Free registration for Licensing Expo has opened online as the show returns from May 24th-26th for the first time in three years.
Licensing Expo, the world’s largest licensing trade show, will return to Las Vegas in May, reconnecting the global licensing industry in person for the first time since 2019.
Organized by Informa Markets in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, Licensing Expo reconvenes following a two-year hiatus to celebrate its 40th live edition with safety very much at the heart of the experience.
“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’s a preference for one-on-one interaction or to maintain physical distance,” said Anna Knight, VP of Licensing, Informa Markets.
All participants will be required to wear a face mask while indoors at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center and present proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test. Mask wearing will be monitored by the Informa organizing team, who are also recommending that participants take a Covid-19 test before leaving their destination to travel to Las Vegas. These safety rules will be in place regardless of Nevada state mandates. Onsite testing will be available off the show floor at the participants’ expense, and this can be used to enter the show or to fulfil any international or domestic pre-departure testing requirements.
“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,” says Licensing International president Maura Regan. “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’re confident Licensing Expo 2022 will bring the industry back together for a long-awaited reunion.”
With four months still to go, the industry is throwing its full support behind Licensing Expo, with exhibiting companies already confirmed, including ViacomCBS, Hasbro, Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Mattel, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Consumer Products, Lego, Joester Loria Group, Beanstalk, Buzzfeed, The Pokémon Company, NFL Players Association, Games Workshop, Peanuts Worldwide, Bandai Namco Entertainment America, Frida Kahlo, Yale University, MGM Studios, Spin Master, BBC Studios, Crayola Properties, BrandComply fuelled by Octane5, and Topps/Garbage Pail Kids.
Licensing Expo will also adopt a theme for the first time, with 2022 spotlighting Location-Based Experiences: immersive, interactive out of home experiences like theme parks, escape rooms, gaming arcades, amusement parks, bowling alleys, VR worlds and much more. LBE will be the focal point for one of Licensing Expo’s two in-person keynotes, in addition to interactive LBE activations on the show floor highlighting the creativity and consumer engagement possible when brands and experiences collaborate.
“LBE really suffered during the pandemic lockdowns, but experiences have now reopened to customer delight and the sector is predicted to boom,” explained Anna. “It’s been interesting to note the increasing number of collabs between brands and LBE in recent years. We’re keen to shine a light on this growing licensing category and excited to investigate its future with Licensing Expo attendees.”
This year’s event will be supported by the Licensing Expo official online platform, available to all exhibitors and visitors pre, during and post-show, allowing them to browse exhibiting brands & IPs, see who’s attending, view exclusive content and schedule meetings to take place both in-person in Las Vegas and online post-event until June 3rd.
Register for free for Licensing Expo here.
