Category: Events

The Licensing Awards has once again attracted a phenomenal number of entries and nominations for 2023 across all the categories. Some 3,500 products were entered across the 11 Product awards categories, with the finalists being arrived at by some 250 retail buyers across the whole gamut of licensed and consumer products. These included executives from Tesco, Asda, Marks & Spencer, TruffleShuffle, My 1st Years, Card Factory, FatFace, Moonpig, TJ Morris, Next, Paultons Park, DFS, Character.com, The Works, HMV, The Entertainer, Fraser Group, Ted Baker, Vanilla Underground, Lakeland, Morrisons, JoJo Maman Bébé, Home Bargains, Sainsbury’s, Specsavers and B&M Stores.

The Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association (WTHRA) announces the return of ToyFest to The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas, March 3 – 5, 2024. The newly opened Expo Center in downtown Las Vegas served quite well for ToyFest the past two years. As an added benefit, ToyFest attendees have access to cross-over gift and accessory lines presented at the World Market Center’s permanent showrooms. Sandy Lepire, ToyFest President said, “ToyFest 2023 was filled with so many buyers from all over the country and manufacturers showing amazing new products! With the dates of ToyFest now set for 2024, the attendee registration open, the hotel booking site is available, and we have begun planning. Our goal is to make 2024 a great show for all to come play and learn.”

As enthusiasm builds for the biggest night in the toy community, companies from all corners of the industry are excitedly uniting to support the 2023 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards and its mission to deliver the extraordinary benefits of play to children in need. Every sponsorship has a positive impact on the lives of thousands of children through TTF’s program areas: The Toy BankSM; Play Grants; and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In 2022, the industry’s support helped TTF reach more than 925,000 children and families. Thanks to this powerful group of sponsors, plus yearlong contributors, YOUR Foundation will continue to expand and reach even more children in need.

JAKKS Pacific, Inc a leading toy manufacturer and Disguise Inc, world leaders in costume design will give San Diego Comic Con guests an in-person look at all-new Super Mario toys, incredible additions for Sonic the Hedgehog enthusiasts, and many other exciting releases. The panel will take place during Comic Con at the San Diego convention center Friday, July 21, 2023 6pm – 7pm in Room 9. All audience members will receive a JAKKS figure from the Super Mario line or Sonic the Hedgehog at the end of the San Diego Comic Con panel.

Celebrating its centennial anniversary this year, Hasbro, Inc, a toy and game company, is returning to San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) International, showcasing an incredible lineup of branded activities based on fan favorites, including Transformers, Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, NERF, G.I. JOE and Power Rangers, as well as products from premier collaboration brands, Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Marvel from The Walt Disney Company. “We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate our 100th anniversary with our fans at San Diego Comic-Con,” said Kim Boyd, Head of Toy at Hasbro. “With ten decades of unforgettable history, Hasbro has been instrumental in enabling generations of families to create lasting memories through imaginative play and storytelling. Along with new product launches at San Diego Comic-Con, fans can expect to experience their favorite products and entertainment in innovative ways, featuring iconic brands like Transformers, G.I. JOE, and NERF.”

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is thrilled to unveil the impressive lineup of speakers at AAHA Con (formerly known as Connexity). This reimagined event promises to deliver over 80 hours of exceptional medical and non-medical continuing education opportunities for all members of the veterinary team. With a focus on practical applications of new research and guidelines, AAHA Con offers a unique platform for networking and discussion, enabling veterinary professionals to elevate their level of care.

Nonprofit research and innovation lab The Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop is convening a panel at the 20th Annual Games for Change Festival on July 18th,2023 to help shape digital play experiences for players of all ages. Representatives from The LEGO Group, Scratch Foundation, and Riot Games will join the Joan Cooney Center’s Executive Director Michael Preston to discuss emerging frameworks and provide examples that designers can incorporate when building games that foster positive play experiences and feelings of well-being.

Jazwares, one of the fastest-growing toy companies in the world, will host its first-ever San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) panel when the ultimate pop culture event returns this month. On Saturday, July 22, fans are encouraged to join industry icon and collectible connoisseur Jeremy Padawer as he moderates a candid conversation on all that’s hot from Jazwares in 2023 and beyond! Joined by panelists Jamie Sikorski and Casey Wood (Pokémon brand), Betsy Burkett (Squishmallows), Max Lux and David Clarke (Star Wars Micro Galaxy Squadron), and Greg Mitchell and Daniel Jung (AEW brand), the group will also exclusively reveal new collectibles from a number of the company’s top brands. The Jazwares Spotlight panel will take place from 12:30-1:30 pm PT in room 29CD and interested SDCC goers are invited to attend.

Early-Bird entry fees are in effect, offering savings to companies that complete their entries quickly. For all categories, the entry fee is US$400 until August 11, and US$500 after that date. Additional entry into the “Best in Class” field (Programming only) requires an extra fee of US$100. Winners will be revealed at a fun and prestigious awards ceremony during Kidscreen Summit 2024 (February 4-7, San Diego), the global kids entertainment industry’s biggest gathering of the year. Detailed information on eligibility, judging and entering can be found at awards.kidscreen.com. The deadline for entries is Friday, September 8.