What really happens at Licensing Expo?

After 13 years attending - and exhibiting for the first time - this is the honest breakdown of Licensing Expo 2026 in Las Vegas.

No highlight reel. Just real insights, real numbers, real costs - and what actually matters if you're in (or entering) the licensing industry.

This year’s event confirmed one thing: licensing is booming. With the industry now valued at $389.8 billion, the opportunity is massive - but so is the gap in understanding how it actually works.

🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The real numbers behind Licensing Expo 2026
• Why licensing is now a $400B global industry
• What first-time exhibitors reveal about the future of IP
• The true cost of exhibiting (and what people underestimate)
• ROI insights from exhibiting vs attending
• Why many people still don’t understand licensing fundamentals
• The rise of new brands, AI tools, and faster IP creation
• Key trends: fandom, food brands, sports licensing & global growth
• Why physical products and “offline play” are making a comeback

💡 The big takeaway:

The licensing industry is growing fast—but knowledge, relationships, and execution are still what separate success from noise.

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

🔹 Sign up for Learn to License

🔹 Learn More about Born to License

🔹 Learn More about Born Licensing

🔹 Follow David on LinkedIn

🔹 Follow David on Instagram

🔹 Check out thedavidborn.com

🔹 Join the Licensing Conversation: #BornToLicense #LicensingIndustry #BrandPartnerships #LearntoLicense

👉 Have a question about licensing? Send it in for our upcoming Q&A episode!

📩 Contact: hello@borntolicense.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow for new episodes on licensing and the business of IP!

What really happens at Licensing Expo?

In this episode of Born to License, David Born shares a behind-the-scenes look at Licensing Expo 2026 in Las Vegas - from speaking about AI in licensing, to insights from his team on the ground, to conversations with exhibitors building the next wave of IP.

This isn’t just a highlight reel. It’s a real-time look at where the licensing industry is heading.

🎙️ In This Episode:

• David’s talk on AI in the licensing industry
• Why trust and relationships still matter more than ever
• How AI is already being used across licensing workflows
• Key risks of AI (including confidentiality & entry-level roles)
• Insights from the Born team live on the show floor
• Conversations with first-time exhibitors & global IP owners
• What it’s actually like to exhibit at Licensing Expo

🧠 Key Takeaways on AI & Licensing:

• AI can increase efficiency across the licensing lifecycle
• It helps with IP discovery, content, and productivity
• But it cannot replace relationships or deal-making
• The industry must protect entry-level opportunities
• Confidentiality is critical when using AI tools

🌍 About Licensing Expo:

Licensing Expo is the world’s largest event for the brand licensing industry, bringing together:

• Global licensors & licensees
• Retailers, manufacturers & agents
• The biggest brands in entertainment, lifestyle & more

It’s where deals are made—and where the future of licensing takes shape.

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

🔹 Sign up for Learn to License

🔹 Learn More about Born to License

🔹 Learn More about Born Licensing

🔹 Follow David on LinkedIn

🔹 Follow David on Instagram

🔹 Check out thedavidborn.com

🔹 Join the Licensing Conversation: #BornToLicense #LicensingIndustry #BrandPartnerships #LearntoLicense

👉 Have a question about licensing? Send it in for our upcoming Q&A episode!

📩 Contact: hello@borntolicense.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow for new episodes on licensing and the business of IP!

The biggest week in licensing is here.

In this special episode of Born to License, we’re on the ground in Los Angeles just days before Licensing Expo 2026 — and for the first time ever, the entire Born team is together.

Before the show floor opens, David sits down with the team to answer three key questions:

👉 What IP will dominate the show?

👉 What advice would you give first-time attendees?

👉 What are you most excited about this year?

🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The most talked-about IPs heading into Licensing Expo 2026
• Why K-Pop Demon Hunters, Shrek, Bluey, and Pokémon are dominating conversations
• Insider tips for first-time attendees (that most people miss)
• How to prepare, network, and make the most of the event
• What really matters beyond the meetings and show floor

🎯 Top Licensing Expo 2026 Predictions

The Born team shares their insights on what will shape the show, including:

• The rise of new breakout IP
• Major upcoming tentpoles like Shrek 5 and Toy Story
• The long-term impact of future-facing planning (2028–2029)
• How global trends like Olympics 2028 influence licensing

💡 Advice for First-Time Attendees

If you're attending Licensing Expo for the first time, this episode is packed with practical advice:

• Plan your schedule well in advance
• Be open to unexpected networking opportunities
• Don’t miss panels, activations, and experiences
• Wear comfortable shoes (seriously)
• Talk to everyone — your next deal could be anywhere

🚀 From the Host: What to Expect This Year

David shares his own perspective:

• Why K-Pop Demon Hunters is the IP to watch
• Where to focus if your meetings are already locked
• How to get value from networking spaces and panels
• His session at Licensing Expo (AI in licensing)

📍 Catch David live:

“Brand Licensing Meets AI: The Fundamentals You Need to Know”

🗓️ Wednesday | 3PM | Networking Hub

📍 Meet Us at Licensing Expo

For the first time ever, Born to License has its own booth!

📍 Booth: T236

🎙️ Come say hello — you might even be featured on the podcast

🎙 Born to License – Hosted by David Born

🔹 Sign up for Learn to License

🔹 Learn More about Born to License

🔹 Learn More about Born Licensing

🔹 Follow David on LinkedIn

🔹 Follow David on Instagram

🔹 Check out thedavidborn.com

🔹 Join the Licensing Conversation: #BornToLicense #LicensingIndustry #BrandPartnerships #LearntoLicense

👉 Have a question about licensing? Send it in for our upcoming Q&A episode!

📩 Contact: hello@borntolicense.com

🎧 Subscribe & Follow for new episodes on licensing and the business of IP!