Presented by Informa Markets’ Global Licensing Group
Licensing Expo and Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) continue to post strong results, reinforcing their status as two of the licensing industry’s key global events. Licensing Expo, held May 19-21 in Las Vegas, once again drew retailers, exhibitors, licensors, manufacturers, and first-time participants from around the world. The annual show remains an important marketplace for building relationships, advancing deals, and identifying new opportunities across categories. That momentum now shifts to BLE, which returns to London this fall.
The strong presence of established companies and newer entrants at Licensing Expo reflects an industry that continues to adapt, expand, and look for fresh ways to connect brands with consumers. It also sets the tone for a busy BLE, where companies across toys, games, entertainment, sports, and consumer products will gather for three days of meetings and discovery.
SHAPING THE FUTURE
BLE, the flagship event of the European licensing industry, is where leading brands, manufacturers, retailers, and industry professionals from around the world come together to collaborate, innovate, and shape the future of licensing, with a specific focus on the EMEA region — be that IP coming out of the region, or to do business within the region. The 2026 event, taking place in London from October 6-8, promises to deliver its strongest lineup yet, featuring a dynamic mix of returning and first-time exhibitors across key verticals such as sports, eapparel, toys and games, entertainment, gaming, and food and beverage.
Nearly 200 exhibitors have already committed, including more than 70 companies from mainland Europe. More than 2,500 brands will be represented on the show floor.
Last year, visitors from France, Italy, Germany, and Spain surged 8%, giving BLE its largest European audience to date, underlining the role licensed brands continue to play in everyday purchasing decisions. For companies in the toy business, BLE offers a chance to meet licensors, licensees, manufacturers, and service providers while exploring partnership and product opportunities.
An increase in new business activity heading into this year’s event is a sign that demand remains strong for innovative licensed products and fresh collaborations involving both emerging and established properties.
PLAYFUL OPPORTUNITIES
Toys and games will shine at this year’s BLE, with exhibitors representing licensors and licensees with opportunities spanning every aisle of the modern toy department.
Select exhibitor highlights include:
A standout in the cards and games category, Winning Moves (U.K.) is both a licensee and licensor with an impressive portfolio of original, licensed, and personalized games tailored for business customers and organizations. It counts among its licensing partners some of the biggest names in toys and entertainment, such as Hasbro, Warner Bros., Disney, Universal, Marvel, and Pixar, making it a key player in the industry.
Posh Paws (U.K.) continues to build its plush presence as a leading licensee, offering products tied to popular characters and brands, including One Piece, Batman, Godzilla, Mr. Bean, Harry Potter, and many more, through deals with top studios.
Famebros (Hong Kong), known for Cinereplicas, is an exciting exhibitor to watch, with a portfolio of licensed stationery, water bottles, home goods, silicone molds, and accessories inspired by major franchises and IP, including KPop Demon Hunters, The Lord of the Rings, The Little Prince, DC Comics, and the French Football Federation, among others.
The Noble Collection (U.K.) remains a premium player with chess sets, puzzles, games, jewelry, and licensed products inspired by Minecraft, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Minions, Game of Thrones, Jurassic Park, and many more.
Miriat (China) rounds out the mix with plush, vehicles, compounds, teddy bears, and a broader assortment of novelty products. The company maintains partnerships with IP owners and retailers, including Walmart, Miniso, The Coca-Cola Co., Universal, PMI Kids’ World, and several others.
This year, a strong lineup of new exhibitors joins returning industry leaders, including Mattel, Hasbro, The LEGO Group, Jazwares, and Spin Master. They are part of more than 200 exhibiting companies, including Netflix, Sony, The Pokémon Company International, Paramount, NBCUniversal, the NFL, the Natural History Museum, and FC Barcelona.
Brand Licensing Europe will take place in London, Oct. 6-8, 2026. Visit brandlicensing.eu to register interest and receive updates when registration opens.
Stay on the Pulse of Play!
A version of this feature first appeared in The Toy Book‘s 2026 Licensing & Entertainment Issue, featuring The Licensing Book. Read the full issue here!
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