Sandbox@MIT Set for April 17-19
The seventh annual Sandbox@MIT is set for April 17-19 and this year’s topic is the ROI of Play. The forum will look at the economic, social, psychological, and physical benefits of play across multiple platforms and disciplines. Topics will cover the latest global trends, opportunities, and best practices for designing, developing, and monetizing cross-platform products, programs, and experiences for kids, families, and educators. The goal of the event is to work together to create actionable outcomes that benefit kids today and in the future.
Leaders from some of the largest brands will share insights and trends about play from diverse perspectives including: IDEO’s head of Kids Digital, Michelle Lee; Google’s head of Gaming, RJ Mical; LEGO Education’s president, Colin Gillespie; Amazon’s head of Programming, Tara Sorenson; David Bickham, Ph.D. Research Scientist, Center on Media and Child Health; plus leaders from WildWorks, Museum of Science, Discovery Education, Highlights for Children, and many more. See the complete schedule of speakers and workshops here.
The ROI of Play is a comprehensive 2.5 day conference with topics including:
- How play can make a positive impact on both children’s development and a company’s bottom line
- An analysis of traditional play research with the goal of collectively identifying common misconceptions and current insight gaps
- An innovation party at the Microsoft NERD Center showcasing 12 of the most playful products of the year
- Interactive workshops that show—as well as tell—attendees the ways in which play works no matter what age you are.
For more information, click here.
Target Hires GroupM
Target announced it will consolidate its media buying and planning business under GroupM, a media agency based in New York City. GroupM began working with Target in 2015 and will assume full responsibility for Target’s media business. Target will immediately begin transitioning the remaining business from Haworth Marketing + Media to GroupM.
GroupM will immediately pick up all new work and there will be a three-month transition period between the two agencies. The team will primarily be led from GroupM’s New York office, with additional support in San Francisco and Minneapolis.
Laser Pegs Expands Global Reach with New Distributors
Laser Pegs Ventures LLC is expanding its international reach with the addition of seven new distributors to increase the company’s presence throughout Europe.
New international distributors include:
- Mercopol GmbH—Germany
- Munecas Saica—Spain and Portugal
- Toy Time Sp Z o.o.—Poland
- Puppy—Benelux
- LEMACO SA—Switzerland
- Peak Toys—Romania
- Tomson Trade Group—Baltics (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania)
These distributors join the ranks of Felyx Toys Ltd. in Bulgaria, Giochi Preziosi in Italy, Goldfish & Bison in the UK, Templar in France, Top-Toy in Scandinavia, Atiq Liusie General Trading in the Middle East, Pupik in Israel, PMG in Australia, Passion Marketing PTE LTD in Indonesia, Asia Goal LTD. in Taiwan, AROC Electronics in Canada, Kuriakon in Mexico, and Mizratex in Panama to create a global distribution network that serves toy, hobby, and gift retailers in the respective regions.
In January 2016, Laser Pegs announced it was organized under a new group called Laser Pegs Investment Holdings after it was acquired by an investment group lead by David Chessler, Eric Baird, and businessman and professional golfer Greg Norman, among others. Chessler and Norman own an investment fund called the Great White Shark Opportunity Fund. Since then, Laser Pegs has been focused on expanding its core product lines and expanding domestically and internationally. With the addition of the new distributors, Laser Pegs are now available in 50-plus countries worldwide.
ABC Kids Expo Adds Product Category
All Baby & Child (ABC) Kids Expo is adding a new primary product category called Health & Nutrition to this year’s show, which is October 18-21 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This category is in addition to the current primary product categories that attendees can find on the ABC show floor: Apparel/Layette/Gift, Room Decor/Bedding, Nursing/Feeding, Baby Care/Safety, Furniture, Toys/Games/Books/AV, and Service Providers. ABC’s vision for this category includes companies that manufacture vitamins, food/formula products, skincare, etc.
“Health and nutrition represents an important growing market internationally, and we are pleased to be able to offer products in this category to help meet the needs of buyers and sellers alike,” said Larry Schur, president of All Baby & Child Corporation.
For more information on the ABC Kids Expo visit theabcshow.com.
What’s New in Puzzles on TTPM
TTPM is showcasing the newest Puzzles. For the latest in Toys, Tots, Pets, and More as well as what’s trending, visit TTPM.com.