Licensing Expo 2026 Wraps with Record-Breaking Attendance

Licensing Expo 2026 has officially come to a close. After three days of presentations, networking, and deal-making across the global brand licensing industry, this year’s event saw record-high levels of participation and attendance, setting the stage for a year of major growth. 

This year’s show featured the largest number of exhibitors to date, with 410 exhibiting companies representing more than 5,000 brands. Of the 410 exhibitors, 130 were showcasing their brand and products at Licensing Expo for the first time. The lineup featured a variety of major players, from entertainment powerhouses such as Netflix, BBC Studios, NBCUniversal, and Warner Bros. Discovery to leading names in toys and gaming, like Hasbro, Minecraft, Pokémon, and The LEGO Group. 

More than 12,500 visitors attended the event, including more than 1,500 qualified retailers such as Walmart, Target, Primark, Miniso, Hot Topic, and Pop Mart. International participation jumped to 28% of total visitors, with representatives from 78 countries in attendance, and increased involvement from Japan, China, Argentina, and Spain. Nearly 50% of attendees hold global decision-making power, turning Licensing Expo into a world stage for the latest innovations in the licensing industry.  

Conference programming featured sold-out discussions centered on the ever-evolving licensing landscape, which is experiencing an overall 5.45% increase in market value from 2024 and sustained category growth, according to Licensing International’s market insights panel. Highlights include Sharon and Jack Osbourne discussing legacy brand management and Ozzy Osbourne; supermodel Ashley Graham and United Talent Agency’s Natasha Bolouki on leveraging authenticity and relatability; and Netflix’s Chief Marketing Officer Marian Lee, who sat down with the directors of KPop Demon Hunters to discuss the importance of fandom in licensing. 

“Licensing Expo continues to be where the business of brands comes to life,” shares Ella Haynes, Event Director, Global Licensing Group, which includes Licensing Expo, Brand Licensing Europe, and media brand License Global. “This year’s record-breaking exhibitor participation, combined with the caliber of brands on the show floor and thought leaders on our stages, demonstrates the vital role licensing plays in connecting intellectual property with consumer demand. The energy and deal-making activity we witnessed this week confirms that our industry is not just resilient, it is thriving.”

Licensing Expo will return to Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center from May 25-27, 2027. For more information about this year’s event and to prep for next year, visit licensingexpo.com.