IP in the Toy Industry

Frank Sardone, Carter, DeLuca ∓ Farrell LLP

Bringing new ideas to market requires more than creativity — it requires protection. Real-world examples bring clarity to patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, and what inventors should consider before sharing their ideas publicly.

Beyond Entertainment: Designing Toys to Meet the Growing Demand for Skill, Creative and Social Play

Adam Woodgate, The Insights Family

Play is evolving, and families expect more than entertainment. Kids gravitate toward creativity, movement, and social connection, while parents prioritize toys that teach, challenge, and support development. This session translates these trends into product design, positioning, and retail strategies that win both hearts and carts.

Your Guide to Licensing and Collaborations with the Key Players in the Toy Industry

Maura Regan, Licensing International; Kim Boyd, Hasbro; Steven Heller, The Brand Liaison and Josh Simon, Funko

What are the major toy companies actually looking for in new partners? Executives from leading toy companies share how they structure licensing relationships, how they collaborate with retailers, and where they're focused for growth.

Available on 3/16/26

Speed Round: Top Trends in Entertainment You Need to Know for 2026

Kristen McLean, Circanae

Drawing on cross-industry data from Circana’s Entertainment Knowledge Group, this session spotlights the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping toys, books, gaming, media, and licensing — and what they mean for the next 12–24 months.

Available on 3/16/26

From Sustainability to Circularity: The Next Evolution in Green Toy Design

Malte Niebelschuetz, Shore Buddies / Brands 4 Change

The toy industry has moved past sustainability. Circularity is the next step. But it only works if production models, logistics, and system design evolve to make it financially viable and scalable. This session explores how circularity can become a competitive advantage, not a cost burden.

Available on 3/16/26

Winning Gen Alpha: The Playbook for Safe, Authentic, High-Impact Engagement

Ashley Mady, Zigazoo; Brenda Bisner, Kidoodle.TV; Jordan Benedict, Spin Master and Sasha Junk, Kidz Bop

Earning Gen Alpha's attention — and parent trust — takes a different approach. This panel covers what actually works when building kid-safe, culturally relevant campaigns: designing for co-creation, avoiding "try-hard" brand moments, and building programs that kids love and parents approve.

Available on 3/23/26

New Licensees and What to Expect

Greg Pan, Nolan Heimann LLP

For toy companies entering their first licensing agreement, opportunity often comes with complexity. This session examines material terms, negotiation strategy, what licensors prioritize, and what to expect after signing to avoid common early-stage missteps.

Available on 3/23/26

Inside Kids’ Worlds: What Shapes Their Lives, Choices, and Play

Philippe Guinaudeau, BrandTrends Group

Fresh U.S. research explores kids’ daily routines, digital habits, and favorite brands — alongside the parent shopping and gift-giving behaviors that influence purchase decisions. Together, these insights provide a clearer picture of what shapes today’s play patterns.

Available on 3/23/26

Gen Alpha Reality Check

Sharon Weisman, Portman Street; Eric Morse, Spirit Halloween / Spencer's; Joel Silverman, KidsKnowBest and Ned Ward, Walmart Entertainment Council

The truth is, no one fully knows what Gen Alpha wants — yet. And that's the opportunity. This panel explores how brands can move beyond early assumptions and actively shape the behaviors and preferences of a generation still in formation.

Available on 3/30/26

The Kidult Collector: Defining and Capturing the Growing Audience

Vincent Imaoka, Paramount

The Kidult market continues to expand, but what’s fueling that growth? This session explores the motivations, interests, and market forces driving adult toy purchasing — and what those trends mean for the industry.

Available on 3/30/26

License It or Launch It?

Matt Nuccio, Design Edge; Angus Walker, Spin Master; Dan Luther, Hasbro; Dougal Grimes, EightyTwo; Josslynne Welch, Litzky Public Relations and Scott Landsbaum, Scott Landsbaum Inc

Every toy inventor eventually faces the decision: license an idea to an established company or bring it to market independently. Leaders from the United Inventors Association’s Toy Hub Board unpack the real-world trade-offs, deal structures, and long-term implications of each path.

Available on 3/30/26

How Entertainment Brands are Leveraging the Nostalgia Boom to Engage Multigenerational Audiences

Joel Silverman, KidsKnowBest; Scott Shillet, Peanuts Worldwide; Kate Smith, WildBrain; David Sprei, Penguin Ventures and Ellie Terveen, Dr. Seuss Enterprises

As brand loyalty becomes harder to earn, nostalgia delivers both emotional connection and measurable performance. This panel explores how entertainment brands are aligning legacy IP with evolving media, merchandising, and family viewing habits to engage multigenerational audiences and drive action.

Available on 4/6/26

Beyond the Press Release: What Modern PR Really Looks Like in the Toy Industry

Lisa Orman, KidStuff PR

Public relations in today’s toy industry extends far beyond traditional press outreach. This session examines how storytelling, creator partnerships, experiential activations, and earned media are shaping cultural relevance and driving meaningful brand impact.

Available on 4/6/26

WiT Tabletop Gaming Evolution: The New Rules of Retail, Design, and Engagement

Azhelle Wade, The Toy Coach; Deirdre Cross, Game Executive; Julien Sharp, Asmodee; Jennifer Graham Macht, Keymaster Games and Danni Loe, ACD Distribution

Tabletop gaming is reshaping how brands build IP, deepen fandom, and move products through retail. Moderated by Azhelle Wade, this panel explores how inclusive design, immersive storytelling, community-led marketing, and evolving commerce models are driving growth in today’s tabletop landscape.

Available on 4/6/26

Play Reimagined: How Cutting-Edge Platforms Power the Next Generation of Toys

Robin Raskin, Virtual Events Group; Joshua Garrett, Creativity, Inc.; Ron Friedman, Mattel Future Lab; Darin Barri, Spin Master and Melissa Hershey, Hasbro

Emerging platforms are transforming how toys are designed and experienced. This panel examines how brands are breathing new life into iconic IP and creating new interactive play patterns through technology-driven innovation.

Available on 4/13/26

From Prototype to Playtime: Integrating 3D Printing into Your Toy Business

Courtney Peebles, M. Ed, Solobo Toys

As the toy industry navigates ongoing disruption, new manufacturing models are emerging. Integrating 3D printing can transform product development and production strategy while preserving brand mission and play value.

Available on 7/21/25

How Licensing Can Grow Your Business

Stu Seltzer, The Seltzer Licensing Group

Strategic licensing can unlock new revenue streams, expand market reach, and strengthen brand equity. Toy companies leveraging the right partnerships are driving measurable growth and long-term expansion.

Available on 4/13/26

From Recovery to Resilience: How MESH Is Shaping the Future of Play

Rachele Harmuth, MESH Helps; Antonia (Tonina) Llull, Play To Do; Talia Filippelli, North Starr Studio and Sarah Habib, The Calm Caterpillar

As youth mental health challenges persist, purposeful play plays a critical role in building resilience. Insights from the MESH Helps white paper examine how embedding mental, emotional, and social health into toys can shape the future of play.

Available on 4/20/26

From Concept to Consumer – How Product Development and Sales Work Hand in Hand

Matt Nuccio, Design Edge & Steven Anne, Dan Buckey Associates

Successful launches require alignment between product development and sales. This session examines how collaboration, buyer feedback, and strategic go-to-market planning turn concepts into retail-ready products.

Available on 4/20/26

Precision Meets Planning: How Programmatic Shapes the Modern Media Mix

Gabriella Scothon, Beacon Media Group; Morgan Mooney, Beacon Media Group; Noor Naseer, Basis; Matt Wasserlauf, Blockboard and Sarah Watson, The Trade Desk

In a fragmented media landscape, programmatic buying delivers precision, scale, and agility. This panel examines where automated strategies fit within the broader media mix and how integration across channels improves efficiency and drives measurable results.

Available on 4/20/26

How To Drive Retailer Sell-in & Consumer Sell-Through in a Crowded Market

David Becker, Blue Plate Media; Tim Jones, Blue Plate Media; Andy Wiseman, Lean In; Denise Vannucci, Blue Plate Media; Julie Gwaltney, TOMY and Michelle Weber, Toy'n Around

Retail success requires strategy before and after the shelf. Sales, retail, and media leaders break down how buyer strategy, trade marketing, and integrated media support work together to win placement and sustain demand — driving both retailer sell-in and consumer sell-through in a competitive market.

Available on 4/27/26

More Than Fun & Games: Play’s Impact on Wellbeing as we Age

Ted Fischer, Ageless Innovation

Play is a lifelong human need with measurable impact. Clinical research and industry insight highlight how serving older adults strengthens social connection, supports emotional wellbeing, and creates meaningful intergenerational opportunity.

Available on 4/27/26

The Art of Versatility

Carlos Mendoza III, Red Raven Studios

From mass-market toys to animatronics, creative careers thrive on versatility. This session explores how adaptability across projects and styles can solve complex design challenges while preserving a distinct artistic voice.

Available on 4/27/26

The Toy Foundation: Keys to Corporate Giving

Pamela Mastrota, The Toy Foundation; Donna MacNeil, Beacon Media Group; Aaron Muderick, Crazy Aaron's; Nancy Molenda, Mattel and Deb Silver, Jazwares

The Toy Foundation drives the toy industry’s collective impact. This panel explores how strategic corporate philanthropy enables manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers to support children in need while strengthening employee engagement, consumer trust, and long-term business value.

Available on 5/4/26

The Power of Playful Retail

Amy Saldanha, kiddywampus & Tami Murphy, Tamic Strategies

Specialty toy retail succeeds by delivering what online shopping cannot. This session examines the three qualities loyal customers value most, how in-store experiences reinforce those expectations, and the marketing strategies that turn connection into repeat business.

Available on 5/4/26

Follow-Up Like a Pro

April Mitchell, 4A's Creations & Ed Gartin, Bestway

A strong pitch is only the first step. Effective follow-up — from timing and tone to the type of outreach — can determine whether a conversation advances or stalls, with insight from both inventor and company perspectives.

Available on 5/4/26

Toys on TikTok Shop: Navigating Discovery E-Commerce

Elizabeth Hunger, TikTok Shop; Adam Rivard, Bumpa Built and Corey Schrimpl, Lost Boy Entertainment

TikTok Shop’s discovery-driven model is reshaping how products are found and purchased. This panel explores how integrated content and commerce are creating new growth opportunities for toy brands beyond traditional e-commerce.

Available on 5/11/26

Common Litigation Risks for Toy Designers

Armin Ghiam, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Intellectual property disputes are a recurring risk for toy designers. This session examines common claims involving copyrights, trade dress, and trademarks — and outlines practical strategies to help identify and mitigate risk before products reach market.

Available on 5/11/26

Creating Multi-Dimensional Kids Marketing Campaigns

Patrick Benad, Precisify; Morgan Mooney, Beacon Media Group; Sunny Lauridsen, Just Play and Alex Taylor-Smith, Generation Media

YouTube now accounts for 12.5% of all TV and streaming watch time, and kids are leading that shift. This panel explores how brands are building multi-platform digital strategies that prioritize YouTube and mobile gaming while driving measurable campaign impact.

Available on 5/11/26

From Discovery to Devotion: How Fandoms Develop and Stick with Gen Alpha/Z

Nick Walters, SuperAwesome; Jessica Rafalski, Starcom; Rachael Reid, Spin Master and Katherine Resto, Moose Toys

Fandoms are evolving into powerful, community-driven ecosystems that shape what Gen Alpha and Gen Z watch, play, and buy. Panelists examine how fandoms form, deepen, and endure, and what brands must understand to build lasting relevance in a creator-led landscape.

Available on 5/18/26

The Art of Nostalgia: Designing Toys with Soul

Armando Roque, Robots & Rainbows

Nostalgia remains a powerful driver in toy design, particularly among today’s Kidult audience. This session explores how illustration, retro aesthetics, and lived experience shape emotional connection, and how designers preserve artistic integrity as concepts move through manufacturing.

Available on 5/18/26

The Future of Biobased Plushies

Roni Gamzon, BioFluff

Nearly one billion plush toys are sold each year, most made from polyester. Plant-based textile innovation is emerging as a viable alternative, reframing sustainability as both a design and manufacturing challenge and raising new questions about performance and scalability.

Available on 5/18/26

From “What If…” to “Ship It!”: How Inventors and Companies Build Hits Together

Lee Allentuck, The Plan A Group; David Blanchard, The Op Games; Chrissy Fagerholt, EAP Toy & Games; Jordan Goddard, Indy Toy Lab and Lev Nelson, Sky Castle Toys

Great toy ideas rarely succeed in isolation. This panel brings inventors and company leaders together to examine how collaboration transforms early concepts into products on shelves, highlighting the partnership dynamics and shared decision-making that turn creative potential into commercial success.