Anime NYC and X Tracks Licensing Summits Announce New Partnership to Launch: 'Anime NYC & X Tracks: The Future of Anime Licensing 2026'

A new industry program debuting August 20 2026, at the Javits Center in New York City

New York, NY – [December 2, 2025] – Anime NYC, the East Coast's largest celebration of Japanese pop culture produced by LeftField Media, today announced a new partnership with X Tracks Licensing Summits, a leading global platform connecting the licensing industry through curated education and networking events. Together, the two organizations will debut The Anime NYC X Tracks Licensing Summit on Thursday, August 20 2026, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

This new industry focused program will bring together top licensors, licensees, manufacturers, fretailers, and entertainment executives to explore the rapidly expanding world of anime, manga, gaming, and Asian pop culture IP in the global licensing landscape. The one day summit will combine keynote sessions, panels, and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration, insight, and growth.

“As anime continues to drive major innovation in entertainment and consumer products, this summit is a natural next step for Anime NYC's evolution.” said MK Goodwin, VP of Content & Anime Events at LeftField Media. “The partnership with X Tracks represents a unique convergence of two worlds, the passionate energy of the fans, and the business leaders behind the brands they love. Both are shaping what comes next!”

Founded by Steven Ekstract, X Tracks Licensing Summits have earned recognition for bringing together key decision-makers from Across Entertainment, retail, and brand licensing. The 2026 collaboration marks the first time the summit will be co-located within a major fan convention, bringing the licensing conversation directly into the world of the fans who power it.

“Anime and Asian content are no longer niche, they're among the fastest-growing drivers of licensed merchandise worldwide,” said Steven Ekstract, Founder of X Tracks Licensing Summits. “According to recent industry data, anime now accounts for some of the highest year-over-year growth across apparel, collectibles, retail, and experiential categories. Partnering with Anime NYC allows us to build a B2B licensing platform at the epicenter of the fashion and apparel licensing community, New York City, where trendsetting and dealmaking converge. This collaboration is perfectly timed to capture the momentum of a global cultural shift.”

The Anime NYC X Tracks Licensing Summit will take place Thursday, August 20, 2026, the first day of Anime NYC. Programming will include presentations and panels specifically focused on licensing and brand extensions by major players in the Anime world including Viz Media, Kodansha, Crunchyroll, Striker Entertainment, Patencio Development and Mad Engine to name a few, alongside exclusive networking sessions and VIP discussions. For more information, visit https://animenyc.com/licensing or entertainmentxtracks.com.

About Anime NYC:
Anime NYC produced by LeftField Media is the East Coast's largest anime convention and a must-stop destination for anime fans from around the world. Celebrating Japanese pop culture, manga, and animation, Anime NYC has been honored with the Consul General Award from the Japanese Ambassador for its role in promoting Japanese culture. Now expanded to four days, Anime NYC brings fans and publishers together for an unforgettable experience featuring unique exhibits, exclusive screenings, extensive panels, and appearances by some of the biggest creators from Japan. The next event takes place August 20 – 23, 2026, at New York's Javits Center. For more, visit www.AnimeNYC.com and www.LeftFieldMedia.com.

About X Tracks:
X Tracks Licensing Summits connect the future of consumer products with the forces shaping entertainment, culture, retail, and technology. As face-to-face meeting places for licensing professionals, the Summits gather IP owners, brand strategists, retailers, agencies, content creators, toy companies, and investors to exchange insight and explore new opportunities. Since launching in 2022, they have become trusted platforms for dealmaking and discovery—with curated programs, high-level networking, and market-driven discussions focused on what's next. With multiple Summits planned for 2026 across New York City, Los Angeles, Bentonville, and Anime NYC, X Tracks is positioned as a must-attend series for anyone building the future of licensing.