Toy Fair University – Your ultimate resource for insights, creativity, and innovation in the global toy and play industry. Dive into expert-led sessions that explore the latest trends, address emerging challenges, and deliver practical strategies to shape the future of play. Connect with industry leaders, ignite new ideas, and stay ahead in an ever-evolving market.
Sessions from Toy Fair 2025 will be available weekly throughout the summer, featuring insights from thought leaders and innovators.
Frank Sardone, Carter, DeLuca & Farrell LLC
This session breaks down the various types of intellectual property protection available, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Discover how these protections differ, where they may overlap, and how some products may incorporate multiple protections.
Steve Reece, Kids Brand Insight
This session addresses key issues and trends in manufacturing while looking ahead to predict future changes. Learn how Toy & Game companies can adapt their sourcing strategies to stay competitive.
Maura Reagan, Licensing International & Jeremy Padawer, Jazwares
Discover the licensing trends shaping toy sales in 2025 with insights from Licensing International. Despite recent challenges, beloved brands, evergreen properties, and the rise of the kidult demographic continue to drive consumer interest.
Sharon Weisman, PowerStation Studios; Cindy Chang, Netflix; Kevin Tully, Jazwares and Kristen Fallon, BBC Studios
This panel explores the power of storytelling in toy development and the challenges faced at the retail shelf. Discover how extending your product’s narrative can enhance consumer engagement and build brand loyalty.
Armin Ghiam
This session focuses on how to navigate IP claims when using generative AI in toy design. Learn strategies to protect your ideas, especially when generative AI has contributed to your creation.
Careen Yapp, Embracer Group & Women in Games International; Andrea Fasulo, Supercell; Afton Thatcher,SuperAwesome; Justine Higueras, Roblox and Tiffany Patterson, Jazwares
Hear from Women in Toys, Licensing, and Entertainment about new opportunities for collaboration and innovation in digital gaming and consumer products.
Carmel Giblin, Ethical Supply Chain Program
This session highlights the trends, pitfalls, and successes of taking a global approach to supply chain diversification in today’s ever-increasing regulatory business environment.
Pamela Mastrota, The Toy Foundation; David Hung, Hope For New York; Deb Silver, Jazwares; Shelby Dettlinger, World Vision and Tammy Smitham, Spinmaster
Learn how the Toy Foundation is making a difference by supporting initiatives that ensure all children have access to play. This panel focuses on how strategic partnerships and community efforts are creating lasting change.
Kristen Altmeyer, PARENTS
Go behind the scenes to see how PARENTS select the winners of their annual Best Toys Awards. Discover their rigorous submission process, the key factors parents care about, and how editors make thoughtful selections for every age group.
Hamutal Schieber, Schieber Research
This presentation explores the “Jobs to be Done” approach and presents case studies from the toy and entertainment industries to offer an effective framework for integrating AI into product development, marketing, service, and customer experience.
Danielle Hughes, More Than Words Marketing
Build a strong LinkedIn presence with this step-by-step guide to crafting an engaging profile and leveraging the platform for professional growth.
Matt Nuccio, Design Edge
This session explores the distinct approaches to toy packaging in mass and specialty markets, highlighting how design strategies shift to meet audience expectations, build brand loyalty, and influence purchase decisions. Learn how packaging connects with consumers and why one size doesn’t fit all.
Carlos Mendoza III, Red Raven Studios
See how dynamic illustrations can elevate your brand identity and create an emotional connection with your audience. Learn to integrate compelling visuals to enhance storytelling and product engagement.
Matt Nuccio, Design Edge; Angus Walker, Hasbro; Dougal Grimes, EightTwo and Scott Landsbaum, United Inventors Association
Gain insights from the United Inventors Association experts as they guide you through the inventor world, offering practical tips to get started and thrive on your path to success.
Bob Becker & Kevin Daniels, Fun In Motion
Discover how STEAM lessons naturally unfold as children create colorful flexi-loops, hexagonal antiprisms, and truncated cubes – fostering creativity through limitless play possibilities.
Malte Niebelschuetz, Shore Buddies
This session uncovers strategies to stand out in the sustainable toy market by delivering toys for customers who love to care, creating products that resonate with eco-conscious consumers who value environmental responsibility.
David Becker, Blue Plate Media Services; Denise Vannucci, Blue Plate Media Services; Erica Buxton, Razor USA; Jessica Kavanaugh, JAKKS Pacific; Julie Gwaltney, TOMY International and Karen Branson, Relatable
Hear from top professionals in marketing and media as they break down what’s working, what’s not, and why. This panel reveals the insights, instincts, and innovations driving brand growth and consumer connection in a dynamic play environment.
Denis Crushell, Precise TV; Emily Hotz, Google!; Phyllis Starsia, Powerphyl and Sunny Laurdisen, Just Play
Mobile gaming and YouTube have become essential to digital marketing. Learn how to connect with your audience and overcome challenges when creating effective digital media plans.
Philippe Guinaudeau, BrandTrends
Hear about the latest insights from BrandTrends on U.S. toy market behaviors, including children’s digital habits, the influence of VR, and the growing impact of the kidult demographic. Discover how these trends are shaping consumer choices and brand strategies.
Amanda Lao, Beacon Media; Kotomi Nanjo, Goliath; Jake Rosen, Jake Rosen Entertainment; Nishi Arjan TikTok and Morgan Mooney, Beacon Media
This panel gives guidance on navigating the evolving landscape of influencer marketing with a focus on emerging trends to maximize brand impact. Stay ahead of the curve and build long-lasting partnerships in a rapidly changing digital space.
Tom Williams, The Insights Family
This session highlights the critical role of localization, showing how understanding local nuances and emerging trends can help create culturally relevant toys and marketing campaigns that resonate with kids around the world.
Kristen McLean, Circana
This session delivers a fast-paced overview of the most important cross-entertainment trends, challenges, and opportunities you need to know to navigate the market over the next 12–24 months.
Robin Raskin, Virtual Events Group; David Phillips, Elf Labs; Elnaz Sarraf, ROYBI; Josh Garrett Readyland and Martin Horstman, BitOGenius
This panel explores the future of AI in play and how it’s moving beyond basic chatbot interactions. Learn how toy companies are creating more meaningful, creative experiences that give kids a sense of agency, imagination, and engagement.
David Kleeman, Dubit
This session introduces mech — customizable, humanoid machine avatars growing in popularity on platforms like Roblox — as a new frontier for brand integration in digital play. Learn how players use mech to express identity and enhance gameplay, and how Dubit research reveals trends in customization, fandom, and in-platform purchasing.
Jayesh Chatlani, Hula
Explore how AI tools can enhance storytelling in toy development while maintaining creativity and consumer engagement. Learn how to use AI thoughtfully, avoiding quick-fix solutions.
John LeBaron, Pattern
Learn how influencers, AI, and Amazon are reshaping the toy industry’s digital landscape, driving product performance and brand strategy.
This session shows how to effectively integrate your brand into the vast world of Roblox, exploring game types and strategies for brand engagement.
Robin Raskin, Virtual Events Group; David Phillips, Elf Labs; Elnaz Sarraf, ROYBI; Josh Garrett, Readyland and Martin Horstman, BitOGenius
Careen Yapp, Embracer Group & Women in Games International; Andrea Fasulo, Supercell; Afton Thatcher, SuperAwesome; Justine Higueras, Roblox and Tiffany Patterson, Jazwares
Amanda Lao, Beacon Media; Kotomi Nanjo, Goliath; Jake Rosen, Jake Rosen Entertainment; Nishi Arjan, TikTok and Morgan Mooney, Beacon Media
Matt Nuccio, Design Edge; Angus Walker, Hasbro; Dougal Grimes, EightTwo; and Scott Landsbaum, United Inventors Association
An engaging three-day event you won't want to miss.