June 2023 - Page 5 of 15 - aNb Media, Inc.

YouTube Takes Center Stage at VidCon 2023

VidCon is back and just around the corner! YouTube is excited to return as the title sponsor and exclusive livestream sponsor for VidCon Anaheim 2023, providing attendees with new content and experiential activations across all three of VidCon’s signature tracks, in addition to taking the stage to deliver the Industry Track keynote address. Some of the biggest YouTube creators including Alan Chikin Chow, Blogilates, Colin and Samir, Ian Boggs, Jeenie.Weenie, KallMeKris, Ludwig, Manny MUA, SSSniperwolf, Steven He, Sydney Morgan and more will be attending and diving head first into VidCon – participating in engaging panel conversations, merch pop-ups, meetups, and more.

Events News

Top Toy Trends From ASTRA 2023 Marketplace & Academy Revealed

The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) just wrapped up their 2023 Marketplace & Academy show in Columbus, OH, where thousands of new toys were featured, from plush to science kits to puzzles to toys you didn’t know your kids needed, but now can’t live without! The ASTRA team, composed of ASTRA staff, small retailers and Certified Play Experts, scoured the floor and spoke with members to discover the top trends in the industry.

Stokke Sprinkles Disney Magic on Iconic Baby Gear with New Mickey Mouse Collaboration Collection

Stokke, the Norwegian leading children’s premium products company, best known for its iconic Tripp Trapp chair, is partnering with Disney to launch a selection of premium products and accessories on July 5th in celebration of Disney’s 100th anniversary! From mealtime to bathtime to bedtime, Disney magic is captured in Disney and Stokke’s two new original patterns, “Mickey Signature” and “Mickey Celebration,” starring the one and only Mickey Mouse! Mickey Signature is a sophisticated, yet lighthearted monochrome pattern that incorporates a variety of elegant, hand-drawn Mickey Mouse heads, which are looking in all directions for the next adventure and are offset by simplified outlines of the Mickey Mouse silhouette. Every adorable element of this design sits on a warm beige background for a timeless, versatile look.

Licensing International Hall of Fame 2023 1024 x 780 (5)

Licensing International Announces 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees: Pam Kaufman, Cindy Levitt, and Carole Postal

Licensing International, the leading trade association for the global brand licensing industry, has announced the 2023 Hall of Fame inductees. The Hall of Fame honors executives’ legacies, bodies of work, and unique contributions to the licensing community. This year’s inductees are Pam Kaufman, CEO and President of International Markets, Global Consumer Products & Experiences at Paramount; retail pioneer Cindy Levitt; and Carole Postal, President of Spotlight Licensing & Brand Management. As leaders in the industry, it is fitting that this celebration of Pam, Cindy, and Carole’s accomplishments will also act as a fundraiser for Licensing International’s scholarship program. The program grants scholarships to deserving individuals around the world who are interested in a career in brand licensing. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, the scholarship program is a crucial element of Licensing International’s ongoing work to support the next generation of licensing professionals and ensure the industry continues to grow and evolve.

Events News

American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) Announces 2023 ASTRA Play Award Winners

The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), has officially announced the winners of its coveted ASTRA Play Awards at their annual Marketplace & Academy event in Columbus, OH. The renowned program is the only one of its kind where independent and neighborhood specialty toy retailers vote to select the products that promote happy and healthy play in childhood and beyond! This year, 14 winners were chosen across a wide range of categories.

Konami Cross Media NY Awards Latest Yu-Gi-Oh! Toy and Gaming Licenses

Konami Cross Media NY, Inc, which manages the Yu-Gi-Oh! licensing rights outside of Asia, announced partnership agreements with TOMY International, Inc, Heathside Trading, Ltd, and Trade Invaders. The agreements will bring new Yu-Gi-Oh! product lines in the toy and game licensing categories, extending the brand’s visibility and availability throughout Europe. The announcement was made at Licensing Expo ‘23 by Jennifer Coleman, Vice President of Licensing and Marketing, Konami Cross Media NY.

Mattel Announces Licensing Partnerships Ahead of ‘Barbie’ Film

With the Summer of Barbie in full swing ahead of the release of Barbie on July 21, 2023, Mattel, Inc (NASDAQ: MAT) has announced several of its licensing partners for the film. Mattel will collaborate with key consumer, merchandise, and retail brands for exciting launches leading up to Barbie’s release, including: Spirit Halloween Superstores LLC – Let the good times roll with one of Spirit Halloween’s 16 Barbie…

Epic Story Media Unveils Latest Entertainment Slate at Licensing Expo

Epic Story Media, the renowned creator-driven kids franchise company, showcased the company’s growing catalog of new entertainment properties at Licensing Expo, giving attendees a sneak peek of upcoming launches with a celebratory media mixer led by founder Ken Faier. Epic has solidified itself as a leader in producing and representing quality brands for children, and now industry professionals will get a firsthand look at the imaginative new worlds coming down the pipeline.

Yoto Announces New Partnership with Warner Music Group

Yoto, the audio platform for kids behind the critically acclaimed and award-winning screen-free Yoto Player and Yoto Mini, has struck a deal with Warner Music Group (WMG), one of the world’s largest music companies. Their collaboration will see music from some of WMG’s legendary roster of artists available on a portable audio player that is home to a host of amazing children’s music and entertainment brands. Inspired by Montessori principles of education, Yoto is the brainchild of digital music pioneers Ben Drury and Filip Denker, who created a device that enables young children to access the best kids’ audio, without being exposed to ads, unsuitable content or racking up too much screen time.