Heading to the Licensing Show

I have attended every, or close to every, licensing show since its inception. For the last few years, getting there has meant taking a subway or cab. This year, however, it means taking a plane and, once there, ending up at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas instead of the Javits Center in New York.

I have to be honest, it would have been much better (and certainly far, far less expensive) for me if they had left the show in New York. Those who live in southern California will surely disagree. Never-the-less, the proof of whether this was a good move will ultimately show up in the number of exhibitors and attendees who make the trip as well.  Adding to the mix is the recession which will cause some not to attend because they do not want to invest in travel at a time when they are financially struggling.  

As always I will be taking the industry’s temperature by talking to attendees. I want to see if there is the same kind of up tick in industry confidence that we are seeing in consumer confidence. 

I of course will also want to see what is coming in new licenses, which brands are being re-launched (or re-hyped) and what impact the Internet and technology are having on, well…everything.

I’ll try to figure it out.  Wish me luck.  I’ll keep you posted.