BLE 2021 will give a platform to the people, ideas and practices set to change the face of brand licensing.

Brand Licensing Europe (BLE), in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, will support the industry as it collectively looks to a post-pandemic future with a ‘What’s Next’ theme weaving throughout the show in 2021 when it returns from 17th-19th November at ExCel London. The in-person event will be followed by an online event on 30th November-1st December.

The What’s Next theme will give a platform to the people, ideas and practices set to change the face of brand licensing, while focusing on three distinct areas to give attendees an overview of the most important considerations for doing business in 2022 and beyond.

• Who’s next: Attendees are invited to discover and celebrate the licensing change makers in the all-new Agents of Change gallery; the disruptors, the rising stars, the professionals and the trailblazers who are brave and savvy enough to go back to the drawing board and affect real change.

The Agents of Change Roll of Honour gallery, taken from License Global’s Influentials list of 2021 that will feature in December, will be situated at the entrance of BLE, providing an aspirational ‘welcome back’ to the live event for the whole community.

• Innovation in Sustainability Showcase in partnership with Products of Change. This feature area will inspire attendees on their journey towards a more sustainable future by learning how pioneering businesses from inside and outside of the licensing community are addressing the challenge of moving forward in a more ethical way.

This interactive space will tell the stories of the branded products on show – where they came from, how they were made; the partnerships and collaborations featured, as well as offering practical advice and support on how the licensing industry can unite to tackle these vital issues.

• What’s next for retail: Visitors can explore an interactive retail space showcasing how brand licensing is leading the way in the production of unique, creative, and entertaining consumer experiences critical to the much-needed transformation of retail.

Informa Markets’ VP of Licensing, Anna Knight, said: “Identifying new trends, change makers and upcoming challenges is what makes an industry gathering like BLE unmissable. This past year has shown how adaptable we are and, as we move into a post-Covid world that pace shows no sign of slowing down. Looking towards the future has never been more vital, and this is precisely what our ‘What’s Next’ theme is designed to support.

Our hope is that this year’s theme, and all of the amazing content that envelops it, will help to take the guesswork out of strategic planning and support our attendees to drive forward their visions for the future.”

Registration for the event is now open – retailers, manufacturers and brand owners wishing to take part in this year’s event are invited to register for free here.

To find out how to get involved in any of this year’s features, please contact the organisers directly (anna.knight@informa.com) or visit the website for more information.