In less than a month, manufacturers, retailers and some of the world’s biggest brands will travel to London for the 25th anniversary show of Brand Licensing Europe (BLE). From September 24th to 26th, ExCeL will feature more than 250 exhibitors (including more than 50 first-time exhibitors), representing thousands of brands.
“For 25 years, thousands of new brand licensing partnerships, deals and products have been launched at BLE through meetings, social moments, opportunistic greetings and showroom browsing,” said Ella Haynes, Events Director at BLE. “This is European Retail I look forward to everyone coming together to help us celebrate the birth of BLE. 25 years and extraordinary growth in an extraordinary industry.
Some of the hottest brands in children’s toys and entertainment will be taking part in the European Brand Licensing Show next month. |Source: BLE
Some of the hottest brands in children’s toys and entertainment will be taking part in the European Brand Licensing Show next month. |Source: BLE
Some of the hottest brands in children’s toys and entertainment will be taking part in the European Brand Licensing Show next month. |Source: BLE
Some of the hottest brands in children’s toys and entertainment will be taking part in the European Brand Licensing Show next month. |Source: BLE
Some of the hottest brands in children’s toys and entertainment will be taking part in the European Brand Licensing Show next month. |Source: BLE
Some of the hottest brands in children’s toys and entertainment will be taking part in the European Brand Licensing Show next month. |Source: BLE
Some of the hottest brands in children’s toys and entertainment will be taking part in the European Brand Licensing Show next month. |Source: BLE
Some of the hottest brands in children’s toys and entertainment will be taking part in the European Brand Licensing Show next month. |Source: BLE
Some of the hottest brands in children’s toys and entertainment will be taking part in the European Brand Licensing Show next month. |Source: BLE
Some of the hottest brands in children’s toys and entertainment will be taking part in the European Brand Licensing Show next month. |Source: BLE
Some of the hottest brands in children’s toys and entertainment will be taking part in the European Brand Licensing Show next month. |Source: BLE
Some of the hottest brands in children’s toys and entertainment will be taking part in the European Brand Licensing Show next month. |Source: BLE
There’s lots to do at the show, so here’s a list of everything you need to see while you’re in London.
- Take a walk around the show site or meet people in the show’s Matchmaking Lounge.
- If you’re new to BLE, you can join the free demo tour and Licensing 101 course, which starts at 9:45am GMT on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- The first day’s keynote, “When Everyone Plays, We All Win: Next Generation Consumer Products and Xbox Licensing,” will begin at 12:30 noon on Tuesday. During the keynote, John Friend, head of consumer products at Xbox, will chat with Ben Roberts, head of EMEA content at Global Licensing Group, to discuss games and all the relationships that brands, licensors and retailers have with the gaming world and fans.
- Wednesday at 12:30 pm, Crafty Licensing: Day two’s keynote, “Crafty Licensing: Transforming Business through Brand Licensing,” will be hosted by entrepreneur Sara Davies, who will discuss her business journey and using licensing to grow her business (Crafter’s companion).
- Celebrate BLE’s 25th birthday on Tuesday evening from 5-7pm at the BLE Birthday Bar and BLE x One Piece Bar. The event will feature cake, free drinks, entertainment and party merchandise.
- Visit the sports area with brands like Fanatics, FOCO, Tour de France, 24 Hours of Le Mans, Real Madrid CF and more.
- On Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. you can meet BLE Bear and follow him through ExCeL’s Character Parade.
- Check out the Brands & Lifestyle section, which includes the Van Gogh Museum, IMG Licensing, Ford and more.
- Watch panel discussions ranging from “How to build a lifestyle brand” to “Planning a path to sustainable development” and more. Click here to view the agenda.
- Check out BLE online on-demand training provided by authorized industry experts from around the world. The first mod is free.
- Visit some of the new licensing entrepreneurs and brands in the Discovery & Design District, including Afro Entertainment Studios, Jelly Armchair, Mea Mouse and more.
- Head to The Retail Lounge, an exclusive lounge powered by Care Bears for retailers to meet, relax and possibly win a Care Bear in the Scratching Paw arcade ). Registered retailers include Aldi, Shein, Tesco, Five Guys, Crocs Europe and more. There’s a retail happy hour on Tuesday at 4pm, where you have the chance to meet the team behind Care Bears.
- Apply for the Retail Mentoring Program. Retail badge holders can learn more with BLE retail directors Laura Freedman-Dagg and Keith Pashley on Wednesday at 3pm.
- Try a BLE brand experience including Netflix squid game installations, Hasbro’s Monopoly play lounge, a conservation-themed seating area at London Zoo and an Angry Birds-themed seating area with giant inflatables celebrating the game’s 15th anniversary.
- Learn more about data intelligence from Fabacus experts.
- Students are invited to attend the third day of the show to learn more about the licensing industry and career opportunities.
- Visit the licensee pavilion, including Tsume, Park Agency, Pyramid International and more.
- Join the French licensing community on Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm for a social drinks event in partnership with Licensing International in the Brands & Lifestyle zone.
- Welcome to the third edition of the Brands Untapped 100, debuting at the show.
- Play the game at the Fuggler Coconut Event and all proceeds will be donated to the Light Fund.
- Join Character.com for a session on the adaptive apparel market and the future of adaptive apparel licensing.
- Visit the Service Provider Pavilion, where exhibitors include JMW Solicitors, New Alchemy Solutions and Play Management Co.
- Explore the benefits of BLE for your brand with a BLE Account Manager.
- Visit the Light Fund’s resale shop at the Products of Change stall to buy some second-hand products, reduce waste and raise money for charity.
- Finally, you can relax in the wellness lounge.
If you don’t have tickets yet, you still have time. Attendees can register for free tickets now and start requesting meetings with exhibitors using Event Planner immediately.
