Advanstar Global Licensing Group is reporting pre-registered retail attendance up 55 percent over last year for the Licensing International Expo, which kicks off today at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Meanwhile, other figures indicate international attendance is at 22 percent with more than 90 countries represented, including Australia, Brazil, China, Hong Kong and the U.K. General attendee pre-registration is at 20,000. As previously reported by License! Global, overseas retailers registered to attend include Tesco, Sainsbury's, Carrefour, HMV, Mothercare, Marks & Spencer, ASDA and Toys"R"Us.

In addition, the 2010 show is touting more than 400 exhibitors, 130+ of which are first timers. This year’s show floor has also expanded its square footage by 10 percent.

A number of show events are taking place today including the opening ceremony and character parade at 11 a.m., as well as a slew of celebrity and character appearances, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (fashion stage), Tony Curtis (booth 3658), Buzz Aldrin (fashion stage), Darth Vadar and Stormtroopers at Lucasfilm (booth 5446), Angelina Ballerina at HIT Entertainment (booth 5426) and Ringling Bros. clowns at CopCorp Licensing (booth 4823).

Licensing International Expo, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, run today through Thursday at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. For more information, visit www.licensingexpo.com.