White House Hosts Panel on Gender Diversity in Toys and Media
Toy Industry Association (TIA) representatives and members, along with toy and media professionals gathered at the White House on April 6 to discuss new research revealing that children’s interests, ambitions and skills are influenced during their formative years by the media they consume and the toys they play with, according to a statement released by the TIA.
The daylong event was hosted by the White House Council on Women and Girls, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Media Diversity & Social Change Initiative at the University of Southern California.
With a large focus on the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field, panels, case studies and breakout sessions continued the dialogue of encouraging girls to embrace their interests in the growing area.
In addition to educators and media professionals, toy industry leaders such as LEGO, Mattel, DC Entertainment, Disney, and littleBits presented case studies about gender stereotypes in toys and media. TIA invited White House organizers to present a devoted session during this year’s PlayCon, which is set for May 2-4 in Miami, Fla.
The White House fact sheet about the event is here. For more information about PlayCon, click here.
ChizComm Ltd. Named CJ E&M’s Agency of Record
ChizComm Ltd. has been named the North American Agency of Record for CJ E&M, Asia’s leading content and media company specializing in broadcast, film, music, live entertainment, and animation.
ChizComm will head CJ’s North American PR efforts, introducing the brand and its IPs to the North American audience.
“There is an obvious synergy between our teams and we are confident that there is no one better than ChizComm to help build the CJ brand and reputation in North America,” said Dongsik Shin, head of the animation division, CJ E&M. “Their demonstrated experience and success in the toy and children’s entertainment space, as well as their creative and results-oriented approach, will be a key factor in the success of this partnership.”
The Passing of Sheldon Wiener
Sheldon Wiener passed away on April 2, 2016. He is survived by his three children, Jonathan, Hillary, and Jared and seven grandchildren.
After serving in the Army, he entered the toy business in 1970 working for Ideal Toys. Wiener quickly became their top salesman. In 1976, he started Sheldon Wiener Sales, a manufacturer representative group. He was responsible for incremental growth with many of the factories he represented. That, coupled with a great sense of humor and dedication to the toy industry, made him a favorite of many vendors and retailers.
“Beyond all his accomplishments in the toy industry, his greatest accomplishment was being a wonderful husband to Barbara, his beloved wife of almost 50 years, and a great father and grandfather to his children and grandchildren,” said his children in a statement. “He was a true pioneer in the toy industry, loved by so many of his peers. He was always a very hard worker who excelled in whatever he put his mind to. It is difficult to remember a Shelly story without smiling. He will be greatly missed.”
What’s New in Riding Toys on TTPM
TTPM is showcasing the newest Riding Toys. For the latest in Toys, Tots, Pets, and More as well as what’s trending, visit TTPM.com.