Spotlight on Otis College, Host of the LA Fall Preview Networking Party (Sept. 10)

June 17, 2024 | The Toy Association’s LA Fall Preview Networking Party, taking place September 10 during the LA Fall Preview market week, is set to bring together professionals from across the toy, licensing, and entertainment industries for an evening of connection and celebration. The event will be hosted at Otis College of Art and Design, home to one of the nation's leading toy design programs.

Toy News Tuesday editors sat down with Jennifer Caveza, chair of Toy Design and Product Design at Otis College of Art and Design, to chat about the upcoming event, the opportunities it presents for attendees, and how Otis College continues to serve as a vital pipeline to the creative community.

Can you tell us what attendees can expect from the LA Fall Preview Networking Party?
We’re absolutely delighted to partner with The Toy Association to welcome the toy industry to Otis College for this special event. The networking party will be held on Tuesday, September 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., right here on our campus. This is a fantastic chance for industry professionals to not only connect but also to see firsthand the creative space where our students bring their innovative toy designs to life. Attendees will get to explore our toy design floor and see the impressive projects that highlight the incredible talent and creativity nurtured here at Otis. It’s a wonderful way for the industry to celebrate together and for us to demonstrate the pipeline of creative talent we’re developing.

How does Otis College’s Toy Design program support the creative community and the toy industry at large?
Our Toy Design program is one of the leading programs in the nation, and we’re proud to be a major contributor to the toy industry’s creative community. We offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything from concept development to prototyping and marketing, ensuring our students are well-prepared to step into the industry and contribute immediately. They gain hands-on experience with the latest tools and technologies and are mentored by industry professionals, which helps them develop unique, imaginative products. By the time they graduate, they’re highly sought after by leading toy and entertainment companies. Additionally, by hosting events like The Toy Association's Networking Party, we provide a platform for our students to connect with industry leaders, showcasing their work and opening doors to potential career opportunities.

What are you most excited about for this upcoming networking party, and how can industry professionals benefit from attending?
I’m most excited about the energy and camaraderie that this event will foster. It’s not often that so many industry professionals get to come together in such a creative and inspiring place, and it’s also an opportunity to explore our campus and see where all the magic happens. Plus, it's a great way to unwind after a busy day at the LA Fall Preview market week, enjoy a drink and light snacks, and make meaningful connections in a relaxed environment. There is no cost to register, but we do encourage everyone to sign up in advance.

This networking party is a unique opportunity for attendees to meet emerging talent, exchange ideas, and potentially collaborate on future projects. Moreover, seeing our students' work up close provides valuable insight into the next generation of toy design trends and innovations. It’s an event that promises to be both fun and fruitful, and I can’t wait to see the connections and conversations that emerge.

What else is in store at Otis during the LA Fall Preview Week?
It’s going to be an incredible week for Otis! I’m equally as excited to welcome the leadership of The Toy Association and Toy Foundation for their Board meetings. It is an honor to host such an impressive gathering of impactful individuals on our campus. It’s important and meaningful for our industry leaders to know about Otis and to support our program; after all, Otis Toy Design is the future of our industry.

We want Otis to be a home for play professionals. We welcome industry meetings, tours, events, panels, and more. Our doors are always open.

The Toy Association’s LA Fall Preview will take place this September in Los Angeles, with a dedicated market week taking place from September 9 to 13. Click here for complimentary registration to the Association’s LA Fall Preview Networking Party and click here to secure your spot at The Toy Foundation’s Party with a Purpose. Visit toyassociation.org/lafallpreview for more information.