Licensing Expo 2026: Born Licensing Takeaways
WRAPPING UP LICENSING EXPO 2026 IN LAS VEGAS
Another year, another hugely successful week at Licensing Expo in Las Vegas — and if this year proved anything, it’s that the licensing industry continues to thrive. From entertainment and gaming to fashion, publishing and experiential, the appetite for character-driven storytelling and brand partnerships feels stronger than ever. For the Born Licensing and Born to License teams, the week was packed with meetings, showcases, conversations and exciting new opportunities.
Across the Expo, the Born team met with more than 50 licensors and partners, discussing upcoming opportunities across advertising, marketing and brand collaborations. The week included major showcases and presentations from some of the world’s leading entertainment companies, including The Walt Disney Company, Universal Pictures, Mattel, Hasbro, Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global. From nostalgic classics to emerging franchises, it was clear that entertainment IP remains one of the most powerful tools for brands looking to connect with audiences in meaningful ways.
DAVID BORN JOINS AI PANEL DISCUSSION
One of the highlights of the week saw Born Licensing CEO David Born speak on a panel exploring the growing role of AI within the licensing industry, “Brand Licensing Meets AI: The Fundamentals You Need to Know”. The discussion focused on how AI is beginning to impact creativity, content development, approvals, and brand protection — while also reinforcing the continued importance of human relationships, creative instinct and strategic thinking within licensing partnerships. As technology evolves, the conversation highlighted how the industry is adapting while continuing to prioritise storytelling, authenticity and emotional connection.
THE BORN BOOTH
This year’s Expo also marked an exciting milestone for the Born team, as we had our very first booth at the show. The response throughout the week was incredibly positive, with licensors, agencies, brands and industry newcomers stopping by to learn more about Born to License and its mission to make licensing more accessible and understandable for the next generation of companies entering the licensing space. It was a proud moment for the team and a strong sign of the growing interest around licensing education and industry accessibility.
LOOKING AHEAD
As Licensing Expo 2026 comes to a close, one thing is clear: the licensing industry continues to evolve, expand and innovate at pace. Whether through entertainment IP, gaming, AI, retail experiences or advertising partnerships, the demand for powerful storytelling and recognisable characters shows no signs of slowing down — and we’re excited to be part of what comes next.
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