Anime NYC is joining forces with X Tracks Licensing Summits to create the first-ever business expo dedicated to anime, manga, and gaming.
The Anime NYC x X Tracks Licensing Summit will bring together licensing leaders from publishing, fashion, entertainment, toys, gaming, retail, and more for a one-day program exploring Asian pop culture’s fast-growing presence in consumer products. The invitation-only event will take place Aug. 20 at the Javits Center in New York City, coinciding with Anime NYC 2026.
“Anime is now one of the fastest-growing sectors in global licensing,” stated MK Goodwin, VP of LeftField Media, the events company behind Anime NYC. “The core market of anime and manga is nearly a 50 billion dollar industry, and is projected to grow to over 120 billion dollars by 2033. The licensing aspects tied to anime and manga are expected to outpace the core content market. It’s time we addressed this business, and what better place than at Anime NYC.”
Throughout the day, the agenda features panels, presentations, and networking events that address current trends and challenges facing the industry. Topics on the docket include the meteoric rise of anime and manga, how kidults and collectible culture have shaped the licensing landscape, the new wave of interest in Korean IP, and the process of transforming a digital-first video game IP into a tangible product.
Each program will spotlight executives from major companies in the anime space, including presentations from VIZ Media, Kodansha, Striker Entertainment, Patencio Development, Bioworld, Mad Engine, and more.
Steven Ekstract, Co-Founder of X Tracks Licensing Summits, added, “We’re thrilled to partner with Leftfield Media and Anime NYC to launch a dedicated X Tracks Licensing Summit focused on the explosive growth of Asian entertainment and its impact on global licensing and retail. Since our founding in 2022, anime and manga have been cornerstone topics at X Tracks — now, for the first time, we’re dedicating an entire day to the fandom-driven forces reshaping the business.”
The Anime NYC x X Tracks Licensing Summit will take place on Aug. 20 at the Javits Center in New York City. To apply for an invitation, visit animenyc.com/licensing.
