UBM has formed an exclusive partnership with the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA), the leading industry association for global licensing, for Licensing Expo China 2017. Licensing Expo China, the latest addition to UBM’s licensing portfolio, will be held on 18-20 July 2017 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), Shanghai, China. Licensing Expo China and LIMA aim to create greater awareness of the benefits of licensing to the business community at large and foster the growth and expansion of licensing in China.

UBM China will be the exclusive licensing show partner for LIMA in China. LIMA is also the exclusive sponsor of Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, Brand Licensing Europe in London and Licensing Expo Japan in Tokyo. LIMA’s mission is to foster the growth and expansion of licensing around the world, raise the level of professionalism for licensing practitioners, and create greater awareness of the benefits of licensing to the business community at large.

Margaret Ma-Connolly, Managing Director of UBM China, Vice President of UBM Asia said: “We are very pleased to have LIMA as our partner as we launch Licensing Expo China in 2017. China is the fastest-growing licensing market in the world. The total retail sales of licensed products in China (including Hong Kong) reached USD$7.6 billion in 2015, and we expect the growth to accelerate in the future years.”

Jessica Blue, Senior Vice President, Licensing, UBM, commented: “We are delighted to announce this important strategic partnership with LIMA. Our effective collaboration over many years has delivered world-class events for the licensing industry and we are excited to be working together in China, the fastest-growing licensing market in the world.”

Licensing Expo China 2017 is a B2B event which will feature over 250 brands and properties from China and overseas. The fair will connect the most influential entertainment, character, fashion, art and corporate brand owners and agents with consumer goods manufacturers, licensees and retailers from all product categories across China.

Charles Riotto, President, LIMA commented: “The data confirms what we have already seen happening in China over the last several years: the market for licensed products is booming. LIMA has had a presence in China since 2002, recognizing the need for greater licensing education to help the Chinese market capitalize on this growing business. We are thrilled to partner with licensing’s premier tradeshow organizer to bring Licensing Expo China to Shanghai this year.”

In addition to the exhibition, Licensing Expo China will also host series of lectures and workshops to address issues related to the licensing industry – A series of business matching and networking sessions will be set up to connect licensors with potential business partners. Licensing Expo China 2017 will be co-located with CBME China 2017, the world’s largest trade fair for child, baby and maternity products and services and Cool Kids Fashion Shanghai, the China’s premier trade fair for kid’s fashion.

For more information on Licensing Expo China, visit www.licensingexpochina.com