Licensing Show Prepares for June Expo
The licensing industry—and those looking to learn more about it—will be heading to Las Vegas for the June 8–10 run of the Licensing International Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
With about 500 exhibitors, representing about 7,000 brands, the show typically draws about 18,000 attendees from nearly 100 countries, including licensees and manufacturers, retailers and brand owners, ad and marketing agencies, licensing agents, licensors, and distributors.
Fashion has a dedicated area at the licensing show called the 7th Avenue Fashion Pavilion, which will feature everything from streetwear and shoes to childrenswear and accessories. Brands represented include Paul Frank; Yums; Dyse One; KLAS; Tookata; Creative Brands Group, which represents Kitson, Mark Nason, Kingsley, Loyal Army, Glamajama and Extra Frosting; and Lifestyle Licensing BV, which represents the Beverly Hills Polo Club brand. The show will feature the Fashion Avenue Cafeacute;, where exhibitors can showcase their brands, and an online gallery of fashion brands showing in the Fashion Avenue Cafeacute;.
There’s also a new product showcase, demo stage and the Art & Design Gallery, where attendees can preview new designs online before and after the show. There will also be an Art & Design Pavilion at the show, featuring the work of artists, illustrators, graphic designers and photographers.
For those new to the business, there are classes in licensing basics and licensing law. For the more experienced, there are courses in international-licensing strategies for Europe, the Middle East, China and India. There’s also a specific show for fashion brands, titled “Fashion Retailing and Licensing Opportunities.”
Early birds can join the June 6 Retail Tour, which includes an overview of the U.S. retail market led by Carol Spieckerman, president of Newmarketbuilders.
The June 8 keynote address and panel will feature Rick Darling, president of Li & Fung USA; Karen Dodge, senior vice president and chief merchandising officer of Toys R Us; Neil Friedman, president of Mattel Brands; John Frascotti, global chief marketing officer of Hasbro Inc.; and Andy Mooney, chairman of Disney Consumer Products.
Also on June 8, the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association will host its LIMA Opening-Night Awards party at the Mandalay Bay Hotel.
Now in its 30th year, the Licensing Expo is part of the Advanstar Global Licensing Group. For tickets to the opening-night party, visit www.licensing.org.
For more about the Licensing International Expo, visit www.licensingexpo.com.—Alison A. Nieder
