Brand Licensing Europe (BLE), Europe’s leading event for licensing and brand extension, which takes place on 24-26 September at ExCeL, London, has confirmed new purpose-led content and initiatives for 2024. The new additions aim to further enhance the visitor experience, support underrepresented communities, and invest in the next generation of licensing talent, as well as help reduce carbon emissions.

Commenting is Ella Haynes, BLE event director. “It’s critical that BLE supports everyone who is involved in, impacted by, or could benefit from being connected with the licensing industry.

“Whether that’s shining a light on the amazing consumer products being developed for and by minority communities, including the Black community and those with accessibility needs, giving underprivileged students access to an exciting and rewarding career pathway, or doing everything we can to improve our sustainability credentials and provide valuable guidance and advice for BLE attendees targeting with cutting emissions.”

Educational Content

Wednesday 25 September:

• 11:00–11:30: Innovating Fashion: The Future of Adaptive Clothing in Licensing with Character.com.
• 16:00–16:45: Mapping a sustainable pathway: How the industry is adapting to new demands with Products of Change.

Thursday 26 September:

• 10:00–10:30: Unlocking careers in licensing: advice and opportunities.
• 11:00–11:30: What makes a sustainable and ethical brand in 2024 with the GOOD Shopping Guide.

 

 

Non-Profit Brands

Attendees will also be able to meet lots of charities and non-profits in the Brands & Lifestyle zone, including first-time exhibitor London Zoo, a ZSL conservation zoo that is theming seating areas that highlight animal welfare, the importance of conservation, and London Zoo’s sustainability programme. Also new for 2024 are the Ashmolean Museum, The British Museum, The Royal Pavilion at Brighton, and The National Gallery. Returning for 2024, meanwhile, are the Royal Horticultural Society, RSPB, V&A, Natural History Museum, English Heritage, Van Gogh Museum and Imperial War Museums

Supporting Communities

Black Lives Matter Licensing will return to exhibit at BLE this year. Following last year’s success, students are also being invited to attend Day 3 to find out more about the licensing industry as a potential career prospect and meet some of the key players at the show. Pronoun badges will be available at registration for everyone who would like to wear them. The BLE Wellness Lounge will also include space to unwind and receive a massage, with money donated to local charities.

Sustainability Initiatives

Products of Change will host a re-sale store at BLE to raise money for industry charity The Light Fund and encourage attendees to buy pre-loved product and reduce waste. Brands can contact nicola@productsofchange.com to donate. Additionally, the BLE event team is aiming for all feature areas to be rated Gold as part of the Informa Better Stands initiative.

This year’s lanyards are made of rPet (recycled plastic) and can be taken home or returned to be reused. Attendees will also notice more digital and less printed signage, refillable water stations in the ExCeL boulevard, and sustainable food and beverage packaging used in the ExCel cafés and bars. Finally, The Rewind carpet range at BLE 2024 is a zero-to-landfill alternative, taking 55% fewer carbon emissions to make and is manufactured completely latex-free. Rewind is also recycled into a high-grade mono-recyclate, which allows for easier recycling.

Registration for Brand Licensing Europe is free and available here.