INFORMA MARKETS LIMITED

https://www.licensingexpo.com

Informa Markets is a global leader in creating platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate, and grow. As a division of Informa PLC, its core mission is to champion specialists by connecting professionals with knowledge to help them learn more, know more, and do more. The company's headquarters are located in London, England.

The company's portfolio encompasses over 450 international business-to-business (B2B) events and brands. Informa Markets delivers a wide range of products and services, including large-scale exhibitions, virtual events, online marketplaces, specialist content, and data solutions. These offerings span diverse sectors such as Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, Health & Nutrition, Boating, Aviation, Beauty & Aesthetics, and Agriculture.

Informa Markets holds a prominent position as the world's leading exhibitions organizer and is the highest revenue-generating segment of its parent company, Informa PLC. Recent developments include Informa PLC's strong financial performance in FY25, marked by robust growth in its B2B Live Events division and record annual revenue. In early 2026, Informa and DWTC established "inD," a new B2B Live Events entity aimed at accelerating growth in the IMEA region, with David Lynn appointed as its inaugural CEO. Informa PLC was also recognized as one of Britain's Most Admired Companies in January 2026.

Latest updates

Licensing Expo Draws Global Giants, Signals Sports and Gen Z Focus

Event summary

  • Licensing Expo, a 45-year-old event, will be held May 19-21, 2026, in Las Vegas.
  • The event attracts over 12,000 retailers and 5,000 brands from 70+ countries.
  • New exhibitors include PepsiCo, Sony Pictures Television, and Real Madrid Football Club.
  • The 2026 edition emphasizes sports licensing and Gen Z-focused brands.

The big picture

Licensing Expo’s continued prominence, with an estimated $369.9 billion global market size in 2025, underscores the enduring value of intellectual property in a rapidly evolving consumer landscape. The event’s focus on sports and Gen Z signals a strategic shift towards capturing new audiences and revenue streams, while the presence of major retailers like Walmart and Target highlights the critical role licensing plays in shaping retail offerings. The inclusion of new players like PepsiCo suggests a broader corporate interest in leveraging brand equity beyond traditional product categories.

What we're watching

Brand Diversification
PepsiCo’s entry into licensing suggests a broader trend of CPG companies seeking new revenue streams beyond core product sales, potentially increasing competition for established licensors.
Gen Z Engagement
The focus on brands like Ceremony of Roses and tokidoki indicates the pressure on licensors to authentically connect with Gen Z, requiring more than just product placement but a deeper understanding of their values and online behavior.
Sports Licensing Growth
The rapid expansion of sports licensing, fueled by events like the World Cup, may draw investment and attention away from traditional entertainment franchises, requiring careful portfolio management for IP owners.

Roofing Innovation Showcase Highlights Material Science and Safety Tech

Event summary

  • The International Roofing Expo (IRE) announced winners for its 2026 Innovative Product Showcase and Awards Program on February 12, 2026.
  • The event, held January 20-22 in Las Vegas, featured People’s Choice and Experts’ Choice awards across ten categories.
  • People’s Choice winners were selected by attendee voting, while Experts’ Choice winners were judged by industry professionals.
  • Winning products spanned categories including roofing materials, safety equipment, and software solutions.
  • The IRE is owned and operated by Informa Markets and sponsored by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).

The big picture

The Innovative Product Showcase highlights the ongoing technological evolution within the roofing industry, driven by demands for improved durability, safety, and efficiency. The increasing adoption of software and technology solutions signals a broader trend towards digitalization within the construction sector. This focus on innovation is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in a market facing rising material costs and labor shortages.

What we're watching

Material Science
The prevalence of PVC and similar materials across both People’s Choice and Experts’ Choice awards suggests a continued shift towards polymer-based roofing solutions, potentially impacting demand for traditional materials.
Safety Tech
The repeated recognition of On Top Safety’s products indicates growing emphasis on worker safety and potential for further innovation in fall protection equipment within the roofing sector.
Market Consolidation
The consistent presence of companies like Carlisle Syntec Systems and SOPREMA suggests these players are maintaining a competitive advantage, and smaller innovators will need to demonstrate clear differentiation to gain market share.

Surface Event Highlights Industry Shift to AI and Sustainable Materials

Event summary

  • The International Surface Event (TISE) concluded February 3, 2026, in Las Vegas, attracting leading brands and professionals in the flooring, stone, and tile industries.
  • The event showcased over a dozen major brands including Mohawk, Shaw, Mannington, and Cambria, highlighting new products and trends.
  • New initiatives included Retail and Distributor Receptions, and a Start-Up Station featuring emerging companies like Cohesive AI and Human Friendly Robotics.
  • The National Installer of the Year competition recognized James Salisbury (carpet) and Allen Lewis (engineered wood) for their craftsmanship.

The big picture

TISE’s focus on emerging technologies and sustainable practices reflects a broader shift within the construction and building materials industries. Increased infrastructure spending and consumer demand for durable, low-maintenance surfaces are driving growth, while AI and automation are poised to reshape fabrication and installation processes. The event's emphasis on networking and collaboration underscores the need for industry players to adapt to these evolving dynamics.

What we're watching

AI Adoption
The presence of multiple AI-focused startups suggests accelerating adoption of AI in fabrication and installation processes, potentially disrupting existing workflows and requiring workforce retraining.
Sustainability Demands
Increased emphasis on eco-friendly materials and low-maintenance surfaces indicates growing consumer and regulatory pressure for sustainable building practices, impacting material sourcing and product development.
Fabricator Consolidation
The Stone Fabricator’s Alliance’s presence and focus on fabrication techniques may signal increasing pressure on smaller fabricators, potentially leading to consolidation within the sector.

MD&M West Bolsters Workforce Development, Sustainability Focus

Event summary

  • MD&M West, a manufacturing trade show, will be held February 3-5, 2026, in Anaheim, CA.
  • The event has partnered with AMGTA, Dream Opportunity, Chapman University, and DiPPA.
  • A new 'Workforce Connect Event' will focus on networking and career opportunities for students and early-career professionals.
  • The Emerging Engineer Student Summit will host over 500 high school students from Southern California.
  • DiPPA will lead a post-event webinar focused on sustainable manufacturing practices.

The big picture

MD&M West's strategic shift towards workforce development and sustainability reflects broader industry trends addressing talent gaps and environmental concerns. The event's partnerships suggest Informa Markets is attempting to position itself as a central hub for these critical conversations within the $3 trillion advanced manufacturing sector. This focus on future-proofing the industry could be a key differentiator in a competitive trade show landscape.

What we're watching

Talent Pipeline
The focus on workforce development signals a potential response to ongoing labor shortages in advanced manufacturing; the success of the Workforce Connect Event will depend on attracting and retaining both students and industry participation.
Sustainability Adoption
DiPPA’s involvement and the Sustainable Manufacturing Conference suggest increasing pressure for manufacturers to adopt circular economy principles and reduce environmental impact, which could impact capital expenditure and operational costs.
Additive Tech Integration
The AMGTA presentation highlights the expanding applications of 3D printing; the degree to which these applications translate into widespread adoption and ROI for manufacturers remains to be seen.

World of Concrete Signals Resilience in $508 Billion Concrete Market

Event summary

  • World of Concrete 2026 hosted over 47,400 professionals, a significant attendance figure indicating continued industry engagement.
  • The event featured 1,300 exhibitors, including 284 new companies, showcasing a broad range of products and technologies.
  • The event raised $2.3 million for the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) initiative, supporting education and workforce development.
  • Economists Ed Sullivan and Pierre Villere presented at the event, focusing on navigating economic volatility and providing market projections.
  • The World Championship SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® awarded $125,000 in prizes, highlighting a focus on craftsmanship and competition.

The big picture

World of Concrete's scale and global reach underscore the continued importance of concrete and masonry in infrastructure development worldwide. The event's focus on innovation and workforce development reflects the industry's response to both economic headwinds and long-term structural challenges. With the cement and concrete products market projected to reach $508 billion by 2030, maintaining competitiveness will require ongoing investment in technology and talent.

What we're watching

Market Dynamics
The projected 4.9% CAGR for the cement and concrete products market suggests continued demand, but rising material costs and geopolitical instability could compress margins.
Workforce
The CIM initiative's record fundraising indicates a persistent need for skilled labor, and the industry's ability to attract and retain talent will be a key determinant of future growth.
Technology Adoption
The presence of numerous new exhibitors and focus on construction technology suggests a potential acceleration in digital transformation, but the pace of adoption across the broader industry remains to be seen.

International Roofing Expo Growth Signals North American Market Resilience

Event summary

  • The International Roofing Expo (IRE) reached a record size in 2026, spanning over 230,000 net square feet.
  • The event featured 700+ exhibitors, including 180 new companies, and attracted a significant international audience.
  • The Pro Contractors Pavilion expanded, fostering collaboration between roofing contractors and home improvement professionals.
  • The event included over 165 educational sessions covering topics from safety to business strategy.
  • The 2027 IRE is scheduled for February 16-18, 2027, in Las Vegas.

The big picture

The record attendance at IRE underscores the continued strength of the North American roofing market, which accounts for a substantial portion of global revenue. The influx of international attendees signals a desire to capitalize on North American innovation and expertise. However, the emphasis on regulatory compliance and the presence of numerous startups suggest a dynamic and potentially challenging environment for industry participants.

What we're watching

International Exposure
The significant international attendance suggests growing demand for North American roofing expertise and products, but also exposes IRE to currency fluctuations and geopolitical risks.
Startup Viability
The 'First Look Area' highlights emerging companies; their long-term success will depend on scaling production and securing distribution channels within a competitive market.
Regulatory Impact
Panel discussions on legal and regulatory compliance indicate increasing scrutiny of the roofing industry, potentially impacting material costs and project timelines.

Wastewater Sector Honors Innovation, Signals Talent Pipeline Focus

Event summary

  • Informa Markets' WWETT Show recognized 31 individuals with 'Women of Wastewater' and 'Young Professionals' awards on January 20, 2026.
  • The awards highlight contributions to wastewater expertise, leadership, innovation, and community impact.
  • Joanne Carroll (Subtegic Group Inc.) and Anant Kapur (NICO Nanobubble India Co.) were among the recipients.
  • The awards ceremony will be held on February 18, 2026, at the WWETT Show in Indianapolis.

The big picture

The wastewater sector faces increasing pressure to modernize infrastructure and address growing environmental concerns. These awards highlight a deliberate effort to cultivate the next generation of leaders and recognize female contributions, which is crucial given the aging workforce and the complexity of emerging technologies. The WWETT Show itself serves as a key indicator of industry investment and adoption rates, given its comprehensive scope and global reach.

What we're watching

Talent Pipeline
The emphasis on 'Young Professionals' suggests a growing concern within the wastewater sector regarding workforce development and succession planning, potentially impacting future project delivery and innovation.
Regional Focus
The geographic distribution of awardees and WWETT Show attendees will reveal the regional hotspots for wastewater innovation and investment, informing where infrastructure upgrades are most likely to occur.
Technology Adoption
The types of innovations highlighted by the 'Young Professionals' awards will indicate the direction of technological advancement in wastewater treatment and transport, and the pace at which smaller operators will adopt these solutions.

WWETT Show Highlights $630 Billion Clean Water Infrastructure Need

Event summary

  • The Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment and Transport (WWETT) Show will be held February 16-19, 2026, in Indianapolis.
  • The EPA estimates $630.1 billion is needed for U.S. clean water infrastructure improvements over the next two decades.
  • The WWETT Show features over 500 exhibitors across 100+ product categories.
  • The inaugural Women of Wastewater Awards will be presented at the event, alongside a dedicated Women in Wastewater track.

The big picture

The WWETT Show underscores the critical need for infrastructure upgrades in the U.S. water sector, driven by regulatory mandates and aging infrastructure. The event's focus on innovation and workforce development signals a broader industry transformation, as companies seek to meet escalating demands with new technologies and address talent shortages. The $630 billion funding gap represents a substantial opportunity for equipment providers and service companies, but also a significant hurdle requiring creative financing and efficient execution.

What we're watching

Funding Dynamics
The scale of the EPA’s $630.1 billion funding need suggests significant pressure on both public and private sector investment, potentially driving M&A activity among equipment providers.
Technology Adoption
The presence of numerous first-time exhibitors, particularly those focused on digital and smart technologies, indicates a rapid acceleration in the adoption of new solutions within the wastewater sector.
Workforce Evolution
The focus on women in wastewater and the inclusion of mental health topics suggests a growing awareness of workforce challenges and a potential shift in industry demographics and practices.
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