Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) has unveiled a host of new purpose-led content and initiatives to further enhance the visitor experience, support and promote underrepresented communities, invest in the next generation of licensing talent and reduce carbon emissions.
Educational content
Wednesday 25 September:
11:00–11:30: Innovating Fashion: The Future of Adaptive Clothing in Licensing with Character.com
16:00–16:45: Mapping a sustainable pathway: how the industry is adapting to new demands with Products of Change
Thursday 26 September:
10:00–10:30: Unlocking careers in licensing: advice and opportunities
11:00–11:30: What makes a sustainable and ethical brand in 2024? with the GOOD Shopping Guide
Non-profit brands:
Attendees will enjoy meeting lots of charities and non-profits in the Brands & Lifestyle zone, including:
- First time exhibitor: London Zoo, a ZSL conservation zoo, is theming seating areas that highlight animal welfare, the importance of conservation and London Zoo’s sustainability programme
- Also new for 2024: Ashmolean Museum, The British Museum, The Royal Pavilion at Brighton, The National Gallery
- Returning for 2024: Royal Horticultural Society, RSPB, V&A, Natural History Museum, English Heritage, Van Gogh Museum and Imperial War Museums
Supporting communities:
- Black Lives Matter Licensing returns to exhibit at BLE this year
- Local students have been invited to enjoy work experience at this year’s BLE
- Following last year’s success, students are being invited to attend on Day 3 to find out more about the licensing industry as a potential career prospect and meet some of the key players at the show
- Pronoun badges will be available at registration for everyone who would like to wear them
- The BLE Wellness Lounge (A272) will include space to unwind and receive a massage with money donated to local charities
Sustainability initiatives:
- Products of Change will host a re-sale store at BLE to raise money for industry charity The Light Fund and encourage attendees to buy pre-loved product and reduce waste. Brands can contact nicola@productsofchange.com to donate.
- The BLE event team is aiming for all feature areas to be rated Gold as part of the Informa Better stands initiative https://betterstands.info/
- This year’s lanyards are made of rPet (recycled plastic) and can be taken home or return to be reused
- Attendees will notice more digital and less printed signage
- Refillable water stations can be found in the ExCeL boulevard
- Sustainable food and beverage packaging used in the ExCel cafés and bars
- The Rewind carpet range used at BLE 2024 is a zero-to-landfill alternative, taking 55% fewer carbon emissions to make and is manufactured completely latex-free. Rewind is also recycled into a high-grade mono-recyclate, which allows for easier recycling.
“It’s critical that BLE supports everyone who is involved in, impacted by or could benefit from being connected with the licensing industry – whether that’s shining a light on the amazing consumer products being developed for and by minority communities including the black community and those with accessibility needs, giving underprivileged students access to an exciting and rewarding career pathway, or doing everything we can to improve our sustainability credentials and provide valuable guidance and advice for BLE attendees targeting with cutting emissions,” said Ella Haynes, BLE event director.
