Category: Events

Licensing Expo, the world’s leading event (May 21-23, Mandalay Bay Convention Center), dedicated to licensing, brand extension and collaborations, unveils the inaugural Licensing Expo Closing Night Party with confirmed performance from international touring music duo Loud Luxury. Loud Luxury, Canadian-born Los Angeles-based music group duo, Andrew Fedyk and Joe De Paceon known for several independent releases and remixes, including the smash hit Body, are global icons. The song Body is certified diamond in Canada and multi-platinum across 9 countries, accumulating over 1.5 billion streams across all platforms. Since then, the duo released other hit singles such as Love No More and I’m Not Alright, collaborating with top artists from around the world, totaling over 400 million streams.

The finalists in the Product, Property, Retail and Rising Star categories for the Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards (B&LLAS) 2024 have officially been revealed. The B&LLAs attracted the largest ever number of entries this year, from companies large and small. And, not only was the volume of entries staggering, but the quality was also of the highest level.

Hasbro, Inc, a leading toy and game company, has announced its Hasbro Women Innovators of Play 2024 lineup of events, networking moments, and other opportunities to celebrate and connect women toy and game innovators across the globe. Hasbro’s Women Innovators of Play launched in Fall 2023 to promote a more inclusive and equitable toys and games community, encourage more women’s participation in the space, inspire the next generation of young women and girls to unleash their creativity, and increase awareness and exposure to creative career paths.

Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) is thrilled to announce that the prestigious 2024 Wonder Women Awards Gala will be hosted in Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world. Timed to coincide with LA Fall Toy Previews, the Wonder Women Awards celebrates the remarkable achievements of women executives, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who are propelling the toy, consumer products, licensing, and entertainment industries forward.

ToyFest concluded its 11th tradeshow in Las Vegas, held at the World Market Center. Toy & Gift Stores from across the US attended the Las Vegas Show including stores from 48 states and 24 international countries. The Las Vegas Market held their Spring Buying event parallel with ToyFest which made for an even better shopping experience for Retailers. “What a week! ToyFest 2024 was filled with buyers from all over the country. The show had great energy and excitement, allowing everyone to enjoy all ToyFest had to offer. Resorts World was once again a lovely host hotel. I can’t wait for 2025 as we continue to make ToyFest the best it can be for all.” said Sandy Lepire, ToyFest President.

Ready to relive your favorite Mario memories? Nintendo has unveiled a Mega Mushroom-sized list of ways to commemorate MAR10 Day 2024 – from competing for rewards to exploring deals on games to even attending special in-person events in honor of our mustachioed hero. Fans of all ages are encouraged to celebrate by playing all of Mario’s greatest hits, from classic games featuring Mario released on the Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo Entertainment System now available on Nintendo Switch Online, to his newest venture into the Flower Kingdom, Super Mario Bros. Wonder. A full list of MAR10 Day 2024 activities is available at Mario.Nintendo.com. You can “Press Start” on the celebration now by checking out this special video that takes fans on a journey through Mario’s adventures over the years.

The Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards (B&LLAs) reward excellence in product innovation and brand licensing management as well as retail execution within the ever-evolving brand and lifestyle licensing arena (non-entertainment)…and the B&LLAs 2024 are still open for entries! The awards are free to enter. You can complete your entry entirely online. The deadline for entry is Friday, March 8, 2024.

FanRoll is pleased to announce a major new licensing agreement with leading toy and game company Hasbro. The new program will begin with a multifaceted Dungeons & Dragons program, under license by Hasbro and its Wizards of the Coast division, that coincides with the brand’s 50th anniversary. FanRoll also plans to launch a line of premium gaming dice for iconic Hasbro Gaming brands Monopoly, Risk, Clue, HeroQuest and Betrayal at House on the Hill. This collaboration comes on the heels of a major rebranding and refocus for the company in 2023 from Metallic Dice Games to FanRoll.

The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (Astra), composed of local retailers, manufacturers, Certified Play Experts, and toy industry professionals, surveyed a group of independently owned retailers about the toy trends they’re seeing so far for 2024. Based on their insight… it’s safe to say – that it will be a very fun year! “Our small retailers are on the front lines with consumers, having conversations, and seeing first hand what’s hot every day,” said Sue Warfield, President, Astra.“ They are the perfect resource to help us determine trends for the first part of 2024 and this year they have not disappointed. We’re excited to see these trends and watch as what’s hot continues to evolve throughout the year.”