Photo: Mustaq Retiwala / Google MapsLas Vegas Hotels for Brand Licensing Expo 2027
Brand Licensing Expo 2027 runs 25 to 27 May at Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas. 12,500+ in attendance and 400+ exhibiting companies (organiser figures)
- Free-cancellation rooms
- Lock today's hotel rate
- Company invoice
- Book rooms for your team
Where to stay
Where to stay for Brand Licensing Expo (Licensing Expo) 2027: the closest hotels to Mandalay Bay Convention Center are in Mandalay Bay and Luxor and Excalibur, with South Strip a short ride away. Rooms near the venue sell out first, so book a free-cancellation rate early. Add your company name and tax number at checkout for an itemised company invoice.
Popular areas for attendees: Mandalay Bay · Luxor and Excalibur · South Strip · Mid-Strip.
About Brand Licensing Expo (Licensing Expo)
Brand Licensing Expo, still widely known as Licensing Expo, fills the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas from Tuesday 25 to Thursday 27 May 2027.
Launched in 1980 and run by Informa Markets with association partner Licensing International, it is the annual meeting place for brand owners and agents and the retailers, manufacturers and licensees who turn characters, sports teams, art and corporate brands into consumer products.
The organiser counts 12,500+ in attendance, 400+ exhibiting companies and more than 70 countries represented, with pavilions of entertainment, sports, gaming and heritage brands, keynotes and a meetings planner for booking appointments before you arrive. It is a trade only event with an 18+ policy.
The main exhibit hall sits on the casino level of the South Convention Center at Mandalay Bay, at the south end of the Strip, so for Licensing Expo hotels most visitors stay at Mandalay Bay itself or at Luxor and Excalibur along the free tram. This page shows live hotel rates across Las Vegas for your dates; your Expo Pass comes from the organiser and is separate from your hotel booking.
Who attends
Brand owners and licensing agents meeting retailers, manufacturers and licensees who develop licensed consumer products. It is a trade only event with an 18+ entry policy.
Why book with Event Escapes
- Las Vegas hotels for Brand Licensing Expo sorted by distance to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, from Mandalay Bay and Luxor to the Mid-Strip
- Live rates for 25 to 27 May 2027, with check-in and check-out dates you choose for build up, the show days or the opening night party
- Free cancellation rates shown where the hotel offers them, useful while your meeting schedule and team list are still changing
- An itemised company invoice emailed at booking, plus a quote within 24 hours for an exhibitor team or a licensing agency group through our enquiry form
Event at a glance
- Dates
- 25 May to 27 May 2027
- Length
- 3 days, Tue to Thu
- Venue
- Mandalay Bay Convention Center
- City
- Las Vegas, USA
- Airport
- LAS
- Attendance
- 12,500+ in attendance and 400+ exhibiting companies (organiser figures)
- Organiser
- Informa Markets
- First held
- 1980
- How often
- Annual
- Sector
- Marketing
Key facts
- in attendance
- 12,500+
- exhibiting companies
- 400+
- confirmed meetings
- 9,000+
Figures published by the organiser.
Event Escapes is independent of the organiser. We book your hotel; badges, tickets and stands are handled by the organiser.
Live rates near the venue
Hotels near Mandalay Bay Convention Center for Brand Licensing Expo 2027
Plan your stay
Rates shown for a 3 night stay, Mon, May 24 → Thu, May 27, arriving the day before the fair opens, or choose your own dates above.
Hotel rates near major event venues rise as the dates approach and the closest hotels sell out first. Booking a free-cancellation rate early locks the price with no downside.
On the map
The venue, your hotel options and where to eat, all in one view. Tap the map to explore it full screen.
Free cancellation first
Flexible rooms prioritised so plans can change without penalty.
Company invoice
Itemised invoice billed to your company, emailed the moment you book.
Stay close to the venue
Hotels ranked by walking distance to the halls.
Lock today's rate
Reserve at the current price and book several rooms for the team.
Booking hotels for a team or company?
Book several rooms near Mandalay Bay Convention Center, keep every stay on a free-cancellation rate, and add your company name and tax number at checkout to receive an itemised invoice for your accounts, emailed the moment you book.
- Itemised company invoice, emailed instantly
- Bills to your company name and ABN / VAT / tax number
- Free-cancellation rates prioritised for changing plans
- Book multiple rooms for the team in one place
Send this page to colleagues so everyone books their own room near the venue, all at today's rate.
Exhibiting or sending a team? Tell us how many rooms you need and we will send a personalised quote within 24 hours, with the distance from every hotel to Mandalay Bay Convention Center. If the closest hotels are nearly full, we split your team across neighbouring hotels a few minutes apart. Corporate accommodation for Brand Licensing Expo (Licensing Expo)
Free Brand Licensing Expo (Licensing Expo) Insider Guide
Do Brand Licensing Expo (Licensing Expo) the easy way. Get our curated guide, plus first access to near-venue rooms before they sell out.
- The best hotels within walking distance of the venue
- Where to host clients for dinner near the halls
- How to beat the sold-out fair-week rooms
We'll email your guide and occasional Brand Licensing Expo (Licensing Expo) hotel deals. Unsubscribe anytime.
Need to expense this trip? Business invoices available at checkout.
Where should you eat during Brand Licensing Expo (Licensing Expo)?
CES dinners book out weeks ahead: the good rooms near the Convention Center go first. These are the spots Vegas regulars actually take clients: reserve before you fly, and keep one casual back-up for the nights the schedule slips.
Photo: Piero's Italian Cuisine / Google Maps
Photo: Piero's Italian Cuisine / Google Maps
Photo: Michael Lista / Google MapsPiero's Italian Cuisine
Italian · old-school Vegas
Convention Center Dr, 5 min walk from LVCC
The CES institution: directly across from the Convention Center, dark booths, osso buco, and half the industry in the room during show week.
Tip: Book weeks ahead for CES week; ask for a booth for client dinners.
Open in Google Maps
Photo: Golden Steer Steakhouse Las Vegas / Google Maps
Photo: James Leatherbarrow / Google Maps
Photo: Golden Steer Steakhouse Las Vegas / Google MapsGolden Steer Steakhouse
Steakhouse · since 1958
W Sahara Ave, 6 min drive
Vegas's oldest steakhouse: Sinatra's booth is still there. Tableside Caesar, dry-aged steaks, and the kind of room that closes deals.
Tip: CES week reservations open ~60 days out and vanish: set a reminder.
Open in Google Maps
Photo: Del Cabon / Google Maps
Photo: Nigel Hickey / Google Maps
Photo: Lotus of Siam - Flamingo Road / Google MapsLotus of Siam
Northern Thai
E Flamingo Rd, 10 min drive
Repeatedly called the best Thai restaurant in America: khao soi and crispy duck worth leaving the Strip for, with a deep Riesling list.
Tip: Order the Northern Thai specials, not the standard menu.
Open in Google Maps
Photo: Walter Chen (Walter Chen) / Google Maps
Photo: Always Hungry / Google Maps
Photo: William Petz / Google MapsRaku
Japanese izakaya · robata
Chinatown, Spring Mountain Rd: 15 min drive
Where Strip chefs eat after service: charcoal-grilled skewers and house-made tofu until 2am. Perfect for the night the show runs late.
Tip: Open till 2am, ideal for a post-booth-teardown dinner.
Open in Google Maps
Photo: Stephan Yang / Google Maps
Photo: Esther's Kitchen / Google Maps
Photo: Erika Washington / Google MapsEsther's Kitchen
Italian · pasta & natural wine
Arts District, 12 min drive
The Arts District favourite: house pastas and sourdough that locals queue for. A relaxed team dinner away from convention crowds.
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Photo: Christopher Rauschnot / Google Maps
Photo: Joel Robuchon / Google Maps
Photo: Hùng Mạnh / Google MapsJoël Robuchon
French fine dining
MGM Grand, 14 min drive
The only three-Michelin-star room in Las Vegas: the deal-closing dinner when the contract is big enough to justify it. Jacket recommended.
Tip: Tasting menus only: plan 3 hours and book the moment your dates lock.
Open in Google Maps
Photo: Bazaar Meat by José Andrés / Google Maps
Photo: Bazaar Meat by José Andrés / Google Maps
Photo: Stephen Bielecki / Google MapsBazaar Meat by José Andrés
Steak · Spanish
Sahara Las Vegas, 5 min drive from LVCC
José Andrés does carnivore theatre: wood-fired steaks and Spanish plates minutes from the Convention Center. The impress-a-client room closest to CES.
Tip: Closest fine dining to LVCC: the CES-week table everyone fights for.
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Photo: Grace Lin / Google Maps
Photo: Erin Defosse / Google Maps
Photo: Nadja Eberle / Google MapsVesta Coffee Roasters
Specialty coffee · café
Arts District, 12 min drive
Las Vegas's best specialty roaster: proper flat whites and quiet tables for the morning email triage before the halls open.
Open in Google Maps
Photo: Cat Evans / Google Maps
Photo: Peppermill and Fireside Lounge / Google Maps
Photo: mary beth terhaar / Google MapsPeppermill Fireside Lounge
American diner · 24 hours
Las Vegas Blvd, 4 min drive from LVCC
The neon-lit 1972 institution: open 24 hours, giant breakfasts, and booths that have hosted more informal CES meetings than most suites.
Tip: Open all night: the fallback when the only slot a contact has is 7am.
Open in Google MapsAfter the halls close: Las Vegas
Client dinner, team night out or a free day after Brand Licensing Expo (Licensing Expo): bookable experiences in Las Vegas, same account, same checkout.
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Find ticketsFixtures recur each season; exact dates for your fair week are confirmed at ticket search.
How do you get to Brand Licensing Expo (Licensing Expo)?
From Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
- Mandalay Bay is at the south end of the Strip, the part of the Strip closest to the airport
- Taxis wait outside baggage claim: at Terminal 1 on the east side near doors 1 to 4, at Terminal 3 on Level Zero near door 52
- Uber and Lyft pick up inside the parking garages: Level 2 at Terminal 1 and the Valet Level at Terminal 3
- The organiser lists airline discounts for visitors on its travel page, including Southwest and Air Canada
Arriving at Mandalay Bay Convention Center
- The organiser says taxi and ride share pick up and drop off at the convention center are at the Shark Reef and Bayside E entrances
- The main exhibit hall, with exhibitors, brand activations and education sessions, is on the casino level of the South Convention Center
- More meeting space, showcases and events are on the second floor of the South Convention Center and in the North Convention Center
- For parking locations and rates, the organiser points visitors to MGM Resorts' own parking information
How do you get around during Brand Licensing Expo (Licensing Expo)?
Getting to the show each day
- Staying at Mandalay Bay keeps your walk to the halls indoors, which helps in the late May heat
- A free tram links Excalibur, Luxor and Mandalay Bay; the Las Vegas Monorail's guide says it runs daily from 10 am to midnight, so check times with the hotels if you need it before the doors open
- From the Mid-Strip, taxis and ride share are the usual way to Mandalay Bay; expect queues when the show opens and closes
- Show hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, so plan meetings around the earlier finish
Choosing where to stay
- Mandalay Bay is the closest base, with the convention center under the same roof
- Luxor and Excalibur are linked to Mandalay Bay by the free tram and suit teams looking for more choice at the South Strip
- The Mid-Strip resorts suit visitors with evening meetings and dinners, a short taxi ride north
- The organiser names onPeak as the only hotel provider it endorses; Event Escapes is independent and shows live rates across many Las Vegas hotels
Do you need a visa for Brand Licensing Expo (Licensing Expo)?
Visa-free / visa on arrival
- Check the current US entry rules for your passport before you travel, on official US government websites or with the US embassy where you live
- Travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries need an approved ESTA travel authorisation; US Customs and Border Protection recommends applying as soon as you begin preparing travel plans or before buying airline tickets
- Apply for ESTA only on the official US government website, and note that you need an e-Passport to use the Visa Waiver Program
eVisa / visa required
- If you cannot travel under the Visa Waiver Program you will need a US visitor visa; contact your local US embassy or consulate to book an appointment
- Start any visa application well before May, as interview waiting times vary by country
- Buy your Expo Pass early so you have your registration confirmation to show if asked about the purpose of your trip
Documents to carry
- A passport valid for your whole stay, with your ESTA approval or visa linked to it
- Photo ID: the organiser runs ID spot checks at the entrance under its 18+ policy
- Your Expo Pass confirmation and your hotel booking and return travel details
US entry requirements change often, so check the current rules on official US government websites or with your nearest US embassy before you book travel.
First time at Brand Licensing Expo (Licensing Expo)?
- Show hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 May and 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday 27 May 2027
- Brand Licensing Expo is a paid event: the Expo Pass starts at $35 with early bird pricing until 31 January 2027, then rises to $75; prices exclude tax
- Retailers selling licensed products direct to consumers can apply for a free pass, subject to the organiser's verification
- It is a trade only event: under 18s are not allowed in the exhibit halls and the opening night party is 21+
- Use the Event Planner before you travel: the Expo Pass includes 20 exhibitor meeting requests, and studio showcases are invitation only
Insider tips from repeat attendees
- Register before 31 January 2027 to get the early bird pass price; registering in advance also avoids queues on site, the organiser says
- The pool style opening night party is a paid add on to the pass, so book it with your pass if you want to go
- Service providers must buy the Meeting Boost or the All Access pass to send meeting requests to exhibitors
Brand Licensing Expo (Licensing Expo) travel FAQs
When is Brand Licensing Expo (Licensing Expo) 2027?
Brand Licensing Expo (Licensing Expo) takes place 25 May to 27 May 2027 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, USA.
Where is Brand Licensing Expo (Licensing Expo) held?
Brand Licensing Expo (Licensing Expo) is held at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, USA. The nearest airport is LAS.
When and where is Brand Licensing Expo 2027?
Brand Licensing Expo 2027 runs from Tuesday 25 to Thursday 27 May 2027 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, South and North, in Las Vegas. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Is Brand Licensing Expo the same as Licensing Expo?
Yes. The show now trades as Brand Licensing Expo and is part of Brand Licensing by Informa; the organiser's FAQ still calls it Licensing Expo in places. It was launched in 1980.
How much does a pass cost?
The Expo Pass starts at $35 with early bird pricing until 31 January 2027 and then rises to $75, plus tax. Upgrades such as the Meeting Boost and All Access Experience cost extra. Qualifying retailers can apply for a free pass.
Can the public attend?
No. The organiser describes Brand Licensing Expo as a trade only event with a strict 18+ entry policy. Students may attend only through pre approved programmes.
Where should I stay for Brand Licensing Expo?
Mandalay Bay is closest, with the convention center in the same complex. Luxor and Excalibur are on the free tram to Mandalay Bay, and the Mid-Strip resorts are a short taxi ride away.
Does Brand Licensing Expo have an official hotel provider?
The organiser names onPeak as its official hotel provider and the only one it endorses. Event Escapes is independent and not affiliated with Brand Licensing Expo or Informa; we show live rates across many Las Vegas hotels so you can compare.
Register for your attendee badge
Your entry badge is separate from your hotel. Get it from the official Brand Licensing Expo (Licensing Expo) portal before you travel. We handle the travel; the event handles the badge.
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Which hotels are closest to Mandalay Bay Convention Center?
The closest hotels to the venue with the distance, the walk or ride time and an indicative nightly rate, refreshed weekly. Live prices for your exact dates are in the booking section above. Last checked 13 November 2026.
Cheap and 3 star hotels near Mandalay Bay Convention Center
| Hotel | Distance to venue | Walk or ride | From per night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desert Rose Resort★★★ | 1.0 km | ~5 min ride | $91 |
| OYO Hotel & Casino (formerly Hooters Casino Hotel)★★★ | 1.1 km | ~5 min ride | $32 |
More hotels close to Mandalay Bay Convention Center
| Hotel | Distance to venue | Walk or ride | From per night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four Seasons Las Vegas Hotel★★★★★ | 0.2 km | ~3 min walk | $1,019 |
| W Las Vegas★★★★ | 0.3 km | ~4 min walk | $656 |
| Luxor Hotel and Casino★★★★ | 0.4 km | ~7 min walk | $37 |
| The Reserve at Park MGM★★★★★ | 1.4 km | ~6 min ride | $226 |
Event Escapes is a privately owned, independent company that provides accommodation and travel for trade fair visitors. We are not associated with, endorsed by or acting for Brand Licensing Expo (Licensing Expo), its organisers or its promoters. Dates and venues can change. Verify with the official event site before booking travel.