Licensing Expo is inviting industry experts to submit speaker proposals for its event taking place May 25-27, 2027, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

The call for speakers is now open until January 15, 2027, as event organizers begin developing the conference program for the world’s most impactful gathering in the business of brands, fandom, entertainment, collaborations, and culture.

Why Speak at Licensing Expo?

Licensing Expo is the definitive marketplace for the $389.8+ billion brand licensing industry. In 2026, the event attracted:

• Over 12,500 total attendees
• Over 1,500 qualified retailers
• 49% of visitors holding global decision-making power
• 28% international attendance from 76 countries across all continents

Past speakers include industry luminaries such as:

Marian Lee, Chief Marketing Officer at Netflix

Ashley Graham, supermodel, entrepreneur, and advocate

Sharon and Jack Osbourne, media personalities and family to late Ozzy Ozbourne

Sam Edelman, footwear designer and entrepreneur

Paris Hilton, media personality, businesswoman, socialite, and DJ

Guy Raz, journalist, podcast host, co-creator, and editorial director of three NPR programs

Jeremy Tucker, Global Chief Marketing Officer & EVP Franchise, Spin Master

Kimberly Miller, Global Chief Marketing Officer of Toys R Us, President of Toys R Us Studios

Sarah Jackson, Global Director of Licensing at Primark

Who Should Apply?

We are seeking dynamic speakers who understand brand licensing and can deliver cutting-edge content to an audience of:

• Global brands, retailers, manufacturers, and brand owners
• Licensing professionals, agents, and IP holders
• Marketing and business development executives
• Entrepreneurs and innovators in licensing

We are prioritizing experienced licensing professionals who are:

• Deep Industry Experts: Directors, VPs, Brand Managers, and C-level executives with proven expertise in brand licensing partnerships, strategy, and execution.
• Results-Driven Storytellers: Professionals who can share actionable insights, real-world case studies, and measurable outcomes that demonstrate success in brand licensing partnerships, negotiations, and strategy
• Collaborative Leaders: Our sessions are panel-based, and we seek speakers who thrive in dynamic discussions with other industry experts and brands.
• Licensing-Savvy: Applicants must understand the nuances of brand licensing, partnership structures, and the strategic complexities of the licensing business.

Priority Topic Areas

Together with media brand License Global, we are curating panels for the License Global Mainstage focused on the following key areas:

SPORTS

• Athlete and influencer partnerships; League and team collaborations; NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) strategies; Fan engagement and experiential licensing; Esports and gaming crossovers; Merchandise innovation

FASHION

• Designer and brand collaborations; Apparel and accessory partnerships; Luxury brand extensions; Fast fashion vs. premium licensing strategies; Sustainability in fashion licensing; Trend forecasting and consumer behavior

FOOD & BEVERAGE

• CPG brand partnerships; Restaurant and culinary collaborations; Beverage licensing innovations; Health and wellness brand extensions; Co-branding strategies; Packaging and product innovation

RETAIL

• Omnichannel licensing approaches; Direct-to-consumer licensing models; Retail innovation and pop-up experiences; Consumer trend forecasting; Private label vs. licensed products; E-commerce and marketplace strategies

CMO & BRAND MARKETING

• Building brand equity through licensing; Measuring licensing ROI; Brand protection and quality control; Global vs. regional licensing strategies; Emerging consumer demographics; Marketing integration and activation

Session Formats

Sessions will include panels and fireside chats ranging from 30 to 45 minutes, presented in a presentation style with Q&A opportunities at the end.

• License Global Mainstage Panels: Lead high-impact discussions in front of our largest audience. Past Mainstage speakers have included VPs of Licensing, Brand Directors, and C-suite executives from Nike, NFL, Authentic Brands Group, IMG, and other industry-leading organizations.
• Educational Sessions: Serve as an expert facilitator for focused workshops and deep-dive sessions designed for licensing professionals seeking specialized knowledge.
• Networking & Roundtables: Host intimate peer discussions on emerging topics, best practices, and industry innovations in smaller, interactive formats.

Submission Requirements

To apply, please provide a speaker bio with all relevant roles, oversight and projects that align with our education objectives.

How to Apply

Submit your proposal through our online submission portal: Call for Speakers Interest Submission.

Share details about your licensing expertise, proposed topics, speaking experience, and format preferences. Application deadline: January 15, 2027

Review Process

• Submissions will be reviewed by the Licensing Expo programming team
• We aim to respond within one month of submission, with all final decisions being made by the end of January.

Selected speakers will receive:

• Confirmation of speaking format (Mainstage, educational session, or roundtable)
• Session details and topic refinement support
• Coordination with co-panelists (for panel discussions)
• Promotional timeline and speaker resources

Contact Information

Questions? Reach out to our team:

• Email: [email protected]
• General inquiries: Get in touch with our team | Licensing Expo
• FAQ: Apply to speak | Licensing Expo

Code of Conduct

All speakers and attendees are expected to adhere to our Code of Conduct. Learn more: Code Of Conduct

Don’t miss this opportunity to share your expertise with the global licensing community at the industry’s premier event. Submit your proposal today.

Deadline: January 15, 2027