There’s a new conference for the licensing industry, but like most event in the Year of Covid, the inaugural 2020 Sustainability in Licensing Conference (SILC) will be held virtually over two days in November. Breaking new ground in the licensing industry, the Sustainability in Licensing Conference 2020, to be staged digitally over a two day period on 24 – 25 November 2020, … [Read more...] about New Licensing Conference Launches Virtually in November
Trade Shows
CBD-infused, Sustainable & Bright: IBS+IECSC Roundup
Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com We attended the 17th annual International Beauty Show (IBS) and International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference (IECSC) in New York City this week, and brought back the buzziest trends from the floor. CBD-infused health and beauty aids are beginning to break into the mainstream. What's more, the goods are made right … [Read more...] about CBD-infused, Sustainable & Bright: IBS+IECSC Roundup
L.O.L. Surprise! Sweeps Toy & License of the Year Awards
This year, L.O.L. Surprise! by MGA Entertainment received the distinguished “Toy of the Year” and "License of the Year" awards at the 19th Annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards. MGAE took home two more awards in the Doll and Playset (tied) categories for a total of four honors. Lego tied for the most number of awards with four of its own: Collectible, Construction Toy, Playset … [Read more...] about L.O.L. Surprise! Sweeps Toy & License of the Year Awards
What’s the [Toy] Story? Same as Last Year, Just Better!
Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com Straight from the floor of New York Toy Fair, TLL brings you the latest and greatest in toy trends. They just happen to be the same as last year's—only more nuanced, thoughtful, and developed. The good news this year: No one's freaking out about the ability of America's largest toy retailer to actually pay its vendors. More … [Read more...] about What’s the [Toy] Story? Same as Last Year, Just Better!
Going Corporate: 2019 Toys/Games Built on a TM
Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com Lest TLL neglects to honor those corporate trademarks/brands with influence in the toys and games space, here are some of the top highlights amongst those branded offerings we spotted on the floor at New York Toy Fair: The Smithsonian expands its a widening line of STEM toys aimed at older kids from Sakar. The line includes … [Read more...] about Going Corporate: 2019 Toys/Games Built on a TM
Living Coral: 2019 NSS, NY Now & Surtex Edition
Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com CORAL, as in: Conscientious, Organized, Retro, and Animated Living. From the floor of the 2019 National Stationery Show (NSS), Retail Renaissance NY Now, and Surtex, TLL brings you the latest in home, stationery, and surface design trends. This year, all three shows were held simultaneously in New York City's Jacob Javits … [Read more...] about Living Coral: 2019 NSS, NY Now & Surtex Edition
NYCC 2018: A Bigger, Badder Nostalgia Rush
By Karina Masolova. Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com. Now in its 13th year, New York Comic Con (NYCC) emerged bigger than ever before as an estimated 250,000 attendees occupied the Jacob Javits Center and off-site locations like the Hammerstein Ballroom and Madison Square Garden (for large panels) as well as 10 blocks north at Pier 94 (hosting Anime Fest … [Read more...] about NYCC 2018: A Bigger, Badder Nostalgia Rush
Expo Wrap-up: Fighting FOMO With Innovation
We are back from another year of Licensing Expo at Las Vegas! Thanks to our regular TLL subscribers as well as our new members for stopping by our booth. We are currently processing all new newsletter subscriptions, so please keep an eye on your inbox for updates! Please note that the 10% Show Discount is still available through the end of June—contact Jen at … [Read more...] about Expo Wrap-up: Fighting FOMO With Innovation
NYTF18: Blind Bags, Glitter & Poop
This last week saw the latest iteration of New York Toy Fair and offered a clear formula for success in toy aisles this coming year—if a toy or game includes one or more of the following fads, it might sell: (1) low-price collectible with blind packaging, (2) "cute" sparkles and magic, or (3) "gross" material like poop, slime, and dirt. Retail sales of licensed toys and games … [Read more...] about NYTF18: Blind Bags, Glitter & Poop
The Rise of Video Games
The creeping influence of video game brands on the floor of the New York Toy Fair hints at the emergence of a new powerhouse player in licensing. What's more, the branded toys and games emerging from this space have broad appeal to both children and adults. Retail sales of licensed merchandise based on video game/interactive/online-based properties amounted to $61 million in … [Read more...] about The Rise of Video Games