• Where will Licensing International Expo be held?
• What dates will the show be held?
• What are registration hours?
• What are show floor hours?
• What are conference hours?
• Why did Advanstar and the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) decide to relocate the show?
• Is Licensing International Expo open to the general public?
• Is Licensing International Expo accessible to the disabled?
• How much does it cost to attend Licensing International Expo?
• Are there paid education programs?
• How do I make hotel reservations?
• How long should I plan to spend at Licensing International Expo?
• What will it cost me to travel between my hotel and the conference?
• Will I need identification at the door of the convention center?
• May I bring my spouse and children to the show floor?
• May I photograph or film Licensing International Expo?
• Are all of the exhibitors from 2008 moving to Vegas for 2009?
• I live in New York. Why is it better that the show be in Las Vegas?
• Are the hotel rooms really that much cheaper?

1. Where will Licensing International Expo be held?

The site of Licensing International Expo 2009 will be the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89119
+1 (702) 632-7777

2. What dates will the show be held?

Conferences: June 1-4, 2009
Exhibits: June 2-4, 2009

3. What are registration hours?

Schedule subject to change.

4. What are show floor hours?

Schedule subject to change.

5. What are the conference hours?

Schedule subject to change.

6. Why did Advanstar and the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) decide to relocate the show?

The role of Licensing International Expo is to provide a platform for industry growth, and the best place to do this is in a location that offers top quality, cost-effective amenities and service. Escalating prices of hotel rooms in New York and booth setup fees at the Javits became an obstacle to new participants and an impediment for established ones — potentially depriving Licensing International Expo’s marketplace of thousands of exhibitors, attendees, brands and properties. Advanstar and LIMA were compelled to search for an alternative that would increase return on investment for all parties. Both on and off the show floor, Las Vegas offers world-class amenities for a fraction of the cost of New York City; and with Mandalay Bay’s five-star offerings, we found the perfect environment for our $187 billion licensing industry.

7. Is Licensing International Expo open to the general public?

No. This is a conference and trade show for licensing and retail professionals.

8. Is Licensing International Expo accessible to the disabled?

Yes. The Mandalay Bay Convention Center is wheelchair accessible.

9. How much does it cost to attend Licensing International Expo?

Attendance is free if you pre-register for the show. Rates for the Licensing University conference program depend on the package.

10. Are there paid education programs?

Yes. In partnership with the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA), Licensing International Expo supports Licensing University, a four-day program of seminars taught by industry experts.

11. How do I make hotel reservations?

Book hotel rooms at discounted rates by clicking here.

12. How long should I plan to spend at Licensing International Expo?

Your length of stay will depend on how many exhibitors you meet and when; as well as which conference program seminars you plan to attend, especially if you attend pre-conference workshops.

13. What will it cost me to travel between my hotel and the conference?

Free shuttle bus service will be provided during exhibition days, June 2-4, between official Licensing International Expo hotels and the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

There are also 4,500 hotel rooms on site at the Mandalay Bay Resort, and an additional 7,000 rooms connected to the campus by tram.

14. Will I need identification at the door of the convention center?

You will be asked to present a picture ID at registration and check-in. International visitors must show a passport.

15. May I bring my spouse and children to the show floor?

Only registered attendees and exhibitors will be allowed on the show floor. No one under 18 will be permitted at Licensing International Expo or the Licensing University conference program.

16. May I photograph or film Licensing International Expo?

No photography, videotaping or any other type of visual/audio recording is allowed on the show floor or in conference program rooms without prior written approval of management.

17. Are all of the exhibitors from 2008 moving to Vegas for 2009?

90% of the exhibitors from 2008 have signed up for Licensing International Expo 2009, including all of the major Hollywood Studios, TV and Entertainment Companies, Fortune 500 consumer brands, Sports Leagues, Interactive Properties, Fashion Labels, and cutting-edge Artists and Designers. Square footage for the June 2009 event is already 20% bigger than ever before.

18. I live in New York. Why is it better that the show be in Las Vegas?

There was no room for expansion, or to create new environments at the Javits Center, and by moving to Mandalay Bay Convention Center, we can now provide more diverse brand and property offerings, including three brand new show floor categories, showcasing the best in Fashion, Sports and Interactive.

Mandalay Bay also offers improved meeting space, as well as the potential for increased educational offerings, and greater convenience of entertainment and networking events. Instead of hitting rush hour on your way to and from the convention center, and struggling to get across town to a networking event, you will be able to exchange ideas, create concepts and ultimately execute deals in a centralized setting of affordable luxury. The 22 on site restaurants, from gourmet dining to informal meals, and additional bars and nightlife offerings mean licensing colleagues can talk shop with good food and good company, all within walking distance of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

19. Are the hotel rooms really that much cheaper?

Yes! Exclusive Licensing International Expo rates mean that you can stay for as little as $79/night – try finding a 3-star hotel for that in New York City! Post-show surveys indicated that show attendees paid an average of $312/night for the 2007 & 2008 shows. Booked through us, you can stay in 5-star luxury for just over half that amount. In fact, based on a 3-night stay, attendees will save approximately 60% in hotel expenses, compared to New York.

Here’s what others in the industry have to say:

“Moving the show will be a great opportunity to give our industry a lift — hopefully we can attract new business partners who may be new to licensing and who can help us all lift our revenues. We are hopeful we can save on set up costs, and from a logistics perspective, we believe that the new venue will be more conducive to doing business — no long cab rides across the city as we all plan to stay and exhibit at the same location.”
— MGM Consumer Products Senior Vice President, Paul Flett

“The Association is eager to embark on this new chapter in the history of the show and the licensing industry. The expansive, first-class facilities at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center offer a tremendous opportunity for growth. Services for exhibitors will reflect significant cost savings compared with past years, and the opportunities and excitement of Las Vegas will attract a new and more diverse attendee and exhibitor base to create a much more valuable show experience for everyone.”
— LIMA President, Charles Riotto

“Rainbow was really excited when we got the news that the show has moved from New York to Las Vegas for a few quite obvious reasons. The cost is definitely much more attractive in terms of construction of the booth, and in terms of hotels. But more importantly, Las Vegas is a place where it’s very easy to merge the business and entertainment of the industry. It’s easy for us to organize a party, or to bring customers out for a really nice dinner without having the stress to secure a place like in New York City. For us it’s great news, even though we’re European and it’s further, Las Vegas is still a more attractive location than New York.”
— Rainbow S.p.A. Executive Vice President, Joanne Lee