Let’s party like we did in 1999: BLE celebrates 25 years – and you’re invited!
Picture this. A string quartet playing modern pop songs, mind-boggling magician, sumptuous birthday cake, fizz aplenty, party props and selfie opps with Mable, the brand new and already beloved BLE mascot who debuted at this week’s Licensing Awards. Yes, you’ve got it – Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) is hosting a 25th birthday bash to remember and everyone is invited.
Hosted in partnership with Licensing International and sponsored by The Insights Family, the BLE party to end all parties will take place from 1700-1900 on Tuesday 24 September across two of the showfloor bars: The BLE Birthday Bar and BLE x One Piece Bar 2024. Coincidentally, One Piece is also celebrating 25 years in the business!
Brand Licensing Europe is Europe’s leading event for licensing and brand extension and takes place in just TWO weeks at ExCeL, London. Over 3,500 meetings have already been arranged between retailers, manufacturers and brands and visitors are urged to register now, access the online Event Planner and start organising their visit. It’s free to register here.
“This is a big year for BLE, and what better way to celebrate than on the showfloor with the entire European licensing community around us and the people, businesses and brands who have driven – and continue to drive – this amazing, exciting, non-stop industry forward year on year,” said BLE event director Ella Haynes.
“So, if you’re at BLE this year, please join us to raise a glass as we toast our success over the last 25 years and, more importantly, the continued success of our industry. Expect fun speeches (we promise they’ll be short!), musical performers and to be entertained ‘as if by magic’. Whether you join us to network, celebrate or simply enjoy the atmosphere, this is an evening you won’t want to miss. Come for the fun, stay for the connections, and leave with memories of a spectacular birthday bash!”
Licensing International president Maura Regan: “Twenty-five years is truly a remarkable achievement! Licensing International has been a partner of BLE since its very beginning, and we are thrilled to be part of the celebrations for this milestone anniversary. Throughout every phase of the show’s evolution, BLE has remained innovative, relevant, and beneficial not just to our members, but to the entire licensing industry. We’re excited to see everyone at the party as we commemorate this significant milestone and recognize the growth of the licensing industry over the past 25 years.”
Ryuji Kochi, President of Toei Animation Europe, added: “Toei Animation is celebrating this year the 25th anniversary of animated series One Piece. In the EMEA region we have got a full plan of activities with dedicated events and out of home campaigns, pop-up stores, shopping mall tour in France or participation to several pop-culture conventions such as Lucca Comics & Games in Italy, Manga Barcelona in Spain. The world tour of the One Piece Music Symphony is also pursuing its journey all around Europe. All our partners, licensees or broadcasters and platforms also contribute to this 25th celebration while highlighting the title or bringing new collections.
“One Piece has seduced an audience for 25 years and we are very thankful to the loyalty of the fans and of our B2B partners. We aim to continue to create with our partners more new products and new experiences. Brand Licensing Europe this year was the proper event to celebrate One Piece anniversary of the series while enhancing its presence at the show. We are very pleased to celebrate simultaneously this 25th milestone, there is no better cooperation!”
Nick Richardson, founder, The Insights Family: “In 2017, I attended Brand Licensing Europe during the early stages of The Insights Family’s journey. Seven years later, we are not only operating across 22 countries but also collaborating with the majority of the incredible brands exhibiting, hosting a session on Day 1 at the theatre where we will share our unique insights on how shifting preferences and behaviours will shape the future of the industry, and announcing an exciting new product category at this year’s event. These are just a few of the reasons why we’ve chosen to sponsor this year’s welcome drinks and celebrate the 25th anniversary of Brand Licensing Europe.
“Our mission remains to become the critical business partner for organisations operating in licensing and beyond, and we warmly invite any delegates and exhibitors who have not yet had the opportunity to work with us to join us for a drink at the welcome reception or visit our stand (D218) to discover how our data, research, and insights can transform business performance.”
The Insights Family’s VP Research Solutions Adam Woodgate will present Futureproof your brand: Gaming’s role in shaping tomorrow’s IP landscape at BLE on Tuesday, 24th September at 1515-1545 in the License Global Theatre.
Brand Licensing Europe is Europe’s leading event for licensing and brand extension and takes place in just TWO weeks at ExCeL, London. Over 3,500 meetings have already been arranged between retailers, manufacturers and brands and visitors are urged to register now, access the online Event Planner and start organising their visit. It’s free to register here.
