Sony Music To Co-Host Opening Night Party At Licensing Expo Featuring Fifth Harmony

SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Licensing Expo, the world's largest and most influential licensing industry event, today announced that Sony Music will co-host its prestigious Opening Night Party and present Fifth Harmony as the special guest performer. 

The Opening Night Party at Licensing Expo is the must-attend networking event for the industry.  Sponsored by International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association and now co-hosted by Sony Music, this year's festivities take place on the evening of June 9, 2015, at the Mandalay Bay Beach Club, Las Vegas, NV.  Past co-hosts include Flo Rida and The Country Music Association who presented Kellie Pickler as their special guest. Last year's party attracted more than 2000 of the world's most influential brand owners, retailers and licensees.

Jessica Blue, Vice President, Licensing Expo: "We are thrilled to have Sony Music as the co-hosts and Fifth Harmony as the special guest performer at our Opening Night Party.  This is the world's largest licensing party and it keeps getting bigger and better each year.  As musicians look to develop partnerships that connect them with their fans, licensing and brand collaborations are a natural next step."   

Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a current roster that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. It is home to premier record labels representing music from every genre.

Mathew Vlasic, Vice President, Sony Music: "We are excited to be the co-host of Licensing Expo's Opening Night Party and to bring Fifth Harmony to the stage for an unforgettable performance.  The event offers a unique opportunity to present both Fifth Harmony and Sony Music to over 2000 licensing professionals.  As the music business continues to evolve we are actively searching for meaningful partnerships that can connect our artists with fans, the expo is a great venue to connect with both new and existing partners."

Sony Music artists Fifth Harmony have become fan favorites since the group's formation on the second season of "The X Factor." In 2014, Fifth Harmony won their first major awards at the 2014 Radio Disney Music Awards when they picked up trophies for Breakout Artist of The Year and Best Song To Rock Out To With Your BFF. They won the Artist To Watch Moonman at the MTV VMA's and they were nominated for six 2014 Teen Choice Awards and a People's Choice Award.  In addition, they were tapped by Mattel to sing the "Anything Is Possible" brand anthem for Barbie and have an exclusive partnership to release a Fifth Harmony Barbie doll collection throughout the world.  The girls have showed no sign of slowing down in 2015.  Their single "Sledgehammer" was certified gold ahead of the release of their debut full-length album 'Reflection' which debuted top 5 on the Billboard 200. They were nominated for their first People's Choice Award and first Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Award.  

Licensing Expo, held on June 9-11, 2015, is a trade-only event and only registered attendees to Licensing Expo may purchase tickets for the party. Tickets and Expo registration are available at www.licensingexpo.com.

About Licensing Expo (www.licensingexpo.com)
Now in its 35^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 four zones: Character and Entertainment; 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 UBM Advanstar and is sponsored by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association (LIMA). UBM Advanstar also owns and operates License! Global magazine and Brand Licensing Europe.

About UBM Advanstar
UBM Advanstar, part of UBM Americas, is a US-based event and marketing services business serving the fashion, licensing, life sciences and powersports industries. The company owns and operates a portfolio of 54 tradeshows, 100 conferences, 30 publications, and almost 200 electronic products and websites. Our market-leading brands and a commitment to delivering innovative, quality products and services enable UBM Advanstar to "Connect Our Customers With Theirs." UBM Advanstar is a UBM plc company.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150303/179280

SOURCE UBM Advanstar