Just under a month from now, manufacturers, retailers, and some of the biggest brands in the world will head to London for Brand Licensing Europe’s (BLE) 25th-anniversary show. From Sept. 24-26, the ExCeL will feature more than 250 exhibitors — including more than 50 first-timers — representing thousands of brands.
“For 25 years, thousands upon thousands of new brand licensing partnerships, deals, and products have started at BLE during meetings, networking moments, opportunistic hellos, and show floor browsing,” says Ella Haynes, BLE Event Director. “It’s THE annual event for European retailers and manufacturers to rub shoulders with the world’s biggest brand owners and discover what’s new, be inspired, and learn how to expand their brands, businesses, and careers, and I’m looking forward to everyone coming together and helping us celebrate 25 years of BLE and the extraordinary evolution of an extraordinary industry.”
Some of the hottest brands in kids toys and entertainment will be at Brand Licensing Europe next month. | Source: BLE
Some of the hottest brands in kids toys and entertainment will be at Brand Licensing Europe next month. | Source: BLE
Some of the hottest brands in kids toys and entertainment will be at Brand Licensing Europe next month. | Source: BLE
Some of the hottest brands in kids toys and entertainment will be at Brand Licensing Europe next month. | Source: BLE
Some of the hottest brands in kids toys and entertainment will be at Brand Licensing Europe next month. | Source: BLE
Some of the hottest brands in kids toys and entertainment will be at Brand Licensing Europe next month. | Source: BLE
Some of the hottest brands in kids toys and entertainment will be at Brand Licensing Europe next month. | Source: BLE
Some of the hottest brands in kids toys and entertainment will be at Brand Licensing Europe next month. | Source: BLE
Some of the hottest brands in kids toys and entertainment will be at Brand Licensing Europe next month. | Source: BLE
Some of the hottest brands in kids toys and entertainment will be at Brand Licensing Europe next month. | Source: BLE
Some of the hottest brands in kids toys and entertainment will be at Brand Licensing Europe next month. | Source: BLE
Some of the hottest brands in kids toys and entertainment will be at Brand Licensing Europe next month. | Source: BLE
There is so much to do at the show, so here is a list of everything to check out while you’re in London.
- Take a walk around the show floor or meet people in the matchmaking lounge at the show.
- If you’re new to BLE, you can take a free show tour and Licensing 101 session, which start at 9:45 a.m. GMT on Tuesday and Wednesday.
- The day 1 keynote, When Everyone Plays, We All Win: Next Level Consumer Products & Licensing with Xbox, will start at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday. During the keynote, John Friend, Head of Consumer Products at Xbox, will chat with Ben Roberts, Global Licensing Group’s EMEA Head of Content, to talk all things gaming and the brands, licensees, and retailers’ connection to the gaming world and fans.
- At 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Crafty Licensing: Transforming a business through brand licensing, the day 2 keynote, will feature entrepreneur Sara Davies, who will discuss her business journey and using licensing to expand her business, Crafter’s companion.
- Celebrate BLE’s 25th Birthday from 5-7 p.m. at The BLE Birthday Bar and BLE x One Piece Bar on Tuesday night. The event will feature cake, free drinks, entertainment, and party merchandise.
- Visit the Sports Zone, which features brands including Fanatics, FOCO, Tour de France, 24h Le Mans, Real Madrid CF, and more.
- On Tuesday and Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., you can meet the BLE Bear and follow the character parade as it makes its way through the ExCeL.
- Check out the Brands & Lifestyle Zone, which includes brands like Van Gogh Museum, IMG Licensing, Ford, and more.
- Watch a panel, from “How to Build a Lifestyle Brand,” to “Mapping a Sustainable Pathway,” and more. Click here to check out the agenda.
- Check out BLE’s online, on-demand training by experts in the global licensing industry. The first module is free.
- See some new licensing entrepreneurs and brands at the Discovery & Design Zone, including Afro Entertainment Studios, Jelly Armchair, Mea Mouse, and more.
- Stop by The Retail Lounge, an exclusive lounge powered by Care Bears for retailers to meet, relax, and potentially win a Care Bear in the claw grabber arcade. Registered retailers include Aldi, Shein, Tesco, Five Guys, Crocs Europe, and more. There is a retail happy hour at 4 p.m. on Tuesday with a chance to meet the team behind Care Bears.
- Apply for the Retail Mentoring Programme. Retail badge holders can join BLE’s Heads of Retail, Laura Freedman-Dagg and Keith Pashley at 3 p.m. on Wednesday to find out more.
- Try out one of the BLE brand experiences, including the Netflix Squid Game installation, Hasbro’s Monopoly Gaming Lounge, London Zoo’s conservation-themed seating area, and Angry Birds’ themed seating area with a giant inflatable celebrating the game’s 15th anniversary.
- Learn more about data intelligence from the experts at Fabacus.
- Students are invited to day 3 of the show to learn more about the licensing industry and career opportunities.
- Visit the Licensee Pavilion, which includes companies like Tsume, Park Agencies, Pyramid International, and more.
- Join the France Licensing Community for networking drinks in partnership with Licensing International from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday in the Brands & Lifestyle Zone.
- Pick up Brands Untapped 100’s third edition, which is debuting at the show.
- Play a game at the Fuggler coconut shy activation, with all proceeds going to the Light Fund.
- Join Character.com for a session on the market for adaptive clothing and the future of adaptive clothing in licensing.
- Stop by the Service Providers Pavilion, with exhibitors including JMW Solicitors, New Alchemy Solutions, and Play Management Co.
- Explore the benefits of BLE to your brand with BLE’s account managers.
- Visit Light Fund’s resale store at the Products of Change stand to shop some pre-owned products, reduce waste, and raise money for charity.
- Finally, chill out in the Wellness Lounge.
If you don’t have your tickets yet, you still have time. Attendees can register for a free ticket now and immediately start requesting meetings with exhubitors using the Event Planner.
