A visually beautiful showcase

Brand Licensing Europe 2015 took place from October 13 to 15 at London’s Olympia, and was officially the biggest yet in the show’s 17 year history.

With 300 companies, including 90 new ones, and more than 2,500 characters, images and brands on display, there were more exhibitors to meet than ever before.

This year’s Retail Mentoring Programme was the biggest yet since its launch six years ago. It included over 35 individual buyers from 12 major UK retailers.

The free education programme was also the largest to date. A record 25 sessions, running between the Licensing Academy and the Brands & Lifestyle Theatre, covered everything from anti-counterfeiting to retail trends and food and beverage licensing.

As ever, the keynote sessions were extremely popular. On the first day, the focus was on the growing phenomenon of YouTube celebrities and their impact on licensing with a session from Blogilates founder Cassey Ho. Visitors said it was useful to hear how entrepreneurs are building brands on social media and how licensing deals are often led by the fans.

The second keynote, from Moomin Characters’ Sophia Jansson, was also well received. Ms Jansson took visitors on the brand’s 70 year journey from inception to its current footing in the market where it now has more than 600 licensees.

BLE is a visually beautiful showcase for the industry – featuring possibly some of the most impressive stands seen at any exhibition. The growth of the show and the national press interest this year demonstrates the strength and dynamism of the industry.

Next year’s show will take place from October 11 to 13 at London’s Olympia.