Hong Kong - Gateway to the Chinese mainland - The 2nd Largest Licensing Market in Asia

Hong Kong and its hinterland, the Pearl River Delta of China, have long been recognised for their strength in producing quality merchandise and premium items. China’s licensing market grew by an average of 17% through 2003-05 and retail sales of licensed merchandise reached US$1.1 billion by 2005.

The Show is a “never-miss” event in Asia for international intellectual property owners and their agents:

Fair at a Glance:

• The Hong Kong Licensing Show 2007 recorded its biggest year of participation with more than 120 exhibitors from 11 countries and regions, representing over 300 saleable trademarks and properties spanning characters, sports, art, collegiate and celebrities.
• In 2007, over 11,000 visitors from key decision-making licensees, distributors, manufacturers, and marketing professionals from 85 countries/regions packed the gangway and booths.
• The Premier Asian Licensing Awards & the International Licensing Conference, in conjunction with the three-day exhibition, provide an ideal platform for leading international and local licensing professionals to promote their brands and examine the latest trends in the industry as well as to find a wealth of business matching opportunities.

Fair Categories:
Animation; Arts & Design; Entertainment; Fashion & Apparel; Sports; Home & Housewares; Publishing and Professional Services.

Fair Highlights and News:

• Lifestyle Pavilion: highlight the hottest fashion/apparel brands, consumers' favourite sports brands and ready-to-license lifestyle properties.
• National Pavilion: bring you the latest hot brands from specific countries/regions, including a first ever UK Pavilion and Thai Pavilion.
• Hong Kong Character Hall: showcase the most popular home-growth characters and figurines with huge cross-over potentials.
• Digital Entertainment Zone: a new special zone in 2008 to display the latest trends and digital contents with huge market potentials.

Publicity and Marketing Opportunities:

1. Trade Matching Forum
In order to provide a platform for you to meet and introduce your company to potential business partners, we are offering trade matching forum sessions during fair period (2-4 July). For exhibitors, the cost is USD250 for one session (~45 mins).

2. Premier Asian Licensing Awards – The Best Way to Gain Industry Recognition & Free Publicity
The Premier Asian Licensing Awards is now calling for nominations! All Nominees and Winners will enjoy extensive media coverage and industry recognition. Nominate your properties or your business partners in Asia Now before 7 March!

• Best Asian Property (New Award in 2008!)
• Best License (Entertainment)
• Best License (Non-Entertainment)
• Best Licensee
• Best Licensing Agency
• Best Marketing Campaign in Hong Kong

In 2008, with LIMA's commitment as the Show’s co-sponsor, we shall invite even more manufacturers, merchandisers and procurement executives from prominent retailers and department stores in the region to visit our Show. With many licensees seeking for quality brands and unique properties to meet the strong demand for both consumer and lifestyle products in Asia, the lifestyle brands and unique intellectual property that your company represents will certainly provide the much needed diversity and quality to our regional visitors.

As the original early bird deadline is 15 February 2008, we are pleased to offer an extension of the deadline especially for your company: Full Application submitted before 21 March 2008 would enjoy 10% early bird discount!

Should you need further information or the application form, please feel free to contact Thebe Ng or Ron Li at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council or the respective office in your region for any questions. Meanwhile, you may also visit the Show's official website at www.hklicensingshow.com or http://www.tdctrade.com/dm/cp473219/ for more information or downloading the application form.