Licensing International Expo - Relocation

Relocation

In early 2008, after nearly thirty years of holding Licensing International Expo in New York City, the show's owners, partners and sponsors announced that Licensing International Expo 2009 would be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

I am overwhelmed by the positive feedback that I have received from the industry about the move. Our customers, as evidenced by their support, are really excited about the many opportunities that Las Vegas affords us to grow the event, and our new home at Mandalay Bay Convention Center will enable us to expand our show floor in terms of exhibit space, categories represented and the number of educational and entertainment options. — Georgiann DeCenzo, Executive Vice President, Advanstar Communications, Inc. The Association is eager to embark on this new chapter in the history of the show and the licensing industry. The expansive, first-class facilities at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center offer a tremendous opportunity for growth. Services for exhibitors will reflect significant cost savings compared with past years, and the opportunities and excitement of Las Vegas will attract a new and more diverse attendee and exhibitor base to create a much more valuable show experience for everyone. — Charles Riotto, President, International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association

Advanstar Communications launched a print and online promotional campaign ("What's Next?") in August 2008. It presented the move as the initiation of a larger facility in a favorable economic environment, which would attract a greater number of exhibitors and attendees with the prospect of more potential licensing deals and lower expenses — thus, a strategic decision consistent with the principles of both Licensing International Expo and the licensing industry itself.