Shanghai International Licensing Expo LEC

The Exhibitor Value of the Shanghai Licensing Expo (LEC)

• A Benchmark Platform for the Asian IP Licensing IndustrySince its inception in 2017, LEC has experienced robust and sustained growth, with an exhibition space exceeding 53,000 square meters. Bringing together more than 420 domestic and international exhibitors and over 2,000 IP assets from around the globe, it has become one of Asia’s most influential commercial platforms for IP licensing.
• Comprehensive Coverage of the Entire IP EcosystemExhibits span a full spectrum of IP categories, including anime characters, film and television, cultural heritage and art, online literature, gaming and entertainment, publishing, corporate brands, sports, fashion trends, celebrities, music, and higher education institutions. From established IP giants to emerging innovators, from global superstars to homegrown trendsetters, the expo presents the complete IP licensing ecosystem, precisely connecting with buyers across the entire value chain—ranging from toys and apparel to personal care, food and beverages, infant and child products, retail, and commercial real estate.
• A Global Hub for Resource NetworkingHosted by Informa Markets, a globally renowned exhibition group, and officially endorsed by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA), the Shanghai Licensing Expo boasts an industry‑wide database of over 500,000 high‑quality contacts. Leveraging the group’s cross‑industry exhibition portfolio—including maternal and infant products, cultural tourism, food, beauty, and fashion—the event facilitates year-round direct access to targeted buyers through online matchmaking and offline networking sessions, establishing an efficient bridge between IP owners and licensees.
• A Launchpad for Cutting‑Edge TrendsThe expo consistently focuses on the deep integration of AI and IP, showcasing AIGC‑driven innovations that empower IP development. Industry forums delve into the practical applications of AI in IP incubation, cross‑category licensing expansion, and infringement risk mitigation, advancing the establishment of industry standards aligned with technological evolution.
• Authoritative High‑Level Forums Empowering the IndustryDuring the LEC, more than 30 high‑profile conferences and events are meticulously organized. The China International Licensing Summit gathers over 500 industry decision‑makers and experts to engage in in‑depth discussions on pressing topics such as global trends, brand collaborations, content ecosystems, and IP cultural adaptation. Meanwhile, the China Licensing Forum spans three consecutive days, inviting more than 30 industry specialists to explore cutting‑edge issues like the value of brand co‑branding, the consumption dynamics of Generation Z, and the reimagining of traditional cultural‑heritage IP scenarios.
• A Precise Business-Matching System Ensures Tangible Results: The fair has hosted tens of thousands of business-matching sessions, with dedicated category-specific matchmaking events that comprehensively cover high-demand sectors such as toys, food, apparel, and maternal & infant products. By precisely inviting brand decision-makers to participate, it successfully bridges the gap between industry resources and IP licensing opportunities.
• Year-Round IP‑Driven Business Enablement: Leveraging the “Find IP” mini‑program, an online business‑matching platform, and a global resource network, the event provides licensors and licensees with uninterrupted access to business opportunities throughout the year, maintaining a consistently high proportion of business decision‑makers among attendees.
• Dual‑Exhibition Synergy Sparks New Cross‑Industry Opportunities: Held concurrently with the Global Baby, Child & Maternity Expo (CBME), the event shares a vast pool of exhibitors, brands, and professional visitors. In 2026, the inaugural Shanghai Cultural & Creative Ecosystem Exhibition will be introduced, spotlighting emerging segments such as trendy toys, figurines, national‑style cultural products, and museum‑derived merchandise, while precisely connecting these offerings with new consumption channels—including cultural‑creative concept stores, online platforms, and cultural‑tourism networks.