Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Brand Licensing Europe 2024 on 24-26 September was the event’s biggest ever show, breaking previous record levels of attendee and retailer visitor numbers.

Attracting 10,847 attendees from 172 different countries, the show had record retail visitors of 1,417 – up 46% on 2019 and 22% on 2023. It was also up 5% in exhibitors, totalling 242, including more than 60 new exhibiting companies.

Anna Knight, SVP Licensing, Informa Markets, says: “What a fitting way to celebrate BLE’s 25th anniversary by breaking all previous records held by the show. It is a testament to the hard work, commitment and passion of an amazing team who really care about delivering the very best event for this industry.

“On behalf of them and me, thank you again to everyone in the European licensing industry who supports us year after year – attendees, exhibitors, partners, retailers, media and more. It means everything.”

Also commenting is BLE’s head of retail, Laura Freedman-Dagg.

“Retail attendance at BLE has grown once again to record levels and we’re delighted with the category and geographical representation of buyers coming to the show this year. We’ve had fantastic feedback from retailers on the brands they’ve been able to meet through pre-booked meetings – which also reached record-breaking levels – and ‘shopping the show floor’ for product inspiration and unexpected new connections.

“We work hard to bring new retailers to the show each year and there’s nothing more gratifying than seeing them walking the show and engaging with our exhibitors who, once again, have really brought their A-game.”

Prior to the show, BLE organisers celebrated the 25th anniversary with a birthday party and photocall with many licensing professionals who attended the first event in 1999 and still attend today. Branding Licensing Europe will return on 7-9 October 2025 at ExCeL London. For further information, please click here.