See Licensing Expo through the years by searching our news archives for anything ranging from the latest announcements to historical changes that have shaped the conference to what it is today. Easily navigate by clicking the links below and quickly jumping to any particular year of interest.
May 13, 2022
The global licensing community is ready to re-convene at Licensing Expo, 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.... Read More
May 6, 2022
Pam Kaufman, president, consumer products and experiences, Paramount, and Gary Vaynerchuk, chairman, VaynerX, chief executive officer, VaynerMedia and creator and chief executive officer, VeeFriends, are gearing up to discuss the opportunities that lie ahead for the $292-billion licensing industry.... Read More
May 5, 2022
Licensing Expo, produced in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, today revealed a growing roster of exhibitors delivering IP-based experiences on the show floor at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center this May 24-26. In response to the 2022 editions’ LBE theme, BuzzFeed, Crayola, LAI Games, and Cronus Global .... Read More
April 26, 2022
Licensing Expo, produced in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, continues to lock in the world's most sought-after IP owners for the 2022 edition spanning a wide array of product categories. Most recently signed exhibitors.... Read More
April 21, 2022
Licensing Expo, a must-attend trade show produced in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International that is slated to take place May 24-26 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, celebrates the six finalists selected to advance to the final round of the License This! Competition. The judging panel.... Read More
April 14, 2022
Licensing Expo 2022, produced in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, welcomes senior executives from Falcon's Beyond, Robert L. Ward, and Moonbug as 2022 keynote panelists, who are confirmed to speak at the Day 2 keynote. .... Read More
April 11, 2022
Licensing Expo – the world’s largest licensing trade show, produced in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International – opened its online platform today, allowing anyone who has registered for this year’s event to search the exhibitor list and brand/IP directory and start booking meetings in preparation for the event .... Read More
April 6, 2022
Licensing Expo, produced in partnership with industry trade association, Licensing International, celebrates the event's long-awaited in-person return to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas this May 24-26 with the highly anticipated Opening Night Party in Association with ATLUS .... Read More
April 1, 2022
The License This! competition, hosted at Licensing Expo for the first time in person in the U.S. market, has announced the 2022 judge panel featuring nine of the industry's most renowned licensing experts. Brands represented on the panel include Flowhaven, Licensing International, Global Licensing Advisors, Boat Rocker Studio, PowerStation Studios, Redbubble, Lisa Mark Associates, Product Counsel and InventHelp. .... Read More
March 30, 2022
Licensing Expo has revealed the 2022 Licensing U content agenda, developed and produced by trade association, Licensing International, to provide industry newcomers and those looking to advance their knowledge of licensing with elementary and trend-focused education on what they need to know about the $292-billion licensing industry. .... Read More
March 17, 2022
The Global Licensing Group, organizers of Licensing Expo, today announced a continuation of its strategic partnership with Products of Change (POC), a global educational hub aimed at driving sustainable change across consumer product markets and beyond.... Read More
March 10, 2022
Licensing Expo is gearing up to host the consumer product industry's most memorable and productive in-person get together in three years, with a growing roster of brands signing on daily to exhibit at the in-person event to be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, May 24-26, 2022.... Read More
February 10, 2022
Entries open today for Licensing Expo’s License This! competition*, which helps designers, illustrators and animators break into the $292 billion global licensing industry. The competition, launched 12 years ago in Europe... Read More
August 31, 2021
Licensing Expo, the world's most influential event connecting the global licensing community, today announced the event will return in-person to Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas in 2022. Produced in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, the highly anticipated return to the live, interactive event is scheduled for May 24-26.. ... Read More
July 8, 2021
Licensing Expo Virtual, in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, today announced the agenda for the event's 2021 edition taking place August 24-26 in a virtual format. Celebrating 40 years of connecting IP owners with retailers, manufacturers, and licensees, Licensing Expo Virtual will feature the most robust educational agenda to date... Read More
June 17, 2021
Licensing Expo Virtual, in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, today announced two key leaders from Warner Bros. Consumer Products will kick-off Day 1 in the opening keynote of the free-to-attend virtual event, set for August 24-26. Pam Lifford, president of WarnerMedia Global Brands.... Read More
April 28, 2021
Informa Markets’ Global Licensing Group announces its 2021 calendar of events, kicking off with August’s Licensing Expo, which will be now be a fully virtual experience, enabling the broadest and most robust cross-section of attendees from retail, manufacturers and brands from around the world to come together to make deals, network, learn and discover new IP.... Read More
– December 10, 2020–
Today, the Global Licensing Group, a division of Informa Markets and event organizers of leading global events Licensing Expo and Brand Licensing Europe, are announcing its 2021 dates and an innovative new event format.
Licensing Expo is set to trade August 10-12, 2021 and will take place live and in-person at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev.... Read More
– December 10, 2020–
Today, the Global Licensing Group, a division of Informa Markets and event organizers of leading global events Licensing Expo and Brand Licensing Europe, are announcing its 2021 dates and an innovative new event format.
Licensing Expo is set to trade August 10-12, 2021 and will take place live and in-person at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev.... Read More
– May 7, 2020–
Due to the ever-evolving nature of the COVID-19 situation, Informa Markets’ Global Licensing Group announces that Licensing Expo, rescheduled to take place in August in Las Vegas, Nev., will not take place and will return May 25-27, 2021.
To serve the need to connect with partners, colleagues and the community, in partnership with Licensing International, the GLG will deliver a series of multi-platform events through the remainder of 2020... Read More
– March 13, 2020–
Licensing Expo, which was originally scheduled to be staged in May 2020, will now be held at Mandalay Bay Convention Center on August 11-13.
This decision has been made as a result of consultation with exhibitors and other stakeholders to determine the best outcome for all. The Global Licensing Group, which includes License Global and is a part of Informa Markets, strongly believes that this new dateline is in the best interests of its customers and partners... Read More
February 27, 2020
Licensing Expo 2020 Announces New Exhibitors Spanning Automotive, Licensees, Publishing, and More
Licensing Expo, the world's largest and most influential licensing industry event, today announced a diverse lineup of exhibitors confirmed to make their inaugural debut. Celebrating its 40th year connecting consumer goods manufacturers, licensees, and retailers with globally recognized and influential properties across categories, Licensing Expo 2020 will take place... Read More
July 1, 2019
Licensing Expo Reinforces Its Value Across All Property Categories With 2019 Results
Licensing Expo, organized by Informa Markets and sponsored by Licensing International, today announced initial findings from the 2019 show, which took place June 4-6 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The results, gathered from a year-over-year (YoY) analysis of exhibitor and attendee data, as well as metrics from Licensing Expo's matchmaking service, reinforce... Read More
June 4, 2019
Popular Science Recognized as ‘One-to-Watch’ at Licensing Expo 2019
Santa Monica, California – License Global magazine, the licensing industry's thought leader and news source, today announced Popular Science as the 2019 winner of its One-to-Watch contest. An official part of Licensing Week, One-to-Watch serves to recognize and reward innovation from... Read More
APRIL 25, 2019
Licensing Expo Keynote Features Retail Innovator Rachel Shechtman
Santa Monica, California – Licensing Expo, the world's largest and most influential licensing industry event, today announced Rachel Shechtman, Macy’s Brand Experience Officer and founder of STORY, will take the stage for the Licensing Expo keynote address on Wednesday, June 5 at 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m., which is part of.... Read More
APRIL 11, 2019
License Global Announces the 2019 Leading Licensees Spanning all Categories, from Toys to Consumables, Apparel and Beauty
Santa Monica, California – License Global magazine, the licensing industry's thought leader and news source, today released its 2019 report identifying the world's top 150 licensees driving the consumer product business forward. Licensees' role is central to the brand extension process.... Read More
MARCH 18, 2019
Licensing Expo and InventHelp Collaboration Announces 'Pitch the Brands' during Licensing Week 2019
Santa Monica, California – Licensing Expo, the world's largest and most influential licensing industry event, today announced Pitch the Brands, where inventors can present their product to an executive panel of consumer product experts and a chance to win a prize package valued.... Read More
FEBRUARY 07, 2019
Licensing Expo 2019 Announces New Exhibitors Reflecting Growing Property Categories in the Licensing Industry
Santa Monica, California – Licensing Expo, the world's largest and most influential licensing industry event, today announced a number of new exhibitors that will be in attendance, adding to the diverse catalogue of attendee brands spanning many industries. Brands represented who are new to the show floor include... Read More
JANUARY 03, 2019
The Global Licensing Group and National Retail Federation Collaboration to Deliver Licensing Insights for Retailers at NRF 2019: Retail’s Big Show
Santa Monica, California – The Global Licensing Group, the licensing industry’s leading tradeshow organizer and media partner, today announced an exclusive collaboration with the National Retail Federation for the NRF 2019: Retail’s Big Show taking place January 13 – 15 in New York City. Together, the Global... Read More
JUNE 14, 2018
Licensing Expo 2018 Mirrors the Industry and Grows Key Categories
Santa Monica, California – Licensing Expo, the world’s largest and most influential licensing event, capped off Licensing Week in Las Vegas, NV from May 22-24, 2018. The 2018 rendition of the show was the most robust to date, realizing an increased presence from core categories and opened with a keynote address from... Read More
MAY 23, 2018
Feisty Pets Named ‘One to Watch’ at Licensing Expo 2018
Santa Monica, California – License Global, the premier publication and leading source of news and trends for the global consumer products and licensing industry, today announced Feisty Pets, represented by Surge Licensing, as its annual One to Watch contest winner. The One to Watch contest recognizes... Read More
MAY 16, 2018
Celebrities George Foreman, Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Drew and Jonathan Scott and More to Greet Fans at Licensing Expo 2018
Santa Monica, California – Licensing Expo, the world’s largest and most influential brand licensing industry event, today announced that several exhibitors will host celebrity appearances, meet and greets and photo opportunities at their booths on the Expo floor. The exhibitors hosting these events include... Read More
MAY 10, 2018
Licensing Expo Announces New International Exhibitors, TOHO Co. LTD, Spin Master and Van Gogh Museum
Santa Monica, California – Licensing Expo, the world’s largest and most influential brand licensing industry event, today announced growing participation from international brands, licensors and licensees in its international pavilions including China, Japan and Mexico. This year, new international exhibitors including... Read More
APRIL 17, 2018
Licensing Expo 2018 Solidified as the Premier Event for Sports Licensing
Santa Monica, California – Licensing Expo, the world’s largest and most influential brand licensing industry event, today announced that it will feature the world’s leading professional sports associations and sports-focused licensing agencies at Licensing Expo 2018. As licensed sports properties continue to experience year-on-year growth, Licensing Expo is... Read More
APRIL 12, 2018
License Global Magazine Reveals 2018 Top 150 Global Licensors
Santa Monica, California – License Global, the premier publication and leading source of news and trends for the global consumer products and licensing industry, has released its annual Top 150 Global Licensors report, which brings together financial information from the world's most powerful brands... Read More
APRIL 10, 2018
Amazon VP to Deliver Keynote at Licensing Expo 2018
Santa Monica, California – Licensing Expo, the world’s largest and most influential brand licensing industry event, today announced that Nicholas Denissen, vice president, Amazon, will lead the opening keynote at Licensing Expo 2018. Denissen will take the stage on Tuesday, May 22, from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. PT with other industry leaders in a panel session titled... Read More
FEBRUARY 27, 2018
Licensing Expo 2018 Unveils Licensing Week Programming
Santa Monica, California – Licensing Expo, the world's largest and most influential brand licensing industry event, today announced its Licensing Week lineup, which will include a variety of educational and experiential components designed to complement the offerings on the expo floor and empower attendees to walk away with new connections and knowledge... Read More
JANUARY 19, 2018
Licensing Expo 2018 Announces New Exhibitors Including Members Only, Penguin Random House, tokidoki, Warner Music Group
Santa Monica, California – Licensing Expo, the world's largest and most influential licensing industry event, today announced that a diverse roster of new exhibitors have signed on for this year's event including the Country Music Association, Flying Colors Apparel, Gearbox, Members Only, Penguin Random House, pocket.watch, PurseN, SMOOTS, Swissbrand World, Tetris, tokidoki.... Read More
JANUARY 03, 2018
20-Year Licensing Industry Veteran Steven Ekstract Named Brand Director of UBM’s Global Licensing Group
Santa Monica, California – The Global Licensing Group at UBM, the industry’s leading tradeshow organizer and media partner, today announced that Steven Ekstract, group publisher, License Global magazine, has been appointed brand director for the Global Licensing Group and Howard Gelb, vice president of sales, will undertake an expanded role, overseeing both media and event sales... Read More
DECEMBER 14, 2017
License Global Honors 19 Female Leaders Who Have Markedly Impacted Licensing Industry with Inaugural "The Influentials" List
Santa Monica, California – License Global Magazine, the most widely read and respected publication in the licensing industry, today released its inaugural "The Influentials" list, which honors women who have impacted the licensing industry in a significant way. The honorees are established industry leaders from highly-respected companies including... Read More
OCTOBER 24, 2017
UBM's Global Licensing Group Selected as Connectiv Innovation Award Winner for Contributions to the International Licensing Industry
Santa Monica, California – The Global Licensing Group at UBM, the industry's leading tradeshow organizer and media partner, today announced that it won a Connectiv Innovation Award in the "Leveraging Ecosystem Partners" category for its highly successful global expansion strategy. The Connectiv Innovation Awards, which recognize the best, most forward-thinking work... Read More
OCTOBER 17, 2017
Licensing Expo 2018 Selected for Prestigious U.S. Department of Commerce Program, IBP Select
Santa Monica, California – Licensing Expo, the world's largest and most influential licensing industry event, today announced that the trade show has been selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Buyer Program Select (IBP Select) for the second consecutive year. IBP Select is a joint government-industry effort that brings... Read More
JUNE 07, 2017
First Inaugural Licensing Week Concludes with Resounding Success
Santa Monica, California – Licensing Expo, the world’s largest and most influential licensing event, returned to Las Vegas, NV from May 23-25, 2017. This year’s expo proved to be one of the most successful to date with the debut of Licensing Week, a brand new initiative that incorporated all events surrounding Licensing Expo into... Read More
MAY 24, 2017
Lulu by Renée Graef Named as the 'One to Watch' at Licensing Expo
Las Vegas, Nevada – License Global magazine (www.licensemag.com) is pleased to announce that the brand Lulu by artist Renée Graef is the winner of the annual 'One to Watch' contest for new brand licensing concepts, held in conjunction with Licensing Expo (www.licensingexpo.com). Organized by UBM and sponsored by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association (LIMA)... Read More
MAY 17, 2017
Character and Entertainment Brands Take Center Stage at Licensing Expo 2017
Santa Monica, California – Leading character and entertainment brands from all facets of the licensing industry, including television, film, online, gaming and music, will converge at Licensing Expo on May 23-25, 2017 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. Produced by UBM and sponsored by... Read More
MAY 09, 2017
World's Top Brands and Licensing Agencies to Participate in Licensing Expo 2017
Santa Monica, California – Licensing Expo, the world’s largest and most influential licensing industry event, is pleased to announce that more than 5000 brands from consumer goods and lifestyle categories including accessories, automotive, corporate, fashion, food and beverage, household, publishing, sports and non-profit will exhibit at Licensing Expo 2017. The Expo returns... Read More
MAY 05, 2017
The Fine Art of Licensing
Santa Monica, California – Licensing Expo, the world’s largest and most influential licensing industry event, showcases the creations of artists & designers to the largest audience of brand owners, licensees and retailers in the world. Sponsored by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association (LIMA), the Expo takes place on May 23-25 at the Mandalay... Read More
APRIL 27, 2017
Exciting New Exhibitors Announced for Licensing Expo 2017
Santa Monica, California – Licensing Expo (www.licensingexpo.com), the world’s largest and most influential licensing industry event, is pleased to announce that a number of exciting companies and leading brands have joined the expanded lineup of new exhibitors for 2017. Sponsored by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA), the Expo takes place on May 23-25... Read More
APRIL 19, 2017
Licensing University™ 2017 to Tackle Essential Topics for Success in Today’s Ever-Changing Marketplace
New York, New York – With an exploding international market, millennial shoppers opening their wallets at ever-increasing rates, and a digital landscape that allows for on-demand product fulfillment at lightning speed, there have never been more opportunities to achieve success in licensing. To help licensing professionals capitalize on today’s newest business prospects, the International Licensing Industry... Read More
APRIL 17, 2017
Jessie James Decker to Headline Licensing Expo Opening Night Party Co-Hosted By Sony Music
Santa Monica, California – Licensing Expo, the world's largest and most influential licensing industry event, today announced that Sony Music will co-host its prestigious Opening Night Party and present country music singer and songwriter Jessie James Decker as the special guest performer. The Opening Night Party at Licensing... Read More
MARCH 30, 2017
Licensing Week Adds Entertainment Showcases, Attractions, Educational Events and Networking Opportunities to May 22-25, 2017 Calendar
Santa Monica, California – UBM’s Global Licensing Group has revealed additional plans for Licensing Week, taking place May 22-25, in conjunction with Licensing Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. The weeklong program has expanded to include new and returning educational and networking events surrounding Licensing Expo. The new offerings include... Read More
MARCH 09, 2017
Licensing University™ 2017 to Feature Blend of Trending Topics and Key Basics
New York, New York – The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) has assembled a wide range of business-boosting Licensing University™ sessions for Licensing Week 2017 that covers everything from the latest issues and trends to the fundamentals of how the licensing business works. Licensing University takes place May 22-25 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center... Read More
FEBRUARY 07, 2017
Fanatics' Cole Gahagan to Kick Off Licensing Expo 2017 As Keynote Speaker
New York, New York – Perhaps the most significant business topic this past holiday season was the rise of e-commerce and how "traditional retailers, brand owners and product marketers continue to adapt to changing consumer shopping patterns." While these shifts affect all parts of the licensing business, nowhere are they more acutely felt than in sports... Read More
JANUARY 26, 2017
Look Who’s Booked
Santa Monica, California – UBM is pleased to announce its initial lineup of exhibitors for Licensing Expo (www.licensingexpo.com), the world’s largest and most influential licensing industry event, taking place May 23-25, 2017, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. Sponsored by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA), the 2017 event is... Read More
DECEMBER 07, 2016
Licensing Expo Kicks Off Attendee Registration for 2017
Santa Monica, California – UBM's Global Licensing Group, organizers of Licensing Expo, the world's largest and most influential licensing industry event, today announced the opening of attendee registration and unveiled the blueprint for Licensing Week, taking place May 22-25, 2017, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. Licensing Week brings together new and returning... Read More
SEPTEMBER 13, 2016
Licensing Expo Chosen for International Buyer Program (IBP) Select, a U.S. Department of Commerce Export, Licensing & Trade Promotion Program, to Facilitate International Licensing Deals
Santa Monica, California – Licensing Expo, the world's largest and most influential licensing industry event, today announced that the Expo has been selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Buyer Program (IBP) Select. The program will enlist the U.S. Department of Commerce's global network to recruit pre-screened international manufacturers and retailers... Read More