Art Brand Studios, The Brand Liaison, Jim Benton and other art and design brands will be featured at the annual trade show.

Licensing Expo, the world’s largest licensing industry event, will highlight the creations of artists and designers to a large audience of brand owners, licensees and retailers at the annual show.

Sponsored by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association, the Expo will take place on May 23-25 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

Art licensing encompasses everything from individual artists who support their endeavors via licensing to established businesses and organizations that create or own art and design, which can be used to decorate a range of products. Examples of art and design can be seen across home décor, homewares, textiles, giftware, fashion and traditional prints with $1.439 billion in retail sales of licensed merchandise worldwide in 2015, according to the LIMA Annual Global Licensing Industry Survey 2016 Report.

“Twenty-three percent of attendees at Licensing Expo manufacture and license in the art and design category,” says Jessica Blue, senior vice president, licensing, UBM. “Each year, new and returning attendees are treated to innovative displays and diverse imagery across the show floor where they can always see something new. The Expo provides art and design-related guests a full, well-rounded experience while offering exposure to brands of all types.”

Art and design exhibitors and brands represented at the 2017 show include: Art Brand Studios, Artestar, Carolyn Blaylock, Jim Benton, The Brand Liaison, The Buffalo Works, Sean Danconia, Jenny Foster, JD Shultz Artwork, Giordano Studios, JQ Licensing, Kellyportfolio Illustrations, Thomas Kinkade and Pink Light Studio, among others. 

“We are excited to exhibit at Licensing Expo as it will provide us with the best the opportunity to connect with companies interested in designing and marketing the illustrations and contemporary western art of Ernest Chiriacka (1913-2010),” says Lori Meyer, gallery director, Casweck Galleries. “Ernest started his career in the 1930's as a pulp artist, moved on to illustration magazine, Esquire pin-ups and paperbacks in the 1940's to 1960's. This is the first time any of his work is offered for licensing and marketing.”

Furthermore, art and design activities taking place during the show include daily meet-and-greets with artist and writer Robert Aragon, who will be signing copies of his book A Tiny Teddy named Cuds at Booth #A96, as well as a chance to win a free limited edition signed canvas from Pyro Painter Art every day at 4 p.m. at Booth #H87.

Also supporting exhibitors and attendees, including those in the art and design category, is the Matchmaking Service, which allows registered attendees and exhibitors to sear for, connect and schedule meetings with potential licensing partners before and during the event.

Complimentary registration for Licensing Expo is available here.