#241: What This Bold Merger Means for the People of Play Innovation Conference with Greg Ahearn and Mary Couzin
10/16/24 • 40 min
Curious about what happens when major toy industry players team up?
In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade cracks open the toy box on the epic merger between The Toy Association and People of Play. You’ll hear straight from the toy legends — Mary Couzin and Greg Ahearn—as they give us backstage passes on their big plans for events like POP Week and ChiTAG, and how this merger is shaking things up for the toy industry. The guests shared what sparked this merger and the opportunities that await toy creators, inventors, and enthusiasts in the long run.
You’ll also get to hear solid tips on how to make the most of toy fairs and events like pitching, networking, and thriving in an industry that's always leveling up. Whether you're a toy biz vet or just starting to dip your toes in the toy industry, LISTEN to this episode because it is packed with everything you need to level up your toy game!
Listen For These Important Moments
- 01:36 The Major Merger: The Toy Association and People of Play
- 08:27 Maintaining the Spirit of POP
- 13:11 Immediate Changes and Future Plans
- 20:00 Nostalgic Toys and Their Comebacks
- 21:35 ChiTAG and POP Week: Coming this November 2024!
- 24:15 Young Inventor Challenge and Industry Opportunities
- 25:57 Networking Tips for New Inventors
- 29:52 How to Make the Most of ChiTAG and POP Week
- 32:55 Encouraging New Toy Inventors
Find this podcast valuable? Support the show by clicking here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/798845/support
Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<
Curious about what happens when major toy industry players team up?
In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade cracks open the toy box on the epic merger between The Toy Association and People of Play. You’ll hear straight from the toy legends — Mary Couzin and Greg Ahearn—as they give us backstage passes on their big plans for events like POP Week and ChiTAG, and how this merger is shaking things up for the toy industry. The guests shared what sparked this merger and the opportunities that await toy creators, inventors, and enthusiasts in the long run.
You’ll also get to hear solid tips on how to make the most of toy fairs and events like pitching, networking, and thriving in an industry that's always leveling up. Whether you're a toy biz vet or just starting to dip your toes in the toy industry, LISTEN to this episode because it is packed with everything you need to level up your toy game!
Listen For These Important Moments
- 01:36 The Major Merger: The Toy Association and People of Play
- 08:27 Maintaining the Spirit of POP
- 13:11 Immediate Changes and Future Plans
- 20:00 Nostalgic Toys and Their Comebacks
- 21:35 ChiTAG and POP Week: Coming this November 2024!
- 24:15 Young Inventor Challenge and Industry Opportunities
- 25:57 Networking Tips for New Inventors
- 29:52 How to Make the Most of ChiTAG and POP Week
- 32:55 Encouraging New Toy Inventors
Find this podcast valuable? Support the show by clicking here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/798845/support
Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<
Previous Episode
#240: Getting Media Attention For Your Plush Brand with Hugimals Founder Marina Khidekel
Ever wondered how a toy brand can also serve as a wellness tool? In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, Azhelle Wade interviews Marina Khidekel, the founder of Hugimals World. Discover how Marina transitioned from a successful health journalist to a toy entrepreneur on a mission to address anxiety and stress with weighted plush toys. Marina shares personal life experiences that inspired the creation of Hugimals, which has been featured in prominent media outlets such as, Time Magazine, Parents Magazine, Good Housekeeping’s Best Toys, and the Today Show’s It List. During this chat you’ll learn a bit about product development and distribution, the brand's marketing strategies (plus how to make them your own), and the power of thoughtful media engagement.
Marina Khidekel details her unexpected journey into the toy industry, highlighting the importance of aesthetic appeal and emotional connectivity in product design. Walk through the challenges and triumphs of launching a plush line, and creating a whole new category in the toy industry.Marina shares her experience working with experts to ensure product efficacy, and how grassroots efforts led to media success. If you are considering launching a toy line in a newish category that may not be getting a lot of love right now, this episode is a must listen.
Listen For These Important Moments
- 02:51 Marina’s Journey: From Journalism to Toymaking
- 04:49 Creating a New Toy Category During the Pandemic
- 05:55 Aesthetic and Design Story of Hugimals
- 08:12 Hugimal’s Recognition in Big Publications
- 12:19 Role of Pilot Programs in Product Validation
- 25:46 Leveraging Media Expertise for Brand Success
- 29:55 Changes in the Media Industry
- 35:27 New Products from Hugimals World
- 38:49 Importance of Experts & Research in Toy Development
- 49:37 Marina’s Favorite Toy as a Kid
Find this podcast valuable? Support the show by clicking here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/798845/support
Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<
Next Episode
#242: How Wow Moments Became The Foundation Of This Toy Business with Richard North
Want to know how to ‘wow’ your way into the competitive toy industry?
In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade looks into Richard North's life, sharing how he went from a determined 19-year-old to a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and the founder of Wow! Stuff. You will learn about his career’s turning points, such as being featured in Channel 4's Secret Millionaire TV Show, including the emotional inspirations behind the creation of Wow! Stuff and groundbreaking ideas that keep the company pushing forward.
Find out the importance of mentorship, early business ventures, and how innovation can stem from unexpected places like the novelty 'Butt Face' towel. Get ready to be inspired by Richard’s stories from personal heartbreaks to meeting scientists, forging a path toward tech-infused toys and revolutionary 'puppetronics.' Listen to this episode for expert insights and fascinating anecdotes that captivate and educate aspiring toy creators like you!
Listen For These Important Moments
- 01:17 Early Challenges in the Toy Industry
- 04:01 Building a Resilient Team
- 07:35 The Importance of Recruitment
- 09:40 Richard's Entrepreneurial Journey
- 21:20 The Psychology of Consumer Behavior
- 27:04 Why Richard Started Wow! Stuff
- 33:53 From Novelties to Toys
- 36:17 Innovating with Wow! Stuff
- 39:36 Collaborations and Future Plans
- 49:20 A Heartfelt Business Story
- 52:44 Childhood Toys and Final Thoughts
Find this podcast valuable? Support the show by clicking here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/798845/support
Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<
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