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Licensing Executives Society (U.S.A. and Canada) Launches "LES 2020," a New Strategic Initiative to Empower its Members to "Get Smart, Get Known, and Get Ahead"
[August 20, 2014]

Licensing Executives Society (U.S.A. and Canada) Launches "LES 2020," a New Strategic Initiative to Empower its Members to "Get Smart, Get Known, and Get Ahead"


WASHINGTON --(Business Wire)--

The Board of Trustees of the Licensing Executives Society (U.S.A. and Canada), Inc. (LES) is launching "LES 2020," a new strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the Society's role as the premier association for today's innovation deal makers.

Following a 2-day intensive review of the current IP and business development landscape, the LES Board established three task forces to design plans for a new organization within 5 years by focusing on:

  • LES Membership Size/Structure - growing the organization to 8,000 members or more, engaging leaders from a wide range of industry sectors;
  • Role/Services/Resources - how LES will deliver value for a wider audience of professionals involved in innovation deal making;
  • Leadership Roles & Responsibilities - changes to LES governance and mission that will provide strategic continuity and direction for the future.

These initiatives will enhance LES's position as a thought leader on intellectual property public policy, as well as the premier source for best practices, content, and innovation business solutions. By 2020, LES will create a dynamic worldwide virtual community of experts in business development and intellectual asset management.

Presdent-Elect Pamela Demain, Executive Director, Business Development & Licensing at Merck & Co. Inc., described these bold new plans, "…we look forward to expanding the LES community over the next five years to meet the ever-changing needs of business development and innovation deal makers. LES is THE association for innovation professionals, and as our profession changes, LES will adapt to continue to provide valuable thought leadership, education and networking opportunities for all of our members."



Building on the LES hallmarks of unique networking and education opportunities, LES 2020 will elevate the range, quality and accessibility of the Society's value for all members. Through expanded online resources, more dynamic virtual and in-person networking, and enhanced influence with policy makers and opinion leaders, LES will capitalize on its leadership as the premier organization for business professionals dedicated to intellectual property management and deal making. This new strategic direction will provide greater visibility and added value for LES members - locally, nationally, and globally.

Members of the LES Board of Trustees will engage with other senior leaders within and outside of the LES membership to create a framework to achieve these goals by 2020, with frequent updates and opportunities for input from LES members and non-members alike.


As LES prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2015, this updated strategic direction will set the foundation for the society's growth and vitality for the next five years and beyond.

The 2014 LES Annual Meeting, October 5-8 in San Francisco, will celebrate 50 years of high value LES meetings focused on education and networking for professionals involved with business development and intellectual property management across industries. Visit www.lesannual.org for the latest information.

For more on LES 2020, and upcoming LES events, visit www.les2020.org.


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