Licensing Expo, produced in partnership with industry trade association, Licensing International, celebrates the event's long-awaited in-person return to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas this May 24-26 with the highly anticipated Opening Night Party in Association with ATLUS.  

The party will take place on the first day of Licensing Expo, May 24, and is the must-attend after-hours networking event for the industry, bringing together the world's most influential brand owners, retailers and licensees. The Opening Night Party is brought to you in association with ATLUS and sponsored by Banijay Brands and Konami Cross Media NY. 

"For the first time, the Opening Night Party is free-of-charge for all Licensing Expo registrants to encourage everyone to reconnect in person after being apart for three long years,” says Anna Knight, senior vice president, licensing, Informa Markets. “It's a chance to celebrate our industry’s resilience, see familiar faces and unwind after a busy first day back at the live event. Licensing Expo is back – we couldn't be more excited and look forward to an evening of fun and camaraderie."    

The party will happen Tuesday, May 24 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Daylight Beach Club (3950 S Las Vegas Blvd.), Mandalay Bay. It is free of charge to attend for registered Licensing Expo guests, and a set amount of free food and drinks will be provided; bar items will be available for purchase once the allocated amount is consumed. The party has a 1,000-person capacity. Attendees must show badges on arrival at the party. 

While the party kicks off at 6 p.m., registered attendees are encouraged to arrive early as capacity is limited and entrance is granted first-come, first-served. Exhibitors and attendees must be registered to participate in this year’s event and simply need to show their Licensing Expo badge for free access. The party is strategically held at an outside venue; thus, a mask is not required for entry. Sponsorship options are available for anyone looking to secure a space at the party; enquire here. 

"Bringing experiences to life is core to who we are as an industry and the Opening Night Party perfectly embodies just that," says Kris Kojima, licensing specialist, ATLUS West. "We hope all guests registered for Licensing Expo attend the celebration and use the party as an opportunity to enjoy being a part of such a creative and dynamic industry. Join us on May 24 at Daylight Beach Club to reconnect with old friends, meet the newest industry visionaries and have fun!" 

Recent registrants for Licensing Expo include Aldi, Aykroyd & Sons, Build a Bear, Danilo, Disguise, Jakks Pacific, Hallmark, Hot Topic, HTI Toys, Inditex, Macy’s, Mad Engine, Panini, Primark, Pyramid International, ROSMAN, Target, Walmart, Zulily and many more.   

Licensing Expo's Opening Night Party in Association with ATLUS, sponsored by Banijay Brands and Konami Cross Media NY, will be the perfect time to reconnect with industry peers and celebrate the return of live events. To learn more and to register for free, visit Licensingexpo.com.