Licensing Expo 2026 is opening the door to early meeting planning.
Informa Markets launched the Event Planner for next year’s show, giving registered attendees access to the scheduling platform ahead of Licensing Expo, set for May 19-21 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Sponsored by Licensing International, the annual event is a key gathering for the global licensing business, bringing together companies focused on brand extension, IP development, and collaborations.
Organizers say planning early remains critical. Meeting calendars for major exhibitors often fill four to six weeks before the show, and this year’s exhibitor roster includes more than 5,000 brands across toys and games, food and beverage, fashion, gaming, heritage, sports, celebrity, FMCG, and entertainment. Participating companies include Mattel, Hasbro, The LEGO Group, Amazon MGM Studios, Netflix, Paramount Global, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Discovery.
This year’s Event Planner includes several updates, including AI-powered matchmaking, saved-search alerts, attendance settings, and a “Super Search” function that lets users look for people, brands, exhibitors, and content from one place.
“Planning your meetings ahead is absolutely essential to making the most of your Licensing Expo experience,” says Anna Clarke, Senior Vice President of the Global Licensing Group. “Last year, we saw a record-breaking 10,000+ meetings take place through the Event Planner, proving just how valuable this platform is for building successful connections leading up to the expo. Do not wait, start planning now to ensure you secure the meetings that matter most to your business goals.”
Retailers already registered include Target Corporation, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, H&M, Hot Topic, and Urban Outfitters.
The Adventure Media & Events team will be present at Licensing Expo with new issues of The Toy Book and The Pop Insider set to debut on May 19. Visit us at Booth No. F106 to grab The Toy Book‘s 2026 Licensing & Entertainment Issue (featuring The Licensing Book supplement), and the spring edition of The Pop Insider. Both issues are now in production.
