Trade-only Las Vegas show, 20–22 Jan 2027, where 300+ licensors and exhibitors meet retail buyers sourcing licensed sports and tailgate merchandise.
Dates
20–22 Jan 2027
City / country
Las Vegas, United States
Venue
Las Vegas Convention Center
Time
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
The Sports Licensing and Tailgate Show returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center's South Hall from 20–22 January 2027, bringing licensors, licensees, retailers and college licensing teams under one roof. More than 300 exhibitors are expected to show licensed apparel, headwear, collectibles, gifts, tailgate gear and fan merchandise across professional leagues and hundreds of university programmes.
Buyers come from mass retail, specialty chains, e-commerce, fan shops and campus bookstores. The show is trade-only and qualifies every registrant, which keeps the floor focused on real sourcing conversations, order writing and licensing deals rather than public browsing.
TL;DR
Visit to see the season's licensed ranges in one hall and to meet licensors, licensees and collegiate specialists face to face. The show is built for retail buyers, e-commerce merchandisers, fan-shop owners and campus bookstore teams who need to compare suppliers, negotiate terms and write orders before the autumn and back-to-school cycles.
Exhibit because the floor concentrates qualified buyers from mass retail, specialty chains, e-commerce and university bookstores, with professional and collegiate licensing decision-makers in the same building. A booth creates the chance to show samples, discuss royalty and volume terms, and open conversations with retail accounts that are hard to reach through cold outreach.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
13150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89101, United States
Entrances & gates
South Hall, Upper Level main entrance
Enter through the South Hall lobby and take the escalators to the Upper Level. Bag checks can slow entry at peak opening times.
Food options
South Hall concession concourse, Starbucks, South Hall, The Venetian food court
On-site diningParking: Use the LVCC Gold Lot or the South Hall garage off Paradise Road. Allow 20–30 minutes on the first morning; pre-book parking if your hotel does not run a shuttle.
Gate: South Hall, Upper Level. Badge pickup is on the same level; keep a photo ID with your registration confirmation.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Qualified attendee registration (early)
Free through 31 October 2026 for qualified registrants; qualification by show management required.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Early badge pickup: Monday 18 January 12:00–17:00 and Tuesday 19 January 07:00–18:00. During the show, pickup opens at 06:30 on Wednesday, 08:00 Thursday and 08:00 Friday at South Hall, Upper Level.
Ticket notes
Qualified retailers, distributors, licensors and college licensing staff register through the official show site. Early registration was free through 31 October 2026; later registration may carry a fee, and show management qualifies every attendee.
Registration deadline
2026-10-31
What's on
ICLA Winter Symposium
A collegiate licensing education and networking programme held alongside the show; separate registration and ICLA membership are required.
Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, Upper Level. The 2026 programme ran on the Tuesday and Wednesday of show week.
WebsiteHow the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
This edition
2027
Visitors: 5,000
Exhibitors: 300
Next edition
2028
The 2028 edition is already scheduled for 26–28 January at the Las Vegas Convention Center, keeping the show in its late-January slot.
Same venue and late-January timing Continued co-location with collegiate licensing programming
Impact
SLATS matters because it puts licensors, licensees and retail buyers in a single hall at the point when spring and back-to-school ranges are being locked. For a buyer, the value is supplier density: league, collegiate and tailgate ranges can be compared in one trip. For a licensor or manufacturer, the value is access to accounts that already understand licensed product and can move from sample review to a purchase order.
Audience quality
The audience is narrow by design. Show management qualifies every registrant, and the published buyer mix leans toward mass retail, specialty chains, e-commerce, fan shops and university bookstores. That makes conversations more commercial than at a public fan event, though exhibitors should still set meeting targets and ask for account profiles before the show rather than assuming every badge is a decision-maker.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on pre-show account targeting. A 9 sqm booth can work for a focused supplier with 15–25 pre-booked meetings; a 36 sqm raw-space build makes more sense for a licensor or multi-category manufacturer using the show to launch a programme. Budget for booth costs, freight, samples, staff time and follow-up, and measure success in qualified meetings and written orders rather than badge scans.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Las Vegas is a low-friction meeting point for US retail buyers and international licensing teams, and January is when spring and back-to-school assortments are being set. The show's trade-only filter matters: exhibitors spend three days with accounts that can actually place orders, while buyers can compare league and collegiate programmes in one hall.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Collegiate licensing keeps widening
University bookstores, alumni channels and fan shops are buying beyond basic tees into headwear, accessories and home goods. More campuses are treating licensing as a year-round retail programme rather than a football-season promotion.
What it changes: A buyer can build a campus assortment that sells through graduation, move-in and game days instead of one narrow peak.
Licensed product is becoming more premium
Retailers are testing higher-quality caps, heavyweight apparel, display-worthy collectibles and limited drops rather than competing only on opening price points. Authenticity and design quality carry more weight with fans.
What it changes: Suppliers that can document rights, quality and reliable replenishment are better placed than low-cost imitators.
Tailgate and game-day gear is a separate destination
Coolers, chairs, grills, tableware and outdoor accessories are increasingly merchandised as a game-day category alongside apparel, not as a seasonal novelty add-on.
What it changes: Cross-merchandising apparel with tailgate gear lifts basket size and gives specialty retailers a reason to broaden their buy.
SLATS sits inside a wider run of Emerald retail and sports shows. Buyers often pair it with a licensing symposium, a collegiate licensing meeting or a broader retail sourcing week in Las Vegas.
Imprinted Sportswear Show (ISS)
Long Beach, United States
Customary January Long Beach window; confirm the current calendar.
websiteASD Market Week
Las Vegas, United States
Customary March and August editions; dates are indicative.
websiteOutdoor Retailer Summer
Salt Lake City, United States
Customary June window; confirm exact dates with the organiser before booking.
websiteJanuary
A practical same-month pairing for apparel and decoration buyers.
Sister and adjacent shows are named from the organiser's public retail circuit; exact 2027 dates should be confirmed before travel.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Harry Reid International Airport
Closest airport; taxi, rideshare and hotel shuttles are all easy from the terminal.
About 3 miles
to venue
10–20 minutes
by car
General and business aviation only; useful for private aircraft, not scheduled commercial flights.
About 6 miles
to venue
15–25 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 80–150 / night
Older Strip rooms with easy rideshare access to the convention centre; avoid resort-fee surprises by checking the total nightly rate.
USD 150–280 / night
Walkable or short monorail rides to the venue, with more dining and meeting space; January rates can spike around large conventions.
USD 320–650 / night
Largest suites and closest high-end dining; book early if a major tech or retail event overlaps the show dates.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Las Vegas Monorail
Use the Convention Center station and walk to South Hall; trains run frequently but stop late at night.
Rideshare or taxi
Rideshare pickup is on the terminal garage level; allow extra time on Monday morning and during convention peaks.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor visa | Visitors who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and need to attend meetings, negotiate or source products. | — | Weeks to months; apply early | |
| ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program | Eligible nationals of VWP countries travelling for business meetings or trade shows for 90 days or less. | — | Usually minutes to 72 hours |
Canadian citizens generally enter for business without a visa; Mexican nationals need a B-1 or eligible border crossing card. Check current rules for your passport.
The US accepts ATA carnets for many temporary exhibits and professional equipment, but not for all goods. Confirm with US CBP and the carnet issuer before shipping.
Official visa pageWeather
January is cool and dry: daytime around 15–17°C (59–63°F), nights near 4–7°C (39–45°F), with low humidity and occasional wind. The hall is air-conditioned, so bring a light layer for meetings.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
LAS has free terminal Wi-Fi. The convention centre and most hotels offer Wi-Fi, but exhibitor bandwidth is usually a paid order through the venue. Buy a US eSIM or local SIM for reliable data outside the hall.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Tip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants and a few dollars per drink or bag. Resort fees and taxes are often added separately to hotel bills.
Smoking and venue rules
Smoking is restricted in the convention centre and many indoor public areas; casinos may have designated smoking zones. Keep your badge visible and expect bag checks at the hall entrance.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: LAS (Harry Reid International Airport)
Book 6–10 weeks out and avoid arriving on the Monday morning of show week. Compare LAS fares with a multi-city itinerary if you are combining the show with another West Coast account visit.
Book flightsMost international business visitors need a B-1 visa or ESTA authorisation under the Visa Waiver Program. Canadians generally need no visa for business visits.
Estimated cost: USD 0–185 depending on nationality and visa type; confirm the current fee
Processing: ESTA usually within 72 hours; B-1 interviews can take weeks
Apply early and carry a show invitation, hotel booking and return ticket. Do not assume a visa or ESTA guarantees entry.
OfficialPartnerGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Rideshare or taxi from LAS to South Hall takes 10–20 minutes and costs about USD 20–35. Shared shuttles are slower but cheaper.
Hotel → venue: Use the Las Vegas Monorail to the Convention Center station or a short rideshare. Walking from central Strip hotels is possible but the blocks are long.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate; use the designated pickup zones at the airport and the South Hall rideshare lot.
Public transit: The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) bus network serves Paradise Road, but the Monorail is faster for Strip hotels.
Parking: LVCC has paid lots and a South Hall garage; pre-purchase parking or arrive before 08:30 to avoid the worst queue.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: January
Temperature: 4–17°C (39–63°F)
Seasonality: Very dry; January is one of the coolest months, with occasional windy days and almost no rain.
Packing: Bring a light jacket or blazer for the air-conditioned hall, comfortable shoes for the floor, and a power bank.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Wednesday 20 January
Opening day has the fullest exhibitor presence and the best chance of catching senior sales and licensing staff before travel fatigue sets in. Friday closes at 14:00 and some exhibitors begin packing down, so use Friday only for follow-ups.
Confirm registration is qualified and print the confirmation — Trade-only shows can reject incomplete applications; keep the approval email.
Book flights and a refundable hotel room — Compare the total rate including resort fees; the Monorail reduces taxi dependence.
Build a target exhibitor list and request meetings — Prioritise 12–15 suppliers across apparel, collegiate and tailgate categories.
Download the show app, map the hall and set a budget — Leave 30% of the day unscheduled for discovery and follow-up conversations.
Check badge pickup hours, weather and travel documents — Pick up the badge on Tuesday if you arrive early; keep photo ID with you.
Badge pickup and coffee
South Hall, Upper Level registrationApparel and headwear supplier meetings
South Hall exhibitor aislesCollegiate licensing conversations and lunch
South Hall concession seatingTailgate and collectibles discovery, then follow-up notes
South Hall, Upper LevelHoover Dam
Engineering and Landscape Day Trip
About 45 minutes by car from the Strip
A half-day break with guided tours of the dam and Colorado River viewpoints; book a morning tour if you have a late flight.
Red Rock Canyon
Outdoor and Scenic Drive
About 30–40 minutes by car
A short escape from the convention floor with a scenic loop, short trails and photo stops; go early to avoid the heat and crowds.
Opening-night reception (confirm 2027 venue)
industry reception
The 2026 edition held an opening-night party at Brooklyn Bowl; confirm the 2027 details and ticket cost with the organiser.
South Hall concession concourse
informal meeting area
The best place for a quick coffee between meetings; avoid the 11:30–13:30 peak.
Licensed retail buying cycles move on samples, royalty terms and delivery windows. A fast, specific follow-up separates a serious supplier from the stack of cards collected at the show.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 450–650 / m²
Raw space
USD 320–480 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Indicative Las Vegas trade-show bands, not a quoted SLATS tariff. Confirm space, corner premium, rigging and electrical costs with the sales team.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
booth_shell
exhibitor · standard
USD 4000–6000 / 9 sqm booth
booth_raw
exhibitor · large
USD 12000–25000 / 36 sqm raw space plus build
hotel
both · mid
USD 150–280 / room per night
flight
both · domestic
USD 250–600 / round trip
per_diem
both · standard
USD 60–100 / per person per day
freight
exhibitor · standard
USD 800–2500 / shipment
insurance
exhibitor · standard
USD 150–400 / policy
visa
visitor · B-1
USD 185 / per person
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth_shell | exhibitor | standard | USD 4000–6000 / 9 sqm booth | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| booth_raw | exhibitor | large | USD 12000–25000 / 36 sqm raw space plus build | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | both | mid | USD 150–280 / room per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| flight | both | domestic | USD 250–600 / round trip | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| per_diem | both | standard | USD 60–100 / per person per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| freight | exhibitor | standard | USD 800–2500 / shipment | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| insurance | exhibitor | standard | USD 150–400 / policy | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| visa | visitor | B-1 | USD 185 / per person | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether to visit, exhibit or skip the 2027 show.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
Which best describes your role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have products to source and can commit at least one full day on the floor.
Best for
Retail buyers, merchandisers and campus bookstore teams with a defined sourcing brief
Min. budget
$1,500.00
Timeline
6–10 weeks to register, book travel and set meetings
Risks
Trade qualification may be refused without a clear retail affiliation
Show dates can clash with other buying trips
exhibit
You have a defined range, evidence of rights and the capacity to follow up on US leads.
Best for
Licensors, licensees and manufacturers seeking US retail accounts
Min. budget
$8,000.00
Timeline
3–6 months to plan space, build, freight and meetings
Risks
Booth and freight costs can exceed the initial quote
A poorly targeted booth list produces low-quality leads
skip
The cost and travel outweigh the realistic pipeline, or your product is not yet licence-ready.
Best for
Companies with no US retail or licensing objective in 2027
Timeline
Reassess for the 2028 edition
Risks
Missing relationship-building with existing accounts
Book with
Las Vegas Convention Center / LVCVA
Owns and operates the convention centre and publishes venue access, parking and destination information.
Public venue authority; not a show sponsor.
Harry Reid International Airport
The main commercial airport for Las Vegas, about three miles from the Strip and the convention centre.
Public airport authority; useful for flight planning, not a show partner.
Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce
Regional business body with local market and membership information for companies planning a Las Vegas presence.
Public business body; no partnership with the show was confirmed.
Licensing International
Global licensing industry association providing market research, standards and networking for licensors and licensees.
Industry association; not named as a 2027 show partner.
Recommended providers
U.S. Department of State – Business Visas
Use the official site; avoid third-party visa agents that charge unnecessary fees.
Filter for the total price including resort fees; confirm the cancellation window.
Compare fares to LAS and check baggage and change fees before booking.
Confirm the official SLATS handler and advance warehouse address in the exhibitor service kit before shipping.
Compare general liability and exhibitor property coverage; confirm the venue's limits.
Book Hoover Dam or Red Rock tours with a clear cancellation policy.
Test badge scanning and CRM export before the show; keep a paper backup.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
5 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
5
References
2
Publishers
5
Date checked
Sports Licensing & Tailgate Show
Exponents
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
