PlayCon 2016 Participants Explore the Future of Play
May 10, 2016 | Toy and play leaders joined together last week at PlayCon, in Miami, Florida to explore the future of play. Attendees benefited from expert insight and research and left with an abundance of ideas to create new play experiences and innovative products.
PlayCon kicked off on Monday, May 2nd with a welcome dinner and Casino Night fundraiser in support of the Toy Industry Foundation. The relaxed, fun setting set the tone through May 4th, as more than 150 industry professionals had a chance to network, reacquaint with friends and learn from experts in media, government, science, retail and other major areas.
Toy Industry Association (TIA) President & CEO Steve Pasierb noted that “embracing the digital age” was a common theme threaded throughout PlayCon.
“The changing worlds of online shopping and the rise of the consumer voice across social media channels are not threats, but opportunities to leverage and meet consumers where they are, on their terms, and help satisfy their desire to purchase,” said Pasierb.
Hot topics including global trends and gender diversity in toys were also explored. Keynote speaker Jeremy Gutsche, CEO of TrendHunter, provided deep insight into the top 25 world trends with his high-energy delivery, telling the audience: “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”
A panel presentation called “Helping Children Explore, Learn and Dream Without Limits: Breaking Down Gender Stereotypes in Media & Toys” was moderated by Dr. Knatokie Ford, Senior Policy Advisor to the White House Office of Science and Technology. Experts from LEGO, ThinkFun, NBCUniversal, and MommyMafia.com discussed how children’s interests are influenced by the media they consume and the toys with which they play. The discussion captured the essence of the White House’s April seminar, in which TIA participated, and brought the conversation directly to industry leaders.
“TIA takes the issue of gender diversity in toys very seriously. Play is a universal truth and boys and girls learn through play,” Pasierb said. “Pink is not necessarily bad nor is blue bad, but pink and blue for the sake of it has become irrelevant to a good many consumers today. The richness of the play experience and ability of a toy to hold a child’s interest are what matter most.”
In addition to its educational and networking opportunities, PlayCon hosted TIA’s Annual General Meeting. TIA retiring Board Chairman John Gessert of American Plastic Toys passed the gavel to David Hargreaves of Hasbro, Inc. It was also announced that Jane Ritsons-Parsons of Hasbro will succeed PlayMonster’s Bob Wann as PlayCon Committee Chair. Ritson-Parsons has served as vice-chair of the PlayCon committee for the past two years.
Details about PlayCon 2017 will be made available on the TIA website in the coming months.