BLE Launches Matchmaking Service for European Licensing Industry

BLE Launches Matchmaking Service for European Licensing Industry

LONDON, August 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

    A brand new online Matchmaking Service, which generated over 2,500 meetings at
Licensing Expo, has been launched today by sister show Brand Licensing Europe (BLE).

(Logo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130723/629764-a )

    The BLE Matchmaking Service, which will be provided for free this year, will enable
exhibitors and visitors to request meetings with one another through an online portal
ahead of the show, taking place from 11 - 13th October 2016 at London's Olympia. The tool
allows users to create online profiles, identify key contacts based on area of interest
and job type, build relationships and create business opportunities - resulting in a
pre-planned roster of private meetings at the event. A team of matchmaking professionals
support the service, assisting with meeting arrangements and managing the show's new
Matchmaking Lounge.

    Used for the first time at Licensing Expo in June, the service resulted in:

       
        - Over 2,500 business meetings.  
        - Over 345,000 online user profile views.
        - Connected 1,000 licensors with licensees.
        - Generated $200,000 worth of business from one user alone.

    Anna Knight, BLE Brand Director, said "The licensing industry has embraced this
revolutionary service; the take-up rate at Licensing Expo was 50% higher than in any other
industry currently using the tool. In fact, 90% of exhibiting companies engaged with it,
and we are delighted to now offer this opportunity to the European market. Users told us
that the portal made their time at the show more efficient, opened up a network of new
contacts, and generated substantial amounts of new business. We would encourage anyone
attending BLE to sign up today."

    Following his experience at Licensing Expo, John Larson, Director at IMG Worldwide
Inc., added "The Matchmaking Service was a fantastic tool that helped me meet many new
contacts. Taking meetings in this format was very valuable and I took about 12 meetings
via the service. Many solid leads were generated and many new contacts made."

    Now in its 18th year, BLE is the largest and most prestigious licensing event in
Europe and runs from 11 - 13th October 2016 at Olympia, London. Organised by UBM and
sponsored by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association (LIMA), the
show features over 2,500 brands, characters, and images available to license from more
than 300 exhibitors.

    About Brand Licensing Europe, part of UBM's Licensing group  

    Brand Licensing Europe 2016 (http://www.brandlicensing.eu) takes place from 11 -
13th October 2016 at Olympia, London. It is the only pan-European event dedicated to
licensing and brand extension. Now in its 18th successful year, Brand Licensing Europe
2015 was the biggest event to date; hosting 300 exhibitors and 7,203 visitors from 63
countries.

    Brand Licensing Europe is owned by UBM which also organises Licensing Expo in Las
Vegas, USA. Both shows are produced in partnership with the international Licensing
Industry Merchandisers' Association (LIMA). License! Global is the official publication
for both shows.

    About UBM EMEA 

    UBM EMEA (http://ubmemea.com) connects people and creates opportunities for
companies across five continents to develop new business, meet customers, launch new
products, promote brands and expand markets. Operating in more than 23 countries, UBM EMEA
organises many of the world's largest, most important live events, awards and community
sites in a wide variety of industries. Its events include Brand Licensing Europe,
Technology for Marketing, eCommerce Expo, Customer Contact Expo and Decorex.

    To access the Brand Licensing Europe Matchmaking Service, please visit
http://blematchmaking.com or contact the team at ble@meetingsprogramme.com or call
+44(0)1275-335-912.

    Photo:
    http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130723/629764-a

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130723/629764-a
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130723/629764-a
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Brand Licensing Europe

CONTACT: For press information please contact Emma Mackley at emackley@advanstar.com or Tel: +44(0)7796-694735.