Brand Licensing Europe has announced a revised timetable following the passing of the Queen and the subsequent funeral taking place on Monday September 19, just ahead of this year’s event.
The Monday is now a bank holiday and after careful consideration, BLE has tweaked its timings to “allow for everyone to pay their respects to Her Majesty the Queen”.
The show will now open at London’s Excel on midday on Tuesday September 20, dlising at 6pm, rather than the original 9am to 5pm. Show hours have been extended both at the start and the end of the day on Wednesday September 21, starting at 8am and finishing at 6pm. Thursday is unchanged at 9am to 4pm.
Similarly, some sessions due to take place on the Tuesday morning have now been shifted.
Those changed sessions include Orientation Session: 12-12.20pm (License Global Theatre); Show Tour: 12.20 – 12.40pm (departing from the License Global Theatre; various locations); Speed Networking for Licensing U delegates: 2.45-3.15pm (Wellness Lounge); French Community Drinks: 5.30-6pm (BLE Bar); BLE Opening Night Drinks: 6-8pm (BLE Bar and Motul Cafe).
SVP for licensing at Informa Markets Anna Knight said: “We have done everything possible to reduce disruption to our visitors, exhibitors and contractors, whilst also taking into account that many people in the UK do not wish to work on Monday 19 September in order to pay their respects to Her Majesty and be with their families on such a momentous occasion. Monday is the busiest day for the set-up of the event, and we therefore need a few additional hours on Tuesday morning to enable exhibitors enough time to complete set-up of their stands and to welcome you to the event.
“We understand that the adjusted hours will require attendees and exhibitors to reschedule meetings on Tuesday morning and we apologise for the inconvenience this will cause. We very much appreciate everyone’s flexibility and understanding as we navigate these unprecedented times. We would like to stress the venue will remain open as usual on Tuesday morning for those with pre-booked travel – there are plenty of seating areas and cafes for those wishing to work or take meetings before the show opens at 12pm.”
A webinar will take place on Tuesday at 1pm to further explain the changes, you can register here
