The increased emphasis on the art & design and brands & lifestyle categories is also reflected on the show floor where, for the first time, BLE will occupy both the Grand and National Halls to bring all of its exhibitors together on one level. 

License This! launched back  in 2009 to give unlicensed brand and image owners the opportunity to enter the licensing market. Shortlisted entrants have the chance to pitch their property in front of a live audience and a panel of expert judges at the show.

 “It’s really important that BLE represents and supports the entire licensing industry and that we offer maximum discoverability, so all of our exhibitors and visitors can have their best show,” says Anna Knight, brand director, BLE. “We are confident this will be facilitated by having everyone on one level across the ground floor of the Grand and National Halls. We’re also excited about the reaction from expanding License This!, which will result in two winners this year. Our 2016 and 2017 winners are both exhibiting at this year’s BLE, which shows what a valuable leg up the competition provides for start-ups.”

More than 250 companies are expected to exhibit this year, with more than 200 already confirmed. Debuting at BLE 2018 are:

New art & design exhibitors at BLE include:

BLE estimates more than 7,500 retailers, licensees and marketers are expected to attend this year, with one-third of attendees traveling to London from overseas.

This year, visitor features at BLE will include:

BLE, which takes place Oct. 9 to 11, at Olympia London, will also celebrate its 20^thanniversary. To register for the show, please click here.