Licensing Expo China that is to take place between July 18 to 20, has detailed its inaugural event. The opening ceremony will be followed by the keynote address that would be delivered by Kermid Rahman, vice president and general manager, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive, Disney China.
Organized by UBM and sponsored by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA), the 2017 expo will feature a number of exhibitors, educational seminars and networking opportunities at the National Exhibition and Convention Center.
The inaugural event will have more than 230 brands and properties with participation from animation, apparel, art and culture, food, games, entertainment and lifestyle brands, among others.
A selection of brands and agents that will be exhibiting at Licensing Expo China include Alpha Animation Brand Management (Guangzhou) Co., Beijing Dream Castle Culture Co., Brandgenuity, China Brands Group (which represents Angry Birds, Paul Frank, “The Simpsons” and more), Enzo e Partner (which represents Lamborghini), Hasbro Trading (China) Co., Mattel, Alfilo (which represents the British Museum and BBC Earth) and Soap Studio Company.
Licensing Expo China’s three-day educational seminar program will cover a range of topics, including analysis of the global licensing industry, the power of the franchised licensing business as well as trends in the China licensing market.
Industry leaders from companies such as Oriental DreamWorks, Rovio and Mattel will also be present during the three-day program.
“China’s licensing industry is young but growing faster than other territories, which is evident from our exhibitor base,” said Athena Gong, general manager, UBM China (Hangzhou).
“Chinese consumers are becoming more exposed to different properties and consumer goods, and the launch of Licensing Expo China this year provides our custdomers with a platform to penetrate the growing market,” she added.
Finally, this year’s event will also see the first-ever China Licensing Awards ceremony presented. These awards will recognize the achievements of outstanding brands and licensing properties in the industry.
Names of award winners will be disclosed on July 18 for the following categories: Best China Property of the Year, Best Licensing Promotion of the Year, Best Corporate Brand/Fashion/Lifestyle Program of the Year, Best Location-Based or Experiential Initiative of the Year, Best Licensee of the Year and Best Retailer of the Year.
