Licensing Expo 2026 — Complete Attendee Guide
Licensing Expo is the world's largest and most influential brand licensing event, bringing over 16,000 brand owners, licensees, manufacturers, and retailers to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. From entertainment and character licensing to fashion, sports, art, and corporate brands, Licensing Expo is where billion-dollar brand partnerships are launched. Whether you are looking to acquire a license, showcase your brand, or explore new categories, this guide covers everything you need for a successful show and a great time in Las Vegas.
Quick Info
In This Guide
Registration
Licensing Expo Badge Pickup — Location & Hours
Badge pickup and registration is located at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center Bayside registration area. Pre-registered attendees can use express kiosks with their confirmation QR code. Registration opens the Monday before the show. Pick up your badge early to skip the Tuesday morning rush.
Schedule
Licensing Expo Show Floor Hours
License Global Live sessions and keynotes may begin earlier in the morning. The Opening Night Party is a major networking event — check your registration for details. Thursday closes earlier than the other days.
Transportation
How to Get to Licensing Expo
Parking
Use the Mandalay Bay parking garage. Self-parking is available on a first-come basis. During major shows, arrive early as the garage fills by mid-morning.
Public Transit / Monorail
A free tram connects Mandalay Bay to Luxor and Excalibur. From Excalibur you can walk to the MGM Grand monorail station for service up the Strip. The tram runs every 3–7 minutes.
Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
Uber and Lyft have a designated area at the Mandalay Bay main entrance on Las Vegas Blvd.
Walking from the Strip
Mandalay Bay sits at the south end of the Strip. It is a 20–25 minute walk to central Strip hotels. The free tram to Luxor and Excalibur helps, and from there you can connect to the monorail.
Food & Drink
Where to Eat During Licensing Expo
- Mandalay Bay restaurants — Aureole, Border Grill, Rivea, Citizens Kitchen
- Delano Las Vegas — connected to Mandalay Bay with Della's Kitchen and Skyfall Lounge
- Luxor restaurants — 5-minute walk via the free tram
- Excalibur food court — budget-friendly, accessible via free tram
Insider Tips
Licensing Expo Tips for First-Timers
- Licensing Expo is a meeting-driven show. Schedule appointments with brand owners and licensees in advance through the Licensing Expo matchmaking platform. Walking in cold is far less effective.
- The show floor is organized by category — entertainment, characters, fashion, sports, art, corporate brands. Map out your target categories and plan your route.
- Bring your product samples, pitch decks, and business cards. Licensing Expo is where deals are initiated — come prepared to present your capabilities.
- The Opening Night Party is one of the best networking events of the week. Attend and bring your business cards — the atmosphere is more relaxed and conversations flow more naturally.
- Wear business professional on Day 1 and business casual the rest of the show. First impressions matter in brand licensing.
- The License Global Live stage features brand presentations and trend insights. Attend at least one session to stay current on industry direction.
After the Show
Licensing Expo After Dark — Nightlife & After Parties
The brand licensing community is creative, deal-driven, and social. Licensing Expo evenings feature brand dinners, studio receptions, and networking events throughout the Strip. After the official events wind down, Las Vegas offers everything from world-class nightlife to premium dining — and the Mandalay Bay location gives you easy access to it all.
Hakkasan
Nightclub
At MGM Grand, one free tram stop from Mandalay Bay. Five floors of nightlife worthy of the entertainment licensing crowd.
OMNIA Nightclub
Nightclub
At Caesars Palace. The production and VIP experience deliver the kind of spectacle the licensing industry creates.
Drai's Nightclub
Nightclub / Rooftop
Rooftop setting with live performances. June nights on the rooftop are perfect for the entertainment crowd.
Crazy Horse III
Gentlemen's Club
Free limo from your hotel and no cover through our guest list. Modern, upscale venue popular with convention groups.
Licensing Expo — FAQ
Where is Licensing Expo 2026?
Licensing Expo 2026 is held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119.
What are the Licensing Expo 2026 dates?
Licensing Expo 2026 runs Tuesday, June 9 through Thursday, June 11, 2026.
Is Licensing Expo free to attend?
Yes. Registration is free for qualified brand licensing professionals who register in advance. On-site registration may have a fee.
Where do I pick up my Licensing Expo badge?
Badge pickup is at the Mandalay Bay Bayside registration area. Express kiosks are available for pre-registered attendees. Registration opens Monday before the show.
What should I wear to Licensing Expo?
Business professional for the first day, business casual thereafter. Brand licensing is a relationship business — presentation matters.
How do I schedule meetings at Licensing Expo?
Use the Licensing Expo matchmaking platform to schedule meetings with brands, licensees, and retailers in advance. Walk-in meetings are possible but much less efficient.
How do I get from Mandalay Bay to the Strip?
A free tram connects Mandalay Bay to Luxor and Excalibur. From there you can walk or connect to the monorail at MGM Grand. Rideshare is also readily available.
What is there to do after Licensing Expo?
Las Vegas nightlife is right outside the door. From nightclubs to fine dining to shows, the Strip delivers. Sign up for a free guest list to skip cover charges.
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Get On The List
Free nightclub entry + complimentary limo from your hotel during Licensing Expo