Retail Merchandiser Volume 63, Issue 2 Volume 63, Issue 2 | Page 38

Events Special

The power of fandom

Meet the world ’ s biggest brands at Licensing Expo 2023

From the clothes that we buy to the food that we eat , brands shape our identities and define who we are . Brands as varied and recognizable as Tetris , Heinz and Yale University are embedded into our culture , but how do they come to life and achieve this status ? Through brand licensing .

Licensing allows consumers to get their hands on the ‘ must-have ’ brands they love – whether that is a young child wanting the latest Paw Patrol backpack or a life-long Patriots fan desperate for this season ’ s jersey . Tapping into the power of that fandom offers a major opportunity to retailers , licensees , and manufacturers and there is one global event that enables them to meet thousands of brands under one roof .
Licensing Expo has attracted the key players and decision-makers from every facet of the $ 292bn licensing industry for more than four decades . As the world ’ s largest and most influential annual tradeshow dedicated to licensing and brand extension , it welcomes more than 5000 brands and 16,000 retailers , licensees , manufacturers , distributors , and licensing agents , from over 70 countries . Attendees include retailers such as : Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Burlington , COPPEL , Crocs , eBay , Five Below , GameStop , H & M , Hot Topic , Kohl ’ s , Kroger , Macy ’ s , Party City , Redbubble , Ross , Sam ’ s Club , SHEIN , Spencer Gifts , Target , TJX , Walmart , and Williams-Sonoma .
2023 ’ s core theme is fashion , and the show will spotlight the creativity and innovation in this space and the opportunities it heralds for the wider licensing industry through a full roster of educational sessions , networking and experiential activations . This includes two keynote speakers , fashion showrooms and a partnership with Products of Change to highlight sustainable material innovation .
Another major attraction of the event is the opportunity to view new releases and ‘ first reveals ’. Big brands often announce
38