Licensing Industry

Riotto: Vegas move is change for the better

Samantha Loveday Feb 13 2008, 10:27am

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LIMA president assures trade that US show venue switch will benefit the whole business for many years to come.

President of the licensing trade body LIMA, Charles Riotto has asked the business to embrace the move of the Licensing International show in 2009 as a "positive change for our industry and a sign of how strong we are and how much growth is still possible".

Explaining the reasons behind the switch from New York to Las Vegas in LIMA's Winter 08 newsletter bulletin to members, Riotto said that the decision had not been taken lightly, but it was thought that Vegas would best serve the industry as a whole for years to come.

"We, as an industry, have witnessed licensing's staggering growth and awareness over the last 25 years - as anyone who was at the early shows in various New York hotel basements will attest. While change is often difficult, we do believe that this is a change for the better."

More exhibitor space, the chance to offer a greater cross section of licensing-related seminar topics and lower on-site costs were just some of the reasons cited for the move.

However, Riotto admits that not everyone will be pleased.

"Without question, there will be some companies who had attended the New York show but will choose to not make the trip to Las Vegas," he said. "Conversely, we are anticipating that those companies will be replaced by other potential licensees who will find the Las Vegas location more convenient and conducive to business.

"For those of you who wanted the show to remain in New York, I hope that you will embrace this new opportunity as a positive change for our industry and a sign of how strong we are and how much growth is still possible.

"With your support, we will continue to be an industry on the rise."