Brand licensing
Licensing Expo 2027 Las Vegas
May 25-27, 2027 · Mandalay Bay Convention Center
Dates verified date source · Official site · Attendance history
to Thu, May 27, 2027
Venue guide: Mandalay Bay
How full will Vegas be during Licensing Expo 2027?
Busy: expect firmer rates near the venue; book private dining and group blocks early.
Licensing Expo 2027 falls mostly in the week of May 24, 2027, which we rate Busy on trade-show attendance: about 45,500 trade-show attendees in town (pro-rated), counting Licensing Expo 2027 and 2 other tracked shows that overlap its dates.
Overlapping shows
- ICSC Las Vegas 2027 May 24-26, 2027 · LVCC · ~25,000
- Dell Technologies World 2027 May 24-27, 2027 · The Venetian (per third-party listings) · ~8,000
Each Monday-Sunday week gets one score: the pro-rated attendance of every tracked trade show in town that week. The score sets the week’s trade label. A trade show carries the trade label of the week that holds most of its days (ties go to the busier week), on every tile and page. A week’s headline label can be lifted by the leisure floor (“Busy (leisure)” or “Peak (leisure)”); trade-show tiles never inherit it. Method.
When to book entertainment for Licensing Expo 2027
Book entertainment: Plenty of time
Based on typical lead times for headline and booth entertainment (status as of Oct 18). In Packed or Sold-out weeks, book at the early end; private rooms and hotel blocks go fast too.
What is Licensing Expo?
Licensing Expo bills itself as the world's largest brand licensing event, connecting brand owners and agents with retailers, licensees and manufacturers.
Who attends: Brand owners and agents, retailers, licensees and manufacturers. In 2025 it had 381 exhibiting companies (TSNN).
Attendance trend: Up from over 12,000 registered professionals in 2025 to a record 12,500+ in 2026. Attendance history.
When it usually happens
Licensing Expo 2027 runs Tuesday to Thursday, May 25-27, 2027 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center. It overlaps ICSC Las Vegas 2027 and Dell Technologies World 2027.
Where to stay
For hotels connected to or near the venue, plus Loop and Monorail options, see our Mandalay Bay Convention Center guide.
Entertainment ideas for Licensing Expo
- A character or costumed-mascot appearance for licensed brands
- A live illustrator
- A photo moment with a roaming host
- A DJ or live band for a brand party
- A comedian for a retailer dinner
- A themed evening around a licensed property
Ideas, not endorsements. Match the act to the crowd and check the show's exhibitor rules on sound levels and booth activations.
Licensing Expo FAQ
When is Licensing Expo 2027?
Licensing Expo 2027 runs May 25-27, 2027 in Las Vegas.
Where is Licensing Expo 2027 held?
At Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas.
How many people attend Licensing Expo?
About 12,500 (2026 figure, per the source linked on this page).
How busy will Las Vegas be during Licensing Expo 2027?
We rate the week of May 24, 2027 as Busy: about 45,500 trade-show attendees in town (estimate).
When should I book entertainment for Licensing Expo 2027?
Our booking meter currently reads “Plenty of time” for headline and booth entertainment, based on typical lead times.
What else is in Las Vegas during Licensing Expo 2027?
Overlapping tracked shows: ICSC Las Vegas 2027, Dell Technologies World 2027.
Advertise here Venues, DMCs and transport partners can sponsor the Licensing Expo page (party venues, transport and DMC slots). See placements →
Attendance history and past editions
| Year | Where | Attendance | What it counts / source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Las Vegas | 12,500 | attendees ("12,500+", record) source |
| 2025 | Las Vegas | 12,000 | registered professionals ("over", TSNN) source |
Organizer or audit figures as published; counting methods differ between sources and years.
Sources and notes
2026: 12,500+ attendees (record). Entertainment/IP brands, a good celebrity-talent tie-in.
- Dates: https://www.licensingexpo.com/
- Attendance: https://www.licenseglobal.com/licensing-expo/licensing-expo-concludes-with-record-breaking-show-floor (2026 figure)
- Official site: https://www.licensingexpo.com/
Spotted a change? Dates and venues are set by the organizer and can move. Always confirm on the official site.
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