BLE Confirms Partnerships with Leading Research Groups for 2013

LONDON, July 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Brand Licensing Europe, the Advanstar organised exhibition, has confirmed GfK, NPD Group and Planet Retail as the show's knowledge partners for 2013. Each of these world-leading research groups will participate in BLE in a number of ways, including as exhibitors, contributing to the event's content programme and in two special seminars at the Licensing Academy.

GfK is one of the largest market research companies in the world;  NPD Group is a leading global provider of consumer and retail market research solutions for a wide range of industries and Planet Retail is the world's leading retail intelligence provider.

Darren Brechin, BLE Show Director, explained the importance of having such distinguished partners on board to share knowledge and analysis of the licensing industry: "We know that retailers and manufacturers are hungry for data about the licensing business and are pleased that GfK, NPD Group and Planet Retail will bring their unique perspectives on retail trends, opportunities for growth and what is going to be 'hot'. We welcome them for a second year and look forward to working with them before and during BLE 2013."

BLE will also continue to work closely with event sponsor LIMA (the Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association) this year. For those new to licensing LIMA will repeat its very popular daily breakfast sessions offering advice and expertise.  

Brand Licensing Europe is attended by the most senior people in the international licensing industry and is a must attend in the licensing calendar, bringing the world of licensing together under one roof.

Brand Licensing Europe 2013 takes place from 15 – 17 October 2013 at London's Olympia. Registration is now open at www.brandlicensing.eu. Follow us on Twitter for the latest show news and updates @bleurope.

Notes to editors:

About Brand Licensing Europe

Brand Licensing Europe 2013 (www.brandlicensing.eu) takes place from 15-17 October 2013 at Olympia, London. It is the only pan-European event dedicated to licensing and brand extension. Now in its 15^th successful year, Brand Licensing Europe 2012 hosted 284 exhibitors and 6,875 visitors from 73 countries.

About Advanstar Licensing Group

Advanstar Communications Inc. (www.advanstar.com), producer of Licensing Expo and Brand Licensing Europe, is a leading worldwide media company providing integrated marketing solutions for fashion, life sciences and power sports 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 innovation, quality products and services enable Advanstar to "connect our customers with theirs". Advanstar has approximately 1,000 employees and currently operates from multiple offices in North America and Europe.

SOURCE Advanstar Communications Inc.