Licensing Expo Launches AI-Powered Event Planner Ahead of May Show
Event summary
- Licensing Expo's Event Planner platform launched March 11, 2026, ahead of the May 19-21 event in Las Vegas.
- AI-powered matchmaking and new features like 'Saved Search' and 'Super Search' aim to optimize networking.
- 5,000+ brands and 12,000 retailers expected to attend, including Coca-Cola, Netflix, and Walmart.
- Last year's Event Planner facilitated 10,000+ meetings, with exhibitor diaries filling 4-6 weeks pre-event.
The big picture
The launch of the upgraded Event Planner underscores the strategic importance of pre-event networking in the $369+ billion global brand licensing industry. With major exhibitors and retailers already booking meetings, the platform's success could set a new standard for B2B networking efficiency. The AI enhancements reflect broader industry trends toward data-driven matchmaking in professional networking.
What we're watching
- AI Adoption
- How the AI-powered matchmaking will impact meeting efficiency and attendee satisfaction.
- Early Booking Trends
- Whether the pace of meeting bookings will accelerate compared to previous years.
- Exhibitor Demand
- How quickly high-demand exhibitors' schedules fill up and the potential for last-minute premium pricing.
Related topics