Licensing Expo connects the world's most influential entertainment, character, art, and corporate brand owners and agents with consumer goods manufacturers, licensees and retailers. There’s no one better place for those interested in licensing and brand collaborations to meet and start new relationships. Below are some top tips on how to maximise your time at the show - and survive the long hours of ‘networking’ after the show floor closes for the day.
When & Where
Tuesday May 20 - Thursday May 23 at Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Book In Your Key Meetings
Meeting time is at a premium so make sure that you’ve booked in with your key existing or prospective partners ahead of time. Diaries at the show are always very busy so you can’t leave finding time to connect to chance. Make sure you have reached out to existing and potential partners well in advance to book in a time to meet. The show’s meeting tool is a great way to find prospective partners and book meetings.
Leave Time to Walk The Floor
Make sure your entire schedule isn't booked up back to back. Walking the show floor, seeing who is, and isn’t exhibiting, is key to see which brands are being pushed and what are likely to be the ‘big hits’ especially from a film, TV and gaming perspective in 2026 and 2027. It’s also a great way to see what trends are likely to be emerging. There are over 24 product categories represented so make sure to soak up what is likely to be coming to retail in the next few months and beyond.
Check Out The Show Agenda
There are so many great events to attend during the show - from an early morning run ahead of the first day, to networking events, and great panels discussing everything from how to seize career opportunities in licensing to regional spotlights and how to build style guides for product development.
Strike Up Conversations
The licensing industry is a very friendly one and people tend to stay in it for years, if not decades. So whether it's on the flight to Vegas, at your hotel, the show floor itself or a networking event, don’t be shy and introduce yourself - you never know where that conversation might take you and your business.
Go To Networking Events
Licensing is a very sociable industry and there will be plenty of drinks and networking events happening on and around the show floor so make sure to attend all the ones you can - many don’t require an invitation. You may be able to grab some time with someone who has a packed agenda and you wouldn’t get a chance to speak to them otherwise. Also it's great to just make new connections, it's a relatively small industry and people are more often than not happy to chat to newcomers and help introduce them to their connections.
Come And Say Hi To Us At The Negosh Booth
The Negosh team will be at the show all three days on our stand, S212. Book in a meeting with us or just stop by to say hi and catch up on how we're helping to evolve the licensing industry and could help you grow your business.
Stop In At Eye Candy
It may just look like a bar in the middle of a smoky casino but Eye Candy in Mandalay Bay is one of the best places to bump into people you know and meet new connections. Whether before or after a dinner or party, or for the whole night Eye Candy is the best place to catch up with industry friends and make new ones.
Stay Fed & Hydrated
It’s a busy few days so make sure that you leave time to eat. The smoke, aircon and libations can also leave you dehydrated so make sure you know where you can pick up a coconut water, coffee or other morning pick me up to make sure you make the most of your meetings.
Check Out Vegas
Las Vegas is a fantastic place, with the numerous activities, hotels, bars and restaurants there are so many things to check out. Particular gems include the Neon Museum, In-N-Out Burger, KISS themed crazy golf and Brunch at The Jardin at The Encore.
What are your tips for the show and places to go? Add them in the comments