Making It in The Toy Industry
How do I bring my toy ideas to life? How can I pitch my toy concept to top toy companies like Hasbro, Mattel, or Goliath Games? What does it cost to make a prototype, and where can I get one made? Are there toy manufacturing options outside of China?
These are just a few of the questions that will be answered on this weekly podcast, Making It In The Toy Industry. In addition to mini toy masterclasses, and step-by-step guides, each episode is designed to help you take immediate action toward developing, presenting, licensing, and producing your next big toy or game idea.
Learn how to find the right factory, negotiate manufacturing costs, and use successful sales techniques to get your product noticed by major toy companies.
Meet Your Host
Azhelle Wade, aka The Toy Coach, has been in the toy industry since 2010. With 3 toy patents, multiple toy awards, and a track record of managing multi-million-dollar toy lines for companies like Toys R Us, Party City, Madame Alexander, and Creative Kids, Azhelle brings passionate and enthusiastic toy industry expertise to every episode.
Join thousands of toy creators and entrepreneurs who are making their toy dreams real with Making It In The Toy Industry!
Making It in The Toy Industry
#222: Licensing Expo 2024 Recap: Reasons to Mark Your Calendar for Next Year
Curious about how to make the most out of your trade show experience? In this episode, The Toy Coach shares her experience and reason for attending the Las Vegas Licensing Expo even though she didn’t have anything to license. By the end of this episode, you’ll know if you should attend the Las Vegas Licensing Expo next year, and how you can make the most of it. Learn how to save $$ on lodging, network with class, manage your time, and stay comfortable while walking 10,000 steps a day.
Stick around until the end of the episode for a rare opportunity to walk the next show side by side with The Toy Coach, to answer your questions and help you grow your network. Tune in, take notes, and elevate your trade show game!
Episode Cliff Notes:
- Why The Toy Coach attended the Las Vegas Licensing Expo and why you might consider going as well even if you’re a toy inventor or toy entrepreneur with nothing to license yet
- The major RED flags I saw at the licensing expo from other toy entrepreneurs
- The networking tip that integrates tech with tradition.
- Discover the rare opportunity to join The Toy Coach for a guided trade show experience at your next toy trade show.
- Hear the crucial etiquette advice for promoting your brand at marketing events.
- Learn why arriving a day or two before the Licensing Expo can significantly enhance your experience.
- The comfortable footwear that The Toy Coach recommends if you’re in the market for a new trade show shoe.
- A list of goals for you to aim for when attending your next show. Visit thetoycoach.com/222 to download the checklist.
About My NEW Podcast Art:
The podcast art for Season 6 of Making It In The Toy Industry features product illustrations of toys and games I helped guide in Toy Creators Academy and TCA Accelerator. Tap the brand name below to check them out!
Playcor by Courtney Smithee
9 to 5 Warriors by Brandon Braswell
Catoms by Kieche O'Connell
The Lunch Room by EAP Toys and Games founder, Chrissy Fagerholt