Category: Events

The Pokémon Company International announced that it is headed to San Diego and will host its first-ever panel at Comic-Con International 2023. The panel, titled “Pokémon: Bringing Iconic Animation to Global Audiences,” comes ahead of a historic milestone for the Pokémon brand and animated series — the upcoming conclusion of Ash Ketchum’s story arc and the highly anticipated beginning of a new era with Pokémon Horizons: The Series. Taking place on Thursday, July 20 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. PDT in Room 6BCF of the San Diego Convention Center, the panel will offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the beloved Pokémon animated series is localized from its original Japanese version to one of the most popular series enjoyed by international audiences. In addition, attendees will receive sneak peeks of the final part of “Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series” — also known as the special collection of episodes concluding Ash and his Pikachu’s storied, 25-season journey — as well as the highly anticipated “Pokémon Horizons: The Series” coming soon around the world.

Now entering its 16th year, the TAGIE Awards, presented by People of Play (POP), will once again honor the best and brightest innovators, designers, retailers, suppliers, PR and marketers in the toy and game industry for 2023. Each year, the TAGIEs bring together the many communities that make up the larger industry of play, including professionals and fans from all over the world. The TAGIEs are part of POP Week. This important recognition, honoring contribution, innovation, and spirit of community is the very heart of POP.

Women in Toys (WiT) is joining forces with Gen Con, the premier tabletop gaming convention on an exciting new partnership! The two groups will be collaborating on initiatives year-round, beginning with a WiT x Gen Con Women’s Gaming Network Open House in Indianapolis on August 3, 2023. Open to female industry professionals, the event takes place during Gen Con at the Westin Governor’s Suite, from 5:30-7:30pm. For more information and to register, visit the event page on the WiT website.

In a further tribute to the legendary Stan Lee as part of his 100th birthday celebration year, Kartoon Studios (NYSE AMERICAN: TOON), the controlling partner of “Stan Lee Universe, LLC” , will debut a first-ever exhibit, “Excelsior! The Life and Legacy of Stan Lee,” on Tuesday, July 18th, at the Comic-Con Museum, a division of the San Diego Comic Convention, located in San Diego’s historic Balboa Park. In advance of the annual San Diego Comic-Con (July 20 – 23), where Stan Lee appeared numerous times over the course of his 78-year career to delight his legions of fans, the new exhibit, which runs for eight months as part of the Comic-Con Museum, will feature never-before-seen items donated by auction houses and private collectors, including Heritage Auctions, DC Comics, Metropolis Comics, Gary Stiffelman, Dr. Michael Vassallo, Michael E. Uslan, Rob Prior, Danny Fingeroff, Benjamin LeClear, Mark Yturralde, Mark Ditko, Patrick Ditko, and Funko.

The People of Play (POP!), a leading community of toy industry professionals, and Happy Camper Live, the first 365-day online summer camp program offering hundreds of online and interactive activities for children, are excited to announce their partnership to bring the Young Inventor Challenge to the summer camp world. The Young Inventor Challenge is a unique competition designed to inspire and encourage creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills in children aged 6-18 years old. The competition invites young inventors to submit their original toy or game designs, which are then mentored and judged by industry experts.

Licensing Expo, the premier global event for licensing, IP, collaborations and brand extension, organized by Informa Markets Global Licensing Group and sponsored by industry association Licensing International, successfully concluded June 15 with nearly 12,000 unique attendees, a 13% increase on 2022’s total attendance and returning to numbers close to 2019’s pre-pandemic edition. The annual event also recorded the highest quality attendance to date, with 60% of visitors being C-suite or Director level executives alongside a record-high retail attendance, coming in at +47% vs 2019. Over 1,150 retailers attended including buyers from Walmart, Forever21, PacSun, Tilly’s, Toys ‘R’ Us, Ross, Rue 21, Hot Topic, Inditex, Dollar General, Bershka, Burger King, Hallmark, Macy’s, Amazon, Kohl’s, Target, Fanatics, TJX Companies Inc., Home Depot, Lush, Coach, Primark, and Pottery Barn.

Paramount+ is a total household streamer that features iconic franchises and beloved characters. The magic of the Mountain of Entertainment campaign is that the service’s unmatched content offering is showcased in an authentic and interesting way that draws in consumers. The Lodge: A Paramount+ Experience is the next iteration of the campaign, offering a unique and immersive experience that brings Paramount Mountain to life. 

FAO Schwarz, New York City’s most iconic toy store, announced an exclusive partnership with Universal Products & Experiences to become the ultimate destination for Gabby’s Dollhouse fans this summer. Starting July 1, FAO Schwarz will be the only retailer to offer Spin Master’s newest playset, the Gabby Cat Friend Ship before it launches globally in August. Fans can also shop an exciting assortment of accessories and toys including Spin Master’s award-winning toy line, Gabby’s Bluetooth Headphones from Kid Designs, Gabby’s Dollhouse Necklace Set from Tara Toy, the My First Puzzle Book by Phidal, Inc. and more.

Debuting on July 8th at the Homecoming event, Jada Toys introduces Pink Slips, a new line of premium quality and inclusive die-cast collectibles. This debut marks the latest addition to the extensive product offering from Jada Toys. Pink Slips leverages Jada’s expertise in design, paint schemes, and finishes, transporting the brand to its iconic roots within car culture. The die-cast collection will be available in a range of finishes including candy, iridescent, and gradients that will ensure each one is as unique as the perspective car it represents.The sleek and stylish designs guarantee there is something for everyone!