Licensing Expo Signs Cross-promotion Agreement with International Toy Fair
September 29, 2013
For the second time recently, Advanstar Communications’ Licensing Expo has signed on with another trade show to help out each other’s events.
This time, Licensing Expo and the Toy Industry Association’s International Toy Fair have a new collaboration to cross-promote attendance at their two complementary trade events in 2014.
Just two weeks ago, Licensing Expo also announced a similar agreement with the International Housewares Association’s International Home + Housewares Show.
Through the newly established alliance, Advanstar Licensing and TIA will introduce Licensing Expo exhibitors to current and emerging toy trends, and inform Toy Fair exhibitors of licensing issues and opportunities in domestic, international and emerging markets.
“Considering that roughly 30 percent of the 3 billion toys and games purchased in the U.S. each year are the result of licensed partnerships, a collaboration with the largest toy trade show in the western hemisphere made perfect sense for Licensing Expo,” said Jessica Blue, vice president of Licensing Expo.
She added, “This is going to bring many benefits to both sets of exhibitors. Our exhibitors can attend Toy Fair to seek out the latest trends in the market and every Toy Fair exhibitor could find a potential licensing partner by attending Licensing Expo.”
The new collaboration also will provide cross-promotional opportunities via direct mail and electronic marketing, editorial content and co-hosted seminars.
“TIA is pleased to collaborate with Advanstar in support of our mutual stakeholders. This allows both groups to elevate awareness of the inextricable link between toys, youth product and playthings for all ages, and brand and entertainment properties,” said Marian Bossard, vice president, Meetings and Events, Toy industry Association.
The International Toy Fair represents the $22 billion toy industry and draws 1,100 exhibiting companies and nearly 25,000 attendees.
Licensing Expo, which represents the $230 billion licensing and brand extension market, draws more than 5,000 character, entertainment, art and consumer brands from 420 exhibitors and 15,000-plus attendees.
The next toy fair will take place in February at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, and the next licensing show will take place in June at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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