LOS ANGELES, April 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanstar Licensing, organizers of the 2014 Licensing Expo, the world's largest and most influential licensing trade show, today announced that NFL Players Inc. (NFLPI) is the headline sponsor of the annual Licensing Expo All-Industry Opening Night Party. As the licensing and marketing arm of the NFL Players Association, NFLPI delivers access to the influence, power, and personal stories of NFL players.

The Licensing Expo attracts over 400 exhibiting brand owners, while 15,000 retailers and licensees attend each year. The 2014 All-Industry Opening Night Party is also sponsored by the International Licensing Merchandisers' Association (LIMA), and will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2014, at Mandalay Bay Beach Club in Las Vegas from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Party tickets go on sale today at the early bird price of $65 and are available at a discount of $50 for LIMA members. Ticket prices will increase as of June 1. The co-host and performer for the party will be announced shortly.

"We are proud to announce that this year's Opening Night Party will be held in association with NFL Players Inc.," said Jessica Blue, vice president of Licensing Expo. "This event was the most talked about party of the licensing year and we look forward to welcoming NFLPI and their player Brand Ambassadors to this exciting show and party in Vegas."

Steve Scebelo, NFLPI vice president of licensing and business development said, "We're excited to partner with Advanstar for a unique engagement at the 2014 Licensing Expo. There is no better event to showcase the full suite of services offered by our organization as we seek to develop new partnerships with licensees, retailers and our fellow licensors, and to demonstrate how NFLPI can help provide solutions for all types of business situations. The Opening Night Party is a particularly ideal opportunity to showcase the powerful draw of access to NFL players."

For more information and to register to attend Licensing Expo 2014, visit www.licensingexpo.com. Media attendees are also welcomed to register by visiting http://licuspress.advanstar.com/  and completing the online application. Attendee registration for the Expo is free of charge.

About NFL Players Inc. (www.nflplayers.com)

NFL Players Inc. (NFLPI) is the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association. NFLPI has been a trusted resource since 1994, delivering access to the influence, power, and personal stories of NFL players.  NFLPI is a "one-stop shop" for businesses seeking licensing rights, access to players through hospitality and events, marketing strategy, and player procurement.  For more information visit www.nflplayers.com.

About Advanstar Communications, Inc. (www.advanstar.com)

Advanstar 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 enable Advanstar to "Connect Our Customers With Theirs." Advanstar has approximately 600 employees and currently operates from multiple offices in North America and Europe.

About Licensing Expo (www.licensingexpo.com)

Now in its 34^th year, Licensing Expo is the world's largest and most influential annual trade show dedicated to licensing and brand extension. The show floor is merchandised into five zones: Character and Entertainment; Fashion and Lifestyle; Art and Design; Brands and Agents; Sourcing and Production. More than 15,000 retailers, licensees, manufacturers, distributors and licensing agents attend from more than 90 countries. Licensing Expo is owned and organized by Advanstar Communications, Inc. and is sponsored by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association (LIMA). Advanstar Communications, Inc. also owns and operates License! Global magazine and Brand Licensing Europe.

About LIMA (www.licensing.org.)

LIMA - the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association - is the leading trade organization for the global licensing industry. Founded in 1985, LIMA maintains offices in New York, London, Munich, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Melbourne, with representatives in India, Italy, Korea, Spain, Turkey and the Middle East. Members in over 35 countries enjoy access to an array of benefits, including LIMANET – licensing's interactive, global directory – extensive educational programming, and worldwide networking events. LIMA is the exclusive sponsor of Licensing Expo, the industry's largest trade event, in addition to shows in London, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Visit www.licensing.org for more information and to utilize licensing's definitive online resource.

SOURCE Advanstar Communications, Inc.