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    Brand Licensing Europe

    Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) is the only pan-European annual event dedicated to licensing and brand extension, bringing together retailers, brands and manufacturers for three days of deal-making, networking and trend spotting. The 2026 edition takes place 6

    FranchisingMarketing & SellingPublic Relations & Advertising

    Dates

    6 Oct 2026

    City / country

    London, United Kingdom

    Venue

    ExCeL London

    Time

    Tuesday 6 October: 09:00 to 17:00 · Wednesday 7 October: 09:00 to 17:00 · Thursday 8 October: 09:00 to 16:00

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    Event overview

    Overview

    Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) is the definitive event for the European licensing industry and the only pan-European event dedicated to licensing and brand extension.

    It brings together retailers, brands and manufacturers for three days of deal-making, networking and trend spotting, and is described by the organiser as a must-attend event for businesses looking to discover and secure deals with sought-after brands, characters and images available for licensing

    TL;DR

    1. 1BLE 2026 takes place 6-8 October 2026 at ExCeL London, with opening hours 09:00
    2. 2BLE is the only pan-European annual event dedicated to licensing and brand extension, run
    3. 3Visitor registration is free before 5 October for anyone working in the global licensing
    4. 4The 2026 edition is expected to be BLE's biggest ever, with 222 exhibitors already
    5. 5New brands at BLE 2026 include Tate Modern, National Trust for Scotland, Rene Magritte

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Retailers, including fashion retailers, toy manufacturers and leading global retail chains such as Zara, Primark, Tesco and Carrefour
    Licensees seeking to rent well-known brands for use on their products
    Manufacturers looking to connect powerful brands to in-demand products
    Brand owners and IP owners exploring brand extension opportunities
    Licensing agents and industry professionals working in the global licensing business

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Brand owners and licensors across heritage, sports, food and beverage, toys, fashion, gaming, film, publishing and location-based experiences
    Leading global licensors such as Hasbro, SEGA, Sanrio, LEGO, Mattel, Paramount, Netflix, Pokémon and Warner Bros. Discovery
    Museums, heritage organisations and cultural institutions such as Tate Modern, National Trust for Scotland and the Natural History Museum
    Sports properties and clubs such as ATP Tour, UEFA and Manchester City FC
    Manufacturers, agents and design companies such as Polyflame Europe, Red Robin Design and Bulldog Licensing

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Character & Entertainment
    Fashion
    Sports
    Design
    Food & Beverage
    Publishing
    Music
    Heritage & Culture
    Toys & Games
    Home & Lifestyle
    Stationery & Gifting
    Books & Media
    Baby & Nursery

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    ExCeL London

    One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL London, United Kingdom

    Entrances & gates

    West Entrance

    Nearest station: Custom House (Elizabeth line and DLR), approximately 200m walk. Recommended for visitors arriving via the Elizabeth line from Central London or Heathrow

    East Entrance

    Nearest station: Prince Regent (DLR), approximately 200m walk. Recommended for visitors arriving via the DLR

    Facilities

    Parking

    ExCeL London has parking facilities capable of holding more than 3,000 cars, located within 5 minutes of the venue. Access to the car park is only via the A13. On-site car park charges £27.50 per calendar day pre-booked or £30 on the day; there is no hourly rate. Coach and minibus parking is charged at a flat rate of £50.00 per day. Blue Badge holders can park in clearly marked bays at the same tariff as other vehicles. Motorcycle parking is free and cannot be pre-booked. The venue car park only permits vehicles up to a maximum of 1.9 metres height, with limited over-height vehicle spaces available for vehicles up to 2.8m. There are 80 bays suitable for disabled drivers in the Orange car park, located underneath the venue

    1,800 spaces · £27.50/day

    Accessibility

    All public entrances are wheelchair accessible with low gradient ramps and automatic doors. Most floors are level with unobstructed access. There are 40 accessible toilets located throughout the building. Lift control panels have Braille or tactile buttons. Non-visual indicators are located on all stairs. A Changing Places facility (with toilet, sink and hoist) is available at the east of the venue on level 1, operated by RADAR key. Mobility scooters are free to hire subject to availability. Wheelchair hire is available. 80 disabled parking bays are located in the Orange car park. Both Custom House and Prince Regent stations are step-free

    Prayer rooms

    A multi-faith prayer room is available for attendee use, accessible through the grey door next to the S9 hall entrance on the boulevard. A family room with two changing mats and a toilet is also located by Hall S9

    Cloakroom

    Cloakroom services are available at ExCeL London. There are two cloakrooms located on the boulevard where visitors can leave belongings. One cloakroom is in the west end of the venue. There is a fee of £1 per item for coats and luggage. Please note they cannot store cameras, laptop equipment or any other electronic devices

    Luggage storage

    ExCeL London does not operate a permanent public left luggage facility or luggage lockers on-site. Cloakroom services appear at some events, run by individual event organisers, but these are not consistently available and cannot be booked in advance. Nearby storage options are available at some train stations

    Charging points

    ExCeL London does not currently offer on-site EV charging in the venue car park. ExCeL states charging points are under review. The nearest public EV charging is at the DoubleTree by Hilton ExCeL (Pod Point, four devices, 5-minute walk east), with 8 connectors available. Charging facilities for devices are available at the venue

    On-site shuttle

    ExCeL London does not operate a general on-site shuttle service. The venue is served by the Elizabeth line and DLR with stations within walking distance. Airport shuttle services are not available at nearby hotels

    Food options

    Waterfront Street Kitchen & Bar, The Bridge Restaurant, The Fox Excel

    On-site dining

    Parking: ExCeL London has parking facilities capable of holding more than 3,000 cars, located within 5 minutes of the venue. Access to the car park is only via the A13. On-site car park charges £27.50 per calendar day pre-booked or £30 on the day; there is no hourly rate. Coach and minibus parking is charged at a flat rate of £50.00 per day. Blue Badge holders can park in clearly marked bays at the same tariff as other vehicles, with an £80 fine for not displaying a valid Blue Badge. Motorcycle parking is free and cannot be pre-booked. The venue car park only permits vehicles up to a maximum of 1.9 metres height, with limited over-height vehicle spaces available for vehicles up to 2.8m

    Gate: The venue has two main entrances: Custom House (Elizabeth line and DLR) is nearest to the West Entrance, and Prince Regent (DLR) is nearest to the East Entrance. The road running across the campus, Sandstone Lane and Seagull Lane, is closed. Access to the car park under the venue and the lorryway for deliveries is only via Royal Victoria Dock Road or the A112

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Trade-only
    Free registration

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    Tuesday 6 October:09:00 to 17:00
    Wednesday 7 October:09:00 to 17:00
    Thursday 8 October:09:00 to 16:00

    • Standard Pass

      Free until 5th October 2026. Standard Tickets will cost £30 from 5th October

    • Explorer Pass

      Designed for newcomers looking to learn about licensing before they arrive at the show

      £295.00

    • Networking Pass

      Valid access pass for Brand Licensing Europe

      £1,295.00
    Register

    Ticket info

    Badge collection

    All attendees and exhibitors must register and print their badge BEFORE coming to BLE. Badges will be sent one week before the event via email; please check junk or spam. Attendees will be asked to register on their mobile phone at the venue if they haven't registered ahead of time, which could delay access

    Ticket notes

    Brand Licensing Europe is exclusively for business professionals and enforces a strict 18+ entry policy. For safety, insurance, and security reasons, individuals under 18 are not allowed in the exhibit halls. Talent and performers must obtain pre-approved authorisation by contacting the team in advance. Security conducts spot checks and ID verification at the entrance. Students or groups may only attend through pre-approved, invite-only programs sanctioned by the Brand Licensing Europe team

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Informa PLC

    Organiser (via Global Licensing Group / Informa Markets)

    Website

    Customer Service Team

    EmailWebsite

    Anna Knight

    SVP

    EmailWebsite

    Ella Haynes

    Event Director

    EmailWebsite

    Laura Freedman-Dagg

    Head of Retail

    EmailWebsite

    Matthieu Battini

    EMEA Account & Business Development Director

    EmailWebsite

    What's on

    Programme

    1

    Fireside Chat

    1

    Keynote

    TBA

    Event days

    11:30–15:00

    Typical time

    Official agenda
    This agenda is still being finalised. Check the official agenda for the latest sessions.

    Speakers

    ML

    Marianne Lesimple

    Director of Toys and Leisure Group @ Carrefour

    The Power of Partnership in European Retail

    VV

    Vincent Vandamme

    Head of the French Office @ Jazwares

    The Power of Partnership in European Retail

    EA

    Emmanuel Assouline

    Chief Operating Officer @ Sun City

    The Power of Partnership in European Retail

    MB

    Matthieu Battini

    EMEA Sales Director @ Brand Licensing Europe

    The Power of Partnership in European Retail (Moderator)

    SR

    Suzy Raia

    EVP Global Consumer Products @ BBC Studios

    The 'Bluey' Effect: Building Franchises for Generations

    MM

    McKenna Morgan

    Senior Content Editor @ License Global

    The 'Bluey' Effect: Building Franchises for Generations (Moderator)

    BB

    Bob Brennecke

    Director of Experiences and Music Licensing @ Xbox

    Building Minecraft: The Real-World Blueprint for Building Profitable Location-Based Experiences

    PM

    Paul Moreton

    Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer @ Merlin Entertainments

    Building Minecraft: The Real-World Blueprint for Building Profitable Location-Based Experiences

    GR

    Gianna Rosenbach

    Digital Editor @ License Global

    Building Minecraft: The Real-World Blueprint for Building Profitable Location-Based Experiences (Moderator)

    RM

    Rafa Macias

    Executive Vice President of Global Consumer Products and Games @ Universal

    Global Brands, Local Relevance: How Universal Builds Franchises That Thrive Across Markets

    ML

    Maxine Lister

    Head of Licensing @ Natural History Museum

    Timeless Brands, Modern Moves: Heritage & Museum Licensing Strategies

    AT

    Abbie Taylor

    Brand Licensing Manager @ Zoological Society of London / London Zoo

    Timeless Brands, Modern Moves: Heritage & Museum Licensing Strategies

    RC

    Rob Corney

    Bulldog Licensing

    Brand Licensing Europe Show Floor Testimonial

    Time TBA

    From Recognition to Relevance: How Licensing Keeps Diageo's Iconic Brands Distinctive, Desirable and Consumer-First

    Session
    License Global Main Stage
    11:30

    Carrefour, Jazwares, and Sun City: The Power of Partnership in European Retail

    Keynote Panel
    License Global Main Stage
    11:30

    The 'Bluey' Effect: Building Franchises for Generations

    Fireside Chat
    License Global Main Stage
    13:45

    Unlocking the Magic: How Warner Bros. Discovery Keeps Harry Potter Spellbinding After Two Decades

    Keynote
    License Global Main Stage
    15:00

    Building Minecraft: The Real-World Blueprint for Building Profitable Location-Based Experiences with XBOX and Merlin

    Panel
    License Global Main Stage

    Topic tracks

    SportsFashionFood & BeverageRetailTrend & Future

    Awards

    The Licensing Awards 2026

    Annual

    Organised and owned by Max Publishing, The Licensing Awards 2026 celebrated its twentieth anniversary with over 1,200 industry executives at the Grosvenor House Hotel. Brand Licensing Europe served as headline sponsor, with support from Licensing International. KPop Demon Hunters led the night with four wins, and Richard North, co-founder of WOW! Stuff, received the 2026 Honorary Achievement Award

    Best Retailer of Preschool Licensed Products (age Group 0-5)Best Retailer of Kids' Licensed Products (age Group 5-16)UK Rising StarThe Innovation AwardThe Radar AwardThe Classic Licensed Property AwardHonorary Achievement Award
    source

    Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2026

    Annual

    The Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards (B&LLAs) 2026 marked its 10th anniversary, with winners announced at a ceremony in London on 23 April 2026. Brand Licensing Europe returned as the headline sponsor, while Licensing International supported the UK Rising Star award. Over 3,000 products were entered across 12 prestigious categories

    UK Rising Star12 Product and Brand Categories
    source

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Current edition

    2026 · 13,608 visitors · 300 exhibitors

    Over 300 exhibitors (including 84 new for 2026) confirmed as of 10 September 2026, with exhibitor numbers 13% up year-on-year and the show floor increased, making BLE 2026 the biggest on record. Official June 2026 press release reported 222 exhibitors already confirmed, 16% up year on year. No current-edition visitor forecast or floor-area figure has been published

    Forecast — not final

    Visitors

    11,000

    Exhibitors

    268

    Visitor countries

    78

    Growth over time

    Edition recap

    Brand Licensing Europe 2025 (7-9 October 2025, ExCeL London) closed as a record-breaking 26th edition, described by organisers as the show's biggest ever European audience. Visitor numbers overall rose at least 2% year on year and exhibitor numbers grew 9% to 268 companies, with a record-breaking show-floor footprint and more than 2,500 brands represented. Visitors from France, Italy, Germany and Spain surged 8%. A record 76 new exhibiting companies joined, including Moulin Rouge, MINISO, Save the Children, TV Tokyo and Guinness, alongside returning brands such as Paramount, NBCUniversal, Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix, Hasbro, Mattel, Penguin Random House, the Van Gogh Museum, Sanrio and Crunchyroll. The Brands & Lifestyle Zone featured a record 80+ brands and the Sports Zone expanded to include European football clubs, the Ballon d'Or, Rugby World Cup, Champions League, Tour de France and motorsports properties such as 24hr Le Mans and Oracle Red Bull Racing. Retail attendance was strong, with El Corte Ingles, The Very Group, Tesco, Lidl, Aldi, Flying Tiger Copenhagen, Mercadona, Mango, Inditex, H&M, Waitrose, Dunelm, Abercrombie & Fitch and others present. Content highlights included a day-one keynote from Mattel and Amazon MGM Studios on 'newstalgia' and revitalising Masters of the Universe, a day-two European focus with IMG Licensing and Circana, and trend sessions on the kidult phenomenon, Gen Alpha, micro-influencers and TikTok shopping. The show also launched a Networking Hub and new charity partnerships with Save the Children and Sebby's Corner.

    New this edition

    • 1

      Networking Hub (2025 edition)

      A dedicated space where those new to show or new to licensing could learn more about the industry through presentations, panel discussions and networking events. Licensing International's territory MDs from France, Germany and Italy offered insights into market-entry strategies, and the hub introduced formats such as Sip & Share with interactive coffee cups and high-energy speed networking

      Source
    • 2

      New charity partnerships (2025 edition)

      BLE 2025 introduced new charity partnerships with Save the Children and Sebby's Corner, present with dedicated activities and initiatives, alongside a stronger sustainability focus with dedicated talks

      Source
    • 3

      Enhanced online Event Planner (2025 edition)

      The online Event Planner opened to visitors ahead of BLE 2025 with new features to help them 'smart plan' schedules, search the Exhibitor List and Brand Directory, send meeting requests and build calendars

      Source
    • 4

      Expanded Brands & Lifestyle Zone and Sports Zone (2025 edition)

      The Brands & Lifestyle Zone featured a record number of exhibiting brands (80+), and the Sports Zone grew to host European football clubs, tournaments, Rugby World Cup, Champions League, Tour de France and motorsports brands, including a full-size Pickleball court activation

      Source

    Testimonials

    The European brand licensing market is not just healthy, it's positively thriving and buoyant. BLE is proud to have served at its epicentre for 26 consecutive years, showcasing the incredible creativity and innovation across every category from character and entertainment to sports and gaming, corporate brands, food & beverage, arts, heritage and so much more

    Ella Haynes · Event Director, Brand Licensing Europe · Global Licensing Group, Informa · 2025

    One of the major strengths of BLE – and the reason it's such an unmissable date in the calendar for retailers and manufacturers – is the variety of brands on the show floor and the potential to discover new IPs that promise opportunities for differentiation, customer acquisition and revenue growth

    Laura Freedman-Dagg · Head of Retail · Global Licensing Group, Informa · 2025

    Despite uncertain times globally, the world of brands continues to enjoy huge success as sales of consumer products outperform the top 250 retailers globally and fans remain loyal to the brands they love. Thousands of retailers, product manufacturers and brand owners from across Europe – and further afield – are attending BLE this week in their thousands because they know how lucrative and innovative this industry is

    Anna Clarke · SVP, Licensing · Informa Markets · 2025

    The 'E' in BLE has never been stronger

    Anna Knight · SVP, Licensing · Informa Markets · 2025

    BLE is THE trade show to attend. It is the ideal opportunity to connect directly with decision-makers and explore new collaborations. For three days, we are fully immersed in the current and future trends of the licensing industry. Representing a part of sports licensing is important to us, as it offers a real opportunity for innovation in retail

    François Brindeau · Head of Licensing · 24 Hours Le Mans · 2025

    Brand Licensing Europe is always a highlight in my calendar. It is one of the few events that is truly licensing specific, making it an unparalleled platform to connect with industry leaders, spot emerging trends, and discover opportunities across multiple categories

    Elliot Stokes · Interactive Entertainment & Toy Licensing Manager · Beanstalk · 2025

    Next edition outlook

    2026-10-06 – 2026-10-06
    low

    No official dates, venue or programme details for Brand Licensing Europe 2027 have been published by the organiser as of the current 2026 edition. BLE has run annually at ExCeL London in recent years, and organiser Global Licensing Group has consistently framed BLE 2026 as building on record-breaking momentum; further growth in exhibitor numbers, show floor footprint and European retail attendance is the stated trajectory, but no 2027 specifics are confirmed

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    Brand Licensing Europe 2025 solidified its position as the definitive business hub for the European licensing and brand extension industry. Organisers reported the show's largest European audience to date, with more than 11,000 visitors and 2,500 brands represented across entertainment, sport, lifestyle, and design categories. Exhibitor numbers rose 9% year-on-year to 268 companies, with a record-breaking show-floor footprint and 76 new exhibiting companies. Visitors from France, Italy, Germany and Spain surged 8%, reflecting the success of the show's strategic mission to grow the 'E' in BLE. The European licensing market itself remains robust, with retail sales of licensed consumer products in Europe growing 3.4% in 2024 to $79.3 billion, outpacing general retail trends across France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the UK. The 2025 edition also saw the debut of the Networking Hub, new charity partnerships with Save the Children and Sebby's Corner, and a stronger sustainability focus, positioning BLE as both a commercial marketplace and an industry thought-leadership platform

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    BLE 2025 attracted its largest and most international European audience to date, with over 11,000 visitors and 2,500 brands represented. The show reported a 9% increase in exhibiting companies to 268, a record 76 new exhibiting companies, and a significant increase in exhibitors from North America and Asia. Visitor quality was high, with an 8% uplift in visitors from France, Italy, Germany and Spain, and a +7% increase in licensee attendance over 2024. Retail attendance was strong, including major chains such as Tesco, Lidl, Aldi, H&M, and Abercrombie & Fitch, while licensees including Simba-Dickie Group and ZURU were also present. The show attracted 8,357 unique visitors from 78 countries, with 2,994 retailers and manufacturers in attendance and 6,160 meetings confirmed via the official Event Planner. Buyers were seeking IPs that could stretch across multiple categories, including apparel, collectibles, homeware, food and beverage, health and beauty, and experiential events

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors at BLE 2025 benefited from a record-breaking show floor, direct access to more than 1,100 leading European retailers including Primark, Marks & Spencer, Inditex, H&M, Tesco, Lidl, C&A and El Corte Inglés, and a 9% year-on-year increase in exhibitor numbers reflecting industry confidence. Official post-show data reported 6,160 meetings confirmed via the Event Planner, 2,994 retailers and manufacturers in attendance, and a +7% increase in licensee attendance over 2024. The show's strategic focus on growing European attendance delivered an 8% uplift in visitors from France, Italy, Germany and Spain. The expanded Brands & Lifestyle Zone featured a record 80+ exhibiting brands and the Sports Zone grew to host European football clubs, rugby, Tour de France and motorsports brands. No audited per-exhibitor ROI or return-on-investment figures have been published by the organiser

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Europe, with global participation across North America, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East

    Why it matters

    Brand Licensing Europe sits at the commercial centre of a global licensing industry worth $389.8 billion in 2025 retail sales, growing 5.45% year on year and outpacing broader retail growth. For brand owners and licensors, BLE is the only pan-European annual event dedicated to licensing and brand extension, offering direct access to more than 1,100 leading European retailers and licensees — including Primark, Marks & Spencer, Inditex, H&M, Tesco, Lidl, C&A, El Corte Inglés, Flying Tiger, Kiabi, Amazon and The Entertainer — in a single three-day window. With over 300 exhibitors representing thousands of licensable brands, the 2026 edition is the biggest on record and reflects structural shifts reshaping the industry: sports licensing is now the fastest-growing property category, character and entertainment remains the largest growth engine led by anime and video games, and location-based experiences are becoming a primary channel for deepening fan engagement. For licensees and manufacturers, BLE is the most efficient way to discover new IP across heritage, fashion, food and beverage, publishing, music and gaming before those properties reach mass retail. For retailers, it is the definitive opportunity to source differentiation and drive customer acquisition in a licensing market that continues to outperform the underlying retail sector. The event also matters as a barometer of industry confidence: double-digit exhibitor growth in 2026 and a record show floor signal that brands, agents, manufacturers and service providers are investing in face-to-face deal-making despite global economic uncertainty

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Licensed merchandise continues to outpace broader retail

    Global sales of licensed merchandise and services reached $389.8 billion in 2025, up 5.45% year on year, outpacing the broader global retail market at 4.52%. Brand licensing is now worth nearly $400 billion globally — twice the size of the video games industry, which itself is bigger than movies and music combined. Character/Entertainment led growth at 8%, driven by strong box office and significant contributions from anime and video games

    Source
    02

    Sports licensing is the fastest-growing property category

    Sports was the highest-growth property type in 2025, up 8.5% to $44.4 billion and now the third-largest property category. BLE 2026's dedicated Sports Zone expanded 17% year on year, welcoming new entrants such as ATP Tour, CR7 Life and Galatasaray. Sports rights holders are also navigating growing scrutiny over how images, likenesses and other assets are licensed and managed as generative AI becomes more common in marketing

    Source
    03

    Museums, heritage and culture become a major licensing growth area

    Museums and heritage is blossoming as a licensing category, with BLE 2026 hosting its biggest heritage offering yet. New exhibitors include Tate Enterprises, The National Gallery, The National Trust for Scotland and René Magritte, building on the presence of institutions such as the Natural History Museum, Van Gogh Museum and English Heritage. Cultural institutions are increasingly leveraging their IP for consumer products, collaborations and location-based experiences

    Source
    04

    Food & beverage licensing becomes a core collaboration engine

    Food and beverage has exploded from niche, limited-time opportunities into one of the hottest collaboration engines at retail, now ranking third highest for growth. Partnerships across confections, salty snacks, frozen foods and other F&B formats were impossible to miss on the 2026 show floor, with consumers treating food and beverage choices as lifestyle and identity statements. New BLE 2026 exhibitor Del Monte Europe reflects this momentum

    Source
    05

    AI moves from experiment to core licensing workflow

    Artificial intelligence was impossible to ignore at Licensing Expo 2026, with every conversation, booth and presentation touching on it in some way. AI is helping licensing teams move faster, and Informa has added AI matchmaking to its Event Planner platform. BLE 2026's online Event Planner combines AI technology with a dedicated human concierge team. AI also raises ownership, liability, ethical and sustainability issues that are likely to weigh on deployment speed

    Source
    06

    Location-based experiences and immersive retail drive fan engagement

    Consumers increasingly want to engage with brands in physical environments rather than simply buying products online. The global location-based entertainment market is projected to approach $50 billion by 2033, with hotels, retail environments, immersive exhibitions and branded attractions identified as expanding opportunities. BLE 2026 content includes a Minecraft session with Xbox and Merlin on building profitable location-based experiences

    Source
    07

    Museums, heritage and culture become a major licensing growth area

    Museums and heritage is blossoming as a licensing category, with BLE 2026 hosting its biggest heritage offering yet. New participants include Tate Enterprises, The National Gallery, The National Trust for Scotland and René Magritte, building on the presence of institutions such as the Natural History Museum, Van Gogh Museum and English Heritage

    08

    The kidult market and evergreen brand ageing-up strategies reshape licensing

    Kidult remains a huge driver, but brands are becoming more strategic about engaging audiences beyond childhood. Evergreen preschool brands are laying the foundation earlier through lifestyle collaborations, social content and collectibles that grow with their audience, rather than waiting for nostalgia-driven purchasing habits to determine strategy

    Market news

    Latest updates from across the market.

    Licensing International's 2026 Global Study shows industry reaching $389.8 billion in sales

    Read

    Brand Licensing Europe exhibitor numbers at record high as visitor registration opens

    Read

    Brand Licensing Europe 2026 reports 13% exhibitor growth

    Read

    What to expect at Brand Licensing Europe 2026

    Read

    License Global releases 2026 Top Global Licensors whitepaper

    Read

    BLE 2026 exhibitor numbers up 13% with one month to go

    Read

    What to expect at Brand Licensing Europe 2026

    Read

    The Global Licensing Event Circuit: 2026–2027

    For a full circuit year, planning should begin 9–12 months in advance for booth space and travel. BLE 2027 dates are 28–30 September 2027 (confirmed by organiser); Licensing Expo 2027 is 25–27 May 2027 in Las Vegas. Registration for most events opens 4–6 months before the show. Early-bird pricing typically ends 3–4 months out

    Brand Licensing Europe sits within a broader circuit of licensing trade events spanning North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The circuit typically opens with Spielwarenmesse (Nuremberg, January), followed by Licensing Expo (Las Vegas, May), Licensing Expo Shanghai (July), BLE (London, October), and closes with regional events such as France Licensing Day, BRANDmania, Milano Licensing Day and MIPJunior. For European licensors and licensees, BLE is the largest and most comprehensive event in the region; the Las Vegas Licensing Expo is the global flagship with a broader international footprint, while Licensing Expo Shanghai serves as the gateway to the Chinese and Southern Asian markets. Regional one-day and two-day events — France Licensing Day, BRANDmania and Milano Licensing Day — offer focused local networking and lower-cost participation for European market intelligence

    6 Oct 2026

    MIPJunior 2026

    Cannes, France

    Dates confirmed. Runs immediately before MIPCOM (12–15 October 2026). Located at the Palais des Festivals, Cannes

    website

    Q1 (January–March)

    SpielwarenmesseNew York Toy Fair

    Toy industry focus with licensing components. Good for toy, game and kids' entertainment licensors and licensees. Lower travel costs than peak season

    Q2 (April–June)

    Licensing ExpoHong Kong International Licensing ShowFrance Licensing DayBRANDmania

    Peak circuit season. Licensing Expo is the global flagship; Hong Kong is the Asia gateway; France Licensing Day and BRANDmania are focused European regional events

    Q3–Q4 (July–December)

    Licensing Expo ChinaLicensing JapanMilano Licensing DayBrand Licensing EuropeMIPJuniorNew York Comic Con

    Asia-focused events in July, European regional events in September, and the largest European and North American events in October. BLE is the anchor event for European licensing

    All event dates are sourced from official organiser websites and credible trade press. Events without confirmed 2027 dates are marked as such in their notes; planners should verify dates directly with organisers as schedules may change

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · GBP

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    LCY

    London City Airport

    London City Airport is the closest airport to ExCeL London, just 5 minutes away by DLR. Ideal for business travellers. The DLR connects directly to Custom House and Prince Regent stations

    2 km / 1.3 mi

    to venue

    5 minutes by DLR

    by car

    LHR

    London Heathrow Airport

    Heathrow Express to London Paddington, then Elizabeth line from London Paddington to Custom House. Direct Elizabeth line service also available from Heathrow to Custom House

    approximately 21 miles / 34 km

    to venue

    approximately 43 minutes by Elizabeth line to Custom House

    by car

    LGW

    London Gatwick Airport

    Thameslink train from Gatwick Airport to Farringdon, then Elizabeth line from Farringdon to Custom House. Alternatively, train to London Bridge then DLR

    approximately 25.8 miles / 41.5 km

    to venue

    approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

    by car

    STN

    London Stansted Airport

    Connected to Central London by rail and underground lines. Take Stansted Express to Liverpool Street, then Elizabeth line to Custom House

    approximately 28.3 miles / 45.5 km

    to venue

    approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Budget / Economy
    Royal Victoria Dock / Canning Town

    USD 70–150 / night

    Examples include Travelodge London Excel, Ibis London Excel-Docklands, Holiday Inn Express London ExCeL, Prince Regent Hotel Excel London, and Fox Connaught London ExCel. All are within walking distance or a short DLR ride from ExCeL London. Prices are estimates based on 2026 booking data and vary by season and booking lead time

    Midscale
    Royal Victoria Dock / Canary Wharf

    USD 150–280 / night

    Examples include Novotel London Excel (the closest hotel to the venue), Premier Inn London Docklands (ExCeL), Hampton by Hilton London Excel, Aloft London Excel, and Moxy London Excel. These properties offer a balance of comfort, convenience, and value with easy access to the venue via DLR or a short walk. Prices are estimates based on 2026 booking data

    Upscale / Premium
    Royal Victoria Dock / Canary Wharf

    USD 250–500 / night

    Examples include DoubleTree by Hilton London ExCeL, Crowne Plaza London Docklands, and Sunborn London Yacht Hotel. These properties offer upscale amenities, on-site dining, and premium service, all within walking distance or a short DLR ride from ExCeL London. Prices are estimates based on 2026 booking data and can exceed $500 during peak periods

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    DLR (Docklands Light Railway)

    Estimated costPay as you go with Oyster/contactless, approximately £2.80–£5.60 per journey depending on zones; daily caps apply
    Best forCustom House (for West Entrance) and Prince Regent (for East Entrance), both approximately 200m from the venue

    All trains towards Beckton/Gallions Reach stop at both Custom House and Prince Regent. The DLR connects to Canning Town (Jubilee line), Bank, and Stratford. Custom House is also served by the Elizabeth line. Both stations are step-free

    Elizabeth line

    Estimated costPay as you go with Oyster/contactless, approximately £2.80–£5.60 per journey depending on zones; daily caps apply
    Best forCustom House Station to West Entrance (approximately 200m walk)

    The Elizabeth line provides direct connections to Central London, Canary Wharf, and Heathrow Airport (approximately 43 minutes). 12 trains per hour, each with a capacity of 1,500 people. Custom House is the nearest station to the West Entrance

    London Underground (Jubilee line) + DLR

    Estimated costPay as you go with Oyster/contactless, approximately £2.80–£5.60 per journey; daily caps apply
    Best forJubilee line to Canning Town, then change to a Beckton-bound DLR train to Custom House or Prince Regent

    Recommended as one of the quickest routes from Central London. Change at Canning Town for the DLR towards Beckton/Gallions Reach

    Bus

    Estimated costPay as you go with Oyster/contactless, £1.75 per journey (Hopper fare allows unlimited bus journeys within one hour for £1.75)
    Best forRoutes 147 (Canning Town/Ilford), 241 (Canning Town/Stratford City), 325, 473, 678 (school journeys), N551 (night journeys). Stops near Custom House and Prince Regent stations

    London buses accept contactless payment and Oyster cards. Cash is not accepted. The Hopper fare allows a second bus journey within one hour at no extra cost

    Taxi / Ride-hailing

    Estimated costVariable. Uber, Bolt, and black cabs operate in the area. Typical fares from Central London range from £25–£45 depending on traffic and demand
    Best forDrop-offs and pick-ups at the West Taxi Rank, Western Gateway, postcode E16 1XL. The car park entrance on Sandstone Lane (E16 1FR) is not a passenger drop-off point

    The West Taxi Rank is the single passenger drop-off point for all cars, taxis, Uber, Bolt, and chauffeurs. The West Entrance glass-pyramid frontage is directly adjacent, and Custom House station (Elizabeth line and DLR) is 200 metres away. ExCeL enforces a strict no-idle policy at the West Taxi Rank

    Car / Parking

    Estimated costPre-booked: £27.50 per calendar day; on the day: £30 per calendar day. Coach and minibus: £50 per day (pre-book only). Motorcycle parking is free
    Best forAccess via the A13 (junction with A112). Car park entrance on Sandstone Lane, postcode E16 1FR. The car park is located directly beneath the venue

    ExCeL London has more than 3,000 parking spaces across three colour-coded zones (Pink/West, Yellow/East, Blue/Waterfront). There is no hourly rate; a one-hour visit costs the same as a 23-hour stay. The car park has a 1.9m height limit in the standard area, with limited over-height spaces (up to 2.8m) available via a separate Sandstone Lane entrance. Payment is by card, contactless, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. No cash is accepted. There is no EV charging in the venue car park as of 2026; the nearest public EV charging is at the DoubleTree by Hilton ExCeL (Pod Point, four devices, 5-minute walk east)

    Santander Cycles (bicycle hire)

    Estimated costFirst 30 minutes: £1.65; day pass from £3. E-bikes available at additional cost
    Best forDocking stations available across Central London and the Royal Docks area. Nearest docking stations to ExCeL London are located near Custom House and Prince Regent stations

    Santander Cycles is London's public bicycle hire scheme, operated by Transport for London. Bicycles are available 24 hours a day. The scheme includes 1,400 e-bikes among the fleet. Download the Santander Cycles app to skip kiosk queues and get a bike release code sent to your phone

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa not required
    ATA Carnet: accepted
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)Non-visa nationals from 85 countries and territories, including USA, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, Japan, South Korea and other visa-exempt nationalities. British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, are exempt$27.00Most applicants receive an automatic decision within minutes when applying through the UK ETA app. It is recommended to apply at least 3 working days before travel to account for cases requiring further review
    Standard Visitor Visa (Business route)Nationals of countries on the UK visa national list, including India, China, Nigeria, South Africa, Turkey, Russia, and many others. This route is required for business visitors attending trade fairs, conferences, and meetings$179.00Typically 3 weeks (15 working days) from the biometric appointment. Priority service (5 working days) is available for an extra £500, and Super Priority (next working day) for an extra £1,000, where offered

    Nationals of the UK, Ireland, and the 85 countries and territories covered by the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme do not need a visa for short business visits of up to six months. This includes citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and most European Union member states. British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, do not need an ETA or a visa. Nationals of countries on the UK visa national list, including India, China, Nigeria, South Africa, Turkey, and Russia, must obtain a Standard Visitor Visa before travel. The full visa national list is maintained in Appendix Visitor: Visa national list of the UK Immigration Rules. Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR passport holders are exempt from the visa requirement. Taiwan passport holders are subject to exceptions

    ATA Carnets are accepted in the UK for goods temporarily imported for trade fairs, exhibitions, international sports events, and professional equipment. The Carnet allows duty-free and tax-free temporary importation and must be presented at every instance of entry, exit, or transit, including movements through Northern Ireland. Consumable goods such as food, beverages, and agricultural products, as well as items intended for sale, hire, or processing, are excluded. For trade fair and exhibition goods, an ATA Carnet eliminates the need for a full customs declaration and provides a simpler temporary admission procedure. Applicants should apply through their national guaranteeing association (such as the Chamber of Commerce) at least one month before the event. For goods not covered by an ATA Carnet, Temporary Admission (TA) is an alternative special procedure; authorisation should be obtained at least one month prior to import. At inventory-linked ports, a form C21 Customs Clearance Request may be required in addition to carnet presentation

    Official visa page

    Weather

    London in early October typically has mild autumn weather. Average daytime temperatures range from 12°C to 17°C, with overnight lows around 8°C to 9°C. October is one of London's wetter months, averaging 60–70 mm of rain spread over 3–8 rainy days, often in the form of fine, intermittent drizzle rather than heavy downpours. Daylight on 1 October runs from approximately 07:01 to 18:40 (11 hours 39 minutes), but by 31 October this shortens to roughly 06:52 to 16:37 (9 hours 45 minutes). British Summer Time ends on Sunday 25 October 2026, when clocks go back one hour and sunset shifts from 17:51 to 16:47. Visitors should pack layers, a waterproof coat with a hood, closed water-resistant shoes, a compact umbrella, and a scarf for cooler evenings

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    ExCeL London is exceptionally well connected by public transport. The venue is served by two stations, both step-free: Custom House (Elizabeth line and DLR) and Prince Regent (DLR only). Custom House is approximately 200m from the West Entrance and Prince Regent is approximately 200m from the East Entrance. The Elizabeth line provides direct connections to Central London, Heathrow Airport (approximately 43 minutes), and Canary Wharf. The DLR connects to Canning Town (Jubilee line), Bank, and Stratford. London City Airport is just 5 minutes away by DLR. On-site car parking is available via the A13, with more than 3,000 spaces. The campus features a 600m long central boulevard. Taxi drop-offs and pick-ups are at the west taxi rank only (postcode E16 1XL)

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    London as Europe's licensing gateway

    Holding BLE at ExCeL London positions the event at the centre of Europe's largest retail and media market. The 'E' in BLE — Europe — is a strategic priority: the organiser reported an 8% uplift in visitors from France, Italy, Germany and Spain in 2025 and aims to build on that in 2026. London's role as a hub for international media, sport, heritage and fashion IP makes it a natural meeting point for licensors and licensees across the continent

    Trade-only, 18+ environment

    BLE is exclusively for business professionals and enforces a strict 18+ entry policy. Security conducts spot checks and ID verification at the entrance, and students or groups may only attend through pre-approved, invite-only programmes. Visitors should carry photo ID and dress in business or smart-casual attire typical of European trade fairs

    English as the working language

    All BLE content, signage, registration and networking are conducted in English, making the event accessible to the international licensing community. UK business etiquette — punctuality, formal introductions and exchanging business cards — applies on the show floor and in scheduled meetings

    London transport etiquette

    On London Underground and DLR escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left. Always queue patiently — queue-jumping is considered rude. Contactless payment cards and mobile wallets (Google Pay, Apple Pay) are widely accepted on Transport for London services, with a daily cap on fares. Tipping is not expected in pubs but 10.5% is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not already included

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: London City Airport (LCY)

    London City Airport (LCY) is the closest airport, just 5 minutes by DLR. Heathrow (LHR) is approximately 43 minutes via Elizabeth line to Custom House. Gatwick (LGW) is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes via Thameslink and Elizabeth line. Stansted (STN) is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes via Stansted Express and Elizabeth line. ExCeL London partners with CityJet to offer discounted tickets (CityFlex & CityPremium) for exhibitors and visitors flying from London City Airport

    Visa

    Entry requirements for Brand Licensing Europe 2026 depend on nationality. Non-visa nationals from 85 countries need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel. Visa nationals must obtain a Standard Visitor Visa (Business route) in advance. British and Irish citizens need no permission. All visitors must carry a valid passport and, if applicable, proof of ETA or visa. BLE is a trade-only event with a strict 18+ entry policy, and attendees should carry photo ID for security spot checks at the venue

    Processing: ETA: decision usually within minutes but apply at least 3 working days in advance. Standard Visitor Visa: typically 3 weeks from biometric appointment

    The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costs £20 and is valid for multiple journeys over two years or until passport expiry. The Standard Visitor Visa (short up to 6 months) costs £135 from 8 April 2026. Priority services are available for faster processing at an additional cost. Permitted business activities at trade fairs include promotional work only, with no direct selling. Organisers may provide visa invitation letters to confirmed attendees, exhibitors, speakers, and press upon request, typically issued within 5-7 business days. An invitation letter supports the application but does not guarantee visa approval

    Official

    Hotels

    Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

    Check-in (recommended)

    2026-10-06

    Check-out (recommended)

    2026-10-06

    Areas to stay

    Royal Victoria Dock (walking distance to ExCeL London) · Canning Town (short DLR ride, budget-friendly) · Canary Wharf (short Elizabeth line or DLR ride, upscale dining and nightlife) · Custom House (direct Elizabeth line and DLR access to venue)

    Budget / Economy

    $70–$150 per night

    Midscale

    $150–$280 per night

    Upscale / Premium

    $250–$500 per night

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: From London City Airport (LCY), take the DLR directly to Custom House or Prince Regent — approximately 5 minutes. From Heathrow (LHR), take the Elizabeth line directly to Custom House — approximately 43 minutes. From Gatwick (LGW), take Thameslink to Farringdon, then the Elizabeth line to Custom House — approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. From Stansted (STN), take the Stansted Express to Liverpool Street, then the Elizabeth line to Custom House — approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

    Hotel → venue: Most hotels near ExCeL London are within a 5–15 minute walk of the venue. The Novotel London Excel, Premier Inn London Docklands (ExCeL), and Aloft London Excel are among the closest, all within a 5–10 minute walk. Hotels in Canning Town and Canary Wharf are a short DLR or Elizabeth line ride from Custom House or Prince Regent stations, with journey times of 5–15 minutes

    Ride-hail: Uber, Bolt, and OUNO operate in the Royal Docks area. Drop-offs and pick-ups for ExCeL London are at the west taxi rank only, postcode E16 1XL. Ride-hailing is a convenient option for late-night returns or when carrying luggage, though traffic can be heavy during peak show hours

    Public transit: ExCeL London is served by Custom House (Elizabeth line and DLR) and Prince Regent (DLR) stations, both approximately 200m from the venue entrances. The Elizabeth line provides direct connections to Central London, Canary Wharf, and Heathrow. The DLR connects to Canning Town (Jubilee line), Bank, and Stratford. Contactless payment cards and mobile wallets are accepted, with a daily fare cap

    Parking: On-site parking is available at ExCeL London with more than 3,000 spaces, accessed via the A13. Pre-booked parking is £27.50 per calendar day; on-the-day parking is £30. Coach and minibus parking is £50 per day. Motorcycle parking is free. The car park has a maximum vehicle height of 1.9 metres, with limited over-height spaces up to 2.8m

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: October

    Temperature: 12°C to 17°C (daytime), 8°C to 9°C (overnight)

    Seasonality: October is the second-wettest month of the London year, averaging 65.1mm of rain, with recent years wetter at 79.2mm. Rain typically arrives in bands attached to Atlantic weather systems, meaning several hours of steady drizzle rather than short downpours

    Packing: Pack layers: a mid-weight coat (trench, waxed jacket or light wool overcoat), long-sleeve tees, a sweater or light fleece, closed water-resistant shoes or boots, a scarf, a light beanie, and thicker socks. A waterproof coat with a hood is more reliable than an umbrella in windy conditions

    Itinerary builder

    Add priorities and side trips to make the most of your visit.

    Add side trips

    Default day plan

    1. 08:00Arrive at Custom House station via Elizabeth line or DLR
    2. 08:30Collect badge and enter the show floor through West Entrance
    3. 09:00Attend opening keynote and trend presentation
    4. 10:30Pre-scheduled meetings with brand owners and licensors
    5. 12:30Networking lunch at The Bridge restaurant or ExCeL food court
    6. 14:00Explore heritage, sports and fashion licensing zones
    7. 16:00Attend panel session on retail trends and licensing innovation
    8. 17:00Networking drinks and informal meetings

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Tuesday 6 October 2026 (Day 1)

    Day 1 offers the fullest programme: the opening keynote on the License Global Main Stage, maximum exhibitor presence (all 300+ exhibitors expected), and the Opening Night Drinks networking celebration from 5-7pm. Days 2 and 3 also have strong content, but Thursday closes at 16:00, reducing show-floor time. For first-time visitors, Day 1 allows you to orient yourself and still have two full days for follow-up meetings

    T

    Register for a free Standard Pass (deadline 5 October 2026) — Registration is free until 5 October 2026. After this date, Standard Tickets cost £30 onsite. Use the official BLE registration portal. (Guidance: register as early as possible to access the Event Planner.)

    T

    Book flights and accommodation — London hotel prices rise sharply closer to the event. Book refundable rates if possible. ExCeL is served by Custom House (Elizabeth line/DLR) and Prince Regent (DLR). (Guidance: typical lead time for best rates is 6-8 weeks.)

    T

    Research exhibitors and brands in the Event Planner — Use the online Event Planner to search the Brand Directory, identify which brand owners you want to meet, and send meeting requests. Standard Pass includes 20 meeting credits. (Guidance: prioritise 15-20 target exhibitors.)

    T

    Build your show-floor itinerary — Plan sessions to attend (keynotes, panels) and map your route between exhibitor stands. BLE 2026 has 300+ exhibitors across multiple zones. (Guidance: allocate 30-45 minutes per meeting and allow buffer time.)

    T

    Confirm all pre-booked meetings and print your badge — Badges are sent one week before the show. Print at home to avoid queue delays. Security conducts spot checks and ID verification. Carry photo ID. (Official: all attendees must register and print badge before coming to BLE.)

    T

    Check UK entry requirements (ETA or visa) — Non-UK visitors may require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA, £20) or a Standard Visitor Visa. Apply well in advance. (Guidance: ETA decisions are usually immediate, but apply at least 3 working days before travel.)

    T

    Pack business cards, comfortable shoes, and layers — London in early October averages 12-17°C with a higher chance of rain. The show floor is large. (Guidance: bring a waterproof jacket, portable charger, and notebook.)

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    08:00

    Arrive at Custom House station via Elizabeth line or DLR

    Custom House Station
    08:30

    Collect badge and enter the show floor through West Entrance

    ExCeL London West Entrance
    09:00

    Attend opening keynote on the License Global Main Stage

    License Global Main Stage
    10:30

    Pre-scheduled meetings with brand owners and licensors

    Exhibition Halls
    12:30

    Networking lunch at a show floor bar or The Bridge restaurant

    ExCeL London
    14:00

    Explore heritage, sports, and fashion licensing zones

    Exhibition Halls
    15:30

    Attend panel session on retail trends and licensing innovation

    License Global Main Stage
    17:00

    Show Floor Drinks — networking celebration at show floor bars

    Show Floor Bars
    19:00

    Dinner at a Canary Wharf restaurant with new contacts

    Canary Wharf

    Side trips

    6

    Royal Victoria Dock

    Waterfront / Walks

    Adjacent to venue

    A waterfront defined by bold architecture, stunning views and calm open space. Ideal for a stroll between sessions or an evening walk

    Thames Barrier Park

    Park / Gardens

    Within 10 minutes

    A modern riverside park with landscaped gardens and views of the Thames Barrier. A peaceful escape from the show floor

    The Crystal

    Architecture / Sustainability

    Within 10 minutes

    A striking glass building by Royal Victoria Dock focused on sustainability and smart cities

    Emirates Air Line Cable Car

    Sightseeing / Transport

    Short ride from Royal Victoria Dock

    A scenic cable car crossing the Thames with views over the Royal Docks and Greenwich Peninsula. A memorable way to travel between the venue and Greenwich

    Canary Wharf

    Business District / Dining

    10 minutes by DLR or Elizabeth line

    London's second financial district with a wide range of restaurants, bars, and shopping. Popular for evening networking dinners

    Greenwich

    Historic District / Maritime

    20 minutes by DLR and river bus

    Home to the Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum, and Greenwich Market. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with excellent dining and riverside walks

    Networking spots

    6

    Show Floor Bars

    Official event networking

    Official BLE networking celebration. Head to one of the show floor bars for the ultimate networking kick-off. Open during show hours and for the Opening Night Drinks on Tuesday from 5-7pm

    New to Show & Solo Networking

    Official event networking

    First time at BLE or attending solo? Meet fellow first-timers and independent attendees in a relaxed, informal setting. (Official BLE event.)

    Coffee Networking

    Official event networking

    Free coffee and table-top conversation starters to spark new ideas and connections. (Official BLE event.)

    Topic Table Talks

    Official event networking

    Each table features a thought-provoking topic on brand licensing. Choose a table, connect with like-minded professionals, and dive into discussions. (Official BLE event.)

    Retail Lounge

    Official event networking

    Exclusive access for retailers. A dedicated space for retail professionals to network and relax between meetings. (Official BLE event — retailer access only.)

    The Fox Excel

    Nearby bar / restaurant (recommendation)

    A bar and restaurant just outside ExCeL London, spread across two floors. Offers coffee, breakfast, lunch, and Friday night pizza and cocktails. (Recommendation — not officially affiliated with BLE.)

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    Estimated budget
    Live estimate
    • Booth 9 m² × $333.00/m²$2,997.00
    • Hotel × 3 nights$240.00
    • Per diem × 3$180.00
    • Visa$27.00
    • Insurance$50.00
    • Flight — Return flight from. New York (JFK) to London (LHR)$650.00
    Estimated total$4,144.00

    This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    Standard shell scheme booth (9 sqm)

    exhibitor · Standard

    USD 3000 / per 9 sqm

    estimate

    Raw space (floor space only)

    exhibitor · Standard

    USD 330 / per sqm

    estimate

    Licensee Pavilion package (3m x 3.5m)

    exhibitor · Licensee Pavilion

    GBP 6769 / per 3m x 3.5m space

    official

    Standard Pass (visitor)

    visitor · Standard

    GBP 30 / per person

    official

    Explorer Pass (visitor)

    visitor · Explorer

    GBP 295 / per person

    official

    Networking Pass (visitor)

    visitor · Networking

    GBP 1295 / per person

    official

    Service Provider+ Pass (visitor)

    visitor · Service Provider+

    GBP 395 / per person

    official

    Parking (ExCeL London)

    both · Standard

    GBP 27.5–30 / per calendar day

    official

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Answer 7-8 quick questions to determine whether Brand Licensing Europe 2026 is best for you as a visitor, an exhibitor, or a skip. Scores are weighted toward visit, exhibit, or skip outcomes based on your commercial goals, budget, category fit, and readiness

    QUESTION 1 OF 8

    What best describes your role in the licensing industry?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    You are actively sourcing licensable brands, planning a new product range within 6 to 12 months, or need to understand which IPs will drive consumer demand next year

    Best for

    Retail buyers, licensees, manufacturers, brand strategists, and service providers who need to source new brands, benchmark the market, or build licensing partnerships without the cost and commitment of exhibiting

    Min. budget

    $500.00

    Timeline

    Register by 5 October 2026 to secure a free Standard Pass. Book travel and accommodation 4-8 weeks in advance for best rates. Use the Event Planner 2-3 weeks before the show to pre-book meetings

    Risks

    Standard Pass includes only 20 meeting credits — heavy meeting schedules may require an upgrade

    Travel and accommodation costs in London during October can be high if booked late

    The show floor is large (300+ exhibitors across multiple zones) and requires pre-planning to cover effectively

    Without pre-booked meetings, visitors may spend time navigating the floor rather than doing business

    exhibit

    You have a licensable brand, confirmed budget, and a team ready to staff a stand and follow up on leads. BLE 2026 is the biggest edition on record, making it the highest-visibility European licensing event in 2026

    Best for

    Brand owners, licensors, IP agents, and manufacturers with a licensable portfolio who need measurable lead generation, qualified meetings, and direct access to European retail decision makers

    Min. budget

    $6,769.00

    Timeline

    Secure stand space 6 to 9 months in advance (by January-March 2026 for prime locations). Complete stand build and logistics planning 3 to 4 months before the show. Confirm meetings via the Event Planner 4-6 weeks out

    Risks

    Total investment including stand build, travel, accommodation, and staffing can exceed £20,000 for a meaningful presence

    Without pre-booked meetings, ROI may not justify the investment

    Competition for retail buyer attention is intense with 300+ exhibitors

    Lead follow-up capacity is critical — leads not actioned within 48 to 72 hours lose value

    skip

    You have no licensable IP or active licensing sourcing mandate, travel is a major barrier, or your budget cannot support meaningful participation. Instead, monitor post-show reports and plan for BLE 2027 when your commercial objectives are clearer

    Best for

    Professionals with no active licensing mandate within 12 months, those facing major travel or budget barriers, or businesses that are too early-stage to benefit from the show's trade-focused, meeting-driven format

    Timeline

    No timeline applies. Reassess your licensing objectives in Q1 2027 for BLE 2027 (28-30 September 2027 at ExCeL London)

    Risks

    Skipping means missing direct access to Europe's largest gathering of licensors, retailers, and manufacturers

    Competitors who attend will have a 6-12 month head start on partnership conversations

    Industry trends and market shifts discussed at BLE may not be visible through second-hand reports alone

    Book with

    Partners

    Licensing International

    Industry Association

    Licensing International is the industry association partner of Brand Licensing Europe, working to foster the growth and expansion of licensing around the world

    Visit partner Confidence: high

    Official partner listing on BLE press release and event pages

    License Global

    Official Publication

    License Global is the official publication of Brand Licensing Europe and the only publication dedicated to covering the global licensing industry

    Visit partner Confidence: high

    Official BLE About the Event page names License Global as official publication

    Recommended providers

    Hotels

    CAMX Housing Bureau

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    Glossary

    1
    Licensing
    A business arrangement that connects brands, products and consumers in fresh, engaging ways, allowing brand owners to expand reach and generate royalties while licensees use established brands on their products
    2
    Brand extension
    Moving a brand into new business categories without major investment in new manufacturing processes, using licensing as a marketing tool
    3
    Licensor / Brand Owner
    The party that owns a brand or IP and grants rights to others, benefiting from royalties, increased brand awareness and an expanded fan base
    4
    Licensee / Manufacturer
    A company that rents a well-known brand and uses it on its products, connecting a powerful brand to an in-demand product to increase sales and drive additional revenue
    5
    Licensing International
    The industry association partner of Brand Licensing Europe, which has worked for more than 35 years to foster the growth and expansion of licensing around the world

    Trust footer

    Sources

    68

    References

    29

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    Brand Licensing Europe

    2

    ExCeL London

    3

    UK Government

    4

    GlobeNewswire / Licensing International

    Digital business cards for the show floor

    Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.

    Create a free card