8 November 2017: The total number of attendees at last month’s Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) rose by 4 per cent year on year. Attracting over 7,500 licensing industry professionals from all over the world, 2017 has been confirmed as the biggest ever BLE.
Of those attendees, BLE saw a huge rise in the number of online retailers attending – up 11 per cent – and significant growth in the volume of visitors attending from outside the UK, specifically France, Spain, South America, Asia and the US, heralding the event as truly global. The show also grew considerably in size, with 289 exhibitors occupying 8 per cent more floor space.
Organiser UBM has confirmed the event will return to Olympia London in 2018, running from 9-11 October, and will expand in to the National Hall allowing exhibitors from all three licensing categories – Character & Entertainment, Brands & Lifestyle and Art & Design - to be situated together on one floor.
This year’s show also raised the bar in terms of mainstream media coverage, featuring on and in BBC World News, CNBC, Retail Gazette, BIRA, Bakery and Snacks, FC Business and MCV.
“This year’s objectives were to attract more visitors and exhibitors from Europe, expand our European content, bring in more online retailers to meet exhibitors and celebrate and shine a light on two of the untapped areas of licensing – brands & lifestyle and gaming,” said Anna Knight, BLE brand director.
“We’re very happy to say we’ve ticked all of those boxes and are already brainstorming plans to build on this year’s successes next year. We’re hoping to announce a new theme for 2018 early in the new year, so watch this space.”
Ends
For media information:
Charlie Le Rougetel at BIGTOP, 07736 330676/charlie@bigtop-pr.co.uk
About Brand Licensing Europe, part of UBM’s Global Licensing Group
Brand Licensing Europe 2018 (www.brandlicensing.eu) takes place from 9-11th October 2018 at Olympia London. It is the only pan-European event dedicated to licensing and brand extension. In its 20th year, around 280 exhibitors showcasing over 2,500 brands, characters and images are expected to attend. A free educational programme runs alongside the show featuring advice and sector-specific sessions, workshops and panel discussions along with keynotes from industry trailblazers.
Brand Licensing Europe is owned by UBM and is sponsored by the international Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association (LIMA). License Global is the official publication.
About Global Licensing Group
The Global Licensing Group at UBM is the global licensing industry’s leading tradeshow organizer and media partner. Its mission is to provide opportunities around the world to bring brands and products together to explore and cement licensing partnerships. The following events and information products are produced for the licensing industry by the Global Licensing Group: Licensing Expo, Brand Licensing Europe, Licensing Expo Japan, Licensing Expo China, NYC Summit, License Global magazine, License Global Daily E-news and License TV.
About UBM EMEA
Brand Licensing Europe is organised by UBM plc. UBM is the largest pure-play B2B Events organiser in the world. Our 3,750+ people, based in more than 20 countries, serve more than 50 different sectors. Our deep knowledge and passion for these sectors allow us to create valuable experiences which enable our customers to succeed. Please visit www.ubm.com for the latest news and information about UBM.