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Shape the Future of Licensing from Our Stage

Licensing Expo 2027 is the premier event for the global licensing industry, bringing together the most influential minds to define what's next. We're seeking experienced licensing professionals to share proven strategies and game-changing insights on stage at Licensing Expo. Topics of focus for 2027 are:

  • Sports
  • Fashion
  • Retail
  • Food & Beverage
  • Brand Marketing

Together with License Global, we're assembling Directors, VPs, and C-level executives who understand the complexities of brand licensing and have real-world success stories that will resonate with our sophisticated audience. Selected speakers will command the License Global Main Stage alongside industry leaders from the world's most recognized brands.

SPEAKER

What we're looking for...


We're 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. 

If you're new to the licensing industry or haven't attended Licensing Expo before, we encourage you to experience the event first to understand our audience and content depth before applying to speak.

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

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

Food & Beverage

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

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

Beyond the Main Stage: Share Your Expertise Your Way

This year, we're expanding how you can contribute to Licensing Expo's content programming.

License Global Main Stage Panels

License Global Main Stage Panels

Lead high-impact discussions in front of our largest audience. Past Main Stage 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

Educational Sessions

Serve as an expert facilitator for focused workshops and deep-dive sessions designed for licensing professionals seeking specialized knowledge.

Networking & Roundtables

Networking & Roundtables

Host intimate peer discussions on emerging topics, best practices, and industry innovations in smaller, interactive formats.

By applying, you're joining our growing database of trusted licensing experts. Even if you're not selected for a Main Stage panel, you may be invited to participate in educational programming, roundtables, or future content initiatives as we expand our offerings throughout the year.

 One application covers all formats—indicate your preferences and we'll match your expertise to the right opportunity.

Why Leading Licensing Professionals Choose Our Stage


  • Position Yourself as a Thought Leader: Share your expertise in front of 11,000+ attendees including brand owners, retailers, licensees, and agents actively shaping the industry.
  • Join Elite Company: Speak alongside VPs of Licensing, Directors of Brand Strategy, Chief Marketing Officers, and C-suite executives from the industry's most influential companies including Netflix, Hasbro, Mattel, LEGO, Amazon, Paramount, Crocs, Primark, SEGA, and Spin Master.  
  • Gain Industry Visibility: Benefit from promotional support across our channels and media coverage in licensing trade publications.

How to apply

Step 1: Complete the Online Application
Share details about your licensing expertise, proposed topics, speaking experience, and format preferences. The application takes approximately 10 minutes. Application deadline: January 15, 2027

Step 2: Application Review
Our content team evaluates all submissions

Step 3: Speaker Selection & Notification
We aim to respond to your application within one month, with all final decisions being made by the end of January.

Selected speakers will receive:

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

Frequently asked questions

We are not able to cover any expenses from travel or accommodation. Selected speakers receive complimentary expo access and promotional support.

If your application is not selected for 2027, it may be considered for future programming as we continue to expand our content offerings throughout the year and into 2028.

Yes. We require substantial experience in brand licensing and a deep understanding of licensing partnerships, deal structures, and industry dynamics. This is not an entry-level speaking opportunity.

That's excellent! Indicate all relevant areas in your application. Cross-pillar expertise (e.g., Sports + Retail, Fashion + CMO) is particularly valuable.

Absolutely. If you have colleagues or industry peers you'd like to speak alongside, please include their information in your application.

  • Main Stage: Large-format panels in front of our biggest audiences (500+ attendees) 
  • Educational Sessions: Focused workshops with 50-150 attendees seeking specialized knowledge
  • Roundtables: Intimate discussions with 15-30 peers for deeper dialogue

You can indicate interest in multiple formats in your application.

Due to high application volume, we may not be able to provide individual feedback on non-selected submissions.

By completing the application, you're automatically added to our expert database. We may reach out throughout the year for various content opportunities including webinars, articles, podcast interviews, and future event programming.