What's Happening?
Licensing Expo, a prominent event in the brand licensing industry, has opened its Call for Speakers for the 2027 event, scheduled to take place from May 25-27, 2027, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The expo is seeking licensing professionals
and experts to deliver insights to a global audience. The application period for speaker proposals is open until January 15, 2027. The event organizers, in collaboration with License Global, are developing a conference program that will include panels and fireside chats ranging from 30 to 45 minutes, with Q&A opportunities. Past speakers at the expo have included notable figures such as Marian Lee, Ashley Graham, Sharon and Jack Osbourne, Sam Edelman, and Paris Hilton. The 2026 event attracted over 12,500 attendees, including more than 1,500 qualified retailers, with 49% of visitors holding global decision-making power and 28% international attendance from 76 countries.
Why It's Important?
This call for speakers is important for the U.S. brand licensing industry as it shapes the discourse and trends for the coming years. The Licensing Expo serves as a critical marketplace for the over $389.8 billion brand licensing industry, influencing how brands are developed, marketed, and monetized across various sectors. By bringing together global brands, retailers, manufacturers, and IP holders, the event facilitates networking, knowledge sharing, and strategic partnerships that can drive economic growth and innovation. The selection of speakers and topics will highlight emerging trends, best practices, and challenges within the industry, impacting how U.S. businesses approach brand extensions, collaborations, and intellectual property management. The event's focus on specific categories like Sports, Fashion, Food & Beverage, Retail, and CMO & Brand Marketing indicates key areas of growth and investment within the U.S. market, offering opportunities for businesses to gain competitive advantages and expand their reach.
What's Next?
Following the January 15, 2027, application deadline, the Licensing Expo programming team will review submissions, aiming to respond within one month, with final decisions by the end of January. Selected speakers will receive confirmation of their speaking format, session details, and support for topic refinement, along with coordination for co-panelists and promotional resources. The curated panels for the License Global Mainstage will focus on key sectors such as Sports, Fashion, Food & Beverage, Retail, and CMO & Brand Marketing. Educational sessions will offer specialized knowledge, while networking and roundtables will facilitate intimate discussions on emerging topics and industry innovations. The event itself, from May 25-27, 2027, will then serve as a platform for these discussions, influencing future strategies and collaborations within the brand licensing industry.
Beyond the Headlines
The Licensing Expo's emphasis on 'results-driven storytellers, collaborative leaders and licensing-savvy' experts reflects a broader industry shift towards more strategic and impactful brand engagement. Beyond mere product extensions, the event fosters a deeper understanding of brand value, intellectual property, and consumer connection. The inclusion of diverse voices and perspectives, as seen in past speakers, underscores the evolving nature of branding, where cultural relevance and authentic storytelling are paramount. The expo's role in facilitating global decision-making and international attendance highlights the interconnectedness of the U.S. market with worldwide trends and opportunities. This platform not only drives commercial ventures but also shapes the cultural landscape by influencing how brands interact with consumers and contribute to popular culture, reflecting ethical considerations in brand representation and market practices.
