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Licensing News
Beacon Media Group Becomes the New Branding of ChizComm

Beacon Media Group, North America’s largest children’s and toy marketing and media agency is the newly branded name of Chizcomm Ltd. and Chizcomm Beacon Media. Under the leadership of Donna MacNeil in Toronto and Kathleen Campisano in New York, the rebrand is an exciting next step in the company’s growth as an integrated, omni-channel marketing and media agency in the lifestyle, entertainment, toy and gaming spaces. Beacon Media Group will umbrella the media and communications arms of the company, which include Beacon Media in New York, and Beacon Communications in Toronto.

Sabic Mattel
News
Mattel Incorporates Certified Renewable Polymers from SABIC in Products Globally

SABIC, a global leader in the chemicals industry, has announced a collaboration with Mattel, a leading global toy company, to incorporate certified renewable polymers from SABIC’s TRUCIRCLE program across Mattel’s product offering. The first Mattel toy products to enter the market in 2022 using certified renewable SABIC PP (polypropylene) polymers will be from MEGA and Matchbox, with more to follow.

Events News
ToyFest Announces dates for the 2023 Show! February 27 – March 3 at World Market Center Las Vegas

The Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association (WTHRA) has announced the return of ToyFest to The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas, February 27 – March 3, 2023. This newly opened, purpose-built tradeshow facility in downtown Las Vegas served quite well for the 2022 show. As an added benefit, ToyFest attendees have access to cross-over gift and accessory lines presented at the World Market Center’s permanent showrooms. Sandy Lepire, ToyFest President said, “ToyFest 2022 was filled with lots of excitement, buyers from all over the country, and manufacturers showing amazing new products! With the dates of ToyFest now set for 2023, We can’t wait to start planning. Our goal is to make this a great show for all to come play and learn.”

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Licensing News
VOXX Electronics Corporation Joins the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA)

VOXX Electronics Corporation (VEC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX), has partnered with the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), a national trade association that provides advocacy, critical education and resources, networking opportunities, and purchasing programs to bring VOXX’s newest business segment – golf car and course accessories to market.

squishmallows
Licensing News
Farshore Teams With Jazwares and Kellytoy for New Squishmallows Official Collector’s Guide

Farshore is thrilled to have acquired publishing rights to the official collector’s guide for the award-winning plush property, Squishmallows. Emma Cairns-Smith, Global Licensing Acquisition Director for Brands and Licensing at Farshore, signed a worldwide rights deal with Jazwares, a global leader in toys and licensing, along with its Kellytoy subsidiary for the Squishmallows Official Collector’s Guide.

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News You're Hired
PlayMonster Welcomes Dianne Lauble as New Director of Inventor Relations

PlayMonster Group LLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Dianne Lauble to the role of Director, Inventor Relations, effective immediately. Lauble will expand the company’s growing relationships with the inventor community, while working to develop the company’s leadership and innovation with the next wave of inventors, creators, and designers in the toy, activity/craft and games industry.

Purpose Toys Just Play Naturalistas
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Just Play and Purpose Toys Celebrate Culture Through Product and Play

Purpose Toys, one of the largest Black-owned toy start-ups, has announced the release of two new purpose-driven toy lines, Naturalistas and HBCyoU, in partnership with Just Play and Kidfinity Inc (a Just Play affiliated company). Both lines will be sold and distributed by Purpose Toys for retail launch globally in Fall 2022, with additional collaborations planned for Spring 2023 and beyond.