Global Licensing Group has confirmed that Licensing Expo, which had originally been rescheduled to take place in August 2020 in Las Vegas, will not be taking place during 2010.
The 40th edition of the world’s largest licensing trade show will celebrate next year, returning 25 – 27 May, 2021, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
Instead – and in partnership with Licensing International – the GLG will deliver a series of multi-platform events through the remainder of 2020.
“The challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty it is leaving in its wake has made it impossible for us to deliver the Licensing Expo experience we all know and love in its current dateline,” explained Anna Knight, vp licensing, Global Licensing Group, Informa Markets.
“Not running Licensing Expo this year was an incredibly tough decision to make, but what it means is we now have a whole year to rip up the rule books and produce the greatest ever global licensing show to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2021.
“We have also been collaborating closely with our association partner, Licensing International, to develop a programme of new and meaningful events that will continue to unite the global licensing community over the next 12 months.”
Maura Regan, president of Licensing International, continued: “We understand first-hand the importance of in-person meetings to move your business forward. The current situation makes this impossible. We will continue to offer programmes helping our members and the industry at large to stay informed, stay connected and keep moving forward.”
The first event will be Licensing Week – five days of virtual keynotes, educational seminars, matchmaking, networking and a digital exhibition, taking place from 15 – 19 June.
Brand Licensing Europe is due to take place from 6 – 8 October at London’s ExCeL, with multiple scenarios currently being mapped out to ensure the event provides exhibitors and visitors with the best possible experience and return on investment.
This will be followed in November with the Licensing Leadership Summit – the executive level conference and networking event – held at New York’s Hilton Midtown on 5 – 6 November.
Free registrations for Licensing Week open on 18 May at www.licensingweekvirtual.com.
