Chicago Marathon is set for October 9, 2022.

Produce Blueprints: Exploring the Potential of Exotic Fruits and Vegetables

October 11, 2021: Karen Raugust’s latest article for Produce Blueprints magazine, a publication of Blue Book Services, is “What’s Next? Exploring Exotics on the Cusp.” It takes a look at specialty fruits and vegetables that are well known in Hispanic and Asian cooking and may be poised for breakout success in the U.S. and Canada. A few experienced their heyday in years past and are making a comeback, while others are hidden gems. The piece was in the September/October 2021 print issue, with excerpts appearing in the daily Produce Reporter newsletter.

Simba Releases Report on Pandemic-Driven Impacts on K-12 Education

October 6, 2021: Education Re-Entry: Getting Ready for School 2021-2022, the newly released report from Simba Information, written by Karen Raugust, examines the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 school districts in the United States, including trends and strategies to keep students safe, reverse learning loss, and address social-emotional issues in the 2021-2022 school year and beyond. The eight-chapter report focuses on the pandemic’s impact on academics, social-emotional issues for students and teachers, acceleration of technology use, health and safety in schools, and impacts on educators, budgets, and financing. Read more about the report here.

Licensing Expo Virtual: In-Depth Coverage Posted

September 16, 2021: Raugust Communications has published its in-depth coverage of Licensing Expo, which took place virtually in late August. The article, authored by Karen Raugust, covers key takeaways culled from sessions presented as part of the Licensing International-produced Licensing University and the live and on-demand content offered by show manager Informa Markets, as well as observations from the virtual exhibitor booths. Topics of note include supply chain issues; NFTs; direct-to-consumer e-commerce, social media, and omnichannel retailing; the present and future of experiential licensing; modernizing classic properties; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and much more. Read the deep dive here.

Thanks to Panelists at Licensing U Session

September 1, 2021: Many thanks to panelists Anita Castellar, CEO of FanGirl Consulting and Brand Management; Marc Mostman, president of Most Management; and Ilana Wilensky, president of Jewel Branding and Licensing for the great information presented during the “Working with Agents and Consultants” panel” at Licensing University. Karen Raugust moderated the session, held in conjunction with Licensing Expo Virtual 2021.

Spotlight on the Kids’ Workbook Category

August 15, 2021: A feature in Publishers Weekly’s School & Library Spotlight section in the August 13, 2021, print issue covered the growth of kids’ workbooks during the pandemic. The trend continues as parents are still taking a proactive role in their kids’ education and as they worry about learning loss due to remote schooling. The article, “Kids’ Workbooks Level Up,” looks at several trends in the category, including a rise in titles tied to licensed brands, from Disney Learning to The World of Eric Carle to ABC Mouse.

Licensing U: Working with Agents and Consultants

August 15, 2021: Karen Raugust is moderating a Licensing U Basics session at Licensing University, held in conjunction with Licensing Expo Virtual, August 24-26, 2021. The presentation, “Working with Agents and Consultants,” features panelists Anita Castellar, CEO of FanGirl Consulting and Brand Management; Marc Mostman, president of Most Management; and Ilana Wilensky, president of Jewel Branding and Licensing. Registrants for the Licensing University Basics track can view the content on-demand here for a limited time.

Publication Examines Central America as Source for Fresh Produce

August 10, 2021: “Central America: A Bona Fide Supplier, Not Just Filling Seasonal Gaps,” by Karen Raugust, was published in the July/August 2021 print issue of Produce Blueprints magazine. It looks at fresh produce sourced from the “big three” of Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Honduras, as well as other contributors such as Nicaragua and Belize.

London Book Fair Presentations Examine Supply Chain, Brexit

July 8, 2021: The Online Book Fair, this year’s digital version of the London Book Fair, took place June 21 to July 1, 2021. Although not licensing-related per se, panels on supply chain issues and the impact of Brexit on publishers and booksellers offered insights that are likely to be of interest to some members of the licensing community at large. You can find the coverage on Raugust Communications’ Trade Show page, here.

PW Offers Recent Trade Show, Webinar Coverage

July 5, 2021: Karen Raugust covered three recent presentations that touch on the intersection of publishing and licensing for Publishers Weekly. “Licensing: How to Build a Brand from a Book” was a topic at the virtual London Book Fair, which focused on Penguin Ventures’ experiential licensing efforts supporting Peter Rabbit. The virtual Bologna Children’s Book Fair featured a presentation called “From Page to Screen,” examining what makes a book relevant as the basis of streaming, television, or film content. And an NPD Group webinar on “Understanding Trends in the U.S. Kids’ Book and Licensing Market” offered research on what’s selling and how the market for licensed publishing is changing.

Bologna Book Fair Panels Highlight Kids’ Comics, Bookselling

June 20, 2021: The virtual Bologna Book Fair, held June 14-17, 2021, featured a handful of panels that—while not at all licensing-centric—offered some insights for licensing executives with an interest in children’s books and comics, or properties emanating from that world. Two of them, one on kids’ comics and another on children’s bookselling, are covered on Raugust Communications’ Trade Show page, here.

A Look at Longo’s in Produce Blueprints

June 7, 2021: The May/June 2021 issue of Produce Blueprints magazine featured Karen Raugust’s article, “Longo’s in Transition: Will Its Family Values and Focus on Fresh Change?” The piece covered Longo’s strong history, reputation for innovation, and market position in the Toronto area grocery landscape and considered whether Empire’s investment in the long-family-owned chain would lead to any significant changes.

Recent Coverage of Licensed Publishing for PW

June 5, 2021: Recent news items written by Karen Raugust for Publishers Weekly include Random House pairing with Funko and Universal for Universal Monster Pops! Little Golden Books; Mango partnering with Woo! Jr. and DK teaming with Mrs. Wordsmith, both for educational titles; the expansion of the Last Kids on Earth franchise into graphic novels and licensed products; Scholastic’s Karma’s World publishing program, and RH’s deal to publish books based on Waffles + Mochi, the food-centric Netflix series starring Michelle Obama. Karen’s Licensing Hotline column also continues to run each month. Read all of her coverage for PW here.

Showcase, Noted 2021 Cover Art-Licensing Trends and Best Practices

May 27, 2021: The inaugural Showcase conference and trade show, launched by Jewel Branding and Licensing and powered by its Artonomo content management platform, was held May 20-21, 2021. Co-located with the Greeting Card Association’s Noted: The Greeting Card Expo, now in its second year, the virtual event was aimed at artists and the agents, retailers, and licensees that work with them. Raugust Communications’ Trade Show page (visit it here) offer some takeaways for the art licensing community and the broader licensing business.

FMX 2021: AR, VR, and Location-Based Entertainment

May 17, 2021: FMX 2021, a conference focusing on animation, effects, games, and immersive media, was held May 4-6, 2021. The digital event featured 178 presentations and 100 live Q&A sessions, presented by 388 speakers, and attracted 2,200 participants from 45 countries. Three presentations highlighted case studies on the use of licensed intellectual property in augmented reality, virtual reality, and location-based entertainment ventures. Visit Raugust Communications’ Trade Show page, here, for insights that will likely be of interest to property owners considering extending their IP into these sectors.

Recent Trade Show Coverage Available

April 16, 2021: Have you kept up with recent virtual trade shows in industries impacting the licensing business? We have collected our recent deep dives into trade show trends on a single destination on our website. You can visit here. Recent events covered include the Global Pet Expo, IHA Connect Spring, and the Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage of licensing-specific and toy-specific events, including Licensing Expo, Festival of Licensing, and Toy Fair remain separate.

Produce Blueprints Shines a Light on H-E-B

April 12, 2021: Blue Book Services’ Produce Blueprints magazine recently ran a story profiling H-E-B’s history and current business, with a focus on fresh produce. “Exploring H-E-B: A Lone Star Standout” quotes several retail analysts and consultants to get their take on how this important regional independent business stands out in the Texas landscape where it operates. The story is on page 6 of the Texas Supplement to the March/April issue.

A Look at Recent Trends in EdTech

February 15, 2021: Karen Raugust covered this year’s virtual Consumer Electronics Show from an edtech perspective, for publication in Simba Information’s Educational Marketer newsletter. The reporting covered topics such as how new technologies (e.g., AR, VR, voice, and AI) promise to transform learning and how companies and educators are partnering to smooth the path from school to the jobs of tomorrow. See a list of Simba’s publications here.

Handbook Used in NYU Licensing Course

January 29, 2021: Karen Raugust’s The Licensing Business Handbook is being used again this year in professor Stu Seltzer’s licensing course at New York University. The Handbook also regularly serves as the textbook in classes at other institutions including LIM College and Southern New Hampshire University.

Licensing Business Handbook Author Guest Lectures in LIM College Class

January 27, 2021: Karen Raugust was a guest lecturer in a class on licensing at LIM College, a higher education institution in New York City that focuses on the business of fashion. The class, led by Robyn Reitano, is using Raugust Communications’ The Licensing Business Handbook as its licensing text in 2021. The school has long used the Handbook in its courses, and author Karen Raugust has given presentations on licensing trends there in the past.

RaugustReports: Celebrating 600 Posts

January 22, 2021: On January 21, 2021, RaugustReports published its 600th post as Raugust Communications marks just over six years in business. You can browse or search all of this content, which covers trends across property types, product categories, and geographic territories, here.

CES 2021 Wrap-Up Published

January 19, 2021: The first all-virtual Consumer Electronics Show was held January 11-14, 2021. While licensing did not play an especially prominent role in the show, a number of trends highlighted in the nearly 2,000 exhibitor “booths” and more than 100 hours of presentations are relevant to the licensing business. Read a detailed recap of our observations from the show here. We also published two posts about CES 2021 in RaugustReports. One highlighted some licensing-related facts and figures from the show and the other focused on the role of fashion in the mobile accessories category.

Year in Review: Top 20 Trends of 2020

January 19, 2021: We have posted our annual Licensing Year in Review feature, which offers observations on the top 20 trends affecting the licensing business in 2020. It goes without saying that the past year was an eventful one, and many of the trends are likely to have long-term ramifications. Read the recap here. We also regularly cover the impacts of COVID on the licensing business in RaugustReports and in the Licensing Topic of the Month in our monthly e-newsletter.

Produce Blueprints: A Look at the Year Ahead

January 12, 2021: Karen Raugust’s article, “Welcome to 2021: What’s the New Normal?,” was the cover story of Produce Blueprints’ January/February 2021 issue. This is the third year Karen has written this annual feature. The piece covers the lasting impact of the COVID crisis on the fresh produce industry, including on retailers, restaurants, and suppliers, among other topics. Produce Blueprints is published by Blue Book Services. You can find the issue here.

LIM College Adopts The Licensing Business Handbook

December 21, 2020: LIM College, a private higher education institution in New York City that focuses on the business of fashion, will use Raugust Communications’ The Licensing Business Handbook as its licensing text in 2021. The school has long used the Handbook in its courses, and author Karen Raugust has given presentations on licensing trends at the school, as well as appearing as a guest in the classroom. She will be a guest speaker in a licensing class during the January 2021 semester.

PW’s E-Newsletters Feature Licensing Coverage

December 16, 2020: In addition to her regular Licensing Hotline column, Karen Raugust’s recent articles for Publishers Weekly have highlighted licensing initiatives, new imprints, and mergers involving companies including Phoenix International Publications, Surge Licensing, Chronicle Books, Wild + Wolf, and Cottage Door Press. The stories appeared in PW’s School & Library Spotlight, PW Daily, and Children’s Bookshelf e-newsletters, as well as online at publishersweekly.com. See a list of Karen’s writings for PW here.

Custom Publishing and Reprints Available

December 15, 2020: Did you know Raugust Communications can put together custom publications from our existing content? Possibilities range from how-to materials for in-house training or new employees to themed publications given as gifts to clients, licensees, or staff, with all publications tailored to the needs of the customer. Contact us to discuss. In addition, feel free to reach out if you would like permission to use any of the data or trend coverage from our publications in your presentations.

Toy Company Requests Competitive Analysis

December 7, 2020: Raugust Communications recently completed a consulting project for a global toy company planning the upcoming launch of a new entertainment-and-toy franchise. The project looked at the launch strategies and historical performance of competitive properties over their lifespan to date.

Articles for Produce Blueprints Examine Africa, AI

December 1, 2020: Karen Raugust wrote two stories in the November/December 2020 issue of Produce Blueprints magazine, one on the produce industry in South Africa and the second on the industry across the rest of the continent. The stories marked the first time the publication covered this region, which is becoming more important as a global source for fresh produce. In the September/October issue, Karen’s wrote “AI and the Employee Experience,” a look at how produce companies are experimenting with tech tools to enhance employee retention.

Festival of Licensing Coverage Published

November 1, 2020: We have posted a deep dive into the key trends coming out of the monthlong Festival of Licensing, a global virtual licensing event produced by Informa Global Licensing Group in partnership with Licensing International. The event was held October 6-29, 2020, replacing Brand Licensing Europe this year. The coverage includes four components: the C-level Licensing Leadership Summit and the three regional iterations of the Festival (Europe, Asia, and the Americas). Taken together, the coverage provides a good overview of how licensing executives globally have been addressing the challenges to their business operations caused by the pandemic. You can read all four stories here.

PMT Debuts New Website

October 1, 2020: Raugust Communications and JHR Design partnered on a redesign of Powder Metal Technologies, LLC’s website. The refreshed site features a new look and feel, a new organizational structure, and all-new content. The goal was to modernize the site and reflect the company’s current strategic direction, while maintaining consistency and compatibility with the ongoing branding.

Produce Blueprints Stories Focus on Food Service, Freight, and Toronto

July 31, 2020: Karen Raugust wrote two pieces in the July/August 2020 issue of Produce Blueprints magazine. The first, “Foodservice: Resetting the Table,” was the cover story and delved into the impact of COVID-19 restaurant shut-downs on fresh produce suppliers. The second, “Price Points: Factors Driving Freight Rates,” appeared in the issue’s Transportation & Logistics supplement. Karen also wrote a article for a supplement to the May/June issue, titled “Ontario: Talking Toronto,” about the Ontario Food Terminal and the market for fresh produce in the Toronto area.

Simba Information Publishes Professional Learning Report

July 13, 2020: PreK-12 Professional Learning Market 2020 is Simba Information’s most recent examination of the dynamic school professional learning market, which continues a transformation from top-down professional development to teacher-led, job-embedded, continuous professional learning. The report, written by Karen Raugust, looks at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other key trends in professional learning, including personalization, a focus on technology, and rising content areas such as literacy and social-emotional learning. The report features a detailed look at market size, key players, the role of federal, state, and local decision makers, and more.

Recent Coverage: Licensing Week Virtual

July 1, 2020: Raugust Communications recently published its coverage of Licensing Week Virtual, the all-digital replacement for this year’s cancelled Licensing Expo. There are two articles. One takes a look at the key trends from the show’s keynotes and presentations, as well as conversations with sponsors and attendees. The second examines participants’ experience with the new platform and the potential for virtual events to complement the live show going forward. Both can be found here. Karen Raugust, who authored the coverage, also wrote a story for Publishers Weekly on some of the relevant themes for children’s book publishers. A heads-up: Watch for Raugust Communications’ insights from the virtual Festival of Licensing, which runs from October 6 through October 29, 2020.

Meritas White Paper Spotlights Cybersecurity Concerns Related to Remote Working

July 1, 2020: Meritas, a global alliance of small- to mid-sized law firms, has published a white paper, “How to Protect Against Cybersecurity Threats in a Work-from-Home Environment.” The paper, which includes quotes from two Meritas member lawyers and a cybersecurity expert, was authored by Karen Raugust on behalf of the organization. Separately, Karen also facilitated an article co-written by a Meritas lawyer and an in-house counsel; the piece is being published in ACC Docket magazine, a publication of the Association of Corporate Counsel, this fall.

Tracking the Impact of the Coronavirus on the Licensed Products Business

April 21, 2020: Raugust Communications has launched a Coronavirus Resource Page that gathers together all of our writings related to the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on licensed products. It provides easy access to articles completed specifically for this page—including a periodic in-depth updates of issues the licensing business is facing—as well as pieces we have released first in RaugustReports, in Raugust Communications’ monthly e-newsletter, and elsewhere. Access the Coronavirus Resource Page here, and check back often; the page is regularly updated.

More COVID-19 Coverage in Publishers Weekly

May 16, 2020: Two more of Karen Raugust’s articles on how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the publishing business have been published in Publishers Weekly. “Children’s Books: What’s Selling in the Mass Channels” takes a look at trends in children’s books in mass retailers—from Walmart and Target, to supermarkets, drug stores, the dollar/value channel, and wholesale price clubs—during the pandemic. Hot areas include educational titles, coloring books, and crafts. Read it here. “Coloring and Crosswords Books for Adults Get Boost” discusses the parallel rise in sales of adult puzzle books, adult coloring titles, and adult joke books across all channels of trade that are open. Read it here. PW, typically gated for subscribers only, remains free to all during the coronavirus pandemic.

Tracking the Impact of the Coronavirus on the Licensed Products Business

April 21, 2020: Raugust Communications has launched a Coronavirus Resource Page that gathers together all of our writings related to the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on licensed products. It provides easy access to articles completed specifically for this page—including a periodic in-depth updates of issues the licensing business is facing—as well as pieces we have released first in RaugustReports, in Raugust Communications’ monthly e-newsletter, and elsewhere. Access the Coronavirus Resource Page here, and check back often; the page is regularly updated.

Licensed Children’s Books and the Pandemic

April 7, 2020: Karen’s article, “Licensed Publishing in the COVID-19 Era,” appeared in Publishers Weekly’s Children’s Bookshelf e-newsletter on April 7, 2020. Licensed books tend to rely more on distribution through mass merchants than children’s publishers at large, whose sales skew more toward trade channels. This fact has helped mitigate the sales declines that have accompanied the spread of the new coronavirus. On the other hand, publishing licensees are dealing with the unique challenges that come with releasing tie-ins to feature films that are being postponed indefinitely or being watched online instead of in theaters. Read the full article here. PW is usually gated for subscribers only, but is free to all during the pandemic.

Reflections on the New Coronavirus

March 15, 2020: As the spread of COVID-19 has impacted all aspects of business and daily life, RaugustReports has published its take on some of the potential short- and long-term ramifications of the crisis on the licensing business. We cannot add much to the already-ubiquitous coverage, especially given the high degree of uncertainty and the constantly changing status. What we can do is offer a checklist of considerations for the licensing community to think about as it positions itself to move forward. Read it here.

Licensing Expo 2020 Now in August

March 13, 2020: The 2020 edition of Licensing Expo has been delayed from its May dates due to the spread of the coronavirus. It is now scheduled for August 11-13. If you will still be in attendance and want to meet with Karen Raugust to discuss your new initiatives or anything else, please contact us.

RaugustReports Recaps Trends from Toy Fair

March 5, 2020: Some of the trends noted at Toy Fair New York 2020 included sustainability, a spike in influencer-based products, Disney’s dominance of the entertainment licensing space, a mind-body-spirit theme, and much more. Read RaugustReports’ coverage of the show as it pertains to licensing, here. Meanwhile, thanks to the Toy Association for putting on an informative group of panels as part of Toy Fair’s Licensing Content Connection. Karen Raugust and Ira Mayer had a full house for their presentation on “Licensed Toys: 10 Ways to Succeed in a Changing Retail Landscape.”

Produce Blueprints Covers Kroger’s Rebranding and Business Strategies

March 5, 2020: Karen Raugust wrote the cover story, “Kroger: Rebranding, Expanding, and Pursuing New Revenue Streams,” for the March/April 2020 issue of Produce Blueprints magazine. The publication, which recently increased its frequency to every other month, is published by Blue Book Services.

All About Coronavirus, Publishing, and Toy Fair

March 3, 2020: KBIA 91.3 FM, the public radio station in Columbia, Missouri, home of the University of Missouri and its famed School of Journalism, ran a recap of articles that give a sense of the difficulty of covering the coronavirus outbreak in its early days in the U.S. Among the sources cited was “What the New Coronavirus Means for Publishing,” a February 28, 2020, article in Publishers Weekly, written by Jim Milliot, with reporting by Ed Nawotka and Karen Raugust. Karen’s contribution came from one of her articles for PW from this year’s Toy Fair New York, “Coronavirus: The Latest Challenge for Toy Makers—And Publishers,” which took a look at the supply-chain impacts from the virus just after its peak in China and just as it began to spread to the rest of the world. Her other Toy Fair coverage, “Book-Toy Synergies Abound at Toy Fair,” covered other trends from the show.

RaugustReports Is On Twitter

February 19, 2020: Karen Raugust and RaugustReports are finally on Twitter. Follow us at https://twitter.com/karen_raugust for occasional observations about licensing, consumer products, and retail.

PW Examines Children’s Publishers and Proprietary IP

February 17, 2020: The February 17, 2020, print issue of Publishers Weekly includes a feature by Karen Raugust called “A Commitment to Proprietary IP.” It takes a look at how children’s book publishers are creating and managing their own intellectual properties for all ages. This strategy enables them to fill needs in the market quickly and potentially expand beyond books to TV, films, and licensed products. If you’re interested in all the news about children’s publishing, sign up for the free twice-weekly e-newsletter, PW Children’s Bookshelf. Karen’s licensing coverage for PW usually appears in this newsletter before being posted on the gated website, www.publishersweekly.com.

New Book: 15 Licensing Super Trends for 2020 and Beyond

January 19, 2020: Raugust Communications has published 15 Licensing Super Trends for 2020 and Beyond. The 114-page book examines 15 overriding and interrelated “super trends” that will endure, even as everything else about the licensing business continually transforms. Each has ramifications on all property types, product categories, territories, and retail channels. Together, they serve as a blueprint for decision-making. 15 Licensing Super Trends for 2020 and Beyond takes you through the super trends, one by one, illustrating each with three to five shorter-term trends—56 in total—that have been driven or otherwise impacted by the super trend. Forty-two exhibits add more insight. These 15 super trends—the big ideas that can help guide licensors, licensees, and retailers over time—offer a roadmap into the licensing terrain of tomorrow. Click here for more information about the book, which is priced at $49.95, or here to purchase a PDF version.

RaugustReports Publishes 500th Post

January 15, 2020: January 13, 2020, marked RaugustReports‘ 500th post since the twice-weekly e-publication launched just over five years ago. Its debut was on November 10, 2014. Since then, it has covered licensing and consumer products topics such as product category trends, new retail strategies, up-and-coming property opportunities, and more, all on a global basis. The mission of RaugustReports, published by Raugust Communications, is to connect the dots to identify emerging and evolving trends in the licensing business. Subscribe to this free publication here.

Article Examines Top Produce Trends of 2020

January 6, 2020: Karen Raugust wrote the cover story for Produce Blueprints’ January/February 2020 issue. Titled “2020: Predictions on Trade, Sustainability, Private Equity, and More,” the in-depth article covers all the trends to watch out for in the fresh produce industry in the coming year, according to a raft of experts in the field. Produce Blueprints, published by Blue Book Services, recently transitioned from a quarterly journal to every other month.

Successful Craft Fair Season Concludes

December 28, 2019: RC Photo Cards & Crafts has completed its fall craft fairs. Our schedule this year included the Nokomis Fall Urban Craft and Art Fair, Muddy Paws Cheesecake’s 27th Annual Cheesecake Sampling & Toy Drive, and the CPC Holiday Boutique. Our letter magnets and snowman products of all kinds sold well. We also had a good reception for a new product line, our packs of deluxe mini-cards in four themes: flower shop, craft shop, fruit and vegetables, and snowmen. Many thanks to the hosts of this year’s great events.

Recently Published: The Year in Licensing 2019

December 17, 2019: The 2019 edition of our annual year-end recap of key licensing trends has been posted. Many of the notable trends of 2019 have been percolating for some time, but seemed to reach a turning point in the past 12 months. As was the case in 2018—but to a greater degree this year—several of the most top-of-mind issues are not licensing trends at all, per se, but rather broad topics that touch all corners of consumer products and business in general. Trends from previous years are included in the same link.

Toy Fair Seminar Set for February 2020

December 15, 2019: Karen Raugust and Ira Mayer are teaming up for a Toy Fair seminar again in 2020. This year’s presentation is called “Licensed Toys: 10 Ways to Succeed in a Changing Retail Landscape.” It will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 24, 2020, in room 1E11 at the Javits Center, during New York Toy Fair 2020.

Muddy Paws Event Expands to Two Days

November 1, 2019: RC Photo Cards & Crafts is exhibiting at Muddy Paws Cheesecake’s 27th Annual Cheesecake Sampling & Toy Drive, where visitors can buy local handcrafted goods, sample several flavors of cheesecake, sip coffee and tea, and listen to live music. For the first time, the event will take place over two days, Thursday and Friday, November 21 and 22, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The venue has also changed to the Doubletree Hotel, 1500 Park Place Blvd in St. Louis Park, Minnesota (near the West End shops). Open to all ages and free with one of the following: An unopened bag of pet food, a new unwrapped toy for ages 5-16, or a $10 donation/gift card. All donations go to STEP Family Emergency, Perspectives Family, and People & Pets Together.

Simba Information Publishes K-12 Testing Report

October 19, 2019: Simba Information has published PreK-12 Testing Market Forecast 2019-2020, authored by Karen Raugust. The report provides an overview of the K-12 academic testing market and its two key segments: high-stakes statewide testing and classroom assessments. Topics covered include: state and federal policy changes regarding testing, progress in online testing, a state-by-state listing of primary contractors for accountability tests, state participation in classroom assessment, integration of assessment and curriculum, growth of computer-adaptive assessment, and use of performance assessment. Read more about the report here.

White Paper Examines Global Cannabis Industry

October 10, 2019: Karen Raugust wrote a white paper for Meritas Law Firms Worldwide, a global network of small and mid-sized law firms, called Global Cannabis Industry: The Essential Primer. It provides an introduction to the commercial potential of marijuana and CBD, a summary of terms and definitions, and a detailed look at the global legal landscape, including trademark implications. The paper provides a starting point for any organization that wants to know more about the complicated and confusing cannabis industry. Read the paper here.

Spotlight on Los Angeles Produce Trends

October 1, 2019: Karen Raugust recently completed a feature on how Los Angeles is a launchpad for consumer food trends, especially involving produce. It was published in a supplement on L.A.’s Foodie Culture that was part of Blueprints magazine’s Oct/Nov/Dec 2019 issue. The piece looks at the global influences, focus on health and wellness, and emphasis on sustainability that characterize the city, and examines how those and other trends influence sales of fresh produce categories nationwide. Find the supplement and other full issues of Blueprints here.

Mark Your Calendars for CPC Holiday Boutique

September 15, 2019: For the second year in a row, RC Photo Cards & Crafts, a division of Raugust Communications, will exhibit at the CPC Holiday Boutique on Saturday, November 23, 2019. The event will be held at Christ Presbyterian Church, 6901 Normandale Road, Edina, Minnesota, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. RC Photo will feature new coaster, magnet, and matted photo designs, as well as old favorites.

Nokomis Urban Art Fair To Host RC Photo Cards

September 12, 2019: The Nokomis Fall Urban Craft and Art Fair will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2019, at Nokomis Park, 2401 East Minnehaha Parkway, Minneapolis, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit RC Photo Cards & Crafts to peruse products featuring Karen Raugust’s nature photography, great for holiday gifts, at this fun community event.

RC Photo Cards to Exhibit at Carleton Craft Sale

September 6, 2019: Carleton College’s annual holiday Craft and Custodial Bake Sale will take place on Friday, December 6, 2019, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Weitz Center, 320 3rd Street East, Northfield, Minnesota. For more information about what the Sale supports, click here. RC Photo Cards & Crafts, a division of Raugust Communications, will be a first-time exhibitor at the event. Watch this space for RC Photo’s other fall craft fairs when information becomes available.

A Look at Crowdfunding for Children’s Books

August 15, 2019: A feature by Karen Raugust for the July 22, 2019 print issue of Publishers Weekly is titled “Bookish Crowdfunding Gains Momentum.” It takes a look at how publishers and authors are looking to Kickstarter and Indiegogo to raise funds and engage customers for new books, comic books, and sideline products such as card games and plush. Karen also recently covered toy company Melissa & Doug’s extensive new publishing program and a new publishing imprint and chapter book series tied to the Rebel Girls brand. See a full list of Karen’s titles for PW here.

Jewelry Maker Turns to RaugustReports To Go

August 3, 2019: A start-up jewelry company is the newest client for Raugust Communications’ RaugustReports To Go service. The company was looking for guidance on how to find potential partners for licensing, collaboration, retail exclusives, and custom programs that would fit its mission, business objectives, and design themes. RaugustReports To Go is a 60-minute telephone consulting service that can help clients find focused solutions to specific questions or challenges quickly and efficiently. Contact us to see if RaugustReports To Go is right for your situation.

Cover Story Examines Aldi’s Role in Fresh Produce

August 1, 2019: Karen Raugust authored the cover story in the July/August/September 2019 issue of Produce Blueprints: A Magazine for Global Produce Professionals. “All About Aldi” is an in-depth look at the disruptive retailer’s success and future outlook, with a focus on the fresh produce category.

PW Highlights Licensed Publishing Trends from Trade Fairs

June 30, 2019: Karen Raugust’s coverage for Publishers Weekly includes “Licensing Expo 2019: New Directions for Licensing,” in the June 10, 2019 print issue, as well as “Bologna 2019: Licensing Highlights” (April 11) and “Ripley Expands Publishing Program” (May 2), both in the PW Children’s Bookshelf e-newsletter. Subscribe to Bookshelf here and see a list of Karen’s articles for PW here.

Property Brainstorming Project Completed

June 30, 2019: Raugust Communications has completed a consulting project for a full-service licensing agent. The scope involved brainstorming potential categories for a half dozen of the properties the agency represents. Recommendations were based on Raugust Communications’ ongoing research about category trends in licensing, complemented by an analysis of property attributes and trends specific in the brands’ respective core industries.

Licensing Agency Benchmarking Report Published

June 19, 2019: Raugust Communications has published The Licensing Agency Benchmarking Report, an original research study on the current status of the licensing agency business. The book provides data on agency size and retail sales levels, compensation structures, services offered, and much more, as well as featuring a discussion of the trends that are leading agencies to rethink their business models. The six-chapter report has 34 charts and graphs. Read the full introduction and executive summary here, or purchase a PDF edition of the report here. A print edition is in production.

Thanks to Licensing University Panelists

June 12, 2019: Thank you to Jerry Bennington, vice president of new product development at IDW Publishing, and Isabel Baudrey, founder and CEO of Bag Bug Innovative Accessories, for providing valuable information as part of the Licensing University panel “Using Crowdfunding for Products and Properties” during Licensing Expo 2019. Karen Raugust moderated the panel and provided original research on the use of crowdfunding in the licensing business.

Licensing Expo 2019 Coverage Now Available

June 11, 2019: RaugustReports has posted a detailed overview of trends noted at Licensing Expo 2019. Read it here. Some of the topics covered include consolidation among studio and network exhibitors, cannabis marketers providing an introduction to their emerging licensing sector, licensors touting secondary and underexploited IP with new initiatives, new deals bringing influencers and Internet properties to traditional entertainment platforms, and properties marketed to and featuring a diverse population, among other insights.

New Licensing U Panelist Announced

May 21, 2019: Isabel Baudrey, founder and CEO of Bag Bug Innovative Accessories, will be joining Karen Raugust and Jerry Bennington, vice president of new product development at IDW Publishing, on “Using Crowdfunding for Products and Properties,” an educational panel at Licensing University 2019. Licensing University will be held at Licensing Expo, June 4 to 6, 2019, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The presentation will show how crowdfunding can help finance new properties and products, test the waters for relaunching classic intellectual properties and merchandise, capture feedback to enhance the product development process, and generate awareness for existing product lines. It will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4, the first day of Licensing Expo, at the Licensing University Theater (Booth B79 on the show floor). See the full Licensing University schedule here. Thanks to Isabel for serving as a last-minute replacement for another panelist who had to cancel.

Nokomis Organizes Another Great Craft Event

May 5, 2019: The Nokomis Spring Urban Craft and Art Show, held at Nokomis Park in Minneapolis on Saturday, May 4, 2019, was another great community event. RC Photo Cards & Crafts, a division of Raugust Communications, exhibits at both the spring and fall Nokomis fairs, selling its greeting cards, coasters, magnets, framed photo collages, and other products to new and return customers alike.

Speakers Announced for Licensing Expo Panel

March 30, 2019: Jerry Bennington, vice president of new product development at IDW Publishing, and Abigail Edgecliffe-Johnson, entrepreneur and founder of RaceYa, will be joining Karen Raugust on “Using Crowdfunding for Products and Properties,” an educational panel at Licensing University 2019. Licensing University will be held at Licensing Expo, June 4 to 6, 2019, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The presentation will show how crowdfunding can help finance new properties and products, test the waters for relaunching classic intellectual properties and merchandise, capture feedback to enhance the product development process, and generate awareness for existing product lines. It will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4, the first day of Licensing Expo, at the Licensing University Theater (Booth B79 on the show floor). See the full Licensing University schedule here.

Blueprints Examines the Importance of Talent Management

March 30, 2019: Karen Raugust’s latest feature for Blue Book Service’s Blueprints journal, which covers the fresh product industry, is “The Infinite Value of Talent Development: Why Training, Mentorship, and Diversity Matter.” The article appears in the April/May/June issue of the magazine. You can read an e-book edition of every issue of Blueprints here.

Licensing U Panel to Focus on Crowdfunding

March 16, 2019: Karen Raugust will be moderating “Crowdfunding to Launch a Product or Property,” a Licensing University session at Licensing Expo 2019. The presentation, on Tuesday, June 4, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., will explain how crowdfunding works, provide data on how licensors and licensees are currently using this technique, and discuss some key challenges and how to overcome them. It will also feature two case studies.

RC Photo to Exhibit at Nokomis Art Show

March 16, 2019: RC Photo Cards & Crafts, a division of Raugust Communications, will be exhibiting at the Nokomis Spring Urban Craft and Art Show on Saturday, May 4, 2019, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event will be hosted by Nokomis Park, 2401 East Minnehaha Parkway in Minneapolis.

Raugust Communications Consults on Comparables

March 11, 2019: Raugust Communications recently completed a consulting project that involved analyzing the licensing activities of four food and beverage brands. Information compiled as part of the project, which was done for a licensing agency client, included estimates of food versus non-food activity, total retail sales, key category shares, and sales by distribution tier.

Keynote Address to Lead Off DSI Summit

March 10, 2019: Karen Raugust will deliver the keynote presentation at Dependable Solutions’ Licensing Automation Summit USA in Marina del Rey, California, on March 19, 2019. The topic is “Top 10 Retail Trends Shaping the Future of Licensing.” The session will also offer topline insights on how these trends are affecting contracts, royalties, and product development and, as a result, the design, implementation, and evolution of licensing systems.

Now Available: Trends from Toy Fair

March 4, 2019: If you’re interested in some of the licensing trends noted at the 2019 edition of New York Toy Fair, you can read RaugustReports’ summary here. Topics covered include new twists on old trends, a dearth of entertainment/character licensing, the continued rise and impact of YouTube-rooted properties, and a back-to-basics sensibility that helps provide a counterbalance to kids’ digital lives.

Simba Publishes Report on OER for K-12 Schools

March 1, 2019: Simba Information has published a report titled Use of Open Educational Resources in K-12 Schools 2019, authored by Karen Raugust. It features an overview of how educators are looking to OER as a good fit with current pedagogy and the digital evolution, with low cost being an additional benefit. It also offers a summary of the challenges of using OER, most notably the sheer volume of OER materials and uneven quality that can make it hard to identify and vet the materials. Case studies from states, districts, and OER initiatives are also included, as is a list of key providers and the role commercial publishers can play.

Latest PW Article Highlights Sesame Street Publishing

February 19, 2019: The February 18, 2019 print issue of Publishers Weekly carries Karen Raugust’s latest licensing feature, “Life is Good on Sesame Street.” The piece is about the history of Sesame Street publishing since the first book—Sesame’s first licensed product—was published in 1971. It also looks at the current status of U.S. Sesame Street publishing through the property’s 14 licensees in the territory, and its future. See a list of Karen’s articles for PW, which recently have included a look at publishing news from Toy Fair and coverage of NPD Group’s findings on the market share of licensed children’s books, here.

Raugust Communication Helps Construct SALA Brochure

February 15, 2019: Raugust Communications recently completed an editorial services project for SALA Architects of Minneapolis that involved the company’s new editorial services brochure. We have long worked with SALA on its annual calendar for clients and other projects.

Schedule Set for Toy Fair Seminar

January 18, 2019: Karen Raugust and Ira Mayer’s educational session during Toy Fair 2019, “Are You Ready for Licensing?,” is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 17. The presentation, in Room 1E11, is part of the five-session Licensing Content Connection program, presented by LIMA, which is free and open to all Toy Fair registrants.

Competitive Analysis for Children’s Products Client

January 17, 2019: Raugust Communications recently completed a competitive analysis for a children’s product company involved in licensing. The assignment was to examine two competitive properties, including developing estimates of total sales over time and breakdowns of cumulative sales by demographics, category, and retail distribution.

Raugust Communications Writes Social Posts for CEM

January 15, 2019: Chicago Event Management, producer of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, hired Raugust Communications to write social posts to be disseminated in the months leading up to the Advocate Health International Chicago 5K.

Blueprints Article Published

January 4, 2019: The cover story in the January/February/March 2019 issue of Blueprints, the quarterly journal of the fresh produce industry, is “Painting a Picture of 2019: Industry Predictions for the Perishables Supply Chain” by Karen Raugust. The feature touches on topic including food safety, innovation in harvest and post-harvest technologies, branding and the importance of storytelling, up-and-coming marketing techniques, the retail landscape, new thinking on health attributes, and transportation, logistics, and supply chain issues.

Milestone for RaugustReports

January 3, 2019: RaugustReports’ January 3, 2019 post, “Pretty as a Picture,” about the continued love affair between classic characters and adult beauty collections, marks the 400th licensing insight featured in this free, twice-weekly publication since its launch at the end of 2014. To keep up with trends as they happen, subscribe here. To seek out information on specific licensing topics, visit RaugustReports and use the keyword search function or browse the full list of articles. And don’t forget to send us your licensing news so we can include you in our trend coverage where relevant.

2018: The Licensing Year in Review

December 27, 2018: RaugustReports’ annual Year in Review feature has been posted. It highlights 15 key trends that had an impact on the licensing business in 2018, from political and regulatory movements, to changes in the retail landscape, to hot product categories. Our take on the top trends of 2017 and 2016 are included on the same page, in case you are interested in a look back at what has changed in licensing—and what hasn’t—over the past three years.

Fall Craft Fair Update

December 27, 2018: Thanks to the organizers of the Nokomis Fall 2018 Urban Craft and Art Fair, the CPC 2018 Holiday Boutique, and the Muddy Paws Cheesecake Annual Holiday Celebration and Toy Drive for including RC Photo Cards & Crafts, a division of Raugust Communications, at their respective community events this fall. RC Photo joined other exhibitors to celebrate the holiday season and exhibit its photo collages, greeting cards, magnets, gift tags, mini-cards, and coasters. Check back for details on our 2019 craft fair plans as they become available.

Consulting Project Focuses on Children’s Products

December 22, 2018: Raugust Communications recently completed a consulting project for a global company specializing in children’s products and brands. The client was looking for estimates on the historical performance of four properties that were comparable to a proprietary entertainment brand for which it was planning to launch a licensing program. Specifically, Raugust Communications was able to provide estimates of total retail sales of licensed products over time, as well as estimated breakdowns of key product categories on a cumulative basis, as per the client’s needs.

Raugust And Mayer To Present Seminar At Toy Fair

November 12, 2018: Karen Raugust and Ira Mayer are reprising their educational session, “Are You Ready for Licensing?” at Toy Fair 2019, scheduled for February 16 through February 19 at the Javits Center in New York. The presentation is one of several that will touch on licensing in the toy industry. Visit the Toy Fair website for more information as it becomes available.

RC Photo Set To Exhibit At Annual Muddy Paws Charitable Holiday Event

November 10, 2018: RC Photo Cards & Crafts, a division of Raugust Communications, is exhibiting its photo crafts, including framed collages, coasters, greeting cards, and magnets, at Muddy Paws Cheesecake’s Annual Celebration on November 28, 2018, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Held at the company’s bakery in St. Louis Park, the event includes a cheesecake sampling, free coffee and tea, live music groups, and a photo booth, as well as local handcrafted goods. Entry is free with an unopened bag of pet food, a new unwrapped toy for ages 5-16, or a $10 donation/gift card. Donations go to STEP Family Emergency and People & Pets Together.

Raugust Communications Expands Editorial Services Provided to Meritas

November 5, 2018: Raugust Communications has expanded the roster of editorial services it provides for long-time client Meritas, a global alliance of 182 independent law firms in 245 markets. Karen Raugust, head of Raugust Communications, is now overseeing social media posts, white papers, and other content, in addition to ongoing tasks. The latter include the organization’s member newsletter and member news items.

RC Photo Cards & Crafts Returns to CPC Holiday Boutique

October 19, 2018: RC Photo Cards & Crafts will have a booth at the Christ Presbyterian Church (CPC) Holiday Boutique on November 17, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This is the first time in several years that we will participate in this large event. CPC is located at 70th Street and Highway 100 in Edina, Minnesota.

Produce Blueprints Article Examines Blockchain

October 1, 2018: Karen Raugust wrote “Is Blockchain Magic?,” the cover feature in the October/November/December 2018 issue of Blue Book Services’ quarterly journal, Produce Blueprints. The article examines what blockchain is, delves into potential benefits and challenges to adoption, and offers examples of how it is being used in the fresh produce industry to facilitate traceability, shipping, consumer branding, and more. To access individual articles and the entire flip-page version of Blueprints, click here.

RC Photo To Display Photos and Crafts at Nokomis Fair

September 15, 2018: RC Photo Cards & Crafts, a division of Raugust Communications, will be exhibiting at the Nokomis Fall Urban Craft and Art Fair on Saturday, November 10, 2018, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Nokomis Community Center in Minneapolis. Watch this space for more details about other pre-holiday craft shows.

RC Photo Is On Instagram

August 25, 2018: RC Photo Cards & Crafts, a division of Raugust Communications, is on Instagram. Follow us: @raugustcommunications. We post a new image nearly every day; most are available for custom products including coasters, magnets, greeting cards, and photocollages. See our Flickr page for a few examples of our merchandise, or contact us to place a custom order.

Corporate Presentation Highlights Trends, Offers Inspiration

August 23, 2018: Raugust Communications recently completed a presentation at a corporate licensor’s office, covering trends, competitive case studies, and the licensing, category, and retail landscape in the region where one of its licensees operates. The goal was to offer inspiration and spur out-of-the-box thinking for the licensor, its licensee, and its agent in the territory, as they take their licensing program to the next level.

Animation Business Handbook Goes to China

August 15, 2018: The Animation Business Handbook, authored by Karen Raugust and published by Macmillan, will be released in China, thanks to a deal granting simplified character rights in the region. The book, while published in 2004 and dated in certain respects, continues to be available in both hardcover and kindle editions.

Keeping Classic Licenses Contemporary

August 8, 2018: Karen Raugust wrote an article called “Classic but Contemporary” for the August 6, 2018 issue of Publishers Weekly. The piece takes a look at how publishers balance heritage with modern themes to keep their evergreen licensed publishing programs fresh. See a list of all of Karen’s articles on licensed publishing for PW here.

Blueprints Features Cover Story on Shopper Experience

July 5, 2018: Karen Raugust wrote the cover story for the July 2018 issue of the quarterly journal Produce Blueprints. “The New World of Retail: How Competition Is Giving Rise To A Fresh Produce Focus” takes a look at what grocery retailers are doing to improve the shopper experience, particularly in the fresh produce department. To access individual articles and the entire flip-page version of Blueprints, click here.

Powder Metal Technologies (PMT) Debuts Website Refresh

June 13, 2018: Powder Metal Technologies, Inc. (PMT) collaborated with Raugust Communications and JHR Design to refresh its website, adding new information and creating a more distinctive look that is both artistic and industrial-looking. The goal was to capture the company’s forward-thinking and out-of-the box business model, differentiate PMT’s site from those of its competitors and clients in the powder metal industry, and make the site memorable to aid recall. Raugust Communications wrote and edited the text, supplied original photographs, and oversaw project management, while JHR Design handled graphic design and layout.

PW Looks at Books Tied to Collectible Toy Brands

June 11, 2018: Karen Raugust’s most recent feature for Publishers Weekly is “A Trove of Collectible Tie-Ins,” for the June 11, 2018 print issue. It also appears online under the title “Collectible Toy Tie-Ins for the Books.” The article is about how children’s book publishers are creating tie-ins to popular collectible toy brands such as Shopkins, L.O.L. Surprise, and Fingerlings. It includes discussions of timing issues, the need for storytelling, and how publishers are incorporating collectability and an element of surprise into their books to reflect the essence of the toys. For a list of Karen’s stories for PW, click here. To subscribe to PW’s free newsletters, PW Daily and PW Children’s Bookshelf, where Karen’s stories often appear first, click here.

Licensing Expo Agency Panel Attracts a Full House

May 28, 2018: “Finding and Working with Agents and Consultants,” a Licensing University presentation moderated by Karen Raugust at Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, got great feedback from a full room of attendees, thanks to our panel of experts: Ilana Wilensky of Jewel Branding and Licensing, Rita Bonnell Illig of RBI Associates, and Adina Avery-Grossman of Brandgenuity. Kudos to LIMA for putting together a great roster of educational seminars.

Licensing Book Article Focuses on Licensing Agencies

May 25, 2018: Karen Raugust authored an article for The Licensing Book’s Summer 2018 Licensing Expo issue. The piece, “Changing with the Times: Companies Representing IP Owners and Manufacturers Must Remain Flexible To Succeed in a Challenging Landscape,” highlights recent Raugust Communications research on the licensing agency business and outlines how agencies are adding services and rethinking business and compensation models to address a variety of challenges.

New Website for Author Gary Eldon Peter

May 20, 2018: Raugust Communications worked with JHR Design to create a website for author Gary Eldon Peter, whose first collection of linked short stories, Oranges, is being published by New Rivers Press in fall 2018. Raugust Communications handled the editing and project management while JHR Design oversaw design and layout. The goal was to create a simple but informational website that reflected the sensibilities of Gary’s writing.

RC Photos Cards & Crafts Exhibits at Nokomis Spring Fair

May 6, 2018: Many thanks to the organizers of the Nokomis Spring 2018 Urban Art and Craft Fair, held May 5, 2018. RC Photo Cards & Crafts, a division of Raugust Communications, exhibited its framed photo collages, greeting cards, coasters, and magnets, with a focus on florals and other spring images. Watch for our schedule of fall 2018 sales, to be announced later this summer.

Simba Releases Part 2 of Schools of the Future Report

May 4, 2018: Simba Information has published Part 2 of its Schools of the Future report, authored by Karen Raugust, which focuses on the Physical Space. Schools of the Future Part 1: Curriculum and Content was published earlier this spring. The two parts are available separately or together as a single report.

Raugust Communications and Ira Mayer Complete Corporate Licensing Project

May 3, 2018: Raugust Communications teamed with consultant and educator Ira Mayer on a project for a corporation that wanted to build on its existing outbound brand licensing program. The mandate included an assessment of the company’s current challenges and successes in licensing, a discussion of the role of licensing and the need for additional metrics to gauge success along nonfinancial as well as financial criteria, and recommendations of licensing agencies and viable categories for growth.

Speakers Announced for Licensing Expo Panel

March 31, 2018: The speakers for “Finding and Working with Agents and Consultants,” a Licensing University presentation moderated by Karen Raugust at Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, will be Ilana Wilensky of Jewel Branding and Licensing, Rita Bonnell Illig of RBI Associates, and Adina Avery-Grossman of Brandgenuity. The panel will take place on Tuesday, May 22, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. See the full Licensing University Schedule here.

A Recap of European Licensing Trends for Bologna

March 31, 2018: “Licensing Trends in Europe,” authored by Karen Raugust, was one of the articles in Publishers Weekly’s Bologna Book Fair Daily on March 26, 2018. The story includes comments from four publishing executives who specialize in licensed titles, as well as one licensor active in the publishing category, about what they see as the top trends in licensed publishing in the U.K. and Europe in 2018.

Blueprints Cover Stories Analyze Fresh Produce Trends

March 31, 2018: Karen Raugust’s latest article for Produce Blueprints quarterly journal is “Blurring the Lines: Amazon’s Impact and What It Means for the Produce Industry.” It appears in the publication’s April 2018 issue. Previously, Karen wrote “2018: Preparing for the Future and Saying Goodbye to a Year of Dramatic Events,” published in the January 2018 edition. Both were the cover stories of their respective issues.

New Report: Schools of the Future

March 28, 2018: A new, two-part reference resource and guide, authored by Karen Raugust and published by Simba Information, focuses on the concept of future-ready schools. Schools of the Future, Part 1: Curriculum and Content, published in February 2018, focuses on the changing curriculum needs of future-ready schools and the changing demand relating to instructional materials, including OER, assessments, robotics, and other technologies. The upcoming Schools of the Future, Part 2: The Physical Space, to be published later this year, focuses on the new construction for learning and redesigns of existing space that are being implemented to facilitate the future-ready learning experience.

Visit Us at Nokomis Spring Fair

March 24, 2018: RC Photo Cards & Crafts, a division of Raugust Communications, will be exhibiting at the Nokomis Spring Urban Craft and Art Fair on Saturday, May 5, 2018, from 9:30 a.m to 4:00 p.m. We will be showing our photo collages, coasters, magnets, and greeting cards, with a focus on floral images for the spring season.

Licensing Expo Panel: Working with Agents and Consultants

March 15, 2018: Karen Raugust is moderating a panel called “Finding and Working with Agents and Consultants” at Licensing University, held during Licensing Expo in Las Vegas. The session takes place on Tuesday, May 22, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. It will answer key questions, including: Do I need an agent? How do I find and pitch to an agent? And how much does it cost? See the full Licensing University schedule here.

Licensing Insights from Toy Fair 2018

March 15, 2018: RaugustReports recently published a detailed recap of the trends spotted at this year’s New York Toy Fair that have relevance to the licensing business. Read the full article here. The report from the 2017 edition of Toy Fair is reprinted right below the 2018 piece, for a historical perspective. Meanwhile, If you are interested in a look at Toy Fair from the point of view of children’s publishing, read Karen Raugust’s coverage for Publishers Weekly. See a list of her licensing features, columns, and news for the publication here.

Art-of and Making-of Books: Behind-the-Scenes Looks at Pop Culture

February 20, 2018: Publishers Weekly’s February 19, 2018, print issue includes Karen’s feature “The Art and Making of a Fan-Favorite Book,” which takes a look at how art-of and making-of books about pop culture remain viable, even in an era when abundant behind-the-scenes information is available online. See a list of Karen’s articles for Publishers Weekly here.

Just Published: 2017 Licensing Year in Review

December 26, 2017: For a look at 10 trends that made an impact on the consumer products licensing business in the past 12 months, read RaugustReports’ just-published Year in Review: 2017. This year’s highlights touch on retail developments, new category opportunities, marketing themes, and more.

300-Post Milestone for RaugustReports

December 26, 2017: RaugustReports published its 300th twice-weekly post in December as it marks nearly three years of insights on the trademark licensing business. The publication covers trends in consumer products, marketing, and retailing across property types, product categories, and geographic regions. To stay up-to-date with licensing trends as they happen, subscribe to this free publication here.

2017 Holiday Craft Fairs: Good Cheer and Gift Buying

December 1, 2017: RC Photo Cards & Crafts, a division of Raugust Communications, exhibited its photo collages, coasters, greeting cards, gift tags, and magnets at six holiday boutiques during the fall 2017 season. Thanks to the organizers of the Richfield Fall Boutique & Market, Champlin Women of Today Arts & Crafts Show, Nokomis Fall Urban Craft and Art Fair, Norwood Young America Community Education Craft Fair, CIDNA Art Mart, and Muddy Paws Cheesecake Holiday Boutique and Cheesecake Sampling for putting on great shows this year.

RC Photo Cards & Crafts Is CIDNA Featured Exhibitor

November 22, 2017: RC Photo Cards & Crafts was the featured exhibitor on the CIDNA Art Mart, Facebook page on November 22. The coverage highlighted images of our photo coasters and photo magnets. See us there on Saturday, November 25, 2017, noon to 4:00 p.m., at the Jones-Harrison Residence near Cedar Lake in Minneapolis.

Small Business Saturday at CIDNA Art Mart

November 19, 2017: Visit RC Photo Cards & Crafts at the CIDNA Art Mart, November 25, 2017, noon to 4:00 p.m., at the Jones-Harrison Residence near Cedar Lake in Minneapolis. This is the first time we have sold our coasters, magnets, and other photo products at this Small Business Saturday event, which is sponsored by the Cedar-Isles-Dean Neighborhood Association. Highlights will include: artists selling soap, art prints, jewelry, sculptures, and textile art, as well as photography; hot cider, cookies, and door prizes from local businesses; a gift card raffle for anyone who makes a purchase; and a Creation Station for kids.

Publishers Weekly Highlights Writers of Licensed Books

November 13, 2017: Karen Raugust’s latest licensing feature for Publishers Weekly, “Giving Voice to a Favorite Character,” appears in the November 13, 2017 print issue of the magazine. The story shines a spotlight on four authors who specialize in writing licensed children’s books and examines some of the unique characteristics of their slice of the publishing industry.

Muddy Paws’ 25th Annual Cheesecake Sampling Welcomes RC Photo Cards & Crafts As Vendor

November 12, 2017: RC Photo Cards & Crafts, a division of Raugust Communications, is showing its photo cards, framed photo collages, coasters, gift tags, and magnets at the Muddy Paws Cheesecake Sampling and Crafts Bazaar again this year. The event is scheduled for November 29, 2017, from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Muddy Paws Cheesecake Bakery in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. It features cheesecake samples for those who bring a bag of pet food or a new unwrapped toy for charity, coffee and tea to sip while you shop, three live music groups, and a photo booth, as well as locally hand-crafted goods. This is the 25th year for this annual celebration.

Visit RC Photo Cards & Crafts at Norwood Young America

October 31, 2017: RC Photo Cards & Crafts, a division of Raugust Communications, will exhibit at the 35th Annual Community Education Craft Fair in Norwood Young America on November 18, 2017, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. RC’s booth will be in the Central High School New Gym. This is the first time we have shown our photo crafts at this event, which features 250 vendors in two buildings.

Presentation at Toy Fair 2018: “Are You Ready for Licensing?”

October 15, 2017: Karen Raugust is teaming with Ira Mayer, licensing consultant and co-director of the Institute of Branding & Licensing at LIU Post, for an educational session at Toy Fair 2018. The presentation, scheduled for Sunday, February 18, 2018, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., is titled “Are You Ready for Licensing” and will focus on how owners of toys, games, characters, or concepts can assess their properties for licensing potential. Topics include what drives successful licensed programs, what licensees/manufacturers expect of licensors, and how to identify opportunities at retail.

Richfield Added to Fall Craft Fair Schedule

October 15, 2017: On Saturday, October 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., RC Photo Cards & Crafts, a division of Raugust Communications, will show its photo crafts at the Richfield Fall Boutique & Market. The annual holiday craft fair is held at Richfield Community Center in Richfield, Minnesota.

Research Report In Field of Metallurgy Completed For PMT

October 12, 2017: Raugust Communications assisted Powder Metal Technologies, LLC with a research report for a global client. Services provided included project management, editing and writing, and, in cooperation with JHR Design, layout and design services. This is Raugust Communications’ second research report project for PMT.

RC Photo Cards To Exhibit at Champlin Arts & Crafts Fair

October 10, 2017: RC Photo Cards & Crafts, a division of Raugust Communications, will be one of more than 150 entrepreneurs exhibiting at the Annual Champlin Women of Today Arts & Crafts Show on Saturday, November 4, 2017, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Champlin Park High School in Champlin, Minnesota. RC Photo Cards will sell its photo cards, framed photos, coasters, magnets, gift tags, and other items at the event.

New Produce Blue Book Articles Focus on FSMA, Hispanic Superfoods

October 1, 2017: Karen Raugust’s latest contributions to the Produce Blue Book, a quarterly journal published by Blue Book Services, include two articles that appear in the October 2017 issue. They include the cover story, “Protecting Produce,” focusing on the Food Safety Modernization Act and the fresh produce industry’s progress in complying with the new rules, as well as “Superfoods: Latino-Style Favorites,” which ran in the Hispanic Hot Commodities supplement.

RC Photo Cards & Crafts To Exhibit at Nokomis Fall Urban Craft and Art Fair

September 24, 2017: RC Photo Cards & Crafts will exhibit at the Nokomis Fall Urban Craft and Art Fair on Saturday, November 11, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Nokomis Community Center in Minneapolis. We will also be selling our photo cards, framed photos, coasters, gift tags, magnets, and other photo products at several other events in October and November; we will update as information becomes available.

Non-Traditional E-Commerce Opportunities for Children’s Books

July 21, 2017: Karen Raugust authored a feature for Publishers Weekly on nontraditional e-commerce opportunities for children’s books. The piece discusses subscription boxes, flash sales sites, and the online dollar store Hollar. You can find a link to this story, as well as the rest of Karen’s PW licensing coverage, here.

Studying Science and Social Studies

July 9, 2017: Raugust Communications collaborated with Mitch Weisburgh of Academic Business Advisors, in conjunction with the State Education Technology Directors Association (SETDA), on a research project to gauge how K-12 districts are teaching and selecting materials for science and social studies. The final report, Lessons Learned: Selecting and Deploying K-12 Science and Social Studies Content, is available for purchase from Simba Information; some of the topline findings are discussed in a July 3, 2017, post on ABA’s ed-tech blog, PILOTed.

Spotlight on Superfoods

July 9, 2017: Karen Raugust’s latest article for Blue Book Services’ Blueprints Quarterly Journal is “The Superfoods Phenomenon: Defining, Developing, and Marketing this Special Category.” The feature was the July 2017 issue’s cover story.

Introducing Datapoint

June 20, 2017: Raugust Communications has launched a new feature called Datapoint, which is included in our monthly e-newsletter. Each edition highlights a recent research finding developed for new and in-progress research reports and/or one of our speaking engagements. Datapoint supplements the Licensing Topic of the Month in each issue of the free e-newsletter. See our Datapoint archives here and our Licensing Topic of the Month archives here. If you haven’t already, subscribe to the newsletter now.

Raugust Communications Presents at ICLA and Licensing Expo

June 15, 2017: Karen Raugust’s recent presentations include the opening keynote at the annual conference of the International Collegiate Licensing Association (ICLA), where she spoke on “The Wide World of Trademark Licensing: Gaining Inspiration from Global Licensing Trends,” and Licensing International Expo 2017, where she put together a panel on “Capsules, Collaborations, and Limited Editions: Opportunities and Pitfalls” with Christine Cool of Perfetti Van Melle, Carla Silva of King Features, and Pamela Deese of Arent Fox.

Read Our Licensing Expo 2017 Coverage

May 30, 2017: If you are interested in Raugust Communications’ take on the recent Licensing Expo 2017 in Las Vegas, you can read our coverage here. For a view of the show from a publishing perspective, see Karen Raugust’s coverage in Publishers Weekly; you can link to a list of all of her licensing stories for the publication here. For some insights on licensed lifestyle collaborations, including new research, see Karen’s recent article in The Licensing Book (page 26).

Raugust Communications Data on Collaborations Featured in The Licensing Book

May 23, 2017: Karen Raugust’s article, “More than the Sum of Their Parts: Licensors, Designers, and Retailers Create Excitement Through Collaborations,” was published in Vol. 34, No. 1 (the Licensing Expo edition) of The Licensing Book, page 26. The story takes a look at the landscape for licensed lifestyle collaborations, including new research from Raugust Communications, and was timed to Karen’s panel on “Capsules, Collaborations, and Limited Editions” at the Expo.

Thanks to Nokomis Craft Fair Organizers

April 30, 2017: RC Photo Cards & Crafts exhibited at the annual Nokomis Spring Urban Craft and Art Fair, sponsored by the Minneapolis Park Board, at Lake Nokomis Community Center on Saturday, April 29, 2017. Top sellers at the event were coasters and letter magnets. Stay tuned: Our schedule of fall and holiday craft fairs will be announced soon.

A Keynote for Collegiate Licensing Directors

April 22, 2017: Karen Raugust is presenting the opening keynote at the 15th Annual Convention of the International Collegiate Licensing Association (ICLA), an affiliate of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), on June 12, 2017, in Orlando, Florida. Her talk, “The Wide World of Trademark Licensing: Gaining Inspiration from Global Licensing Trends,” will be directed at collegiate licensing directors, collegiate licensees, and others involved in collegiate marketing.

Blueprints Examines Change Management

April 1, 2017: The April/May/June 2017 issue of Blue Book Services’ Blueprints Quarterly Journal features Karen Raugust’s article “Conquering Change.” It explains how grower-shippers and other organizations in the produce industry rely on strong leadership, communication, employee buy-in, and a balance of preparation and flexibility as the key principles of change management.

Simba Testing Report Published

March 24, 2017: On March 23, 2017, Simba Information published PreK-12 Testing Market Forecast 2016-2017, authored by Karen Raugust. The report examines the academic testing market in U.S. schools, with an emphasis on the impact of the Every Student Succeeds Act, the states’ reexamination of their testing programs to find ways to streamline, the movement back to state-specific standards from the Common Core, and the uncertainty that reigns at the beginning the Trump era.

Raugust Communications Goes To College

March 21, 2017: Karen Raugust recently guest spoke about licensing trends to students in two college-level licensing courses. On February 22, 2017, she visited LIM College in Manhattan, which focuses on the business of fashion and uses Karen’s Licensing Business Handbook in its courses, for a lunchtime talk open to all students. She also spent time discussing licensing with one of LIM’s classes. On March 20, she spoke, via Skype, to a licensing class at LIU-Post on Long Island. The topic was positioning licensed products within in the toy industry. If you would like to discuss opportunities for Karen to speak at your organization, contact us.

Licensing Expo Panel On Collaborations Set for May 23

March 15, 2017: Karen Raugust will be moderating a Licensing Expo panel, “Capsules, Collaborations, and Limited Editions: Opportunities and Pitfalls.” Speakers will include Christine Cool of Perfetti Van Melle and Carla Silva of King Features, who will present case studies and talk about how capsules and collaborations fit into their overall licensing strategies, and Pamela Deese of Arent Fox, who will offer a checklist of considerations related to payment and other deal points. Karen will introduce new market data and an overview of trends. The presentation is part of Licensing University and will take place on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Heads Up: Nokomis Spring Urban Craft Fair

March 1, 2017: RC Photo Cards & Crafts will be exhibiting at the annual Nokomis Spring Urban Craft and Art Fair at Lake Nokomis Community Center on Saturday, April 29, 2017, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Minneapolis Park Board-sponsored event includes handmade gifts, art, jewelry, ceramics, paper goods, woodworking, textiles, glass, sweets, and soaps from more than 40 local indie crafters and artists. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook site or use hashtag #urbancraftmn on Instagram.

New Clients Take Advantage of RaugustReports To Go

March 1, 2017: Recent clients for RaugustReports To Go have included a board game inventor wanting to discuss inbound and outbound licensing potential, a licensing agent looking for input on business plan and proposal templates, and an entrepreneur hoping to make the best of her first Toy Fair and Licensing Expo experiences. RaugustReports To Go is a cost-effective telephone consulting service that answers your specific questions about licensing—no more and no less—in one hour. Contact us to discuss.

Top Trends from Toy Fair

February 28, 2017: If you are interested in RaugustReports’ perspective on the top licensing trends from New York International Toy Fair 2017, read our coverage here.

Licensing Webinar: All About Flash Sales, Subscription Boxes, and Meal Kits

January 27, 2017: Many thanks to the International Licensing Merchandisers Association (LIMA) for hosting “Members-Only E-Commerce: Maximizing Sales and Awareness Through Flash Sales, Subscription Boxes, and Meal Kit Services” on January 25, 2017. The hour-long webinar was presented by Karen Raugust and Clair Frederick, president of MerryMakers, Inc., and offered brand-new research from Raugust Communications, an overview of the key players and how they work, and a case study about how MerryMakers, a plush licensee and licensor of Pete the Cat, works with Zulily.

Register Now for Toy Fair Seminar on Positioning of Licensed Preschool Products

January 15, 2017: Registration is now open for “Positioning Your Licensed Toys & Characters For the Preschool Market,” a Toy Fair seminar led by consultant and licensing expert Ira Mayer and Raugust Communications’ Karen Raugust. The session will take place on Sunday, February 19, 2017, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., in Hall 1E at New York’s Javits Center, and is part of The TIA Knowledge Network Licensing Content Connection track. Karen will present statistics and market trends that illuminate the current landcape and Ira will offer a virtual retail tour to demonstrate the realities of the marketplace.

Blueprints Delves into History of Dispute Resolution Corporation

January 7, 2017: The January 2017 issue of Blue Book Services’ Blueprints Quarterly Journal features Karen Raugust’s article “All About the DRC.” It recounts the history of Canada’s Dispute Resolution Corporation and its impact on the Canadian and global produce industries.

RaugustReports Identifies Top Licensing Trends of 2016

December 31, 2016: For Karen Raugust’s annual overview of trends in the consumer products licensing business, read “Top 16 Licensing Trends of 2016,” published at the end of the year. Featured trends range from the strengthening of membership/subscription-based distribution channels to the rise of cannabis-related licensed products.

Fall Craft Fair Season 2017: Three Great Events

December 31, 2016: RC Photo Cards & Crafts’ just-completed fall craft sale schedule included the Nokomis Fall Urban Craft Fair in Minneapolis, the Old World Christmas Market in New Prague, and the Muddy Paws Holiday Boutique and Cheesecake Sampling in St. Louis Park. Watch this space for information about our spring schedule.

PW Details Rise of Licensed Children’s Books with Holiday Themes

December 30, 2016: Karen Raugust’s latest licensing feature for Publishers Weekly takes a look at the strengthening marriage between licensing and holiday themes in children’s books. The phenomenon is focused on the big-four holidays of Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, and Easter, but extends well beyond that to other holidays such as Ramadan and St. Patrick’s Day.

Sports Fan Retailer Analyzes Sports and Collegiate Licensing Trends

December 30, 2016: Sports Fan Retailer, the official publication of the Sports Licensing and Tailgate Show, includes two articles by Karen Raugust. The first details the state of sports licensing, focusing on the major pro sports leagues, and the second takes a look at trends in the collegiate licensing market.

PW Examines Accelerated Development Cycle for Licensed Books

November 23, 2016: The October 21, 2016 issue of Publishers Weekly includes Karen Raugust’s latest licensing feature, “Watch Today, Read Today: Book Tie-Ins Hit the Market Faster.” It examines how and why publishers are compressing the speed-to-market cycle for children’s books featuring licensed characters.

Blueprints Looks at Mergers & Acquisitions in Fresh Produce

November 23, 2016: Karen Raugust’s latest article for Blueprints Quarterly Journal, published in the October/November/December 2016 issue, is “The Mergers & Acquisitions Puzzle: Redefining Supplier and Retailer Roles as the Industry Consolidates.” Blueprints covers issues and trends in the fresh produce industry, from farm to retail.

New Products Sell Out at Nokomis Fair

November 23, 2016: RC Photo Cards & Crafts exhibited at the Nokomis Fall Urban Craft Fair in Minneapolis on November 12, 2016. Our new wine coasters were a sell-out, and our letter and snowman magnets were also strong sellers.

Simba Publishes Report on PreK-12 Professional Learning

November 23, 2016: Simba Information has published Karen Raugust’s PreK-12 Professional Learning Market 2016, which examines the professional development segment, now often referred to as professional learning, for teachers, administrators, and other educators. The focus is on factors influencing change in the market, challenges facing the sector, and the forces driving demand, both currently and in the coming years.

Photo Product Introductions for Fall 2016

November 11, 2016: For the fall holiday selling season, RC Photo Cards & Crafts has introduced a number of new products. They include coasters and cards/invitations with a wine theme; a range of single-color, multi-photo framed art; greeting cards and framed photos featuring eye-catching photos of tulip interiors; and colorful mini-plaques on slate.

Mark Your Calendars: Licensing Presentation at Toy Fair 2017

October 10, 2016: Karen Raugust is teaming up again this year with licensing consultant and former publisher of The Licensing Letter Ira Mayer for an educational panel during Toy Fair New York, February 18-21, 2017, at the Javits Center. Called “Positioning Your Characters & Toys for the Preschool Market,” the seminar will include Karen’s presentation of statistics and market trends that illuminate the current landcape and Ira’s virtual retail tour to demonstrate the realities of the marketplace.

Visit RC Photo Cards & Crafts at Nokomis Craft Fair, November 12

October 10, 2016: RC Photo Cards and Crafts, a division of Raugust Communications, will be showing its framed photos, greeting cards, magnets, and coasters at the Nokomis Urban Craft Fair, scheduled for November 12, 2016, at the Nokomis Community Center in Minneapolis. Stop by and see our new products for this season.

Learn More About Emoji-Themed Licensing and the Law

October 10, 2016: Are you contemplating securing a license for an emoji-related brand or design, or thinking about creating your own emoji-themed property? Click here for an analysis of some of the legal issues to consider before entering the market. This information, first published in RaugustReports and available for free to subscribers and non-subscribers, is the most comprehensive look to date about the legal nuances of this hot but confusing sector of the licensing business.

Exclusive Research Available on Crowdfunding and Licensing

October 10, 2016: Discover how licensors and licensees are using crowdfunding to financially support, and create awareness for, their products and properties. Email Karen Raugust to receive a copy of her Licensing Expo presentation on crowdfunding (in Powerpoint), complete with original and exclusive research about this emerging market niche.

Trends in Licensed Publishing

October 10, 2016: Karen Raugust’s recent features in Publishers Weekly touch on two key trends in licensed publishing. The first is the marriage of licensed properties and educational nonfiction, while the second is the increasing entry of award-winning and bestselling literary authors into licensed young-adult fiction. Another recent feature takes a look at the history and future of Star Trek publishing, timed to the property’s 50th anniversary.

Raugust Communications Launches RaugustReports To Go: Bite-Sized Consulting

August 19, 2016: RaugustReports To Go is a telephone consulting service that answers your specific questions about licensing—no more and no less—in one hour. Whether you are an artist or entrepreneur just starting licensing or a seasoned executive with a specific need for information or advice, there is no more cost-effective or time-efficient way to move your licensing program forward. For more information or to discuss whether RaugustReports To Go is right for your needs, contact us.

Final Panelist Joins Licensing University Presentation on Crowdfunding

May 27, 2016: “Crowdfunding: A How-To for Licensors and Licensees” will feature Rob Goodchild, head of licensing for Aardman, who will speak on his company’s crowdfunding campaign for new content starring the classic character Morph. He will join Dan Goodsell, the creator of The World of Mr. Toast and winner of the Hasbro Next Great Game Challenge, a major component of which was running an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, and Erik Dahlman, CEO of Albino Dragon, who has overseen many successful crowdfunding campaigns for Albino Dragon’s licensed collectible playing cards and card games. The panel, moderated by Karen Raugust, is scheduled for June 21 from 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is part of the Licensing University programming at Licensing Expo 2016 in Las Vegas.

Second Speaker Confirmed for Crowdfunding Panel

May 8, 2016: Dan Goodsell will be joining Karen Raugust and Erik Dahlman, CEO of Albino Dragon, on a panel called “Crowdfunding: A How-To for Licensors and Licensees.” Goodsell is the creator of The World of Mr. Toast and winner of the Hasbro Next Great Game Challenge, a major component of which was running an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign. The panel, scheduled for June 21 from 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., is part of Licensing University, held in conjunction with Licensing Expo 2016 in Las Vegas.

Craftstravaganza Closes Out Spring Craft Fair Schedule

May 7, 2016: Letter magnets and coasters were RC Photo Cards & Crafts’ bestsellers at Craftstravaganza, held on May 8 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Several new coaster designs and framed photos debuted at the show. Check back for our fall schedule of events.

Mini-Cards Debut at St. Michael’s Craft Fair in Prior Lake

April 27, 2016: RC Photo Cards & Crafts, a division of Raugust Communications, exhibited at a craft fair at St. Michael’s church in Prior Lake, Minnesota, on April 23. Our brand-new mini-cards were a hit; frames, coasters, and letter magnets also were among the top sellers at this show.

A Look at Licensed Characters and Nonfiction Publishing

April 27, 2016: The April 25, 2016 issue of Publishers Weekly features Karen’s story, “Fictional Characters, Factual Content,” which examines the marriage of licensed characters and nonfiction books.

Newly Published Article Examines Canadian Retail Trends

April 16, 2016: Karen’s latest article for Blueprints Quarterly Journal is “Retail Food Fight: Regional and Independent Players Compete in a Fast-Pace Environment,” in the April/May/June 2016 issue. It covers the critical issues facing small, mid-sized and regional grocery chains in Canada.

Prior Lake Show Added to Craft Fair Schedule

April 16, 2016: RC Photo Cards & Crafts, a division of Raugust Communications, will be selling at AprilFest at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Prior Lake, Minnesota, on April 23, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Products to debut at the show include new coaster sets (wine and azaleas). Also, remember to visit us at St. Paul Craftstravaganza at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds Progress Center on May 7.

Speaker Announced for Crowdfunding Panel

March 28, 2016: Karen Raugust will be joined by Erik Dahlman, CEO of Albino Dragon, for “Crowdfunding: A How-To for Licensors and Licensees,” a panel at Licensing University, held in conjunction with Licensing Expo 2016 in June. The session will take place Tuesday, June 21, from 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Another panelist will be announced shortly.

New Photography Products for Spring

March 22, 2016: Among our new products this season are mini-cards with envelopes, magnets featuring aquarium scenes, and two new sets of coasters. The four-coaster sets include pink flowers (peony, dahlia, rose, daylily) and irises (four varieties). Coasters are also sold separately. Contact karen.raugust@raugustcommunications with questions or to order.

Licensed Publishing News From Toy Fair

March 22, 2016: Karen’s recent coverage for Publishers Weekly has featured several Toy Fair-related stories, including about the rise of adult coloring in the toy industry, how publisher-exhibitors are increasingly using the show to tout their properties available for licensing, and top licensing trends spotted at this year’s event. The latest Licensing Hotline column also includes news from Toy Fair. See a list of Karen’s PW articles here, and sign up for PW Children’s Bookshelf, where most of her stories appear first, here.

Licensing Expo Panel Focuses On Crowdfunding

February 29, 2016: Karen will moderate a panel at Licensing University, held in conjunction with Licensing Expo 2016 in June, called “Crowdfunding: A How-To for Licensors and Licensees.” The session is slated to take place Tuesday, June 21, from 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information to come.

Toy Fair Panel Covered Licensing and Educational Products

February 17, 2016: Thanks to the Toy Industry Association for hosting the Licensing Content Connection series of seminars. Karen Raugust joined licensing consultant Ira Mayer for a presentation called “Full STEAM Ahead: The Intersection of Licensing and Educational Toys.” The panel took place at the Javits Center in New York during Toy Fair 2016.

Join Us at St. Paul Craftstravaganza

February 9, 2016: Raugust Communications will be exhibiting its photo cards, coasters, magnets, and other products at St. Paul Craftstravaganza for the first time. The event, held at the Progress Center at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 7, is in its 11th year.

LinkedIn Licensing Posts Now Archived

February 9, 2016: Karen Raugust’s LinkedIn posts on licensing trends are now archived on the Raugust Communications website. If you are a LinkedIn member, connect with Karen to read her posts when they are first published. Read all past posts here.

Training Workshops Available

January 5, 2016: Need to educate new employees or upper management about licensing? Karen has partnered with licensing consultant Ira Mayer to offer executive briefings and training workshops for corporations and other organizations involved in licensing. Content is customized to suit your needs. Visit the Education page at IraMayer.com for more information.

Visit LinkedIn for Licensing Insights

January 5, 2016: LinkedIn members looking for insights on trends in licensing can read Karen Raugust’s LinkedIn posts. Topics are exclusive to LinkedIn and do not duplicate trends covered in RaugustReports or those in Raugust Communications’ monthly e-newsletter. Search for Karen’s profile, scroll down, and click on the Posts section to see current and past topics.

Spotlight on Photography at Spring Days, March 12

January 5, 2016: Raugust Communications will be showing its range of floral and nature designs on cards, coasters, magnets, and more at The University of Minnesota Master Gardeners of Wright County’s 13th annual Spring Days. The educational program and sale takes place on March 12, 2016, at St. Michael-Albertville Middle School West.

Blueprints Covers Issues in Produce Marketing

January 4, 2016: Karen’s coverage of produce trends for the October 2015 and January 2016 issues of Blueprints Quarterly Journal include “Fixed Costs: Five Ways to Control Spending without Sacrificing Connectivity or Productivity”; “Are You Ready? 10 Thoughts on Changing Your Job or Career”; and “Discord at the Ports: A Survival Guide for Strikes and Slowdowns.”

State of the Industry: Sports and Collegiate Licensing

December 31, 2015: Karen Raugust wrote an in-depth analysis on the state of sports and collegiate licensing for SportsFan Retailer’s December 2015 issue. The publication is a first-time client.

Simba Report on PreK Instructional Materials Now Available

December 15: Karen’s report for Simba Information, Market Opportunities for PreK Instructional Materials 2015-2016, examines the early childhood education market and the potential for sales of instructional materials into this segment. The report was published in fall 2015.

RaugustReports Celebrates 100 Posts

November 30, 2015: Today marks the 100th post for RaugustReports, a year-old publication covering licensing issues and trends. The twice-weekly blog has covered topics crossing all property types, product categories, distribution channels, and geographic regions.

Another Great Nokomis Craft Fair

November 30, 2015: In spite of a neighborhood-wide power outage, the Nokomis Urban Craft Fair on November 14, 2015 was a resounding success, with consistent traffic all day and strong sales for the vendors. Highlights at Raugust Communications’ booth included letter magnets, snowman magnets, and our whole range of coasters. Thanks to the organizers and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for a great event.

PW Feature Highlights Star Wars Licensing

November 30, 2015: The November 30, 2015, issue of Publishers Weekly contains a lengthy feature by Karen Raugust examining the book publishing activity and bookseller promotions leading up to the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Presentation Ahead: Licensing and Educational Products

November 30, 2015: In February, Karen will join licensing consultant Ira Mayer for a presentation called “Full STEAM Ahead: The Intersection of Licensing and Educational Toys.” The panel will take place during Toy Fair, February 13-26, 2016, in New York.

Keynote at Learfield Licensing Summit

October 15, 2015: Karen Raugust was a keynote speaker at Learfield Licensing’s Licensing University, held in Indianapolis on October 6, 2015. The presentation was tailored for the agency’s collegiate clients and their licensees and was based on RaugustReports Presents: 15 Licensing Super Trends For 2015 and Beyond. Many thanks to Learfield for its hospitality.

New Articles in Blueprints Quarterly Journal

For Blueprints Quarterly Journal’s October 2015 issue, Karen wrote two articles: “Fixed Costs: Five ways to control spending without sacrificing connectivity or productivity” and “Are You Ready? 10 Thoughts on Changing Your Job or Career.”

Global Kids Connect Conference: December 2, 2015

September 30, 2015: Karen Raugust will moderate a December 2, 2015, panel about licensed publishing at the Global Kids Connect Conference, sponsored by Publishers Weekly and Bologna Fiere. Her co-panelists are Pete Yoder, VP Cartoon Network Enterprises North America, and Michael Kelly, Senior Director, Global Publishing at Hasbro. The one-day event, to be held in New York City, provides information and strategies for buying and selling content, understanding reader behavior, and engaging audiences on a global scale.

LIMA Member Discount Available

September 15, 2015: Members of the Licensing Industry Merchandisers Association now receive a 15% discount on RaugustReports Presents: 15 Licensing Super Trends For 2015 and Beyond, with a look at 15 “super trends” having an impact across property types, product categories, territories, and retail channels. If you’re a member, email Louise Caron (louise@licensing.org) for the discount code and more information.

Simba Publishes Report on Educational Products Market

June 30, 2015: Karen Raugust is the author of a new report from Simba Information: Opportunities for PreK-12 Educational Materials in the Consumer Market 2015. It provides an overview of the $3.58 billion market for educational materials sold directly to consumers through retail and online channels, including the key segments: educational toys, workbooks and other printed publishing formats, digital content including e-books and apps, electronic learning aids, and edugaming.

RaugustReports Presents: 15 Licensing Super Trends for 2015 and Beyond

June 30, 2015: RaugustReports Presents: 15 Licensing Super Trends for 2015 and Beyond is now available in both print and PDF form. The report examines 15 overriding trends that will endure for the foreseeable future, as well as 70 shorter-term developments that reflect and support the super trends. It offers a snapshot of the licensing business as it stands in early 2015, and serves as a blueprint to help guide licensing executives as they face the future.

Digital Publishing Roundtable at Licensing Expo 2015

June 30, 2015: Karen Raugust moderated a roundtable discussion, “Licensed Publishing in the Digital Age,” as part of Licensing University at Licensing Expo 2015 in Las Vegas. Thanks to LIMA and Advanstar for hosting a great event, and thanks to the attendees for their interest and insightful questions.

Trend of the Month Archives Available

June 1, 2015: Raugust Communications’ monthly e-newsletter features an exclusive Licensing Trend of the Month. Archives of recently published monthly trends are now available for viewing here. To see the trends as they are published, subscribe to the newsletter.

Monarch Products Fly Away at Spring Craft Events

April 1, 2015: Many thanks to the organizers of the Wright County Master Gardeners’ Spring Days and the Nokomis Urban Craft and Art Fair for hosting well-attended and fun events this spring. Raugust Communications was at both shows. Its new range of magnets, coasters, cards, and framed photos featuring monarch butterflies did particularly well.

Toy Fair Panel Covered Preschool Licensing

February 20, 2015: On Monday, February 16, Karen Raugust was a presenter on a panel at New York International Toy Fair. She and Ira Mayer, former publisher of The Licensing Letter, delivered a seminar on “The Global Market for Licensed Preschool Properties.” Thanks to all of our attendees and the TIA for a great session.

Letter Magnets Available

January 10, 2015: Our new photo letter magnets, launched in November 2015, have proven to be one of Raugust Communications’ more popular products. Mix and match photographed letters on brightly colored backgrounds to write your name or a message of love on your fridge or your locker. $2 per letter. Contact us for more information.

RaugustReports: A Blog About Licensing Goes Live

January 1, 2015: Karen Raugust has launched RaugustReports: A Blog About Licensing. Every Monday and Thursday, Karen—who has covered the licensing business since 1990—will offer her perspective on trends in the business of licensing. Read and sign up here.

Raugust Communications Launches New Website

January 1, 2015: Welcome to Raugust Communications’ new website. Bookmark us and visit often to see what’s new in our licensing and merchandising, freelance writing and editorial services, and photography businesses.

2014 Craft Show Season A Success

December 10, 2014: Thanks to the organizers of the Nokomis Urban Craft Fair, Muddy Paws Cheesecake Sampling and Holiday Boutique, and Lynnhurst Neighborhood Association Holiday Boutique for another year of great shows. Our greeting cards, coasters, and magnets were particularly strong sellers at all three events. We’re looking forward to more shows in the spring; stay tuned for more information.

Simba Publishes PreK-12 Testing Report

November 25, 2014: Simba Information has published PreK-12 Testing Market Forecast 2014-2015, authored by Karen Raugust. The report examines market size and key trends affecting providers of digital and print assessments, both formative and summative, to PreK-12 schools in the U.S.

PW’s November 24 Issue Examines “State of Licensed Publishing”

November 25, 2014: Publishers Weekly’s latest licensing feature, by Licensing Correspondent and Contributing Editor Karen Raugust, takes a look at the state of licensed publishing at the end of 2014. Trends covered in the piece, which is in the November 24 issue and online thereafter, include the rise of ebooks and ebook apps and their impact on traditional licensed children’s publishing, the increasing speed to market of licensed products and the ramifications on children’s books, and how licensors and publishers are taking steps to increase fan engagement. PW subscribers can view the article on the Publisher’s Weekly website.

New!

November 15, 2014: We now have flower-specific boxed cards. Need a gift for someone who loves roses? Irises? Lilies of the valley? Peonies? We have you covered on these and more.

We also have new snowman coasters, which we have added to inventory in response to frequent customer demand. And our brand-new letter magnets allow you to create names or words and have proved popular at recent shows.

Contact us for more information.

Blueprints Article Covers the Hispanic Grocery Sector

November 1, 2015: Karen Raugust’s latest article for Blueprints Quarterly Journal, a publication about the produce industry published by Blue Book Services, is “Niche No More: The Expanding Opportunities of the Hispanic Retail Landscape.” The article is in the October 2014 issue.