Contributed by The Toy Association
With anticipated growth of 200 percent in the next five years, connected play is more than just a passing fad. At Toy Fair New York, Valerie Vacante, founder and managing partner of Collabsco, an executive strategy firm providing product innovation advice and expertise to global brands and startups, will share her perspective on emerging technologies and this unique category of play during the session titled, “Connected Play Landscape and Beyond: Uncovering Emerging Tech and the Future of Play.”
The seminar will take place on Tuesday, February 19 at 2 p.m. in the Creative Factor Theater (Hall 1D Lobby). Toy Fair attendees will learn insights on how the genre has evolved, technology trends across Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, robotics, augmented reality, virtual reality, and the opportunity for toymakers to take advantage of this growing industry. The session is part of Toy Fair’s expanded and enhanced Creative Factor educational programming.
“Connected play will have a huge impact on how children play, learn, and interact with their toys,” said Marian Bossard, executive vice president of global market events at The Toy Association. “This session will be packed with actionable information on the emerging technology space, giving attendees a glimpse into the toy box of tomorrow.”
As part of its ongoing commitment to support and foster growth within the global toy inventor and designer community, The Toy Association has significantly expanded and enhanced Toy Fair’s Creative Factor programming, guided by a new Advisory Board made up of innovators and experts across a range of creative fields. All Toy Fair attendees are welcome to participate in a full schedule of roundtables, presentations, workshops, and panels focused on the interests and goals of inventors, designers, and others in the creative community, included with your registration. Sessions will be held throughout the four days in the Creative Factor Theater (Hall 1D Lobby).
In addition, toy manufacturers are invited to hear product pitches from select inventors and designers during The Toy Association’s inaugural “CF@TF Inventor Day,” taking place on Friday, February 15. For more information contact The Toy Association’s Marian Bossard.
Toy Fair New York will take place February 16 to 19 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Visit ToyFairNY.com or download the free Toy Fair app on Apple iTunes or Google Play for the full list of Creative Factor programming and other informative educational sessions taking place only at Toy Fair.