The 15th annual Hong Kong International Licensing Show hosted a record number of visitors at its three-day event, Jan. 9-11.

Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, this year’s event showcased the scope of licensing opportunities in Asia and highlighted an extensive range of categories, including fashion, food and beverage, animation and more.

“The licensing industry is diversifying,” says Raymond Yip, deputy executive director, HKTDC. “Properties now include such categories as lifestyle and fashion, characters, animation, edutainment, art and culture, and food and beverage. Such widespread applicability suggests that the licensing industry will become more vibrant with keen demand for related supporting services. As the licensing hub for Asia, Hong Kong has a deep pool of IP professionals who can assist different companies to create and capture new licensing opportunities.”

The Hong Kong International Licensing Show welcomed more than 21,000 visitors from more than 100 countries, an increase of 4 percent from 2016.

More than 377 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions showcased more than 900 brands and properties. Among the exhibitors were Caterpillar, MTV, Nickelodeon, Twentieth Century Fox, Rainbow and Smiley, among others. Six international pavilions also featured brands from the Chinese mainland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan.

More than 600 business sessions were held, a host of which were organized in collaboration with nine industry associations to explore new markets and opportunities in licensing as well as find new ways to upgrade and transform to enhance competitiveness. Among the participating associations were the Federation of Hong Kong Brands, Hong Kong Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, Hong Kong Apparel Society, The Hong Kong Exporters’ Association, The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries and The Hong Kong Retail Management Association, among others.

Meanwhile, held simultaneously to the Licensing Show was the sixth annual Asian Licensing Conference, which addressed issues such as licensing in the digital era, lifestyle branding and licensing opportunities related to the Belt and Road initiative, as well as featured executives from companies such as Mtime, Viacom International Media Networks and Beanstalk. 

Highlights from the conference include:

“Keys to Unlock the ‘Belt and Road’ Licensing Opportunities” presented by:

“Opportunities for Entertainment Services” presented by:

“Brand Licensing in the Digital Era” presented by:

“Digital Transformation of Licensing” presented by:

“Branded Experience, Branded Lifestyle” presented by:

The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association also hosted the 2016 Asian Licensing Awards, which recognizes licensing excellence and innovation across Asia. Brands were honored in a raft of categories, including Best Asian Property of the Year, Best Corporate Brand, Best Licensee of the Year and Best Retailer of the Year.