The British Association for Screen Entertainment (BASE) and The Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA) are pleased to welcome Thomas Merrington, Creative Director at Penguin Ventures (part of Penguin Random House), to the line-up at this year’s Category Showcase & Innovation Forum. The event takes place at Picturehouse Central from 8:30am on July 4th, 2018 and tickets are available here.
With a background spanning more than 17 years working in the global consumer products and licensing industry, Merrington has a wealth of experience across multiple fields, including product design, brand strategy, live events, theatrical, immersive and film and TV. At Penguin Ventures, he brings together the publisher’s licensing, retail, theatrical, exhibitions, digital, film & television, experiential and partnership strategies to help Penguin deliver new and innovative ways to continue telling some of the world’s most famous stories.
Discussing his appearance at the Innovation Forum section of the event, Merrington said: “I’m thrilled to be speaking on behalf of Penguin Ventures at this event. As a business, we are in the unique position of being able to take much-loved characters and brands into completely new environments, creating immersive experiences for fans that go beyond the book. As a result, I get to work with some truly exceptional partners in both the screen and entertainment sectors. I am looking forward to seeing what others present at the forum and also share some of our innovations”
Liz Bales, Chief Executive at BASE, added: “We’re always keen to encourage the consideration of other industries when seeking out new ways of innovating and the publishing category, especially a heritage brand such as Penguin, can clearly provide both inspiration and insight analogous to our own consumer landscape. With many BASE members having longstanding relationships with Penguin Ventures and some of its brands we’re sure Thomas will deliver a fascinating look at the way they have kept some very familiar faces both fresh and engaging for a modern and evolving audience. ”
