Toy Fair® 2023 Empowers Innovators & Unlocks Opportunities for Inventor Community

June 2, 2023 | From top-tier industry education to an exclusive product pitch session, Toy Fair® 2023 is poised to be the biggest event of the year in North America for toy inventors and designers. The global event — taking place September 30 to October 3 at the Javits Center in New York City — will provide innovators with a platform for networking and collaboration.

“From creative talents to industry leaders, manufacturers, and media representatives, the entire ecosystem of the toy industry converges at Toy Fair, creating an environment of growth and innovation,” said Kimberly Carcone, executive vice president of global market events at The Toy Association. “Our new programming will ensure that the inventor and designer community will leave the event equipped with valuable knowledge and inspiration to drive their creative endeavors forward.”

Toy inventors and designers are invited to apply for a chance to pitch their ideas directly to top toy professionals and manufacturing partners at Creative Factor Inventor Day, taking place October 3. Applications are open until Friday, June 30 and anyone interested in applying is required to submit an online form and a 90-second video. Selected participants will be notified by August 1.

In addition to the pitch event, Toy Fair University offers a wealth of educational content for inventors, designers, and the creative community. Sessions announced so far include:

• Designing Toy Packaging (September 30)
  Matt Nuccio, President, Design Edge Inc.
  This session will teach the ins-and-outs of modern toy package design, answering questions like: What makes a package “mass market” versus “specialty retail” versus “online"? How much and what copy should be on the front of the package as opposed to the back? Exactly how do you determine package sizing for a retail planogram? What are some common mistakes to avoid when designing a package?
• Meet the United Inventors Association: Toy Hub (October 2)
  Dougal Grimes, Inventor Relations, Spin Master Games & Activities; Scott Landsbaum, IP Attorney; Matt Nuccio; Janice Ross, President, Women in Toys & Managing Partner, Brand Fresh Management; and Angus Walker, Head of Inventor Relations & External Innovation, Hasbro
  The United Inventors Association (UIA)’s is the largest inventor organization in the U.S. with a mission to empower inventors through education, access, and advocacy. Attendees will have a chance to meet the team and learn how to navigate the toy industry.
• IP in the Toy Industry (October 3)
  Francesco Sardone, Partner, Carter, DeLuca & Farrell LLP
  The presentation will provide an overview of the different types of intellectual property (IP) protection available between patents, trademarks and copyrights. It will go into the benefits and the costs associated with pursuing or obtaining these types of protections and provide illustrative examples of various toy/game related items that have obtained IP protection.

Toy Fair University will also offer additional digital sessions specifically for the inventor and designer community after the event. More details will be announced in the coming months.

Questions about applications for Creative Factor Inventor Day may be directed to Jacqueline Retzer, The Toy Association’s director of event management.

The full lineup of Toy Fair University educational programming is curated to address the most pressing needs of the global toy industry. Toy Fair will take place September 30 to October 3 in New York City. Attendee registration will open in April. Visit ToyFairNY.com to learn more.