Licensing International Expo 2010 Returns to Las Vegas June 8 - 10

NEW YORK, Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Licensing International Expo, the world's premier marketplace for the $191 billion licensing industry, returns bigger and better than ever, June 8-10 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

A flagship property of Advanstar Communications, the 30th annual Licensing International Expo has already re-signed more than 75% of the 2009 exhibitors including industry bellwethers, 4Kids, BBC, The Beanstalk Group, Brandgenuity, Cartoon Network, CBS, Disney Consumer Products, DreamWorks Animation, Electronic Arts, Freemantle United Media, Hasbro, The Joester Loria Group, LucasFilm, Marvel Entertainment International, Mattel, Paramount, Sesame Street, Sony Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Licensing and Merchandising, Universal, Warner Brothers Consumer Products and many more.

The 2010 Licensing International Expo's Las Vegas venue provides one continuous show floor and an all-inclusive, campus-like atmosphere for the three-day event.  New and returning show features include:

• Fashion Avenue Cafe – One of the new features on the show floor, Fashion Avenue is the hip meeting and showcase area for fashionistas and attendees to see the latest apparel trends and demonstrations while enjoying food, beverages and relaxation.
• The Gaming & Interactive Zone – A 10,000 square foot area dedicated to the emerging licensing opportunities in video games and other electronic equipment.  Last year, this Zone was one of the heaviest trafficked areas with exhibitors, including Electronic Arts, experiencing quadruple the meetings and buyers visiting their booth.
• Onsite Art Gallery and Services – A first for Licensing International Expo, the onsite Art & Design gallery will feature art available for licensing as well existing licensed art from the world's top artists.
• International Networking Lounge – A dedicated meet and greet area of the show floor for international buyers looking to network with their peers from across the globe.
• Increased Social Media Presence on Twitter, Linked-in, Facebook and real-time show updates on licensingexpo.com will provide a continuous news stream to the licensing community.

International Services and Presence

The 2010 Licensing International Expo is providing specialized services for the international community to help educate, facilitate and promote the global audience representing 82 different countries.  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.

"Licensing International Expo 2010 is adding specific areas within our show floor to reflect the growth we're experiencing in emerging segments including video games, apparel and entertainment," said Liz Crawford, show director, Advanstar Communications.  "This year's show also provides opportunities for marketing professionals to grow their brand while significantly raising incremental revenue as consumer audiences grow increasingly difficult to reach."

Last year marked the first year the Licensing International Expo moved from New York to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, providing strong results with more than 113 new exhibiting companies and 130 new retailer attendee companies.

"Our Licensing University conference program will be stronger than ever this year, providing 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 continues to grow 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."

Pricing and Reservations:

Attendees and exhibitors can take advantage of early bird discounts by registering early at www.licensingexpo.com.   Also, save up to 17% 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 Lindsey Jones at [email protected] or Liz Crawford, Show Director at [email protected] or visiting www.licensingexpo.com.

About Licensing International Expo

Celebrating its 30th 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. This year's show will take place June 8-10, 2010 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. For up-to-date exhibitor listings, seminar scheduling, travel support and registration information, please visit www.licensingexpo.com.

Follow the 2010 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 Communication

Advanstar Communications Inc. (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 Licensing International Expo