2011 Licensing International Expo Returns to Las Vegas June 14-16 at the Mandalay Bay Resort

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Licensing International Expo announced its 2011 show dates, June 14-16 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.  The world's premier marketplace for the $182 billion licensing industry, the show is forecasting major show growth in all categories.

Advanstar, Licensing International Expo's parent company, confirms the show is experiencing early signs of growth over the 2010 show, from early attendance and exhibitor activity.  Early show growth indicators include:

• Attendance registration is pacing well ahead of 2010 numbers
• Sales pacing 20% ahead of 2010, with 70  new exhibitors already booked
• All major show sponsors have renewed show space, many increasing their presence
• 265 exhibitors booked to-date with the show floor nearly 90% sold

Top exhibitors signed on for the 2011 Licensing International Expo include virtually all major film studios and television broadcasters, top video game publishers and key brands and companies including the ASPCA, Authentic Brands Group, Brainy Baby, Creative Artists Agency, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Fender Musical Instruments, Hasbro, LiveNation, Mattel, National Basketball Association, Rodale, Saban Entertainment, Skechers, World Wrestling Entertainment and Wyland Worldwide.

"All signs point to an amazing 2011 Licensing International Expo with an unprecedented 70 new exhibitors already added—many in the non entertainment categories and industries like food & beverage, talent agencies, publishing, non profits, sports and international brands," said Liz Crawford, show director.  "Our attendance numbers are also pacing ahead of 2010, which speaks to the importance of brand extensions and licensing for all markets and industries."

New show features for 2011 include:

• A Brand showcase highlighting exhibitors' most creative and unique brand extensions and how they made their way onto retail shelves
• Enhanced Gaming area featuring live demonstrations, speakers, and interactive trailers
• First-timers introduction series to improve the show experience for new attendees  
• Express networking event to bring together exhibitors and attendees  

International Services and Education

The Expo is once again providing specialized services for the international community to help educate, facilitate and promote the global audience representing 82 different countries.  Also returning this year will be the popular Retail Tour; a one-day tour where audiences will learn retail and licensing strategies from the leading U.S.-based retailers.

"Our Licensing University conference program continues to provide valuable information and education for all levels and segments of the industry," said Charles Riotto, president, International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association (LIMA).  "As our international membership  grows and licensing expands to a greater number of global markets, we expect to see this trend reflected in an expanding worldwide attendee base for this year's show."

Travel Information:

Attendees and exhibitors can save money by making travel arrangements early.  For more details, contract Travel Planners at 1-800-221-3531 or +1-212-532-1660 or visit www.licensingexpo.com.

Potential exhibitors can learn more by contacting Liz Crawford, Show Director at [email protected]; + 1-310-857-7621 or Lindsey Jones, at [email protected] +1-(310)857-7620 or visiting www.licensingexpo.com

About Licensing International Expo

Celebrating its 31st year, Licensing International Expo is the most established licensing event in the world and has become a global marketplace for leveraging brand and property equity for new licensed consumer products. The show's appeal brings together top- level retail and manufacturing executives from more than 82 countries who look to Licensing International Expo to discover new brands and revenue generating opportunities within the $191 Billion licensing industry. For up-to-date exhibitor listings, seminar scheduling, travel support and registration information, please visit www.licensingexpo.com.

Follow the 2011 Licensing International Expo on Twitter at twitter.com/licensingexpo and visit the Licensing International Expo Fan Page on Facebook (www.licensingexpo.com/facebook).

About Advanstar

Advanstar (www.advanstar.com), producer of Licensing International Expo, Brand Licensing Europe, Brand Licensing Central & Eastern Europe and License! Global Magazine, is a leading worldwide media company providing integrated marketing solutions for the License, Fashion, Life Sciences and Powersports industries. Advanstar serves business professionals and consumers in these industries with its portfolio of 147 events, 68 publications and directories, 267 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 1,000 employees and currently operates from multiple offices in North America and Europe.

About LIMA

Founded in 1985, LIMA is the worldwide trade organization for the licensing industry. LIMA's main objective is to work together with licensors and licensees for the advancement of professionalism in licensing through research, national and international seminars, trade events and publications. With members in 35 countries, and offices in New York, London, Munich, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong, members enjoy access to a wide variety of activities, information and benefits. LIMA is a proud sponsor of the annual Licensing International Expo, Brand Licensing Europe, LiMa Licensing Market (Munich), Day of Licensing (Cologne), Licensing Asia (Tokyo), Shanghai Licensing Pavilion and the Hong Kong Licensing Show. In addition, LIMA offers ways to jump start a career in licensing through its Certificate in Licensing Studies (CLS) program, which is the only educational course specifically designed to prepare professionals to succeed in the ever-changing licensing industry, and the flip (Future LIMA Industry Professionals) program offering support and networking for industry newcomers. For more information please visit www.licensing.org.

SOURCE Advanstar