February 2023 - Page 8 of 10

Licensing Expo Announces Registration for 2023 Event Set to Highlight Fashion as Core Theme

Licensing Expo, the world’s largest and most influential annual event dedicated to licensing and brand extension, has announced that registration is live for this year’s show, taking place on June 13-15 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Organized by Informa Markets and sponsored by Licensing International, Licensing Expo brings together thousands of leading retailers and manufacturers to discover the widest range of brands available for license globally. The 2023 event will highlight Fashion as its core theme, spotlighting the creativity and innovation in the space and the opportunities it heralds for the wider licensing industry. As the largest licensed product category worldwide, 2021 retail sales of licensed merchandise within fashion apparel, accessories and footwear reached c.$90 billion, according to Licensing International’s 2022 Global Licensing Industry Study.

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.

Fireside Games Launches “My First Castle Panic” for Young Board Gamers

If knowledge is power then little ones will never be bothered by monsters under the bed after a playing a round of My First Castle Panic. Preschoolers are introduced to Goblins, Orcs and Trolls who wish to storm the castle they erect atop a sturdy board game. In this not-too-scary round of play, tots meet monsters and strategize to dump them in the dungeon (aka bottom of the game box) in this colorful coop board game that runs about 20 minutes. Parent company Fireside Games offers this preschool version of its best-selling Castle Panic created for tweens and teens and adults. With no reading required, kids can play this junior edition independently or as a family game night adventure. With illustrated preschool graphics and game pieces, kids are asked to defend the castle from goblins or trolls emerging from the forest. Taking their cues from game cards, players match the color and shape on the card to the board game space of the monster. They could be lurking in one of five rings around the castle. Players can ask for help from each other as they team up to place Orcs, Trolls and Goblins in the dungeon. To win the game, players send monsters to the dungeon with the castle still standing. But the game ends if the monsters knock through all the castle walls.

Mainframe Studios is Celebrating 30 Years of Bringing Stories to Life

Mainframe Studios is celebrating 30-years of making life more animated. The industry pioneer has grown into a global powerhouse of animation, producing both premium original content and world-class shows for many of the industry’s biggest names, including Mattel, Sony Pictures, Spin Master, Hasbro, DreamWorks, Netflix and YouTube. “With our 30-year track record of Mainframe Studios producing some of the most iconic animated properties, we approach every day like a startup – challenging ourselves to deliver new and exciting creative innovation to every project we undertake,” says Michael Hefferon, President/Chief Creative Officer at Mainframe Studios.

Kids and Kidults Flock to the New Crazy Aaron’s “Crazy Creator” Experience at the World-Famous FAO Schwarz

As Crazy Aaron’s embarks on its 25th anniversary in 2023, the company takes dough and putty play to a whole new level thanks to “Crazy Creator,” a brand-new play experience at the world-famous FAO Schwarz toy store at Rockefeller Center in New York City. This unique hands-on experience allows kids and “kidults” to create their very own unique Thinking Putty tin or customized Land of Dough cup. With various compounds, colors, and add-ons to choose from, the Crazy Aaron’s Crazy Creator experience has quickly become a smash hit with plans to expand throughout this fun anniversary year!

Toshiverse Labs Engages ChizSix Marketing & Media and AKCO to Drive the Arrival of Wooshi World

Toshiverse Labs has announced the addition of two industry-leading firms to its roster of key consultants – ChizSix Marketing & Media, founded by industry veterans Harold and Jennifer Chizick, and AKCO, founded by ex Nelvana and Sutikki head Andrew Kerr. The pair will work to introduce Wooshi World to trade and consumer audiences throughout 2023.

Ravensburger Previews 2023 Disney Products at Nuremberg International Toy Fair

As Ravensburger welcomes its 140th anniversary and Disney celebrates 100 Years of Wonder, consumers are invited to bring the magic home with a new line of games and puzzles that reflect both companies’ legacies of fun. From games featuring classic Disney animated characters to puzzles with Star Wars-inspired artwork to the debut of trading card game Disney Lorcana – 2023 will be packed with fan-favorite products for customers of all ages.

Hess Announces First Plush Tugboat

Hess has announced a new addition to its Hess Toy Truck collection — the fourth in its plush toy series designed especially for its youngest fans. My Plush Hess Truck: 2023 Tugboat is now on sale exclusively at HessToyTruck.com with free standard shipping and Energizer batteries included. Ideal for birthday or new baby gifts, the 2023 Plush Tugboat is safe for all ages with features that include soft and durable green fabric with colorful accents, squeeze-activated flashing LED lights, two iconic sing-along songs, an auto shutoff night-light, silent mode, and an easy-grab engine stack. The 2023 commemorative license plate and accompanying personalizable keepsake Tugboat Captain’s License tag follows the Hess Toy Truck collectability tradition. The Hess plush toy line has received several prestigious awards including a Mom’s Choice Award, a National Parenting Product Award, and the National Parent Center Seal of Approval.

Poetic Brands Launches New Footwear Division with Signing from Squishmallows

Poetic Brands, the leading and innovative apparel licensee, is pleased to announce the launch of its newly developed footwear division. The first signing for this new division is Original Squishmallows – the lovable, ultra-soft, collectible plush phenomenon from Jazwares. Producing children’s footwear and slippers initially, this partnership is the perfect way for Poetic Brands to showcase their new line.