Advanstar Communications, the organiser behind world leading licensing events Brand Licensing Europe and Licensing International Expo, launches a Global Partner Programme today to reward licensing companies exhibiting at both the European and US shows.

Companies that sign up to exhibit directly – i.e. not through a licensing agent – at concurrent Brand Licensing Europe and Licensing International Expo events will be recognised as Global Partners and be entitled to a multitude of benefits. The programme launches with 32 Global Partners, including 4 Kids Entertainment, BBC Worldwide Licensing, The Beanstalk Group, HIT Entertainment, ITV Global Entertainment, The Lego Group, MGL, Preziosi Group, Rainbow SpA, Twentieth Century Fox and Vicki Thomas Associates.

Global Partners will have access to an exclusive and complimentary promotional programme designed to add value to their presence at both events and boost their profile internationally. The programme will include free publicity for all partners before, during and after the events through inclusion in press releases, online activity, License! Global, visitor newsletters, onsite signage and full page profiles in both events’ visitor guides.

Partners will also be invited to attend a free Webinar to help them increase the effectiveness of their exhibiting strategies at both events, as well as exclusive Global Partner Christmas networking events in New York and London.

Brand Licensing Europe event director Jessica Blue commented: “Brand Licensing Europe is the leading event for licensing professionals in Europe. Licensing International Expo is unrivalled in the United States. Together, they attract around 30,000 licensing professionals, making them the perfect platform for companies to raise their profile on an international scale. By launching the Global Partner Programme we can further support our exhibitors’ trade marketing programmes with up to 12 months of publicity and networking opportunities.”

Brand Licensing Europe 2009 takes place from 30 September – 1 October 2009 at Olympia’s Grand Hall in London.