Following a break of over two years, Brand Licensing Europe returned last week with over 150 exhibiting companies and a marked increase in retailer attendees.
With retailer numbers for the in-person show up from 11% in 2019 to 15% this year, BLE is now planning its online follow-up event from 30 November to 1 December. Attendees to this year’s show participated in 2,669 pre-booked meetings and many more taking place on the show floor.
A further 870 (and rising) meetings have now been booked on the BLE platform for the follow up online event for those who were unable to attend the event in person. The online event will also see 53 online-only exhibitors make their appearance, including Mattel, The Pokemon Company, ITV Studios and more.
The event’s online content programme will expand the ‘What’s Next’ theme including three online-only in conversation sessions, five ‘what’s new at retail’ sessions and the Kelvyn Gardner License This final. All content will be available to view for free until 28 February, 2022.
Anna Knight, vp licensing, Informa Markets, commented: “What can I say? A massive thank you to everyone who not only made it possible for BLE to return in person this year, but who delivered a top-quality event that delivered on its promise to reconnect the European licensing industry for three days of incredible networking and content.
“We couldn’t be prouder or more delighted with the feedback we’ve received from exhibitors, visitors and partners. Next stop BLE online on Tuesday 30 November and Wednesday 1 December. This is the last real opportunity for the European licensing industry to connect en masse in 2021, so book those meetings now.
“And then next year, we’ll be travelling over to Vegas for Licensing Expo and finally – just 10 months from now – BLE 2022, which will take place 20-22 September at ExCel London. Despite the sore feet, we can’t wait.”
