Dallas Nearshoring america
Events News
Dallas Market Center To Launch Nearshoring America Trade Show

Dallas Market Center announces the launch of Nearshoring America, a new international expo and support services designed to explore and facilitate nearshoring production services for gift, home furnishings, and fashion accessories companies. Nearshoring America EXPO, to take place at Dallas Market Center from December 10-12, 2024, will connect brands and their representatives with vetted factories and supply chain service providers from Mexico and Latin America.

It's Alma's Way! 1024 x 780 (5)
Entertainment News
Debut Album from Acclaimed Animated Series Out Now – ‘It’s Alma’s Way!’

It’s Alma’s Way!, the first album from the hit animated PBS KIDS series, Alma’s Way, is now available on all digital music platforms. The release of the soundtrack comes from the collaboration between Fred Rogers Productions, the esteemed children’s media organization and producer behind Alma’s Way, and Warner Music Group’s Arts Music division. Fans of the acclaimed series, which helps children ages 4-6 develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, will recognize the music celebrating Alma’s Puerto Rican heritage, her adventures in her hometown of The Bronx, and more.

BoxLunch Strawberry Shortcake
Licensing News
BoxLunch Celebrates Strawberry Shortcake’s Berry Special 45th Anniversary with a Retro-Inspired Capsule Collection

Commemorating the 45th anniversary of the sweet and adorable Strawberry Shortcake, fandom-first retailer BoxLunch is launching a 25-piece collection inspired by the titular doll’s original vintage look on February 12. Available online and in BoxLunch stores, the collection is the perfect, multi-generational purchase for those who grew up with Strawberry Shortcake or are fans of 80s/90s brands. The product assortment, which includes apparel, home, novelty, auto, sleep, accessories, pins, bags, and jewelry, pays homage to the iconic character that has been bringing joy to audiences since its introduction in 1979.

Warner Bros Discovery Philippe Roucoule
News You're Hired
Philippe Roucoule to Head EMEA Consumer Products for Warner Bros Discovery

Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) announced that WBD and industry veteran Philippe Roucoule has been named Senior Vice President of EMEA Consumer Products, effective immediately. Roucoule, who recently held the position of Vice President, Category and Retail Business Development for WBD, will report to Robert Oberschelp, Head of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), part of the Warner Bros. Discovery Revenue & Strategy division run by Chief Revenue & Strategy Officer, Bruce Campbell. Roucoule succeeds longtime European Consumer Products head, Julian Moon, who previously announced his upcoming retirement after 33 years with the company. Moon continues to oversee Consumer Products for the Asia Pacific region as he works with Oberschelp and WBD leadership on succession plans.

Las Vegas Jada Super Convention
Events News
Jada Toys Takes the Lead as the Title Sponsor for the First Time at the 2024 Die-Cast Super Convention

Jada Toys, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of finely crafted die-cast and collectibles has announced its title sponsorship of the Las Vegas Die-Cast Super Convention, February 29 to March 3, 2024 at the Ahern Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. Hosted by Mad Mike, Die-Cast SuperCon returns bigger and better than ever with special events and a full size car show. With 25 years in the industry, Jada’s expertise in die-cast vehicles is unmatched and remains a favorite among the die-cast and collector community, car shows and conventions alike. Jada’s leadership team will be present throughout the event hosting over five thousand die-cast enthusiasts, industry experts and the general public will get to experience four full days of activations, convention exclusives, shopping, and panels.

Right Angle entertainment Joe Ruffner
News You're Hired
Joe Ruffner Named Executive Director of Right Angle Entertainment

Right Angle Entertainment has announced veteran live entertainment industry executive Joe Ruffner has been promoted to executive director. His responsibilities will entail the oversight and management of Right Angle Entertainment’s touring productions, as well as adding his expertise to the rapid and strategic growth of the company. Right Angle Entertainment was founded in 2014 by Alison Spiriti and Justin Sudds and produces and/or manages the North American tours and experiences for Wheel of Fortune Live!, Hasbro’s Clue a Walking Mystery, The Price is Right Live!, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, The Simon & Garfunkel Story, The Psychology of Serial Killers, The Life and Music of George Michael, Ghosts: Do You Believe? and many more.

People of Play Young Inventor Challenge 17th Annual 18th
Events News
People of Play Announce the Winners of the 18th Annual Young Inventor Challenge

Catastrophe of Hairballs, Hike the Spike, and Blanket Kingdom were among the top place finishers at People of Play’s 18th Annual Young Inventor Challenge (YIC) held in 2023 on November 4th at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair. The YIC is a yearly competition where students between the ages of 6 and 18 have the opportunity to create an original play product and pitch it to professional toy and game inventors for a chance to win big prizes. Past winners have seen their entries licensed, manufactured, and sold in both specialty toy stores and in major retailers including Target and Amazon. Leading up to the Young Inventor Challenge in November, regional events are hosted at independent toy stores, day camps, and summer school programs to inspire and engage kids to create toys and games to be judged in the annual competition.

Pikachu Empire State Pokemon Day Lights 2024
Events News
US Premiere of ‘Pokémon Horizons: The Series’ Celebrated with World-Famous Tower Lights on Pokémon Day 2024

In celebration of Pokémon Day 2024 and the upcoming U.S. premiere of Pokémon Horizons: The Series, The Pokémon Company International (TPCi), in collaboration with longstanding charitable partner The Toy Foundation, has teamed up with New York’s iconic Empire State Building to illuminate its world-famous tower lights the evening of Feb. 27, 2024. The renowned landmark will light up New York’s skyline in blue and yellow, inspired by the highly recognizable Pokémon logo, between sunset and 2 a.m. EST.

Pickle Everything
News
New Pickle Everything Card Game Launches From Toy and Game Industry Veterans Jeffrey Breslow, Frank Adler

Pickle Everything Games, created by co-founder toy and game industry veterans Jeffrey Breslow and Frank Adler, has introduced a new card game called Pickle Everything, where words meet fun and pickles rule, allowing families and friends to compete against one another in a new, fast-paced and hilarious way. Pickle Everything is now available for purchase for just $9.99 on Amazon and PickleEverything.games. Together, the partners of Pickle Everything Games have a combined 65 years of toy development experience. Breslow was a founding partner of Big Monster Toys, a role that would lead to his induction in the Toy Manufacturers Hall of Fame in 1988. Games such as Guesstures, Masterpiece, and Ants in the Pants were among the many that he was instrumental in developing. Adler, a seasoned expert in the toy and game industry, was the former president of Uncle Milton, where he took the company from its Ant Farm product line roots to its award-winning Star Wars Science and In My Room brands, which included a full range of Disney Princess and Frozen product lines.