Licensing Expo is placing a strong emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, and social impact as key themes for this year’s event, taking place May 19-21 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
Organized by Informa Markets’ Global Licensing Group, the annual event features brand activations, educational programming, and partnerships designed to highlight how licensing can drive innovation and address global challenges.
Sustainability will play a central role across the show floor, with Products of Change hosting activations that showcase eco-conscious materials, production methods, and design solutions. Participating companies include Disney Consumer Products, Universal Music Group, and other partners focused on reducing environmental impact. Products of Change will also preview its new Partner Maturity Index, a framework designed to improve sustainability data and collaboration across the licensing ecosystem.
“Sustainability is a fundamental pillar of the licensing industry, and at the Global Licensing Group, we are dedicated to advancing initiatives that promote social good, eco-consciousness, and giving back to our communities,” shares Anna Clarke, Senior Vice President of the Global Licensing Group. “Licensing Expo is proud to serve as a platform for innovation and collaboration, showcasing how our industry can lead the way in creating a more sustainable and socially responsible future.”
The event’s conference program also spotlights inclusivity, including a session focused on adaptive product design featuring speakers such as Patrick DeCrescenzo, Volto Santo, Mindy Scheier, Shaquem Griffin, and Shaquill Griffin. The panel explores opportunities in inclusive design, particularly as demand grows for products that better serve consumers with disabilities.
Beyond the show floor, Licensing Expo expands its focus on social good through partnerships with organizations such as Delivering Good, which will collect and redistribute donated products to families in need, and Magic Wheelchair, which will unveil a custom wheelchair for a child during the event. The show will also continue its collaboration with Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) through networking and mentorship programming.
With thousands of brands and retailers expected to attend, this year’s event reflects a broader shift in the licensing industry toward purpose-driven initiatives, as companies look to align brand extension strategies with sustainability goals, inclusive design, and community impact.
Learn more at licensingexpo.com.
Meet The Toy Book Team at Licensing Expo!
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. To book your space in our new issues, please contact Jackie Breyer, James Devin, or Stephanie Katz.
