Licensing Expo Plans Series of Events to Unite Global Licensing Community

Due to the ever-evolving nature of the COVID-19 situation, and after numerous consults with exhibitors, attendees and partners, Informa Markets’ Global Licensing Group announces that Licensing Expo, rescheduled to take place in August in Las Vegas, Nev., will not take place.

The 40^th edition of the world’s largest licensing trade show will celebrate next year, returning May 25-27, 2021, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Nonetheless, the need to connect with partners, colleagues and the community is greater than ever, so, in partnership with Licensing International, the GLG will deliver a series of multi-platform events through the remainder of 2020.

“The challenges associated with the Covid-19 pandemic and the uncertainty it is leaving in its wake has made it impossible for us to deliver the Licensing Expo experience we all know and love in its current dateline,” explains Anna Knight, vice president of licensing for the Global Licensing Group of Informa Markets. “Not running Licensing Expo this year was an incredibly tough decision to make, but what it means is we now have a whole year to rip up the rule books and produce the greatest ever global licensing show to celebrate its 40^th anniversary in 2021. We have also been collaborating closely with our association partner, Licensing International, to develop a program of new and meaningful events that will continue to unite the global licensing community over the next 12 months.”

“We understand first-hand the importance of in-person meetings to move your business forward,” says Maura Regan, president of Licensing International, noting the current situation makes this impossible. “We will continue to offer programs helping our members and the industry at large to stay informed, stay connected and keep moving forward,”

The first such event is Licensing Week — five days of virtual keynotes, educational seminars, matchmaking, networking and a digital exhibition, taking place June 15-19. Announced less than two weeks ago, the online-only event has drawn much interest from the worldwide licensing community, with sponsorship opportunities nearly sold out. Register to attend for free beginning May 18 at  www.licensingweekvirtual.com.

“The positive feedback we’ve had about Licensing Week has blown us away,” says Knight. “June will be the first virtual licensing event, but it will definitely not be the last.”

Brand Licensing Europe, Europe’s premier licensing trade show, is set to take place Oct. 6-8 at London’s ExCeL, and organizers are currently mapping multiple scenarios to ensure the event provides exhibitors and visitors with the best possible experience and return on investment.

Then, in November, Licensing Leadership Summit, the Global Licensing Group’s executive level conference and networking event, will return to New York’s Hilton Midtown for two full days of thought leadership, Nov. 5-6.

“Living through a pandemic has changed so much of what we thought we knew about licensing, manufacturing, consumers and retail,” Knight says. “Every senior person within the global licensing community needs to be at Licensing Leadership Summit in November, contributing to the think tank that will drive the future of this industry.”

For more information about Licensing Expo, visit www.licensingexpo.com.