The world of branding, marketing, and consumer engagement is undergoing a seismic shift, as evidenced by two major industry events and releases this October. From the sun-drenched offices of Bonita Springs, Florida, to the bustling halls of London’s ExCel, professionals across the home remodeling and brand licensing sectors are rethinking how they reach and inspire their audiences. The lessons emerging from these developments are set to shape everything from the advertisements homeowners see online to the toys, apparel, and collectibles that fill store shelves across Europe and beyond.
On October 7, 2025, Perfect Six Marketing, a leading digital marketing agency specializing in the home remodeling industry, released its much-anticipated 2026 Advertising Trends Guide. According to EIN Presswire, the guide signals a decisive move away from traditional Google Search Ads in favor of more dynamic and trust-building platforms such as YouTube, Google Local Services Ads (LSAs), and online directories. Denise Grothouse, founder of Perfect Six Marketing, underscored the significance of this shift, stating, “In 2026, home remodeling advertising will undergo significant shifts. Homeowners are turning to visual platforms like YouTube for inspiration, while Google Local Services Ads and directory listings continue to play a critical role in lead generation. Our mission is to help contractors adapt and thrive by adopting strategies that build trust, visibility, and meaningful connections.”
The 2026 Advertising Trends Guide, now available to contractors and industry professionals, is packed with practical recommendations. It details how remodelers can allocate budgets across digital platforms, create engaging video content, and build credibility in fiercely competitive local markets. Notably, it includes case studies of remodelers who successfully transitioned from traditional advertising to YouTube and LSAs, resulting in measurable increases in leads and brand awareness. The message is clear: adaptability and authenticity are the new currency in digital marketing for home services.
Perfect Six Marketing, founded in 2015 by Grothouse, is no stranger to innovation. Headquartered in Bonita Springs, Florida, with an additional office in Fogelsville, Pennsylvania, the agency offers a full suite of branding, digital marketing, advertising, public relations, email marketing, social media management, SEO, and web design services. Their reputation as the go-to marketing partner for home remodelers is growing nationwide, and their 2026 trends guide is poised to influence how contractors connect with homeowners in the coming year.
While digital marketing strategies for home services are evolving rapidly in the US, across the Atlantic, the brand licensing world is experiencing its own transformation. From October 7 to October 9, 2025, Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) took over London’s ExCel, drawing more than 2,500 brands and 11,000 business professionals from around the globe. As reported by License Global, the event showcased the intellectual property (IP) and product categories set to dominate consumer wish lists and retail shelves over the next 12 to 18 months.
The numbers are striking: the European brand partnership business grew by 3.4% in 2024 and is projected to hit $79.3 billion in retail sales of licensed consumer products. License Global’s staff were on the ground, reporting trends, hosting panels, and gathering insights from a wide cross-section of brand owners, agencies, and attendees. The dominant theme? Entertainment properties reign supreme, with both classic and “newstalgic” IP—those that blend nostalgia with modern twists—taking center stage.
Universal Studios, for example, rolled out a formidable portfolio, highlighting upcoming blockbusters such as “Wicked: For Good” (due in December 2025), “Minions 3” (2026), the recently announced “Super Mario Bros. Galaxy” (2026), and “Shrek 5” (2027). The “Jurassic” franchise also remains a key pillar, promising a steady stream of content and merchandise. Vince Klaseus, president of Universal Products & Experiences, took part in a fireside chat at the event, discussing the studio’s “symphony” approach that unites consumer products, retail, and location-based experiences to keep fans engaged long after a film’s opening weekend.
Mattel, another industry giant, was featured as a keynote speaker alongside Amazon MGM Studios. The focus was on the revival of the Masters of the Universe property, with the session offering an exclusive first look at concept art from the upcoming movie. According to License Global, this behind-the-scenes glimpse stoked anticipation for the franchise’s next chapter.
But it’s not just the established players making waves. Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters,” released in June 2025, has become a breakout phenomenon. By August, Netflix reported it was their most-watched animated film of all time—a remarkable feat for a recent release. The film’s soundtrack soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Top 100, racking up over three billion global streams. Netflix has moved quickly to capitalize, launching officially licensed costumes and other merchandise, signaling the brand’s staying power in the marketplace.
Executive moves were also a hot topic at BLE. Paramount announced Josh Silverman as president of its Consumer Products & Experience division just before the event, while Netflix’s former head of consumer products, Josh Simon, took on the CEO role at Funko. Hasbro welcomed Kim Boyd as president of licensing and entertainment, and rumors swirled about potential acquisitions involving Warner Bros. These changes hint at new go-to-market strategies and fresh energy within the industry.
Sports licensing remains a perennial favorite, especially in Europe. Formula 1, featured on the cover of License Global’s October issue, offered visitors a chance to test their driving skills in Oracle Red Bull Racing simulators. Football clubs such as Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Galatasaray were also prominent, reflecting the sport’s enduring appeal. Attendees could even participate in a branded pickleball event, underscoring the playful spirit of the show.
Food and beverage licensing is another trend gaining momentum. Ben Roberts, content director at License Global, highlighted this during his State of the Nation presentation, noting, “From a macro point of view, food and beverage is particularly exciting, because we have seen it rise the ranks of our forecasting data rapidly, meaning it’s at the forefront for agents, brand owners and manufacturers in 2026 and beyond.” Micro trends such as trading cards—spanning sports, character, and collectible markets—and blind box strategies are also reshaping the landscape, crossing over into fashion, beauty, and subscription models.
BLE is the only pan-European event dedicated to licensing and brand extension, serving as a hub for deal-making, networking, and trend spotting. For businesses seeking to discover and secure deals with the world’s most sought-after brands, it’s a must-attend event. License Global, the sector’s leading news source, reaches over 150,000 executives and professionals worldwide, providing critical insights into the ever-evolving world of consumer products and retail.
As both the home remodeling and brand licensing sectors look to 2026, the message from industry leaders is unmistakable: embrace change, leverage new platforms, and never underestimate the power of storytelling—whether through a captivating YouTube video or a beloved animated franchise. The future belongs to those who can adapt, connect, and inspire in a rapidly shifting marketplace.
