By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
The Licensing Expo is gearing up to host the consumer product industry’s largest in-person get- together in three years.
A growing roster of brands are signing on daily to exhibit at the in-person event that will be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
The full exhibitor list is available online and is accessible here.
“Licensing Expo returns in-person for the first time since 2019, and excitement among the industry is palpable,” said Anna Knight, SVP of Licensing at Informa Markets. “This is a business-critical time in the calendar for brands, manufacturers, and retailers alike. They’re coming with a pen in hand ready to ink new deals and discover the new trends that will line their shelves in the coming years, but also to reconnect in-person possibly for the first time since the pandemic.”
The upcoming event is produced in partnership with industry trade association, Licensing International. The Expo continues to lock in global, cross-category licensing brands, with 17 countries represented so far. Forty new companies have been confirmed in the past four weeks and the event now comprises more than 170 exhibitors signed on to-date.
“Excitingly, we’re seeing a robust selection of brands represented from across the globe, including Europe, the U.K., Japan, South America and the U.S.” said Knight. “We’re taking every measure possible to ensure non-domestic exhibitors and attendees are fully equipped with the latest health and safety measures in place, in addition to providing logistical information that will simplify international travel to Las Vegas.”
The event will showcase brands from all major and emerging categories, including character and entertainment, fashion and apparel, gaming and eSports, art and design, non-profits, and more.
“The licensing industry is built on relationships, and we’re delighted to be able to provide a safe and comfortable environment for people to reconnect, strengthen existing partnerships, celebrate successes and do business at scale face-to-face for the first time in three years,” Knight continued. “We’re also extremely excited to showcase Location-Based Experiences as the event’s theme, creating even more opportunities for brands to engage and inspire attendees in new ways.”
In light of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, Licensing Expo participants will be required to wear a face mask while indoors at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. All participants at Licensing Expo 2022 must also provide proof of vaccination.
A negative antigen COVID-19 test is required within 24 hours prior to attending the event or a negative PCR test within 48 hours before being allowed access to the Licensing Expo.
“Society is adapting to and people are becoming increasingly comfortable with our ‘new normal,’ and as such, we’re seeing consumers spending again and investing in brands and characters they built an emotional connection to while in lockdown,” said Cynthia Modders, President of Firefly Brand Management. “Licensing Expo could not come at a better time for us, helping our clients tap into consumer trends born from the pandemic and get their exciting new products on shelves and e-commerce platforms.”
Attendance to the Licensing Expo is free and tickets can be secured here.