The global licensing community is ready to re-convene at Licensing Expo 2022, held this May 24-26 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for its first in-person gathering since 2019.
Attendees and exhibitors are eager to meet with existing and potential new partners, as indicated by the 3,000+ meetings confirmed to date on the event’s online platform. Thousands of registered guests are leveraging the online platform as a strategic tool to preemptively book meetings in advance of the in-person event before schedules fill up, guaranteeing face-to-face time with brands of interest. Register here to access the online platform and proactively plan your agenda.
Even with less than two weeks remaining, registration numbers continue to rise with big-box retailers, and world-class manufacturers signing on to meet directly with the owners of the world’s biggest brands, discover the latest trends, sift through the hottest IPs available for license, learn from industry experts, and network with peers.
Among the latest registrants to sign up are Wayfair, Urban Decay Cosmetics (L’Oréal), TJX, Burlington Stores, H&M, Forever 21, Aldi, AMC Theatres, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Claire’s Accessories, Paladone Products, Rue21, Moleskine, General Mills, Kohl’s, Levi Strauss & Co, Panini Spa, and Super RTL GmbH.
Notably, large groups from Mad Engine, Hallmark, Bioworld, Hot Topic, Target, Walmart, Centric Brands, and Jakks Pacific have registered and will be walking the show floor to meet and network with the 230-plus exhibitors.
“As we emerge from the pandemic, we’re seeing licensing take off as a strategic approach to meet consumers where they are and enhance their experience with the brands they love,” said Anna Knight, SVP of the Global Licensing Group. “There is so much pent-up demand for an in-person event of Licensing Expo’s scale and breadth across categories, especially as retailers and manufacturers search out new ways to engage with their customers in a more meaningful and intentional way.
Knight added, “Meetings are being booked faster than they ever have before – if you haven’t accessed the online platform yet, we encourage you to do so to set yourself up for success and ensure a productive time on-site.”
While historically, Entertainment and Characters dominated the $292 billion global licensing industry, emergent categories increasingly harness the power of brand extension strategies to reach new audiences and build a loyal fan base. This cross-category investment in licensing is reflected by the wide range of brands confirmed for the upcoming event, ranging from Art & Design, Gaming and eSports, Fashion and Apparel, Toys and Kids, Sports, Technology, to Location-Based Entertainment.
The latest exhibitors confirmed to participate include Microcosmic International LA Inc., IMC TOYS (CRY BABIES), Dipit, High Times, Death Row Records x Snoop Dogg, National Basketball Association, 2nd Coming Comix / The Bunker Media Group, Get Down Art, Drizzle Art, Dylan Sky, All Star Kid LLC, Merry Marble Trees, Dancing Lemurs, BM Srl, Garena Free Fire and BenjiLock, LLC. New brands exhibiting their portfolio of licensable IPs include Jazwares, LAI Games, Netflix, and Riot Games. The full exhibitor list can be found here.
“Squishmallows has taken the world by storm as an industry-leading lifestyle brand that’s grown well beyond the toy aisle,” said Judd Karofsky, Executive Vice President of Jazwares, a highly sought-after new exhibitor. “As a first-time Licensing Expo exhibitor, we couldn’t be more thrilled to showcase the power of our brand and the infinite opportunities Squishmallows bring to our world-class licensing partners and beyond.”
Attendees benefit from having access to the world’s most recognizable companies, plus the hottest up-and-coming brands, all on one show floor. Year-after-year, Licensing Expo facilitates the introductions and partnerships needed to bring brands to life, serving as a springboard for the next viral licensed product.
Some of the most prominent IPs exhibitors will showcase include The Batman, Coca-Cola, Keith Haring, Catan, Elden Ring, Pac-Man, Peppa Pig, Call of Duty, Black & Decker, Volvo, Xbox, Cap’n Crunch, Care Bears, Sesame Street, Hot Ones, Bob Marley, The Smurfs, The Walking Dead, The Cat in the Hat, Monopoly, Space Invaders, League of Legends, KFC, NBA, Casa de Papel, Star Trek, Rugrats, Paul Frank, Variety, Rolling Stone, Ryan’s World, and Cocomelon. Overall, thousands of IPs will be displayed across the show floor.
Press are welcome to attend Licensing Expo for free to meet with brands of interest and report on the latest industry trends. Register here today or contact LicensingPR@informa.com.