The Hong Kong International Licensing Show and the Asian Licensing Conference concluded successfully on April 29, 2026, after a three-day run from April 27 to 29. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the events attracted more than 330 exhibitors showcasing over 600 brands and licensing projects. The Asian Licensing Conference featured around 20 international experts discussing global licensing trends, IP strategies for overseas expansion, sports licensing, location-based entertainment, food and beverage licensing, and creative marketing.
Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, noted that under the national 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is deepening its role as a regional IP trading hub. She highlighted that licensing applications are expanding from traditional character merchandising to fields like location-based entertainment, food and beverage, and e-commerce, forming a complete licensing industry chain that creates global business opportunities. According to Koo, this aligns with the Hong Kong SAR Government’s policy to enhance SME competitiveness in cross-border e-commerce.
This year’s Licensing Show introduced the new IP and e-Commerce Support Services Zone, developed with the E-commerce Association of Hong Kong, Hong Kong eCommerce Supply Chain Association, and the Hong Kong Federation of E-Commerce. The zone hosted workshops on building online shops, digital marketing, and livestream commerce to help SMEs sell their IP products globally. Kay Leung from Digitify Online Growth stated that the zone’s value lies in promotion and education, helping SMEs leverage e-commerce to expand their business. Prof. Charles Ng from StarLite IPC Limited noted that the show served as an “all-rounded accelerator” during the Asian market’s economic recovery.
The DLAB Hong Kong Pavilion featured nearly 40 exhibitors showcasing original brands and IPs. Local designer Kirsten Lie secured collaboration opportunities with overseas shopping malls, while James Ho praised the platform for reaching potential partners. The Hong Kong Licensing Force Showcase included universities such as The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and the newly participating Hong Kong Design Institute.
Key themes at the Asian Licensing Conference included the emotional economy and non-traditional toy IPs. Mark Kingston, CEO of Libertas Brands Ltd, discussed the rise of Fugglers, whose “ugly-cute” design reflects the emotion economy. George Wood of The Luna Entertainment Group emphasized location-based entertainment, noting that depth of affection is tied to hours spent with an IP. The Chinese Mainland Pavilion hosted over 150 institutions from regions including Beijing, Shaanxi, and Guangdong, with popular IPs like Nailoong and Tang Fugui making their debut. Cultural institutions such as Guangdong Museum and Nanjing Museum also participated, showcasing historical resources.
Several MoUs were signed, including one between the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau and the HKTDC to deepen cultural and economic exchange. Another MoU between the Innovative Entrepreneur Association and the Shantou Cultural and Creative Tourism Industry Association aims to strengthen Hong Kong-Shantou collaboration. These agreements were facilitated by the HKTDC and represent a further deepening of industry cooperation. For more information, visit the Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference pages.
