Licensing executives are being called on to help shape BLE 2026’s content programme, with speakers wanted across five key areas of expertise 

Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) has issued its first call for speakers, welcoming proposals from licensing industry professionals to help shape the show’s popular content programme for the first time in it’s 27-year history. 

The deadline for applications is 31 July and the show runs 6-8 October at Excel London.

“BLE’s content programme is a big pull for licensing professionals attending the show,” said Event Director Ella Haynes. “It is purposely forward-looking content designed to positively impact career and business growth. 

“The licensing industry is bursting with innovation and new ideas across every category and it’s critical we give expert voices the stage to share their successes with the broader industry. From first timers to BLE to licensing veterans who have been coming for years, a big part of the BLE experience is to inspire and spark ideas, to learn and imagine, and content can be a brilliant way to do just that.”

BLE and License Global are looking for dynamic speakers who can contribute to a panel focusing on one of five key pillars for 2026, but are open to ideas that do not neatly fit into these topics. 

The five pillars are:

Sports

• Licensing opportunities for teams, leagues, athletes, and esports. 
• Fan-focused products, sponsorships, and digital innovations.
• Case studies on successful sports licensing partnerships.

Fashion

• Licensing strategies for luxury, streetwear and global markets. 
• Collaborations between fashion and industries like entertainment or sports. 
• Trends in sustainable and ethical licensing practices.

Food & Beverage

• Licensing for restaurants, food products, and beverage brands. 
• Collaborations with lifestyle and entertainment sectors.
• Trends and upcoming partnerships in the F&B space.

Retail

• Licensing strategies for retail brands to expand into new categories. 
• Trends in experiential retail, e-commerce, and digital licensing. 
• Insights into consumer behaviour and retail partnerships.

Trend & Future

• Emerging technologies like AI, VR, and the metaverse in licensing. 
• Capitalising on cultural and consumer trends. 
• Driving innovation through sustainability in brand licensing.

Ella added: “If we could manifest the ideal applicant, they would be a true expert in their field with access to real world case studies and actionable insights that resonate with the audience. They must be collaborative and happy to share the stage with other brands and experts and be able to share something new – whether that’s stats, an announcement or exclusive behind the scenes insight, for example.” 

Interested applicants are invited to find out more at https://www.brandlicensing.eu/about/call-for-speakers/and complete the online form.