Licensing Expo 2016 Preview

Licensing Expo brings retailers and licensees together as the world’s largest tradeshow dedicated to licensing and brand extension.

By Jessica Blue, Senior Vice President of Licensing, UBM Americas

Recognizable brand names, such as Disney and Pierre Cardin, remain popular among consumers and often generate a higher price point than generic goods. Because of this, the licensing industry continues to grow and licensed products are driving retail sales as consumers demand more of their favorite brands. In fact, the licensing industry now accounts for an estimated $259.9 billion in retail sales globally, according to License! Global.

As retailers, it is important to stay connected to the ever-growing licensing industry and upcoming trends to ensure your store is filled with the latest products and brands consumers are looking for.

Licensing Expo serves the global licensing industry as the world’s largest and most influential trade show dedicated to licensing and brand extension. For three days, 16,150 retailers, licensees, manufacturers and advertising agents come together from more than 90 countries on June 21 to 23 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas to:

• Hear the future brand strategies direct from brand and property owners;
• See what brands are being launched ready for stores in the next 18 to 24 months;
• Find exclusive licensed products for your stores;
• Compare the hottest fashion, movie, TV, sports and consumer brands that your consumers will be demanding for 2017/2018; and
• Ink direct-to-retail (DTR) deals with brand owners.

More than 5,000 brands from all product categories are showcased at Licensing Expo – from candy to cars, food to fashion, music to movies, TV to toys and everything in between. No matter what category you’re responsible for, a visit to Licensing Expo will help your business decisions and strategy, now and in the future.

Retail attendance continues to grow at Licensing Expo. In 2015, retail attendance increased by 15 percent. Retailers that attended included: amazon.com, Best Buy, Forever 21, H&M, Kohl’s, Pottery Barn, Target, Tesco, Walmart, Wet Seal and Williams-Sonoma.

In addition to connecting with top brand owners and agents like AwesomenessTV, Nintendo of America, Inc., NFL Players Inc., Crocs, Mattel Inc., Coca-Cola and Grumpy Cat, Expo attendees can enhance their show experience through networking, education and Matchmaking Services.

Hear from industry experts at more than 25 educational sessions at Licensing University, sponsored by the Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA). In addition to seminars, Licensing University also includes: Roundtable Discussions, an intimate 30-minute setting to review the industry’s hottest topics, and the Digital Media Licensing Summit, seminars from the world’s most popular digital media companies and stars. The keynote and the Digital Media Licensing Summit are free to attend while you can purchase an all-access pass to attend any of the seminars and roundtable discussions.

Adding to the opening day buzz is the most talked about party in licensing, which takes place on June 21 in a stunning new venue: The Havana Room™ and Sky Beach Club at the recently renovated Tropicana Las Vegas. Sponsored by LIMA, the Opening Night Party is the must-attend after-hours networking event for the industry, featuring premier evening networking with the world’s most influential brand owners, retailers and licensees. Festivities for the 2016 party include entertainment by Winter Dance Party, courtesy of C3 Entertainment, Inc., a tribute to Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens.

Throughout Licensing Expo, retailers will have access to the Retailer Lounge, located in the Brands & Agents zone on the show floor. Escape the bustling show floor to meet with colleagues and enjoy complimentary refreshments.

Licensing Expo only happens once a year: this June in Las Vegas. Don’t miss out on the business and the buzz. For more information and free attendee registration, visit www.licensingexpo.com.

Licensing Expo brings retailers and licensees together as the world’s largest tradeshow dedicated to licensing and brand extension.

By Jessica Blue, Senior Vice President – Licensing, UBM Americas

Recognizable brand names, such as Disney and Pierre Cardin, remain popular among consumers and often generate a higher price point than generic goods. Because of this, the licensing industry continues to grow and licensed products are driving retail sales as consumers demand more of their favorite brands. In fact, the licensing industry now accounts for an estimated $259.9 billion in retail sales globally, according to License! Global.

As retailers, it is important to stay connected to the ever-growing licensing industry and upcoming trends to ensure your store is filled with the latest products and brands consumers are looking for.

Licensing Expo serves the global licensing industry as the world’s largest and most influential trade show dedicated to licensing and brand extension. For three days, 16,150 retailers, licensees, manufacturers and advertising agents come together from more than 90 countries on June 21 to 23 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas to:

* Hear the future brand strategies direct from brand and property owners;

* See what brands are being launched ready for stores in the next 18 to 24 months;

* Find exclusive licensed products for your stores;

* Compare the hottest fashion, movie, TV, sports and consumer brands that your consumers will be demanding for 2017/2018; and

* Ink direct-to-retail (DTR) deals with brand owners.

More than 5,000 brands from all product categories are showcased at Licensing Expo – from candy to cars, food to fashion, music to movies, TV to toys and everything in between. No matter what category you’re responsible for, a visit to Licensing Expo will help your business decisions and strategy, now and in the future.

Retail attendance continues to grow at Licensing Expo. In 2015, retail attendance increased by 15 percent. Retailers that attended included: amazon.com, Best Buy, Forever 21, H&M, Kohl’s, Pottery Barn, Target, Tesco, Walmart, Wet Seal and Williams-Sonoma.

In addition to connecting with top brand owners and agents like AwesomenessTV, Nintendo of America, Inc., NFL Players Inc., Crocs, Mattel Inc., Coca-Cola and Grumpy Cat, Expo attendees can enhance their show experience through networking, education and Matchmaking Services.

Hear from industry experts at more than 25 educational sessions at Licensing University, sponsored by the Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA). In addition to seminars, Licensing University also includes: Roundtable Discussions, an intimate 30-minute setting to review the industry’s hottest topics, and the Digital Media Licensing Summit, seminars from the world’s most popular digital media companies and stars. The keynote and the Digital Media Licensing Summit are free to attend, while you can purchase an all-access pass to attend any of the seminars and roundtable discussions.

Adding to the opening day buzz is the most talked about party in licensing, which takes place on June 21 in a stunning new venue: The Havana Room™ and Sky Beach Club at the recently renovated Tropicana Las Vegas. Sponsored by LIMA, the Opening Night Party is the must-attend after-hours networking event for the industry, featuring premier evening networking with the world’s most influential brand owners, retailers and licensees. Festivities for the 2016 party include entertainment by Winter Dance Party, courtesy of C3 Entertainment, Inc., a tribute to Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens.

Throughout Licensing Expo, retailers will have access to the Retailer Lounge, located in the Brands & Agents zone on the show floor. Escape the bustling show floor to meet with colleagues and enjoy complimentary refreshments.

Licensing Expo only happens once a year: this June in Las Vegas. Don’t miss out on the business and the buzz. For more information and free attendee registration, visit www.licensingexpo.com.