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Licensing Expo specifics: Licensing Expo is held at Mandalay Bay Convention Center on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip — not at the LVCC. This distinction is critical for hotel selection. Hotels near the LVCC (Westgate, Renaissance) are 4+ miles away and impractical during show week. The ideal bases are Delano Las Vegas (connected to Mandalay Bay), Four Seasons Las Vegas (same building, separate entrance), and MGM Grand (10-minute walk north).
Licensing Expo is the world’s largest licensing trade show, bringing 16,000+ brand owners, licensors, licensing agents, and manufacturers together at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center every May. If you work in brand licensing, retail buying, character/entertainment licensing, or consumer products development, Licensing Expo is the essential annual event — and where you stay shapes your ability to network effectively.
Where Is Licensing Expo Held?
Licensing Expo is held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center at the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip. Like Black Hat USA, its south-Strip location means proximity to Mandalay Bay is far more valuable than proximity to the LVCC-area hotels.
🏷️ Licensing Expo 2026 Hotels
May is excellent weather in Las Vegas. Book Mandalay Bay area hotels 3–4 months in advance.
Best Hotels for Licensing Expo 2026
1. Mandalay Bay Resort — On-Site at the Convention Center
The only hotel directly connected to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Walk from your room to the show floor in minutes. Licensing Expo is a relationship business — being in the same hotel as most attendees means running into potential partners and clients in the lobby, restaurants, and pool. Rates during Licensing Expo: $180–350/night. Official hotel block available via your Licensing Expo registration.
2. Delano Las Vegas — Connected & Upscale
All-suite hotel connected to Mandalay Bay. Larger rooms make it ideal for brand teams traveling together or for hosting in-room meetings with potential licensees. The adult-oriented vibe fits well with the senior licensing executives who attend. Rates: $160–300/night.
3. Four Seasons Las Vegas — Best for High-End Brand Meetings
In the Mandalay Bay tower with its own private entrance. Licensing Expo involves significant high-value deal-making — luxury brand licensors and major entertainment companies often use the Four Seasons for private meetings during the show. No casino, butler service, and the best pool at the south end of the Strip. Rates: $300–600/night.
4. Luxor Hotel — Best Budget Near Mandalay Bay
Connected to Mandalay Bay via indoor walkway. At $60–130/night during Licensing Expo, it’s the clear budget choice for attendees who need Mandalay Bay proximity without the premium. Smaller rooms but functional for a show where you spend most of your day on the floor.
Licensing Expo Booking Strategy
- May is ideal Las Vegas weather — 85–95°F (29–35°C), warm but before the brutal summer heat. Outdoor pool networking is a real option in May.
- Check the official Licensing Expo hotel block — Informa (the organizer) negotiates rates at Mandalay Bay and nearby hotels. Access via your show registration portal.
- Book 3–4 months in advance — May is popular but not as congested as January or November. You have more time but should still book by February for the best options.
- Networking is everything at Licensing Expo — Being in Mandalay Bay for evening parties and casual encounters is worth the premium over off-site hotels.
More Las Vegas Trade Show Resources
- Best Hotels Near the Las Vegas Convention Center
- Las Vegas Trade Show Calendar 2026-2027
- Airport to Convention Center Transport
- Las Vegas Trade Show Budget Guide
- Car Rental Las Vegas
🎯 Top Las Vegas Experiences for Trade Show Attendees
Make the most of your evenings — book activities between sessions or after the show.
🏨 Compare Hotels on Hotels.com
Best rates guaranteed — free cancellation on most rooms.
🏠 Vacation Rentals Near the LVCC
For teams of 3+ people, Vrbo offers full apartments near the Las Vegas Convention Center — often 30–40% cheaper than comparable hotel rooms.
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Las Vegas Entertainment for Licensing Expo Attendees
Licensing Expo brings together brand managers, IP attorneys, and licensing executives who typically combine business dinners with Las Vegas’s high-end entertainment options. Mandalay Bay’s south Strip location offers proximity to unique entertainment venues — from the House of Blues to T-Mobile Arena nearby. Viator connects Licensing Expo professionals with curated Vegas experiences that fit networking-heavy schedules.
Explore Las Vegas Experiences Near Mandalay Bay on Viator →
🚗 Car rental: Discover Cars
Book Your Hotel for This Trade Show
Compare prices and find the best deals for your stay in Las Vegas:
- 🏨 Booking.com – Best selection & free cancellation
- ✈️ Hotels.com – Earn free nights with rewards
- 🔍 Expedia – Bundle hotel + flight for extra savings
🚗 Need a car? Compare car rentals at DiscoverCars — up to 70% off!
Licensing Expo Las Vegas: Hotel Cost Breakdown
Hotel rates in Las Vegas surge significantly during major trade shows. For Licensing Expo, booking 3–4 months in advance is the minimum — properties nearest the show venue (LVCC or Venetian Expo) fill first and command the highest premiums. Here’s a realistic pricing guide based on typical show-week rates:
| Hotel Tier | Show-Week Rate | Off-Season Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (STRAT, Circus Circus) | $80–$140/night | $35–$70/night | Solo travelers, cost-focused |
| Mid-range (near LVCC) | $180–$280/night | $90–$150/night | Most attendees |
| Upscale (Strip casino resorts) | $250–$450/night | $150–$300/night | Client entertainment, luxury |
| Vrbo (2BR apartment) | $200–$350/night (total) | $120–$200/night | Teams of 3–4 people |
Getting the Most Out of Licensing Expo Las Vegas
Beyond choosing the right hotel, a few logistics make a measurable difference in how productive your Licensing Expo experience is. The Las Vegas Convention Center Vegas Loop provides free Tesla-vehicle transfers between halls — essential if the show spans multiple buildings, which saves 20–30 minutes of walking per hall crossing. For evening networking, book restaurants at least two weeks ahead: every quality venue near the LVCC fills up quickly during show week, and walk-in tables become nearly impossible after 6pm.
If you’re renting a car, compare rates on Discover Cars before committing to airport counters — online pre-booking typically saves 20–35% versus walk-up rates. For teams sharing a vehicle, this can meaningfully offset the total transport budget for a 4-day show.
🎭 Book Las Vegas shows via Caesars Rewards — residencies, comedy and live entertainment. 🗺️ Discover experiences and tours on Viator. 🎟️ Browse activities on GetYourGuide.
🚗 EconomyBookings compares car rental rates at Las Vegas airports. 🎰 Station Casinos offer local Las Vegas hotel options at lower rates than Strip properties.
🚗 Carla — car rental comparison for Las Vegas trade show attendees.
📍 Related: Looking for the complete picture? Check our complete LVCC hotel guide with all 25+ hotels ranked by walking distance to the LVCC, real trade show prices, and insider booking tips.
About this guide
Independent guide for trade show professionals attending events in Las Vegas. We cover hotels near the LVCC and Venetian Expo, transport options, dining, and exhibitor tips for CES, NAB Show, CONEXPO, SHOT Show and 20+ other major Las Vegas trade shows.