Advanstar Communications Launches Retail Mentoring Programme

Sainsbury's and Mothercare confirm participation

LONDON, May 14, 2010 - Brand Licensing Europe, the Advanstar organised licensing exhibition,
today announces the launch of the first retail mentoring programme at this
year's show.

The programme has been launched in order to help junior and assistant
buyers attending the show understand the complexities of the licensing
industry and navigate their way around the floor. Guidance will be given on
legal, technical and financial issues, as well as industry terminology and
who owns the rights for which brands. The objective of the programme is to
ultimately help retailers make well-informed decisions at the show and ensure
they do not miss any relevant opportunities.

Senior retail buyers are nominating junior and assistant buyers to
receive one-on-one training and the opportunity to shadow a licensor/agent.
The programme launched at LIMA's Licensing Essentials Course on 13th May.

Retailers backing this new scheme include Sainsbury's and Mothercare with
one more to be announced in the coming week.

Jessica Blue, event director, Brand Licensing Europe commented: "The
attendance of retailers has been increasing steadily year on year and we are
very excited about introducing this scheme which is the first of its kind
anywhere. The programme has been put together after extensive consultation
with participating retailers and focuses on nurturing retail talent in the
licensing industry."

John Carolan, Head of Childrenswear Buying at Sainsbury's said: "This new
programme is an excellent idea for ensuring retailers benefit from the vast
amount of information and opportunities on offer at Brand Licensing Europe.
We take a team to the show every year and it is an invaluable industry event
for discovering new brands and retail ranges that we know our customers will
love, as well as strengthening our current relationships with licensors and
licensees."

Brand Licensing Europe 2010 will take place from 28-30 September 2010 at
London's Grand Hall, Olympia.

Notes to editors:

About Brand Licensing Europe:

Brand Licensing Europe 2010 (www.brandlicensing.eu) - taking place
September 28 - 30 at Olympia in London is the only pan-European event
dedicated to licensing and brand extension. Now in its 12th successful year,
Brand Licensing Europe 2009 hosted 180 exhibitors and 4862 retailers,
manufacturers and sales promotion professionals from 58 countries.

About Advanstar Global Licensing Group:

Advanstar Communications Inc. (www.advanstar.com), producer of
Licensing International Expo, Brand Licensing Central & Eastern Europe and
Brand Licensing Europe is a leading worldwide media company providing
integrated marketing solutions for the Fashion, Life Sciences and Powersports
industries. Advanstar serves business professionals and consumers in these
industries with its portfolio of 147 events, 68 publications and directories,
267 electronic products and Web sites, as well as educational and direct
marketing products and services. Market leading brands and a commitment to
delivering innovative, quality products and services enables Advanstar to
"Connect Our Customers With Theirs." Advanstar has approximately 1,000
employees and currently operates from multiple offices in North America and
Europe.

Braben, ble2010 at braben.co.uk, +44-0-207-025-8021