The Global Licensing Group, the organiser of Licensing Expo, has revealed further event details for its upcoming May return to Las Vegas, US.
Licensing International, an industry trade association, in partnership with Informa Markets say it is looking forward to celebrating the Expo’s 40th live edition in person.
The event is taking place for the first time since 2019, prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.
VP of licensing for Informa Markets, Anna Knight, says “While we are still living and working during a pandemic, the health and safety of everyone attending Licensing Expo will remain our number one priority, and this year’s event has been specifically designed to account for varying levels of attendee comfort with a range of options to suit, whether that is a preference for one-on-one interaction or to maintain physical distance.”
Safety first
Attendees will need to wear a face mask whilst at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center (MBCC) and present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. For extra reassurance, mask-wearing will be monitored by the organising team, who has also recommended participants complete a COVID-19 test before travelling to Las Vegas.
Onsite testing will be made available off the show floor (at participants’ expense), however, this can be used to enter the show or to fulfil any additional international or domestic pre-departure testing requirements.
Maura Regan, Licensing International president adds “Health and personal wellbeing remain a top priority for us all. As we continue to review and implement vigilant health protocols during this time, we’re excited for the all-important and safe return to Licensing Expo in Las Vegas.
“Bringing licensing professionals from around the world back together in person affords us all opportunities for new partnerships, networking, and learning – and a critical chance to move businesses forward. We are confident Licensing Expo 2022 will bring the industry back together for a long-awaited reunion!”
Consumer brand names
With four months until this year’s event, an expansive list of exhibiting companies has already been confirmed including media powerhouses BBC Studios, MGM Studios, Sony Pictures Consumer Products, ViacomCBS and Warner Bros. Consumer Products.
The expanded list of exhibitors also features Hasbro, Mattel, LEGO, Buzzfeed, The Pokémon Company, NFL Players Association, Games Workshop, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America, Crayola Properties, and TOPPS/Garbage Pail Kids, amongst others.
For the first time, Licensing Expo will have a theme. This year it will spotlight Location-Based Experiences – immersive out of home experiences such as amusement parks, escape rooms, arcades, bowling alleys, VR and other leisure environments.
Knight continues “LBE really suffered during the pandemic lockdowns, but experiences have now reopened to customer delight and the sector is predicted to boom. It has been interesting to note the increasing number of collabs between brands and LBE in recent years. We are keen to shine a light on this growing licensing category and excited to investigate its future with Licensing Expo attendees.”
“Hundreds of deals signed”
The upcoming event will be supported by the Licensing Expo official online platform, available to exhibitors and visitors before, during and after the show. The site will allow interested parties to browse exhibiting brands & IPs, as well as the ability to watch exclusive content and schedule in-person or online meetings until 3 June 2022.
Knight concludes “Thousands of retailers, manufacturers and designers attended BLE to meet close to 200 brands, and we received really positive feedback about the importance of BLE and Licensing Expo in driving business for the licensing industry. Hundreds of deals were signed at BLE, so we are very much looking forward to bringing back Licensing Expo in-person and welcoming everyone to Vegas in May.”
Licensing Expo will return to Las Vegas from 24 – 26 May 2022. Tickets are now available online.
The Global Licensing Group, recently held Brand Licensing Europe, with almost 200 exhibitors at ExCeL London.
