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Erik Quam Joins Smart Toys and Games as Vice President of New Product and Business Development

Toy industry veteran, Erik Quam has joined Smart Toys and Games Inc, as the company’s VP of New Product and Business Development. Quam joins the US-based team and will also work closely with world headquarters based in Belgium. Quam is no stranger to the toy industry. His career spans more than twenty-five years, and he has played an instrumental role in the launch of several successful brands in the specialty toy arena. He is a well-known advocate for the inventor community and has worked closely with established inventors while also giving voice to young designers and inventors as a respected inventor relations executive.

TFE/TFE Licensing, February 2023

  • The Toy Association: Advocating for Your Business 365 Days a Year by Ed Desmond
  • Design Edge: No simple Steps to Inventing by Matthew Nuccio
  • ASTRA: A New Year and a New Logo for ASTRA by Sue Warfield
  • aNb Media/TTPM: Eco-Friendly Enthusiasm by Jack Placidi
  • Toy Family Series: Q&A with the Ullman Family by Mary Couzin
  • Goliath Brand Profile
  • Q&A with Playper by Webb Knudsen
  • What’s the Word in Specialty Toys? by Nick Truss
  • Primed for Exploration: Atlanta Market and Las Vegas Market Flourish Post Pandemic by Chelsea Peabody Bohannon
  • New Product Previews compiled by Nick Truss

    • Fireside Games Signs with KidStuff PR

    One of a very small number of public relations agencies focusing only on children’s products and toys, KidStuff PR offers a unique and targeted approach to publicity, promotions, and creating a buzz. The 29-year-old agency’s specialization has led to close relationships not only with key media influencers, but also in the toy industry community—exemplified by the agency’s past public relations roles with the Astra, the Toy Association and scores of manufacturers worldwide. KidStuff PR has fostered relationships with a vetted group of over 200 influencers for over a decade. Recently, the agency has mentored and sought out partnerships with influencers who are families of color to diversify the life experiences of influencers who review clients’ products. This aspect of the agency’s influencer portfolio and the relationships it has built appealed to Fireside Games. The world of toy influencing has been dominated by white families, and Orman saw a need to address it.

    Little Kids Inc & World of EPI Hop on KidStuff PR’s Carousel as Agency of Record

    KidStuff Public Relations founder Lisa Orman announced that Little Kids, Inc and World of EPI (Entertainment, Publishing and Inspiration) have retained KidStuff PR as their agency of record. Both beloved and respected brands will now have KidStuff PR handle its media, social and influencer relations, effective January 2023.  In addition, small businesses Fireside Games and FluffyWeight are joining as clients in February 2023.  Fireside is promoting several best-selling games with a focus on My First Castle Panic, while FluffyWeight is launching its weighted stuffed animal line, which got its start after mom Elena Foley searched high and low for a weighted stuffy when her child was diagnosed with ADHD (and she herself was subsequently, too) and the family doctor recommended getting one. Finding none, she staged a successful Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign in Q42020 for a weighted stuffed animal, and then her official launch was delayed due to the pandemic. 

    Creative Fold Brings In Edoardo Kulp as Director of Business Development, Co-Owner

    Creative Fold is happy to announce that Edoardo Kulp has joined the company as its Director of Business Development and co-owner. Edoardo has consulted with Creative Fold for over a year and, together with his duties in Business Development, will continue to be a part of Creative Fold’s product development team, helping create amazing results for Creative Fold clients. “As we head into 2023, we look forward to Edoardo further developing our client base, expanding Creative Fold’s reach within the toy and game industry and beyond,” says Katie LaSeur, Creative Fold’s COO and Creative Director. 

    2023 WTHRA Hall of Fame Inductees Announced for ToyFest

    2023 will see the induction of three members of the WTHRA Hall of Fame including Lorraine Bozeman, Carol Knight and Mark Parsons. A Retailer of the Year award will be given to a small west coast based toy store chain, Piccolo Mondo located in Oregon. The ToyFest Gala will take place at Resorts World’s nightclub Zouk, Tuesday, Feb 28, 2023, at 7:00 PM. While ToyFest has evolved from a local toy show for specialty retailers, based in Pomona, CA to a national show, utilizing both permanent showrooms and temporary booths at the World Market Center Las Vegas, the basics have remained the same. The core value, toy industry community, camaraderie and celebration are at its pinnacle during the ToyFest Gala at which awards are given to respected industry leaders. 

    People of Play Commits to In-Person Conferences for 2022 with Pitching Opportunities, Speakers, a Pub Night, and More

    Get ready to learn, pitch and network your way to success with some of the most recognizable brands in the toy and game industry! The People of Play Inventor & Innovation Conferences, the largest and longest running toy and game inventor conference in the world, are back in person this year with an extensive lineup of speakers and panels inside and outside the industry. Plus, on the much anticipated Pub Night, we’re putting one of our own to roast, the indelible Matt Nuccio, President of Design Edge.

    Godzilla Day Returns on November 3 with Monster-Sized Experiences and Offerings

    “A living nuclear weapon destined to walk the Earth forever; indestructible.” (Godzilla, 1985) Toho International, the Japanese studio’s U.S.- based subsidiary that has brought global sensation Godzilla to life, announced its plans for Godzilla Day 2022 with a slate of monster-sized experiences and offerings for fans to enjoy.  Honoring the King of the Monsters on November 3, fans of all things Godzilla will have access to special first-time screenings, themed contests, and exclusive gaming and food partnerships happening across the nation.