The Hong Kong International Licensing Show and 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 and showcased over 600 brands and licensing projects. The Asian Licensing Conference featured 20 international experts discussing global trends, IP strategies, sports licensing, and creative marketing, serving as a platform for cross-regional and cross-sectoral business expansion.
Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, emphasized Hong Kong's role as a regional IP trading hub under the national 15th Five-Year Plan. She noted that licensing is expanding beyond traditional character merchandising into location-based entertainment, food and beverage, and e-commerce, forming a complete industry chain that creates global business opportunities.
A new addition this year was the IP and e-Commerce Support Services Zone, developed with the E-commerce Association of Hong Kong and other bodies. The zone hosted workshops on online shops, digital marketing, and livestream commerce to help SMEs leverage e-commerce for global IP product sales. Kay Leung from Digitify Online Growth highlighted the zone's value in promotion and education, while Prof. Charles Ng from StarLite IPC Limited called the show an "all-rounded accelerator" for industry growth.
The DLAB Hong Kong Pavilion featured nearly 40 exhibitors showcasing original brands. Local designer Kirsten Lie secured collaboration opportunities with overseas shopping malls, and James Ho praised the platform for connecting with diverse partners. The Hong Kong Licensing Force Showcase included universities and the Hong Kong Design Institute, highlighting emerging talent.
At the Asian Licensing Conference, George Wood of The Luna Entertainment Group discussed location-based entertainment, noting that audience affection for IPs is crucial. Mark Kingston of Libertas Brands Ltd highlighted the emotional economy through Fugglers, whose "ugly-cute" design resonates with consumers. The Chinese Mainland Pavilion featured over 150 institutions, including museums and cultural heritage sites like the Great Wall, with popular IPs such as Nailoong and Tang Fugui making debuts.
Multiple memoranda of understanding 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 integrate cultural and tourism industries between Hong Kong and Shantou, following a January study mission to the Greater Bay Area.
