’22 Creative Factor Inventor Day Helps Businesses Form New Talent Connections
Posted by Jacqueline Retzer for The Toy Association on March 8, 2022
March 8, 2022 | The Toy Association connected more than two dozen toy and game inventors and designers with leading toy companies during the virtual 2022 Creative Factor Inventor Day on March 4.
“The success we saw at this year’s Creative Factor Inventor Day illustrates The Toy Association’s commitment to providing outstanding business-building opportunities for the inventor and design community,” said Jacqueline Retzer, director of event management at The Toy Association. “Not only did it help toy designers and inventors forge critical connections with the influential manufacturers and design studios in attendance, but also offered a meaningful pathway for inventor relations executives to discover innovative new products, designs, and prototypes.”
““It’s critically important for our industry to continuously expand and open up our innovation and creator community as our fans expect and demand new ways of play. The Toy Association provided a perfect platform for us to find new ideas and new creators.” ”
This year’s event connected 26 selected toy inventors and designers with inventor acquisitions executives from an array of Toy Association member companies, including: 4KIDZ, Inc.; Basic Fun!; Disney; Educational Insights; Fantasma; Goliath; hand2mind; Hasbro; Jazwares; Learning Resources; Little Kids, Inc.; Melissa & Doug; Never Wrong; Paper Bag Creative; Pencil Grip; Spin Master; TCG; Tinkertini; Ultra Pro; and USAopoly.
“The Creator Factor Inventor Day was a great opportunity to meet new talent and see a number of fresh concepts,” said Lee Allentuck, innovation scout for Melissa & Doug and head of content for The Last Gameboard. “It’s critically important for our industry to continuously expand and open up our innovation and creator community as our fans expect and demand new ways of play. The Toy Association provided a perfect platform for us to find new ideas and new creators.”
Participating inventors also reported overall positive experiences during the pitching event.
“I knew my cardboard engineering kit was popular with kids because I had tested it for years, but I had no idea how to reach toy companies that might be interested in it,” said Godwyn Morris, inventor of Dazzlinks Cardboard Engineering Kits and director of Dazzling Discoveries STEM Education Center. “Creative Factor Inventor Day was the perfect opportunity for me to make these connections. I was thrilled to have had the chance to participate, and I am excited to say that I have already had interest in my products. It was a win-win all around.”
April Clark, CEO of the doll company Miss April Fashion Girl, said: “The Creative Factor Inventor Day is a great program for new designers and inventors. The exposure to top-tier companies is invaluable. If anything, it’s helped me polish my pitch and brand offerings to make me a better candidate for potential partnerships and deals in the future!”
A second Creative Factor is expected to take place later this year. Details will be shared as they are made available. To learn more about the ongoing work of the Creative Factor, contact The Toy Association’s Jacqueline Retzer.