In a few months, the 17th edition of the Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids will take place in the heart of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. Four days dedicated to the latest news and trends in brands for children, teenagers and young adults from April 8 to 11, 2024.

The Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids (BLTF/K), the leading Italian and European licensing event dedicated to the buying and selling of brands and properties for children, teens and young adults, will return to BolognaFiere from 8 to 11 April 2024, for its 17th edition.

The licensing business fair is an integral part of the prestigious Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF), the world’s leading trade fair for children’s publishing, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023 with tremendous success (more than 1,500 exhibitors from 100 countries, over 28,000 trade visitors).

The new edition of BLTF/K will be packed with additional features and services. The Licensing Business Lounge, in addition to the Exhibition Area and the Events Room for launching and displaying one’s own brands, will be accessible for arranging appointments and showcasing products with greater flexibility than the stands, due to customised offices and tables. In collaboration with Licensing Magazine, the 4th edition of International Kids Licensing Days, three days of conferences on the newest industry trends, is also in the works.

There will be furthermore a Spotlight on Audiovisual, with a dedicated programme and area; a Licensing portfolio review, which will bring together big names in animation, brands and manufacturers of consumer goods, together with the talents of illustration and design; and exhibitions and initiatives with a sustainability theme. A special emphasis will be placed on the retail and fashion sectors, with in-depth discussions and chances for contacts between operators in these two industries, and exhibitors.

During the event, the 7th edition of the Bologna Licensing Awards, the only acknowledgment in Italy to all licensing professionals who developed projects, IPs and products for children, teens and young adults in 2023, will be presented. Philippe Guinaudeau, founder, The BrandTrends Group; Ian Hyder, CEO and co-owner, Max Publishing; Helena Mansell-Stopher, founder, Products of Change; Cristina Paesani, art and fashion expert; and Astrid Specht, editor of TOYS and 1st Steps will serve as jurors. It is still possible to apply until January 31st. To the winners, in addition to press visibility, also a showcase set up at the heart of the BLTF/K hall.