Industry Prepares for Licensing Expo

LOS ANGELES, June 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Licensing Expo, the world's largest and most influential brand, character and art licensing event, is right around the corner, and several new features on the floor will ensure an effective experience for both attendees and exhibitors. More than 5,000 premier brands from all key licensed consumer product categories will be present at the annual trade show, which will take place June 18-20 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

"We asked visitors and exhibitors for their views and feedback on the show," says Jessica Blue, vice president, Licensing Expo, "and all of the changes that will be seen when the show opens its doors were inspired by industry feedback. These include zones to help attendees find what they are looking for, more help on the show floor to find the right brands for their business, more special events and networking opportunities and a lower cost all-access pass for Licensing University. We are looking forward to the biggest and brightest Licensing Expo ever!"

Looking for something you can't find? Licensing Expo's Matchmaking Center can help you. At Booth #J121 find knowledgeable staff who are trained to help you find exhibitors, brands, seminars of interest and help attendees navigate the show.

Also new to the show floor is the Retail Buyers Lounge–the place for retailers to take meetings, recharge (and power up at one of our charging stations!) and receive support from Eva Steortz, Licensing Expo's retail consultant.

Kicking off the Licensing Expo are two informative keynotes presented as part of the Licensing University. The opening keynote at 8:30 a.m., "A Licensing Roadmap: Where are we Headed?," will be helmed by Brad Globe, president of Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Andy Prince, senior category director of toys at Walmart, Josh Silverman, executive vice president of global licensing for Disney Consumer Products and Henry Stupp, director and chief executive officer of The Cherokee Group.

The executive keynote panel will be followed by a keynote presentation at 11:30a.m., "Brands on the Brink of Global Expansion," headlined by actress, fashion icon and entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow. The presentation will be followed by a question and answer session with Paltrow and her business partner, fitness expert Tracy Anderson, and will be led by Tony Lisanti, global editorial director, License! Global.

More than 1,500 licensing professionals will network and party at the Expo's opening night all-industry party at Mandalay Bay Beach Club in association with Sony Pictures Consumer Products and LIMA. The party will kick off at 8:30 p.m. June 18 and will be co-hosted by international, multi-platinum artist Flo Rida with music by DJ Kronik.

For more information and to register for free, visit www.licensingexpo.com.

For more Licensing Expo news, visit www.licensingexpo.com or find them on Twitter (@licensingexpo), on Facebook or via Linked In.

Notes to editors:

About Licensing Expo

Licensing Expo (www.licensingexpo.com) is the licensing industry's largest annual event. A trade show for leveraging properties and brand equity to develop merchandise, Licensing Expo attracts more than 400 exhibitors representing more than 5,000 brands and properties in entertainment; sports; fashion and apparel; publishing; art and design; automotive; animation/anime; home and housewares; and lifestyle. Exhibitors include Fortune 500 consumer brands, film studios, publishing houses and other creative agencies. Attendees from more than 80 countries represent the world's leading retailers, licensees, manufacturers, distributors and licensing agents. Licensing Expo is owned and organized by Advanstar Communications, Inc., is sponsored by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association (LIMA), and is affiliated with License! Global magazine and Brand Licensing Europe.

About Advanstar Communications, Inc.

Advanstar Communications, Inc. (www.advanstar.com), producer of Licensing Expo and Brand Licensing Europe, is an event and marketing services business that serves business professionals and consumers in the Fashion, Licensing, Life Sciences and Powersports industries with its portfolio of 134 events, 30 publications, over 200 electronic products and Web sites, as well as educational and direct marketing products and services. Market leading brands and a commitment to delivering innovative, quality products and services enables Advanstar to "Connect Our Customers With Theirs." Advanstar has approximately 600 employees and currently operates from multiple offices in North America and Europe.

SOURCE Advanstar Communications, Inc.