Latest news with #LicensingExpo
Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Licensing Expo Unites Global Leaders as Industry Surges with $13 Billion Annual Growth
Licensing Expo addressed tariffs, category diversification, uncovered new IP and brought together global decision makers. LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESS Newswire / May 22, 2025 / Licensing Expo, the leading event dedicated to licensing, IP extension and brand collaborations, organized by Informa Markets' Global Licensing Group and sponsored by Licensing International, gathered over 12,000 registered professionals, including leading retailers, licensees and manufacturers to connect with brand owners and agents to discuss new deals driving licensed consumer products and brand collaborations of the next two to five years. Recently announced in the Licensing International 2025 Global Licensing Industry Study, worldwide sales of licensed products and services totaled $369.6 billion plus last year, up from $356.5 billion in 2023. With a record of over 10,000 accepted meeting invites, developing purposeful relationships remains the core focus of Licensing Expo. Hosting 381 exhibiting companies, with 142 new to show exhibitors like Calm, emoji, FC Barcelona, Roblox and UFC, more than 5,000 established and upcoming brands were represented from entertainment, sports, fashion, food and beverage, toys and art and design. Brand owners, licensing agents, licensees and service providers powering the biggest names like Airstream, Coca-Cola, Crayola, Nintendo, NASCAR and LEGO as well as major studios Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, Disney, Hasbro, NBCUniversal, Mattel and Netflix, connected to negotiate, earn and plan new IP partnership deals throughout the showcase including two days of media upfronts and three days of exhibition. Celebrity guest appearances ranged from Mike Tyson, Vanessa Hudgens, Young Dirty Bastard (YDB) and Lil Mr. E of Foo's Gone Wild. International attendees represented nearly 30% of the expo audience with global buyers keen to gain first access to new releases unveiled at the industry's global meeting place. Exhibitors spanned 30 countries, with emerging opportunities across South Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and Latin American markets. Increased major retailer presence from companies such as Amazon, Dick's Sporting Goods, H&M, Inditex, Miniso, Pop Mart, Primark, Target and Walmart were among 2,000 e-commerce, specialty shops and big box stores, reaching sought-after brands to add to store shelves in the coming seasons. A riveting panel addressed top-of-mind concerns and challenges on navigating the global tariff environment with actionable insights reviewing strategies from legal solutions and implementing specific protective clauses as well as balanced approaches to shipping and warehousing considerations. Experts Steven Heller (The Brand Liaison), Jed Ferdinand (Meister Seelig & Fein), Sam Hafif (Concept One Accessories) and Jay Foreman (Basic Fun!) commented on the importance of face-to-face connection at Licensing Expo to negotiate key deals, stay on top of fast changing decision needs and maintain bottom line. 'You could feel the momentum fueling the next generation of licensing across the show floor. The record number of meetings, new to show innovative concepts looking to break into the market, unique emerging category opportunities, showcases from global leaders across all major production studio houses, as well as the presence of name-brand goliaths known all around by devoted fans, proves the resilience of the licensing community,' says Anna Clarke, Senior Vice President of the Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets. 'The message was clear that as we navigate the future of the supply chain together, the value of connecting in person at the industry's most important deal-making event is irreplaceable, fostering quality connections with game-changing business outcomes.' 'The licensing landscape in 2025 is evolving with remarkable agility in response to both economic pressures and changing consumer behaviors. At Licensing Expo, we observed how brands are strategically navigating tariff challenges while simultaneously capitalizing on the resurgence of nostalgic brand revivals that continue to resonate deeply with fans. Significant growth in food and beverage licensing marks a fresh powerhouse sector in interesting cross collaborations while wellness category opportunities are emerging from trend to essential consumer priority. Necessity, emotional connection and customer experience will be core decision motivators both for purchasers and manufacturers. Licensors and licensees are collaborating to create authentic engagements that transcend traditional product boundaries proving once again that our industry thrives on creativity even amid market complexities,' notes Amanda Cioletti, VP of Content and Strategy at the Global Licensing Group. Announcements from top brands included TV family favorite, Hasbro's Peppa Pig, welcoming the addition of baby sister, Evie, to its character roster; Monster Jam's new Grave Digger Stars & Stripe monster truck reveal; Disney's plans for the production of Toy Story 5, as the franchise celebrates its 30th anniversary, as well as Roblox's first-ever off-platform retail link, the Approved Merchandiser Program (AMP), for official purchases to avatar items and accessories; and finally The Skibidi Toilet movie announcing famed Michael Bay to direct. Location-Based Entertainment, another growing category segment for licensing, also celebrated the launch of Universal's Epic Universe, opening to the public this week. The licensing industry remains incredibly resilient and innovative, constantly finding new ways to connect beloved brands with consumers across increasingly diverse touchpoints through the upcoming transformative frontier for brand extension. From inception to proof of concept, manufacturing to retail, and expansion to cross-category proliferation, Licensing Expo remains the premier destination to negotiate the biggest and best brand deals in-person and build a lifelong network of industry resources and experts to deliver the products consumers know and love around the world today. Licensing Expo returns May 19-21, 2026, at Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Brand Licensing Europe will convene at Excel London, UK, October 7-9, 2025. To stay updated on events from Global Licensing Group, please visit Follow the latest and most up-to-date news from the top authority voice in the licensing industry, online at About Licensing Expo Launched in 1980, Licensing Expo is the world's largest and most influential annual tradeshow dedicated to licensing and brand extension. Every year, more than 5,000 brands and 16,000 retailers, licensees, manufacturers, distributors, and licensing agents attend Licensing Expo from more than 70 countries. Licensing Expo is a part of the Global Licensing Group at Informa Markets, the licensing industry's leading tradeshow organizer and media partner. Its mission is to provide licensing opportunities around the world by bringing brands and products together. Connect with Licensing Expo and join the conversation on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram. About Licensing International Licensing International is the leading trade organization for the $369+ billion global licensing industry. Licensing International's mission is to foster the growth and expansion of licensing around the world, raise the level of professionalism for licensing practitioners, and create greater awareness of the benefits of licensing to the business community at large. Founded in 1985, Licensing International members in over 40 countries enjoy access to an array of benefits, including extensive educational programming and worldwide networking events. Visit for more information and to utilize licensing's definitive online resource. Media Contact Global Licensing Group PR [email protected] SOURCE: INFORMA MARKETS - GLOBAL LICENSING GROUP press release
Geek Tyrant
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Conan O'Brien Joins the Cast of TOY STORY 5 — GeekTyrant
Comedian and host Conan O'Brien is set to take on the new role of Smarty Pants in Toy Story 5 , Disney and Pixar announced on Monday, during the Consumer Products section of Disney's Licensing Expo presentation. O'Brien appeared in a video Instagram message celebrating the news, saying, 'Isn't that crazy? Legendary franchise. These films are amazing. I can't believe this!' Admittedly, O'Brien said, he asked initially for the role of Woody and was told it was promised to Tom Hanks. 'And I was like, 'Uh, you kinda been there and done that. You know? You'e in a bit of a rut, don't you think?' And they said, 'No, Tom Hanks, it's his role,'' Conan shared. He joked that he then went after the role of Buzz Lightyear, only to be told he lost it to Tim Allen. 'And I went, 'Guys, you gotta think outside the box,'' O'Brien deadpanned. 'But anyway, then they showed me this new character, Smarty Pants. It's the best character of them all. I far prefer this character. I don't even wanna play Woody or Buzz anymore, even if they beg me. I'm Smarty Pants; I love this!' No further details on O'Brien's character were provided. In the new film, slated for release on June 19, 2026, it's Toy meets Tech when Buzz, Woody, Jessie and the rest of the gang's jobs are challenged after being introduced to what kids are obsessed with today—electronics! The film hails from writer-director Andrew Stanton, the two-time Oscar winner behind WALL-E and Finding Nemo . McKenna Harris is co-directing, with Jessica Choi producing and Pete Docter exec producing. Others newcomers to feature in the voice cast, as previously announced, include Ernie Hudson, who takes over the late Carl Weathers's role of action figure Combat Carl, and Anna Faris in an undisclosed part. Joan Cusack is expected to be among the other returning cast members, reprising her role as Jessie. via: Deadline
AsiaOne
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Conan O'Brien cast in Toy Story 5, Entertainment News
Conan O'Brien has been cast in Toy Story 5. The 62-year-old comedian and former late night talk show host is joining the next instalment in the beloved Disney and Pixar franchise as a new character called Smarty Pants. The casting was announced during Disney's Licensing Expo presentation, while Conan himself has confirmed the news on Instagram. He said in the social media clip: "I've got big news. I'm going to be in Toy Story 5. Isn't that crazy? Legendary franchise! "These films are amazing. I can't believe this!" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Team Coco (@teamcoco) Conan — who has previously worked on The Simpsons and Saturday Night Live in the past — joked he initially wanted the role of Woody before being told bosses had promised it to Tom Hanks, who has voiced the cowboy toy since the first film in 1995. He quipped: "And I was like, 'Uh, you kinda been there and done that. You know? You're in a bit of a rut, don't you think?' "And they said, 'No, Tom Hanks, it's his role.' " He joked that he then moved onto the idea of playing Buzz Lightyear, only to miss out to the returning Tim Allen. He teased: "And I went, 'Guys, you gotta think outside the box'. "But anyway, then they showed me this new character, Smarty Pants. It's the best character of them all. "I far prefer this character. I don't even wanna play Woody or Buzz anymore, even if they beg me. I'm Smarty Pants; I love this!" Allen recently hinted that the plot will see Buzz trying to get his love interest Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack) out of "big trouble". During an appearance on Good Morning America, he said: "I've already begun, I'm in the third act now. It's remarkable what they've done … with Pixar they didn't say I couldn't say anything but … I wish I could. "There's a lot of real intrigue with Buzz. Jessie's got a big trouble, she needs help, so it's a really cool thing." Toy Story 5 is expected to follow the gang as they are forced to compete against technology for their child's playtime. Previously, Allen said there was a "brilliant script" and insisted the upcoming sequel was not "about the money". Speaking to Collider towards the end of last year, he shared: "It's a very, very clever story. Do you wanna do five of these [films]? "I don't really believe it's about the money. I'm sure they want it to be a success, but that's not why they did it. "Had they not come up with a brilliant script, they wouldn't have done it and they wouldn't have called me and Tom. It's really clever." [[nid:717105]]
Perth Now
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Conan O'Brien cast in Toy Story 5
Conan O'Brien has been cast in 'Toy Story 5'. The 62-year-old comedian and former late night talk show host is joining the next instalment in the beloved Disney and Pixar franchise as a new character called Smarty Pants. The casting was announced during Disney's Licensing Expo presentation, while Conan himself has confirmed the news on Instagram. He said in the social media clip: "I've got big news. I'm going to be in 'Toy Story 5'. Isn't that crazy? Legendary franchise! "These films are amazing. I can't believe this!" Conan - who has previously worked on 'The Simpsons' and 'Saturday Night Live' in the past - joked he initially wanted the role of Woody before being told bosses had promised it to Tom Hanks, who has voiced the cowboy toy since the first film in 1995. He quipped: "And I was like, 'Uh, you kinda been there and done that. You know? You're in a bit of a rut, don't you think?' "And they said, 'No, Tom Hanks, it's his role.' " He joked that he then moved onto the idea of playing Buzz Lightyear, only to miss out to the returning Tim Allen. He teased: "And I went, 'Guys, you gotta think outside the box'. 'But anyway, then they showed me this new character, Smarty Pants. It's the best character of them all. "I far prefer this character. I don't even wanna play Woody or Buzz anymore, even if they beg me. I'm Smarty Pants; I love this!' Allen recently hinted that the plot will see Buzz trying to get his love interest Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack) out of "big trouble". During an appearance on 'Good Morning America', he said: "I've already begun, I'm in the third act now. It's remarkable what they've done … with Pixar they didn't say I couldn't say anything but … I wish I could. "There's a lot of real intrigue with Buzz. Jessie's got a big trouble, she needs help, so it's a really cool thing." 'Toy Story 5' is expected to follow the gang as they are forced to compete against technology for their child's playtime. Previously, Allen said there was a "brilliant script" and insisted the upcoming sequel was not "about the money". Speaking to Collider towards the end of last year, he shared: "It's a very, very clever story. Do you wanna do five of these [films]? "I don't really believe it's about the money. I'm sure they want it to be a success, but that's not why they did it. "Had they not come up with a brilliant script, they wouldn't have done it and they wouldn't have called me and Tom. It's really clever."
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
InventHelp®'s VIBE to Exhibit at Licensing Expo 2025
PITTSBURGH, May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- InventHelp's Virtual Invention Browsing Experience, VIBE, will be exhibiting at Licensing Expo 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Licensing Expo is the world's largest licensing trade show. The show will once again open its doors to attendees May 20-22, 2025, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Companies registered to exhibit this year include Mattel, Paramount, Minecraft, Coca-Cola, and more. Among these exhibitors, InventHelp® will once again present VIBE, a confidential technology platform allowing qualified companies to review InventHelp® client invention ideas. VIBE features InventHelp client ideas with large 3D display touchscreen renderings and detailed descriptions that brand owners, product developers, licensees, merchandisers and other qualified companies can view in private viewing stations. Enter VIBE at booth S226 as a qualified attendee for a chance to win a KitchenAid stand mixer along with a set of three MixAid silicone inserts for your stand mixer bowl. "Future of Retail", this year's keynote speaking event, will feature a panel of retail representatives from companies including Walmart and Primark. The show floor is open to attendees starting Tuesday May 20th at 9 am. Media Contact: Maria Jonesmjones@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE InventHelp Sign in to access your portfolio
