The Global Licensing Group, the licensing industry's leading tradeshow organizer and media partner, has announced Licensing Expo China, taking place July 24 - 26, 2019 at Shanghai's National Exhibition and Convention Center, will host a new series of interactive activities encouraging attendees and brands to forge strategic relationships. The third annual trade show will showcase more than 800 brands, reflecting the growth of China's licensing market.

"With last year's show almost doubling in size, we are eager to build upon this momentum and provide a one-stop environment that will enable influential licensors and licensees to find the right partners to transform their business," said Jessica Blue, SVP of the Global Licensing Group, UBM.

The 2018 show demonstrated immense growth, with 51,485 (+46.86 percent YOY) worldwide buyers and 123 exhibitors (+51.85 percent YOY) in attendance, showcasing more than 425 brands and licensing properties. Licensing Expo China 2019 will welcome back many exhibitors including Alpha, China Literature, FANTAWILD and more. Additionally, attendees will find new brands at the show including Bona Film Group Limited and WANDA, among many more.

Celia Gu, General Manager, UBM China said, "We're excited to provide a platform for licensors and licensees to explore the growing potential of China's licensing market."

Chan Wah Chun Ivan, CEO, PPW Promotional Partners Worldwide said, "The 2018 exhibition was an overwhelming success; PPW met with more than 600 licensees and industry experts at the exhibition. Many companies came for Peppa Pig and our other excellent IP such as Chuggington, Teletubbies and The Smurfs, we are excited to see what the 2019 show brings."

Licensing Expo China will provide a series of activities during its showcase:
 

• IP+X: New this year, IP+X aims to link IPs with different industries, such as Food and Beverage, Beauty and Health, Fashion, Furniture, Hotel and Leisure, and Culture.
• Matchmaking: Returning in 2019 is the Matchmaking Service offering exhibitors and attendees the opportunity to pre-book business ahead of the event. Other matchmaking activities offered include the VIP Buyer Matchmaking Roadshow, Exhibitor Roadshow, Matchmaking Afternoon Tea, Matching Brunch, among others.
• China Licensing Conference: Co-organized by International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association (LIMA) and Licensing Expo China, the revamped conference schedule will offer insight into current licensing trends as well as panels on the fundamentals of licensing and diversified topics throughout a number of licensing categories.
• New Specialized Zones in 2019: In 2019, attendees will have access to brand-new zones in the International Pavilion, a dedicated space for different companies and agents from across the globe to gather: Film & Broadcasting, Animation & Characters & Gaming, Art & Museum, and Brands & Agents zone.

Additional services and programs offered at Licensing Expo China 2019 include the China Licensing Awards, designed to encourage the original creativity, progress and excellence of China's licensors, licensees and retailers.