Every year in London, Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) brings the world of licensing to life—uniting brands, entertainment properties, art, and design with retailers, manufacturers, and agencies seeking partnership and innovation. Whether you’re a consumer goods company, toy manufacturer, apparel brand, or art studio, BLE presents a rare opportunity to form partnerships that expand product ranges, enrich brand storytelling, and enhance revenue streams.
If forging licensed collaborations is part of your growth strategy, BLE delivers the insights, contacts, and inspiration you need.
Event Overview: Venue, Dates, and Timings
- Venue: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL
- Dates: 16–18 September 2025
- Opening Hours:
- Day 1: 09:30–18:00
- Day 2: 09:30–18:00
- Day 3: 09:30–17:00
As Europe’s largest brand licensing trade event, BLE provides a comprehensive platform for deal-making, innovation, trend-watching, and strategic networking.
Who Attends BLE?
The show attracts a wide range of attendees on both sides of the licensing equation:
Brand-Side
- Property owners, content creators, licensors
- Media & entertainment studios—film, TV, gaming, music
- Fashion designers, artists, and IP-driven brands
- Tech/IP-driven startups and wellness brands
Licensee-Side
- Retail buyers—gifts, apparel, toys, home, publishing
- Manufacturers—apparel, accessories, conform packaging
- Distributors and e-commerce platforms
- Licensing agents, marketers, and consultants
With over 12,000 attendees from more than 80 countries, it’s built for fruitful connections across the licensing ecosystem.
What You’ll Discover
1. Brand Showcase Pavilion
Hundreds of licensor stands display new and existing partnerships—covering themed apparel, collectibles, celebrity collaborations, art-infused designs, and character-based merchandise.
2. Retail & Brand Activation Zone
See real-world licensed products from major retailers, packaging firms, and promotions—offering insight into product placement, packaging, and merchandising trends.
3. Styled Environments
BLE’s themed settings—like “Dream Brands” or “Home & Living” zones—demonstrate how licensing transforms categories when thoughtfully integrated.
4. Marketplaces & Lounge Spaces
Meet buyers, licensors, manufacturers, and agencies in curated areas built for deal-making, relationship-building, and trade conversations.
Conference Programme & Workshops
The event delivers a rich learning agenda tailored to licensing professionals:
- BLE Keynote Stage: Industry leaders share perspectives on brand strategy, global licensing, and entertainment cross-pollination.
- Brand Protection & Strategy Theatre: Explore legal frameworks, protection mechanisms, anti-counterfeiting, and global rollout issues.
- Retail & E-commerce Academy: Sessions highlight digital shelf strategies, online-only collaborations, influencers, and licensing in subscription boxes.
- Kid & Family Zone: Learn about new licensing models, safe content, and inclusive design for children’s products.
- BLE Shorts: Lightning talks covering emerging brand-tech collaborations, NFTs, art licensing, and sustainability in licensed goods.
Interactive presentations are designed to drive practical takeaways—no fluff.
Why Attend BLE?
- Licensing Access – Engage with hundreds of new and established licensors in one venue.
- Trend & Consumer Insight – Spot emerging themes in entertainment, fashion, gaming, and lifestyle.
- Business Scalability – Learn about global licensing models, low MOQ production, and co-branding strategies.
- Networking – Connect with agencies, agencies, distributors, and retailers in targeted zones.
- Education – Custom programming on topics like contract negotiation, protection, omni-channel activation, and retail strategy.
- Growth Opportunities – Identify new revenue streams, expand product collections, and enter new market sectors.
Cost & Entry Requirements
- Free to attend for verified business professionals—registration required online in advance.
- Badge pickup onsite requires proof of business role (licensee/manufacturer/agency).
Accommodation & Travel
Venue Access
- Served by the Elizabeth Line, DLR, and numerous bus routes via Custom House station—20 minutes from central London.
- Parking is available but limited—public transport is highly recommended.
Nearby Hotels
- Hilton London ExCeL — premium convenience
- Novotel London Docklands — business-friendly
- Premier Inn/Travelodge London Docklands — practical and affordable
- Serviced apartments or Airbnb options for flexibility
Staying nearby ensures smooth transitions between lectures and exhibitor zones.
Tips to Maximise Your Visit
- Study exhibitor list beforehand and book meetings with target brands.
- Prioritize priority zones like fashion licensing or art collectibles.
- Prepare business cards, brand pitch material, and product visuals.
- Schedule time in conference sessions—don’t miss keynote or protection tracks.
- Attend networking lounge hours—some of the best deals arise during casual conversations.
After the Show: Turning Attendance Into Deals
To convert inspiration into results:
- Follow up with leads within 48 hours—schedule discovery calls or request sample kits.
- Start small with minimum-viable licensing deals or bespoke collaborations.
- Share diagrams of possible product ranges with team.
- Implement lessons on retail-ready packaging or co-branded launch marketing.
- Build relationships with licensing agencies or partners for future collections.
Final Thoughts
Brand Licensing Europe stands alone as a bridge between creativity and commerce. By bringing licensors, retailers, agencies, and innovators together, it creates a fertile ground for licensing success. If your business is seeking strategic partnerships—whether with film talent, heritage artists, consumer brands, or emerging entertainment properties—this trade show unlocks high-impact opportunities.
Book Your Free Trade Badge Now
👉 Visit here to book your ticket for Brand Licensing Europe 2025