Brand Licensing Europe has unveiled a host of new purpose-led content and initiatives to further enhance the visitor experience, support and promote underrepresented communities, invest in the next generation of licensing talent and reduce carbon emissions.
The education content at the show – which runs from 24-26 September at London’s ExCeL – includes sessions on the future of adaptive clothing in licensing with Character.com and how the industry is adapting to new demands for a sustainable pathway with Products of Change (both 25 September).
Sessions on unlocking a career in licensing with advice and opportunities, plus what makes a sustainable and ethical brand in 2024 with the Good Shopping Guide will also be held on 26 September.
A number of non-profit brands and charities will be exhibiting in the Brands & Lifestyle zone including first time exhibitor London Zoo which is theming seating areas which highlight animal welfare, the importance of conservation and London Zoo’s sustainability programme.
Also new for 2024 are Ashmolean Museum, The British Museum, The Royal Pavilion at Brighton and The National Gallery.
Returning for 2024 will be Royal Horticultural Society, RSPB, V&A, Natural History Museum, English Heritage, Van Gogh Museum and Imperial War Museums.
BLE will also be supporting communities – Black Lives Matter Licensing is returning to exhibit, local students have been invited to enjoy work experience at the show and, following last year’s success, students are being invited to attend day three to find out more about the licensing industry as a potential career prospect and meet some of the key players at the show.
In addition, pronoun badges will be available at registration for everyone who would like to wear them, while the BLE Wellness Lounge (A272) will include space to unwind and receive a massage with money donated to local charities.
Among the sustainability initiatives, Products of Change will host a re-sale store to raise money for industry charity The Light Fund and encourage attendees to buy pre-loved product and reduce waste. Brands can contact nicola@productsofchange.com to donate.
The BLE event team is aiming for all feature areas to be rated Gold as part of the Informa Better stands initiative; this year’s lanyards are made of rPet (recycled plastic) and can be taken home or return to be reused; attendees will notice more digital and less printed signage; refillable water stations can be found in the ExCeL boulevard; sustainable food and beverage packaging used in the ExCel cafés and bars; and the Rewind carpet range used at BLE 2024 is a zero-to-landfill alternative, taking 55% fewer carbon emissions to make and is manufactured completely latex-free. Rewind is also recycled into a high-grade mono-recyclate, which allows for easier recycling.
“It’s critical that BLE supports everyone who is involved in, impacted by or could benefit from being connected with the licensing industry – whether that’s shining a light on the amazing consumer products being developed for and by minority communities including the Black community and those with accessibility needs, giving underprivileged students access to an exciting and rewarding career pathway, or doing everything we can to improve our sustainability credentials and provide valuable guidance and advice for BLE attendees targeting with cutting emissions,” commented Ella Haynes, BLE event director.
Brand Licensing Europe takes place 24-26 September 2024 at ExCeL, London and visitor registration is now open.
