• BLE on track to break records with additional footprint and confirmed exhibitors 16% up year on year 
• 6-8 October 2026, Excel London – register at www.brandlicensing.eu 

3 June 2026  

Visitor registration is now open for Brand Licensing Europe (BLE). Off the back of a record-breaking Licensing Expo in May reflecting a truly buoyant and optimistic global licensing industry, 2026 is expected to be BLE’s biggest ever. Double digit, year on year growth among exhibitor numbers is a clear nod to the industry’s confidence and growing appetite to meet face to face.  

The only pan-European annual event dedicated to licensing and brand extension, BLE (in partnership with industry association Licensing International) takes place 6-8 October 2026 at Excel London. Registration is free before 5 October for anyone working in the global licensing industry. 

“With four months still to go and coming hot on the heels of a record breaking BLE in 2025, which attracted over 11,000 attendees and an 8 per cent uplift in visitors from France, Italy, Germany and Spain, 2026 has started strong to say the least,” said Ella Haynes, BLE event director.  

“This growth is more than just numbers - it represents the diversity, innovation and newness entering the licensing industry. With 222 exhibitors already confirmed, including first-time participants like Tate Modern, ATP Tour, Navigare and Del Monte Europe, BLE 2026 will showcase a broader range of sectors, territories and creative opportunities. Our museum and heritage space will be even bigger. Sport continues to grow in a big way. And an influx of fashion IP is reaffirming the sector’s strength and potential. BLE attendees can expect to discover fresh ideas, forge new partnerships and explore untapped markets.” 

New brands at BLE 2026 include: 

• Heritage: Tate Modern, National Trust for Scotland, Rene Magritte  
• Sports: ATP Tour, 
• Food & Bev: Del Monte Europe 
• Toys (Spain): Market Plush 
• Manufacturers: Polyflame Europe (France) and Red Robin Design (Belgium)  
• Returning exhibitors include Hasbro, SEGA, Smiley, Sanrio, Games Workshop, IMG, LEGO, Paramount, Mattel, Netflix, Natural History Museum, UEFA, Van Gogh Museum, Pokémon, Warner Bros. Discovery, Manchester City FC, Moulin Rouge, Gallimard Jeunesse, Crunchyroll, Les Editions Albert Rene and many more.  

“BLE 2026 is set to be the biggest edition yet building on last year’s record-breaking momentum and reinforcing its position as the ultimate meeting hub for the European licensing community to grab the opportunities offered by this $389.8 billion* global powerhouse of an industry with both hands,” added Ella Haynes.  

“Visitors who register early are unlocking the best ROI by using the event’s powerful planning and education tools to maximise their experience and readiness. Early registration ensures attendees are notified when the Event Planner goes live, allowing them to research brands, schedule meetings and curate their agendas well in advance. With BLE 2026 set to be the biggest and busiest edition yet, preparation is key.” 

In 2025, BLE welcomed over 11,000 visitors from across Europe including over 1,100 retailers including Zara, Carrefour, El Corte Ingles, Tesco, Dunelm, Abercrombie & Fitch, Simba Toys, Path Entertainment, H&M, Flying Tiger Copenhagen and many more.  

Visitors can now register for their pass at https://www.brandlicensing.eu/?utm_source=press-release&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=nam26ble-ml-pr