Licensing Expo takes place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center: South & North.  

The main exhibit hall containing exhibitors, activations, immersive brand experiences and educational sessions can be found on the Casino level of the South Convention Center. You can also find additional meetings spaces, showcases and events on the second floor of the South Convention Center and in the North Convention Center.

Visitors and exhibitors can benefit from discounted travel through our partnerships with multiple airlines. See here for full details on discounts here

To learn more about parking locations and rates, please visit: Parking at MGM Resorts.

The venue is fully accessible and any specific access requests would be welcomed via [email protected]. 

Wheelchairs can be rented via the Mandalay Bell Desk at (702) 632-7106. For scooter rentals, please call Desert Mobility for availability and pricing at (866) 711-9171 or visit Dmelv.com.

Yes, please see below for details:

COAT/LUGGAGE CHECK 

This is located near the FEDEX in the Bayside Lobby - $5 per item 

• Monday, May 18 - 8am-4pm 

• Tuesday, May 19 - 8am-6pm

• Wednesday, May 20 - 8am-6pm

• Thursday, May 21 - 8am-4pm

Showcases are invitation only, and invite lists are managed entirely by the entertainment studios. Anonymous showcase timetables will be made available on the website, but only for the purposes of your schedule. To know which studio is producing each showcase, or if you believe you should be invited to one, please contact the studios directly.

Press accreditation is granted on an approval basis. Media representatives seeking press credentials should complete the standard registration process, ensuring "press" is selected as the company type during registration. Applicants will receive notification regarding the status of their press accreditation request following review.

For questions about releases and announcements, contact [email protected].

While onsite registration is available, we strongly advise that you register and pay in advance avoid any entry delays and secure the best pricing. By registering in advance, you'll benefit from early-bird rates and promotional discounts that may not be available at the door, ensuring you get the most value for your investment. Additionally, registering before the event allows us to better prepare for your attendance and make necessary arrangements.

We highly recommend completing the registration process beforehand by visiting our website or following the provided link, HERE. Should you have any issues or questions during the registration process, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Each person must register individually using the online registration - share the link with them to register directly. 

Please note that you must have consent from them before sharing their personal contact details.

Unfortunately, our current registration system does not support group registration functionality. Each attendee must complete their registration individually through our online registration platform.

Payment is by credit card only, and all major credit cards are accepted. Once registered, you will receive a tax receipt via your confirmation email. If you encounter issues with payment, contact [email protected] who can assist you further

We would like to use this information (anonymously) to ensure future iterations of the show better cater for the needs of our attendees. Consumer research has identified differing event needs based on generational preferences, and we want to ensure that future show developments are based on the specific profile of Licensing Expo current and future attendees.

All Retail Pass applications must be verified according to Licensing Expo’s qualification criteria. To apply, simply fill out the registration form, making sure you label your business as ‘Retail.’ If approved, you will receive an email confirming your Retail Pass. If not approved, you will receive an email with instructions on how to buy a Standard Pass. 

Retail Qualification Rules:

• You must work for an established retail business selling licensed products direct to consumer. Your role should be focused on licensing in third party IP. If you are attending the show to license out your brand, please register for a Standard Pass.

• Businesses which supply retailers do not qualify. Marketplaces and small businesses selling on marketplaces do not qualify. A previous retail pass does not guarantee approval in 2026.

• Please note that our Pass types and criteria have been developed in line with exhibitor feedback and will facilitate the most productive time at the show for all.

The Standard Pass includes:

• Full show floor access to 300+ exhibitors

• 20 exhibitor meeting requests

• Access to all essential education sessions at our theaters 

Full information can be found here

The Standard Pass is perfect for manufacturers/licensees, licensing agents, brand owners/licensors/IP owners, and distributors/wholesalers looking to navigate the world's largest licensing marketplace.

Standard Pass holders can enhance their experience with these upgrades:

• Licensing Expo Opening Night Party ticket

• Explorer Pass Upgrade

• Networking Pass Upgrade 

Full information can be found here

The Explorer Pass is specifically designed for newcomers and includes everything in the Standard Pass plus:

• Licensing Unlocked educational platform (worth $249)

• 50 exhibitor meeting requests (2.5x more than Standard)

• Exclusive newcomer-focused content and guidance 

Full information can be found here

Licensing Unlocked offers simple, actionable training delivered by some of the brightest minds in brand licensing industry, taking those new to licensing to feeling confident in taking the next steps in their licensing strategy

• The online training platform contains 

• 8 learning modules covering; finance and legal, to creative and partnership evaluation 

• 17 Downloadable templates, reports and resources, including Licensing International’s Annual Industry report  

• Ask the expert functionality – Send your questions directly to veterans 

• Licensing International Certification 
  Find out more here

After purchasing the explorer pass, you will be sent your access details within 5 business days. You will receive instructions on how to create your LU account, and your unique access code. If you have any questions, please contact: [email protected] 

Explorer Pass holders can add these enhancements:

• Licensing Expo Opening Night Party ticket

• Networking Pass Upgrade - The pinnacle of what Licensing Expo has to offer with 100 meeting requests to use with exhibitors, 25 meeting requests to use with attendees, Matchmaking Lounge access, entry to the Opening Night Party & priority booking

The Networking Pass offers premium networking features:

• 100 exhibitor meeting requests

• 25 visitor meeting requests with fellow visitors via the Event Planner (excludes retail)

• Priority access to the Event Planner (start booking meetings two weeks ahead of other attendees)

• Access to the Matchmaking Lounge for hosting appointments arranged through the Event Planner 

• Access to Licensing Expo's Opening Night Party

• All Standard and Explorer Pass benefits

Full information can be found here.

Yes, most upgrade options can be purchased after your initial registration. To do this, you will need the registration key from the registration confirmation email you received when you got your initial ticket. Follow this link and put in the registration to add any of the upgrades.

If you need help upgrading your pass, please contact Customer Service at [email protected]

Once you have selected your admission ticket, you will then be able to add the Opening Night Party ticket to your basket. You must select the admission ticket before selecting the Opening Night Party ticket. 

Please note that we cannot offer refunds.

Admission is free of charge to all participating exhibitors, and their staff and contractors.  

Exhibitors must register using only their company specific exhibitor registration link to prevent paying an admission fee. This will have been emailed to the main contact in charge of your booth operations. If you need to access the link, please contact [email protected].

All passes are non-refundable and non-transferable.

There will be several bars, cafes, and hot food stations in the main exhibit hall. 

If you are looking further afield, there are plenty of food & beverage options all around the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, ranging from freshly baked pastries at STRIPSTEAK Steakhouse. Find out more on Mandalay Bay’s website here.

There is free Wi-Fi throughout the Mandalay Bay Convention Centre and MGM Resorts. 

The event will have 'You are Here' boards, digital wayfinding, and directional signage throughout. For all the show information, exhibitor list and floor plan, make sure to pick up your copy of the official License Global Show Dailies at the show entrances.

Once registered, you will be sent login details via the email address: [email protected]. 

You can browse the complete exhibitor list, the brand & IP directory, and send and receive meeting requests. Access depends on your attendance type – see Licensing Expo admission policy. Find out more about how to navigate the platform here.

Meeting credits/requests are your way to send meeting invites to exhibitors and other visitors with our Event Planner (visitors only available with Networking + upgrade). 

You are limited on the number of meeting requests you can have pending by your credits.

Once your meeting is confirmed or rejected you credit will be topped up.

You can also recall pending invites to have the credit returned 
If meeting is rejected you will also get the credit returned. 

Invites you receive from other visitors or exhibitors does not impact your own number of credits

We will communicate all networking opportunities closer to the show - look out for our emails or visit the ‘What’s On’ page on the website 

All keynotes, education, and networking sessions that take place at the License Global Main Stage and The Networking Hub are free of charge to attend and seats are based on a first come, first served basis.