Creative Factor

Welcome to Creative Factor

Your Hub for Creative Resources and Industry Opportunities

Creative Factor

Creative Factor is Toy Fair’s hub for inventors, designers, and creative professionals in the toy and play industry. The program offers an interactive and engaging blend of learning, pitching, and networking opportunities — from educational sessions and meetups to Inventor Day, where selected participants pitch their concepts to industry leaders.

Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, Creative Factor provides a space to connect, gain insights, and explore resources to help bring your ideas to market.

Creative Factor: Inventor Day

Your Concept. Your Chance. At Toy Fair® 2026, selected inventors presented their ideas to top toy and youth entertainment companies. Participating manufacturers have included Crayola, Exploding Kittens, Hasbro, Jazwares, Just Play, Melissa & Doug, Ravensburger/ThinkFun, Spin Master, and more.

More information about Creative Factor 2027 will be available later this year, with applications opening in Fall 2026.

For questions about Creative Factor: Inventor Day or participation, please contact Shannon Swindle.

Creative Factor Inventor at Toy Fair 2026

Inventor Meetup

Toy Fair 2025 featured the Inventor Meetup, where inventors and creatives gathered to network, share ideas, and discuss the latest trends in the toy and play community. This event provided a space for new and experienced inventors alike to make connections, talk shop, and learn about what’s new in the market.

Stay tuned for updates on Inventor and Creative Factor opportunities for Toy Fair 2026.

Education

Toy Fair University delivers sessions built for inventors and designers — covering IP protection, the license-or-launch decision, partnering with companies to bring products to market, and the craft of design. Watch the 2026 inventor sessions on demand.

2026 Update: Toy Inventor & Designer Guide

Thinking about pitching at a future Inventor Day? Start here. The eighth edition of the Toy Inventor & Designer Guide developed with the UIA Toy Hub, covers how to protect your concept, pitch to prospective manufacturing partners, and navigate the licensing process.

Download the free guide

For additional information and resources, visit ToyAssociation.org.

"Creative Factor exceeded every expectation I had as a first-time inventor...I can't recommend the program highly enough!"
— Christine Xu, Creative Factor 2026 Inventor

Stay Connected: Inventor Community Updates

Fill out our Industry Innovators Interest Form to join our inventor updates list and be among the first to hear about:

Inventor Day timelines and key dates
Networking events and meetups
Access to education and resources designed to help bring your ideas to market

Industry Innovators Interest Form

Success Story: From Inventor Day to Licensing Deal

Travis Schattle, an inventor who participated in Creative Factor Inventor Day at Toy Fair, went on to finalize a licensing agreement with Crayola for his Spiral Tops product.

“Creative Factor Inventor Day was an unbelievable opportunity for me to showcase my toy, introduce myself to manufacturers, and have in-depth conversations about my product and lay the path forward toward a licensing deal,” Schattle said. “I cannot thank [The Toy Association team] enough for helping turn my long-shot dream of licensing my toy into a reality, and for such an incredible first experience in the toy world at Toy Fair, where I also got to walk the floor, meet industry leaders, see amazing new toys, and network with other designers.”

For inquiries or questions about The Toy Association’s inventor education and activity, please contact Shannon Swindle.