With the countdown continuing to Licensing Expo in May, the show has revealed several new features designed to reflect the evolving licensing landscape, as well as a significant international presence.
This year’s show – taking place from 20-22 May at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas – will see a 16% year-over-year increase in exhibiting companies, from key growth areas including food and beverage, fashion, location-based entertainment, sports and character licensing.
More than 22 countries will be represented on the show floor, alongside the launch of a dedicated Sports Pavilion and a marked increase in participation from global consumer brands.
The event will feature entertainment powerhouses Amazon MGM Studios, Netflix, The Walt Disney Company, Paramount, Sony Pictures Entertainment, BBC Studios, Nintendo, Hasbro, Mattel, Pokémon, Spin Master and the exhibition show floor return of Warner Bros. Discovery and NBCUniversal.
“The presence of these major entertainment brands, coupled with the expansion of the show floor and the largest number of exhibitors in recent years, is a demonstration of Licensing Expo’s core position as the most important global event for brand licensing, partnerships and extensions,” commented Anna Clarke, svp Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets. “We continuously seek to ensure we are fully representative of emerging trends and evolving categories, and this year’s event not only showcases the broadest category and international representation yet but also plays host more than 120 exciting new brands.”
The International Pavilion welcomes nine companies including Kadowaka, MINISO, TV Tokyo, Pony Canyon, King Records, Art of War/Kenshin, Gryphline, Mainichi Broadcasting System and Twin Engine, bringing the most popular television, music, entertainment and art to the North American market. With a 58% increase in Japanese companies exhibiting, Japan has maintained its position as the world’s third-largest market for licensed products over the past decade, attracting numerous popular IPs.
The new Soccer Pavilion, meanwhile, will showcase prominent clubs Newcastle United Football Club and FC Barcelona, and multiple federations, such as the Royal Dutch Football Federation, the Portuguese Football Federation, the French Football Federation and the Kings League. Representatives of soccer legend Diego Maradona will also return.
Over 120 new to show brands will also be participating including Calm, Roblox, Westinghouse, Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Company, Thrilljoy, GNC and Krispy Kreme.
Licensing Expo 2025 runs from 20-22 May at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Click here for further details.
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