Toy Fair ’17 Unveils Exciting Line-Up of Educational Sessions
January 19, 2017 | Organizers of the 114th North American International Toy Fair have announced an exciting line-up of educational programming that will enrich the show experience for tens of thousands of global attendees. Presented under the show’s “Knowledge Network” banner, this year’s seminars will cover everything from licensing and toy trends, to retail strategies, to tips for inventors and entrepreneurs.
The following are just a few highlights of the many learning and networking opportunities available at Toy Fair ’17. Visit www.ToyFairNY.com to learn more.
TIA’s Licensing Content Connection
with sessions on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (February 18-20)
This popular educational series provides insight into the world of toy licensing – a market segment that accounts for more than 30% of all toys sold in the United States. The five-session program takes place over three days, and will include seminars such as “Licensing 101,” “How to Evaluate a License,” “Staying Ahead of the Curve,” “Positioning Your Licensed Toys & Characters for the Preschool Market,” and “How Entertainment Media Licenses Help Drive Toy Sales.”
Speakers will include Jessica Blue, VP at Licensing Expo; Sarah Pousho, Director of Sales & Licensing at Goldieblox; Marty Brochstein and other professionals from the Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association; Steven Ekstrat, group publisher at License! Global magazine; Tara Tucker from Spin Master; Andrea Green from Zag Animation; Zac Scuffham from JINX; and Karen Raugust and Ira Mayer, consultants in the toy and licensing industries.
Independent Thinking
with sessions on Sunday and Monday (February 19-20)
Neighborhood toy store and specialty shop owners will find practical information in these free, expert-led sessions. “How to Harness the Genius of Play to Supercharge Your Specialty Toy Store Business” will explore how playful tools can help draw customers into a store and increase sales year-round. “Connecting Brands with Retail Toy Buyers in a Networked Economy” will share how modern toy buyers can discover new products and buyers 24/7/365.
TIA’s Toy Safety & Compliance Update
Monday, February 20
TIA’s Toy Safety & Compliance Update will share important information that industry stakeholders need to know to bring safe and compliant toys to market. Held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., this free and always well-attended annual session will include 2017 priorities for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, recent changes to the ASTM F963 toy safety standard, new regulations at the state, federal, and international levels, and news about EPA’s implementation of the reformed Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
TIA’s Global Market Research Sessions
with sessions on Sunday and Monday (February 19-20)
TIA will share commissioned global market research to help attendees expand their businesses. The first session (held on Sunday at 11 a.m.) will focus on India, a rapidly expanding region for the toy industry, and the second session (held on Monday at 2 p.m.) will focus on the U.S., the largest toy market in the world. The presentations will uncover each country’s business landscape, consumer demographics, and kids' behavior, among other topics. Presenters are Philippe Guinaudeau of the research consultancy Kidz Global, David Selvaraj of David Consultancy, and Anne McConnell, TIA’s senior director of market research & data strategy.
TIA’s Toy Trends Briefing
Sunday, February 19
TIA’s popular trends session, taking place from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., will be open and free to all Toy Fair attendees. The discussion will provide buyers, media, and other interested parties with an introduction to the year’s most exciting trends in toys and games. The presentation will include product demos and examples from the show floor.
Creative Factor
with sessions every day (Saturday through Tuesday)
Creative Factor offers free drop-in sessions relevant to inventors, designers, and entrepreneurs in the toy and youth entertainment industries. Throughout this year’s show, the program will feature a dozen experts, including thought leaders from the United Inventors Association of America, Kickstarter, Revfluence, and Formlabs 3D, who will share their knowledge about topics including new evolutions in 3D printing, taking play patterns into the digital space, sourcing in the 21st century, leveraging social media influencers, protecting your inventions, and more.
How She Did It: Lessons from Women in Leadership
Monday, February 20
For the first time, a special session, will be held looking at how women in executive positions and leadership roles forged their way to the top of the toy and entertainment industries. Taking place at 4 p.m. , “How She Did It: Lessons from Women in Leadership,” will be presented by Nickelodeon, Women in Toys, Licensing and Entertainment (WIT), and The Girls’ Lounge, and feature firsthand accounts from top female leaders. The discussion will be moderated by Shelley Zalis (CEO & founder, The Girls’ Lounge), who will speak candidly with Jill Barad (former chairman & CEO, Mattel), Farnaz Esnaashari (creator & producer, Nickelodeon), Pam Kaufman (chief marketing officer & president of consumer products, Nickelodeon) and Anne Marie Kehoe (vice president of toys, Walmart).
Don’t miss out on all the fun activities at Toy Fair 2017. With more events and happenings being added to the schedule each day, visit www.ToyFairNY.com for up-to-the minute details on exhibitor listings, educational sessions, and more, or download the free Toy Fair Mobile app on iTunes or Google Play.