Licensing Expo, produced in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, is celebrating the event’s long-awaited in-person return to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center this May 24-26.

A highlight of the schedule is the highly anticipated Opening Night Party in Association with ATLUS, sponsored by Banijay Brands and Konami Cross Media NY, which takes place on the first day of Licensing Expo, May 24.

The party kicks off at 6pm, and registered attendees are encouraged to arrive early as capacity is limited, and entrance is granted first-come, first-served. Exhibitors and attendees must be registered to participate in this year’s event and simply need to show their Licensing Expo badge for free access. Registration can be accessed here.

As the party is held at an outside venue, masks are not required for entry. Food and beverages will be available free of charge until the allocated amount is consumed, at which point bar items will become available for purchase.

Anna Knight, SVP of Licensing, Informa Markets, commented: “For the first time, the Opening Night Party is free of charge for all Licensing Expo registrants to encourage everyone to reconnect in person after being apart for three long years. It’s a chance to celebrate our industry’s resilience, see familiar faces, and unwind after a busy first day back at the live event. Licensing Expo is back – we couldn’t be more excited and look forward to an evening of fun and camaraderie.”

“Bringing experiences to life is core to who we are as an industry and the Opening Night Party perfectly embodies just that,” says Kris Kojima, licensing specialist for ATLUS West. “We hope all guests registered for Licensing Expo attend the celebration and uses the party as an opportunity to enjoy being a part of such a creative and dynamic industry. Join us on May 24 at Daylight Beach Club to reconnect with old friends, meet the newest industry visionaries, and have fun!”

Recent registrants for Licensing Expo include Aldi, Aykroyd & Sons, Build a Bear, Danilo, Disguise, Jakks Pacific, Hallmark, Hot Topic, HTI Toys, Inditex, Macy’s, Mad Engine, Panini, Primark, Pyramid International, ROSMAN, Target, Walmart, Zulily and many more.

Sponsorship options are available for anyone looking to secure a space at the party; enquire here. To learn more, visit www.licensingexpo.com.