Annual Opening Night Party will include entertainment by C3 Entertainment’s Winter Dance Party.

Licensing Expo, the world’s largest and most influential licensing industry event, has announced that its renowned Opening Night Party will relocate to a stunning new venue.

The event will take place at The Havana Room and Sky Beach Club at the recently renovated Tropicana Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nev., June 21.

Opening to the public in spring 2016, the Sky Beach Club is a South Beach-inspired venue perfect for the fun, new networking activities planned during the evening. The updated space features a flexible outdoor area at the Sky Beach Club that is great for dancing, as well as an indoor banquette-seating area designed for conversation and mingling in the elegant Havana Room.

Sponsored by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association, the Opening Night Party is the must-attend after-hours networking event for the industry that is attended by the world’s most influential brand owners, retailers and licensees. Festivities for the 2016 party include entertainment by Winter Dance Party courtesy of C3 Entertainment, which is a tribute to musical icons Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens.

“The Opening Night Party at Licensing Expo is the world’s largest networking party for the industry and it keeps getting bigger and better each year,” says Jessica Blue, senior vice president, licensing, UBM Americas. “We are excited to work with C3 Entertainment, and Winter Dance Party as we move into a new venue with areas that support the type of after-hours discussions that are instrumental in the licensing process. The entertainment will be fast-paced and fun and will appeal to everyone attending.”

Winter Dance Party is a tribute show that commemorates the infamous 1959 Tour by rock legends Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens. The band performs classic 1950’s rock n’ roll hit songs from the rock legends including “That’ll Be The Day,” “Peggy Sue,” “La Bamba” and “Chantilly Lace” that remain popular today. Winter Dance Party has played on national U.S. television and, since 1999, to millions of fans in sold- out live shows throughout the U.S. and Canada including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH.

“We are very excited to be working with UBM Americas to have one of the legendary brands we represent, Winter Dance Party, as the entertainment for the Opening Night Party,” says Ani Khachoian, executive vice president, licensing, merchandising and distribution, C3 Entertainment. “The party attendees will be highly entertained and energized as they dance the night away.”

C3 Entertainment is a premier entertainment and media company engaged in motion picture, television, digital and home entertainment production and worldwide distribution, as well as the licensing and brand management of world famous classic brands and personalities.

Licensing Expo, which takes place June 21-23 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV, is a trade-only event. Tickets for the Opening Night Party are available for Licensing Expo exhibitors and registered attendees only. A complementary shuttle service will be provided on the evening of the Opening Night Party from the Mandalay Bay Convention Center to the Tropicana Las Vegas. Tickets and Expo registration are available at LicensingExpo.com.