This year marks the return of Licensing Expo at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, from May 24 to 26. Exhibitors and attendees are getting ready for the biggest licensing event of the year.

Before getting into all the excitement, it’s worth noting that all attendees must wear a mask while indoors at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, must be fully vaccinated (at least two weeks after fi nal dose) and provide proof of vaccination by presenting either the original vaccination card, a photocopy of the vaccination card or digital proof. Otherwise, it’s required to show proof of a negative antigen COVID-19 test within 24 hours prior to attending the event, or a negative PCR test within 48 hours, and show proof of a negative result alongside a photo ID, before entering the show.

Licensing Expo has confirmed more than 200 exhibitors to date – and there is still over a month to go! – from several categories, including fashion and apparel, gaming and esports, attractions and theme parks, sports, art and design, non-profi ts and museums. So far, confi rmed exhibitors include Warner Bros. Consumer Products, WWE, NBCUniversal, Shell, MGA Entertainment, Legendary Entertainment, The Pokémon Company, H3 Sportsgear and more. Attendees returning this year include Amazon, Primark, Walmart, Inditex, Build-a-Bear, MeUndies, Mad Engine and Jakks Pacific.

Licensing Expo will also adopt a theme for the first time with 2022 spotlighting Location-Based Experiences (LBE): immersive, interactive out-of-home experiences like theme parks, escape rooms, gaming arcades, VR worlds, amusement parks, bowling alleys and much more. LBE will also be the subject of one of Licensing Expo’s keynotes, in addition to interactive LBE activations on the show floor showcasing the creativity and consumer engagement possible when brands and experiences collaborate.

Want to learn more? Check out the full story here in the April issue of License Global, out now!