Licensing Expo Postponed; Rescheduled for August
March 13, 2020 | Licensing Expo 2020, originally planned for May 18 to 20, has been rescheduled for August 11 to 13 at its original location, the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
“We have been closely following developments since COVID–19 began spreading, and we have consistently been mindful of its potential impact on global events like ours,” said Anna Knight, vice president of licensing of Informa Markets. “I’d like to thank all of our customers for their patience over the past few weeks as we have navigated these unprecedented circumstances and hope to see as many people as possible in Las Vegas.”
The decision was made after consultation with event exhibitors and other stakeholders to determine the best outcome for attendees, according to a release put out by the show organizers. All exhibition bookings and visitor pre-registrations are expected to be transferred automatically to the new dates and further information will be communicated to these groups over the coming days and weeks.
“Licensing International fully supports the decision to reschedule Licensing Expo,” said Maura Regan, president of Licensing International, the official show sponsor. “This new date allows our members and the industry some much needed time to regroup and deal with these challenging circumstances, and above all to protect the health of our community and those around us.”
Added Toy Association president & CEO Steve Pasierb, “Licensing plays an integral role in the business of toys and we both feel for our friends and members who planned to participate in the May show as well as eagerly look forward to its new August dates. The Toy Association team appreciate the difficult and right decision to shift while our commitment and support during these times of uncertainty is steadfast. The health and well-being of our people is paramount.”
Licensing continues to be one of the biggest drivers in annual toy sales. According to The NPD Group, licensed toy sales grew 3 percent last year, even despite the overall 3 percent decline in toy industry sales across the global market.