Podcasts about chicago toy

Join the Reading With Your Kids Podcast at the Chicago Toy and Game Fair - November 9 & 10. Use promo code READ at check out to save on tickets! On the latest episode of the Reading With Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of speaking with two talented children's book authors and illustrators - Jacob Grant and Wade Hudson.  Jacob Grant shared the inspiration behind his delightful new picture book "Umami," which follows a penguin who ventures out to try all kinds of exciting new foods. Jacob drew from his own experiences as a parent, noting how his kids' diverse tastes - from spicy-loving to ultra-bland - informed the story. He also discussed his family's creative background, including his grandmother's artistic talents and his mother's work as an art educator.  Jacob expressed his preference for creating both the story and illustrations for his own books, though he also enjoys the challenge of illustrating for other authors. He gave us a sneak peek at his upcoming project "Turtle Slept In," about a sea turtle who's the last to hatch and has to cross a busy beach. Jed invited Jacob to come back and celebrate the release of that book. Next, Jed chatted with Wade Hudson about his timely new picture book "The Day Madear Voted." Wade shared how this story was inspired by his own mother's experience voting for the first time after the Civil Rights Movement. He emphasized the importance of understanding the history and struggles behind voting rights, and getting young people engaged in the democratic process. Wade spoke passionately about the value of open conversations, both within families and across communities. He described how sharing personal stories can foster empathy and help people appreciate different perspectives. Wade expressed hope that "The Day Madear Voted" will continue sparking meaningful discussions about civic engagement. Both Jacob and Wade provided insights into the creative process, family dynamics, and the power of children's books to shape young minds. It was a delightful discussion full of wisdom, humor, and a love for storytelling. Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

Hey there, reading fans! If you're looking for a fun-filled family weekend, you won't want to miss the upcoming Chicago Toy and Game Fair. Our good friend Mary Couzins, the founder of this amazing event, joined us on the show to give us all the exciting details.  But that's not all - we also had the pleasure of chatting with author Leokatia George about her Trumpet the Miracle Wolf Pup book series. Leokatia shared the inspiring true story behind the main character, Trumpet, a critically endangered Mexican gray wolf who was a surprise addition to the Wolf Conservation Center's breeding program. The Chicago Toy and Game Fair is back and better than ever on November 9-10 at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. This is the largest toy and game fair in North America, and it's packed with hands-on fun for the whole family. From interactive play zones to exciting competitions, there's something for everyone. One of the coolest parts is the Young Inventor Challenge, where kids get to showcase their creativity and innovation. Over the years, some of these young inventors have even gotten their products licensed and sold in stores like Target! How cool is that? And of course, you know the reading with your kids podcast will be there, so be sure to stop by our booth. You might even get a chance to be interviewed and featured on a future episode! So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets today using the discount code "READ" and get ready to ignite your imagination at the Chicago Toy and Game Fair. It's an event the whole family will love - plus, you can discover new books like Trumpet the Miracle Wolf Pup to share with your little ones! Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

In this episode, we are joined by Mary Couzin from the Chicago Toy & Game Group known as People of Play P.O.P. as we delve into the captivating world of toy inventors. Discover the recognition that toy inventors truly deserve and gain valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in this creative industry.  Leslie Scott - Inventor of Jenga, Anagram - The ingenious game of juggling words and more. https://www.peopleofplay.com/people/leslie-scott Reuben Klamer - The Game of Life, 1-2-3 Roller Skates and more. https://www.peopleofplay.com/people/reuben-klamer Eddy Goldfarb - Chattering Teeth, Stompers, KerPlunk and more https://www.peopleofplay.com/people/eddy-goldfarb Jeffrey Breslow - Fashion Polly Pocket, Ants in the Pants and more. https://www.peopleofplay.com/people/jeffrey-breslow  Gary Gatchell - Pick TwoCheong Choon Ng - Rainbow LoomCoster Family - inventors of about 200 games and toys including Guess -Who?, Magimizer, Zingo!, and GoPop! https://www.peopleofplay.com/people/ora-coster https://www.peopleofplay.com/people/theo-coster Tim Walsh - Tribond, Blurt, Mega Mouth and more, https://www.peopleofplay.com/people/tim-walsh Peggy Brown - Q Bitz, Count Your Chickens and more, https://www.peopleofplay.com/people/peggy-brown Kim Vandenbroucke - Pigs on a Trampoline, Scattergories Categories and more, https://www.peopleofplay.com/people/kim-vandenbroucke Hear their stories, understand their creative processes, and be inspired by their achievements. Whether you're an aspiring toy inventor or simply curious about the magic behind your favorite childhood toys, this interview promises to inspire and enlighten.------------------------------------About Got Invention Show:Listen to inventors' interviews sharing their invention story to the world!Are you patent pending?Do you have a prototype to show and demonstrate?Are you looking to earn royalties from your invention?Are you looking for a manufacturer?Do you want to raise money or find an investor?Do you want to sell your invention?Learn from other inventors or let's see and hear about your big invention idea!Show & tell us about your invention, have your very own video interview to be proud of!Your video can be used to:Post to your social mediaAdd on your websiteSend to bloggers & editorsPitch to licensees or investorsListen to inventor interviews or sign up: https://gotinventionshow.comYour Host of Got Invention Show, Brian Fried. Brian is the host of Got Invention Radio, with interviews of high profile guests including the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, Lori Greiner from ABC's Shark Tank, & over 150 individual interviews.Brian connects and guides inventors to earn royalties from their inventions to licensees and brand properties looking for new ideas and intellectual property to expand existing or add to new product lines.Inventor Smart: https://inventorsmart.comHost Inventor Expert and Invention Consultant Brian Fried: https://brianfried.comCheck out the launch of a very exciting app, finally a community for inventors!! Our very own social media, networking, events and resources to help each other with our big ideas!The Inventor Smart Community app now available on Google Play or Apple App Store https://inventorsmart.app

Join us as we dive headfirst into the fascinating world of gender-bent toys! In a society that is breaking down traditional barriers and embracing inclusivity, the playground is no exception. Prepare for an eye-opening exploration as we unravel the intriguing phenomenon of boys gravitating towards traditionally "girl" toys and vice versa. We'll also talk about Throwback Toys Chicago to see if we should go there someday. Listen & subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or connect with us at http://cracktasticplastic.com Like us on https://www.facebook.com/cracktasticplastic Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/cracktasticplastic Follow us at https://twitter.com/cracktasticpod Follow us at https://www.threads.net/@cracktasticplastic  Subscribe at https://www.youtube.com/cracktasticplastic Support us at https://www.patreon.com/cracktasticplastic And lastly, check out all the amazing shows at http://thepfpn.com

Are you passionate about toy design and eager to learn from the best in the toy industry? This episode of Making It In The Toy Industry takes you inside the Chicago Toy and Game Fair (ChiTag), a hub of innovation and creativity in the toy and game industry. Learn tips from show attendees who specialize in toy marketing, toy sales, and game innovation. Whether you're an aspiring toy inventor, a game design enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the world of toys, this episode includes 3 mini and action packed interviews.Listen in as Azhelle challenges her guests to a game of Buildzi while interviewing them about their areas of expertise. Learn tips from Tami of Tamic Strategies, Monica of Boogie Board, and Keegan, inventor of the game Endless. Each guest shares their unique perspective on the industry – Tami discusses strategic approaches to managing overstock and market fluctuations, Monica showcases the cutting-edge, sustainable technology behind Boogie Boards, and Keegan illustrates the process of inventing and testing his award-winning game "Endless." These conversations not only shed light on the nuances of toy and game development but also offer practical advice for how to make and sell your own toys and games.EPISODE CLIFF NOTES:Navigating Overstock in Toy Industry with Tami Boogie Board's Innovation in Toys Explained by Monica Keegan Shares His Award-Winning Game Design Journey Networking and Collaboration in the Toy SectorEffective Marketing Strategies in Toy Industry with MonicaLicensing and Commercializing Toy InventionsTackling the Challenge of Product ImitationEssential Advice for Aspiring Toy Inventors from Keegan Growth and Adaptation in the Toy Business with Tami EPISODE SPONSOR:This episode is brought to you by People of Play and CHITAG. Thank you for being a sponsor!Learn more about CHITAG by visiting chitag.comLearn more about People of Play by visiting peopleofplay.comWatch these interviews on The Toy Coach's YouTube Channel.For resources cited and links mentioned in this episode visit https://www.thetoycoach.com/195Have a great idea for a toy or game? Start here. Visualize, Validate, and Vow to make your toy or game idea real in this 5 day bootcamp. Visit learn.thetoycoach.com/bootcamp to sign up. Support the show

Managing Director of Innovation DuPage Dan Facchini joins Jon Hansen on Your Money Matters to talk about how they are helping small businesses and entrepreneurs accomplish their goals. Dan talks about their member meet-ups where they provide resources and networking opportunities for their members. Joining them is Mary Couzin from People of Play who recently was inducted into the […]

The Toy Coach Team ventured out to the windy city to set up a live podcast recording booth at Chicago Toy and Game Week, also known as CHITAG by Mary Couzin and People of Play. This annual, public toy and game fair is where toy and game brands connect with the consumers who love their products, debut new lines, and marketing activations.During this 2 day fair, I interviewed 10 toy and game creators during this fair to learn about their toy journeys and ask them to share any toy biz wisdom they'd gathered along the way. This is Part 3 of a 3 part interview release series featuring my interviews with the founder of Tragos Carolina Acosta, who created the games company that works to remove the stigma of not being Latino enough" through cards that almost any Latin@ can identify with regardless of how much Spanish they speak or where they were born. After that, we'll go right into an interview with Fungisaurs a true augmented reality collectible toy and IP. And finally, we'll wrap up today's episode with Mary Kay Morrison, the author of the grandparent guidebook, Legacy of Laughter.Watch the video of these 10 interviews on my YouTube channel, visit youtube.com/thetoycoach and hit the subscribe button so you don't miss those.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:For the links and resources mentioned in this episode, head over to the episode page at www.thetoycoach.com/157

The Toy Coach Team ventured out to the windy city to set up a live podcast recording booth at Chicago Toy and Game Week, also known as CHITAG by Mary Couzin and People of Play. This annual, public toy and game fair is where toy and game brands connect with the consumers who love their products, debut new lines, and marketing activations.During this 2 day fair, I interviewed 10 toy and game creators during this fair to learn about their toy journeys and ask them to share any toy biz wisdom they'd gathered along the way. This is Part 2 of a 3 part interview release series featuring my interviews with Kate Hunt, a current student in toy creators academy and the creator of the Ultimate Treehouse game. After that, we'll go right into an interview with Joe Barron Gray Matters games,  the games company with a devotion to supporting brain health. In short, they believe that exercising the gray matter in your head…matters! And finally, we'll wrap up today's episode with Rebecca Jatton of Goliath Toys and Games. Watch the video of these 10 interviews on my YouTube channel, visit youtube.com/thetoycoach and hit the subscribe button so you don't miss those.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:For the links and resources mentioned in this episode, head over to the episode page at www.thetoycoach.com/156

In December of 2022, The Toy Coach Team ventured out to the windy city to set up a live podcast recording booth at Chicago Toy and Game Week, also known as CHITAG by Mary Couzin and People of Play. This annual, public toy and game fair is where toy and game brands connect with the consumers who love their products, debut new lines, and marketing activations.During this 2 day fair, I interviewed 10 toy and game creators during this fair to learn about their toy journeys and ask them to share any toy biz wisdom they'd gathered along the way. This is Part 1 of a 3 part interview release series featuring my interviews with Dolphin Hat Games, Eblox, Pockimals, and Project Genius. The video of these 10 interviews will be released on my YouTube channel before the end of 2022! If you don't want to miss the video release, head over to youtube.com/thetoycoach and hit the subscribe button to be notified when they are available.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:For the links and resources mentioned in this episode, head over to the episode page at www.thetoycoach.com/155

For the first time ever, The Toy Coach is releasing a holiday gift guide featuring her top toy picks for the holiday season. The focus of today's episode is to share a preview of this gift guide AND to educate you on what you need to get featured in any toy gift guide in 2023. This episode begins with a countdown of the top 12 toys you should gift this holiday and ends with a mini toy lesson on the top 5 things you MUST submit to publications if you want your product featured in Holiday Gift guides next year.The Toy Coach's holiday gift guide episode highlights toy creators who were consumers first and felt inspired by the kids in their lives to make an impact by creating the toys they wanted to see on the shelf.To check out the gift guide described in today's episode visit, www.thetoycoach.com/guide where you can download the guide or order a physical copy.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:This episode is brought to you by the Chicago Toy and Game Fair happening December 10th-11th, 2022! This fair is open to the public and is the perfect opportunity to market, sell and promote your toy product before the end of the year. Visit https://www.chitag.com/2022-fair to reserve your booth.For the links and resources mentioned in this episode, head over to the episode page at www.thetoycoach.com/153Download or order your own copy of The Toy Coach's 2022 Holiday gift guide by visiting thetoycoach.com/guide

In this episode, Catarah Coleman and Shoneji Robison, co-owners of Southern Girl Desserts, join Dimitrius to share the story behind the buildout of their second location, designed by Dimitrius. From pre-design to the turn over of keys, you'll hear about all the nuances of designing and building this bakery. We discuss Southern Girl Desserts backstory, complexities of designing a tenant improvement, a unique design configuration called a "ghost kitchen," the challenges of construction, and more!Ricardo Meza, Development Associate at Asana Partners, who at the time was the Project manager at Primestor shares his insights from the perspective of the property manager.Leandro Tyberg, President and Co-founder of Primestor, explains Primestor's approach to development including their community-centric approach to design, finding tenants, and employees.Founded in 2007, Southern Girl Desserts is co-owned by Catarah Coleman and Shoneji Robison, who combined their family recipes to create a Southern cupcake and dessert arsenal. The women pride themselves on their time-honored recipes, learned through many years of home-cooking. Most recipes are family-inspired, but plenty flavor combinations are dreamed up by the Dessert Divas themselves. Coleman and Robison received national recognition when they competed on and won Food Network's “Cupcake Wars.” The women were bestowed with a $10,000 prize and the opportunity to cater the Chicago Toy and Game Fair, a black-tie gala. The women are also featured for their celebrity dessert catering on E! Networks's “L.A. Sugar," and recently introduced nationwide shipping.Southern Girl Desserts | Website Related Podcast: Hear more from Leandro Tyberg [EXPRESS] 'Community-centric Development'Thank you to our sponsors!BQE COREStart implementing powerful systems for the profitability you need and the freedom you want. Join Douglas Tieger, FAIA for the next Designing Your Business Masterclass, brought to you by BQE CORE. Every live masterclass session is free and includes AIA continuing education credit. Register now at bqe.com/masterclass.If you enjoy our content, you can check out similar content from our fellow creators at Gābl Media. Spaces Podcast Spaces Podcast website Spaces Podcast // Gābl Media All rights reserved

We briefly recap last weekend's Chicago Toy show,  talk about a new rabbit hole one of us went down and discuss in length custom action figures.

Justin and Justen reminisce about their almost 4 years in podcasting together. Matt is absent this episode and Justin and Justen bring up some of the milestones of their time recording together. We talk about films that we like and the genres we are into right now. Gearing up for the soon to be released Ghostbusters Afterlife. Squid Games, and The Netflix series The Movies that Made us! As Mentioned, Black Friday, Ghostbusters Afterlife, Spawn, Buckaroo Banzai, Week in Geek, Justin comes back from the Chicago Toy show! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/geeklifehq/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/geeklifehq/support

Mary Couzin, CEO and founder of People of Play and the Chicago Toy & Game Fair In the 14th episode of Board Game Times, Clark talks to Mary Couzin, the CEO and founder of People of Play (POP) which hosts the annual Chicago Toy & Game Fair on Chicago's Navy Pier. This year's event is virtual and Mary fills Clark in about all the planned events -- including scheduled times to pitch your invention to gaming executives! -- and how you can participate. Mary is a champion for the toy and gaming industries and People of Play exists to recognize innovators in the industry and to find and promote new talent. It's both for consumers and those working in the industry. In our interview, you'll hear how a trip to Essen SPIEL inspired Mary to start the Chicago Toy & Game Fair in 2003, why she's a champion for the toy and gaming industry, and how she hopes to raise the profile of the people and businesses in gaming to the level of other entertainment industries. Mary also talks about the need to increase the diversity of those working in the industry overall, the importance of play for kids (even at your show booth!), why we need to have more gaming at schools, and you'll hear about a game she owns that she will never open! Episode Links The People of Play website: https://peopleofplay.com/ Register for POP Week 2021 events, including the chance to pitch to industry executives! (Monday 11/15 - Friday 11/19): https://www.chitag.com/2021-innovation-conference The 2021 Chicago Toy & Game Fair(Saturday 11/20 and Sunday 11/21): https://www.chitag.com/2021-fair Learn about and RSVP for the Toy & Game International Excellence (TAGIE) Awards: https://www.chitag.com/2021-tagies-toy-and-game-awards Visit POP's education focused site: https://www.playineducation.com/ You can contact Mary with questions at: Mary@chitag.com Send your feedback, questions and suggestions to Clark at: clark@boardgametimes.com Visit the Board Game Times site at https://www.boardgametimes.com and like our Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/boardgametimes

After inventing, self-producing and licensing her own toys and games, Mary turned her passion for invention to help other inventors through DiscoverToysandGames.com, the world's largest co-op of toy and game inventors.  In 2003, Mary launched the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG) with a plan to create the largest American celebration of play. In 2006 she introduced the Toy & Game Inventor's Conference to help new inventors connect with industry experts, and in 2008 the Toy & Game Innovator of the Year Awards (TAGIEs) to honor and celebrate toy and game innovators.  Tracks for professional inventors, design students, social media and play in education have been added to the Conferences through the years. Thinking to celebrate play in an edgier way, she launched PlayCHIC, a toy and game inspired fashion event in 2011. 2006 saw the debut of the Young Inventor Challenge which has over 250 kids competing from around North America and overseas. It's all about encouraging inventiveness and creativity in kids! Mary's latest initiative is POP! It is a bit of linkedin+imdb+wikipedia+match+fivvr all rolled into one powerful platform for anyone interested in toys and games! Conference page www.chitag.com/2021-innovation-conference  TAGIEs page www.chitag.com/2021-tagies-toy-and-game-awards  Young Inventor Challenge www.chitag.com/yic People of Play POP platform www.peopleofplay.com  FOLLOW US ON:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/boardgamebinge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boardgamebingepodcast/  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/boardgamebinge WHERE TO FIND OUR PODCAST: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5RJbdkguebb3MSLAatZr7r iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-board-game-binge-72500104/ Tune In: https://tunein.com/embed/player/p1344218/ Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5jYXB0aXZhdGUuZm0vYm9hcmRnYW1lYmluZ2U= Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/board-game-binge/id1522623033 Visit Our Website:  Board Game Binge: https://boardgamebinge.com/ Tin Robot Games: https://tinrobotgames.com Elixir Board Games: https://www.elixirboardgames.com/our-games

Thursday, September 23, 2021 Episode 101 Welcome to The Board Game Workshop Join the Discord channel here https://discord.gg/TUE3Ggf As Phil Amylon rides his bike across the United States from June to September, he is stopping at game design communities and interviewing what he calls “design allies.” These are people who are vital to bringing gamers together and facilitating connections between people in the gaming industry. His second stop is with Mary Couzin, head of the Chicago Toy and Game Fair and of People of Play. Mary does a lot to bring people together, not the least of which is to hold regular networking events for people in the toy and game industry. She seeks to elevate game and toy inventors in much the same way we might speak of authors and filmmakers. She has held events for toy and game designers all over the world. Mary Couzin www.chitag.com www.peopleofplay.com Phil https://twitter.com/boardgamebike https://www.boardgamebike.com Chris Anderson twitter.com/BlueCubeBGs https://discord.gg/TUE3Ggf Patreon Supporters Inventors Chris Turner Brad Bachelor Rosco Schock Vas Kottas Llaima Games Tinkerers Benjamin Begeal Grävling Rob Greanias Jeff Johnston Jeff Black Mark Drejza Music "Bit Shift" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact the Show chris@theboardgameworkshop.com theboardgameworkshop.com https://discord.gg/TUE3Ggf https://twitter.com/TheBGWorkshop https://www.facebook.com/TheBoardGameWorkshop/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/674541729600828/ https://www.patreon.com/TheBoardGameWorkshop

Thursday, September 23, 2021 Episode 101 Welcome to The Board Game Workshop Join the Discord channel here https://discord.gg/TUE3Ggf As Phil Amylon rides his bike across the United States from June to September, he is stopping at game design communities and interviewing what he calls “design allies.” These are people who are vital to bringing gamers together and facilitating connections between people in the gaming industry. His second stop is with Mary Couzin, head of the Chicago Toy and Game Fair and of People of Play. Mary does a lot to bring people together, not the least of which is to hold regular networking events for people in the toy and game industry. She seeks to elevate game and toy inventors in much the same way we might speak of authors and filmmakers. She has held events for toy and game designers all over the world. Mary Couzin www.chitag.com www.peopleofplay.com Phil https://twitter.com/boardgamebike https://www.boardgamebike.com Chris Anderson twitter.com/BlueCubeBGs https://discord.gg/TUE3Ggf Patreon Supporters Inventors Chris Turner Brad Bachelor Rosco Schock Vas Kottas Llaima Games Tinkerers Benjamin Begeal Grävling Rob Greanias Jeff Johnston Jeff Black Mark Drejza Music "Bit Shift" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Contact the Show chris@theboardgameworkshop.com theboardgameworkshop.com https://discord.gg/TUE3Ggf https://twitter.com/TheBGWorkshop https://www.facebook.com/TheBoardGameWorkshop/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/674541729600828/ https://www.patreon.com/TheBoardGameWorkshop

ToyCast is back and better than ever! This is Episode 99.5, and TFG1Mike welcomes new co-host Josh the FloorBurger to recap The Chicago Toy Show April 2021 also known as Kane County! They also give you a glimpse into the future of ToyCast!!!

In the second of two special episodes of the "Power Kid Podcast" this week, host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design speaks with Mary Couzin, founder of People of Play (POP), formerly known as the Chicago Toy & Game Group. Next week, POP will launch its annual weeklong toy industry event starting with the 2020 Toy and Game International Innovation Summit and culminating with a virtual edition of the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (ChiTAG). On the show, Couzin discusses her backstory in the toy and game industries and explains how she's grown POP into the organization that it is today. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/adventuremedia/message

In the first of two special episodes of the "Power Kid Podcast" this week, host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design speaks with IAMEARHERO founder Jazmine Darden, newly minted program director for People of Play's (POP) 15th annual Young Inventor Challenge. POP, formerly known as the Chicago Toy & Game Group, will launch its annual Toy and Game International Innovation Summit and a virtual edition of the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (ChiTAG) next week. On the show, 3D printing innovator and educator Darden discusses her backstory in the toy industry and her plans for evolving the Young Inventor Challenge. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/adventuremedia/message

Leia Avery, inventor, entrepreneur, and founder of Just Play Entertainment is bringing the nostalgic fun. She talks about the importance of having fun, her creative process and tapping into your passion and purpose. We talk about building a business, flipping failures to overcome during Covid, and coming out of the pandemic on top. Discover the importance of positivity and how to strengthen relationships despite the distance between loved ones. Leia Avery is the Founder of Just Play Entertainment, a full-service game and event production company. Available for in person social distancing events, Just Play was recognized by “The Look Chicago” as one of the top 10 companies to celebrate special occasions during the pandemic. Leia is also the inventor of the popular Hip Hop Charades which was featured on WCIU’s The Jam TV Show, VH1’s Black Ink Crew Chicago and social media platforms such as Baller Alert, Rolling Out Magazine and HBCU Lifestyle. Hip Hop Charades also was featured at the New York Toy Fair and Chicago Toy and Game Expo where it was awarded as one of the “Top 10 Boredom Busters” by Mom’s Choice.Brought to you by Great Convo Media https://greatconvo.com/Subscribe to the newsletter for signature drink recipes, new music, inspiration, and free stuff: http://www.creativesovercocktails.com/Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cocpodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coc_podcastJust Play EntertainmentLearn more at https://www.justplayentertainment.com/Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justplayentertainment/Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustPlayEntertainmentExclusive Discount Code: COCPWhisk & Blend Featured Artist: Morgan Bosmanhttp://www.morganbosmanmusic.com/https://www.instagram.com/morganbosman/Featured Drink: The Bre-A-Rita aka Cadillac MargaritaCheck out the drink recipe on social and in our newsletter

Matt Nuccio is the President of Design Edge, Inc., a toy and game development company, and a licensing agency whose clients include Mattel, Hasbro, Spin Master, and Fisher-Price to name only a few.  This week he joins me to discuss the evolution of his career within the toy industry.  Our conversation includes a discussion about how to be authentic within your chosen industry and harness the value you bring to the table. For Matt, he is both a business owner and an idea guy.  He brings amazing toy ideas to life and commercializes them on behalf of huge organizations. So, as you listen, think about how you might want to get credit for your knowledge. We also talked about this notion of competing with the big guys versus staying true to yourself and embracing your identity. And finally, Matt talked about how every idea should be a solution to a problem that someone is looking to be fixed.   For 4 years, Matt co-chaired the Toy Association (TA), on their associate panel, representing all designers and inventors within the toy industry. Currently, Matt sits on the board of directors of the United Inventors Association of America (UIA), a non-profit organization working to educate and advocate for all types of inventors. He also sits on the Chicago Toy and Game Fair (ChiTAG) advisory board and Toy Association’s Creative Factor advisory board helping start-up inventors to navigate successfully within the Toy Industry.   Matt writes a column in Toy Family Entertainment magazine focusing on the industry. He has also lectured at ChiTAG, New York Toy Fair, ASTRA, Hong Kong Toy Fair, and various inventor clubs around the world including the 2019 Emerging Innovation Summit in Melbourne Australia. Design Edge's products have been nominated for, and have also won, many industry awards such as TOTY (Toy Of The Year), TAGIE (Toy and Games Innovators), Games 100, Origin, and Family Fun among others. In 2019, Matt was honored by the National Security Agency (NSA) as an American Innovator and was recently listed for the second year in a row, by Mojo Nation, as one of the top 100 most influential people in the toy industry today. Highlights: The design-conscious is about not being fully satisfied with your work. (7:40) The beginning of Design Edge Inc., a toy business family. (8:30) The value of knowing about mechanical techniques even for designers who use modern design software. (10:17) Why is experiencing the evolution of the toy industry (or any other industry) is of value to clients or employers – or the evolution of the toy industry – from toy businessmen. (11:24) Santa Claus the movie from 1985 was based on the old school toy industry. (15:00) Designers vs. sales; and why designers hold their keep. (19:13) Is art school a waste of time? (20:00) Leveraging being a family business versus changing its culture to be more corporate. (24:00) I ask Mark, “What one piece of your business is the highlight of your day?” (27:51) Toys is a fashion-based business; fashion and toys – similarities are plenty! (28:06) What runs through Mark’s mind when a toy he designed does not make it? (30:00) What a toy idea MUST have. (31:38) The impact of the internet on retail in the toy industry. (32:40) Start-ups can benefit from the low barrier to entry. (34:04) Puzzles as the game comeback story of this pandemic. (35:00) The trick to a good board game is that there are clear instructions. (38:38) How true to life was the movie Big with Tom Hanks? It reflects the evolution of the industry. (39:45) Matt’s best advice for anyone with a toy idea: understand the difference between a toy and a solution. (41:48) Links to quench your curiosity: Read about Design Edge, Inc.   Follow Matt on Instagram  Did you enjoy the conversation? Ever wish you could be a fly on the wall? Now you can by following me on Instagram! There I jump on an IGTV Live every Wednesday! You’ll catch me reporting LIVE on-location (so far in a gas station on a highway, a modern art museum, and my local fruit smoothie shop) always depending on my guest’s career thrills! During those LIVES, I share behind-the-scenes podcast stories, offer you a glimpse into my guest’s expertise, and always release more specifics around HOW you too can pursue your own billion-dollar career! Who knows where my next episode will take me? Come along! I want YOU to join me on my next adventure. 

Nick Metzler has been designing games since he was 4. As a two-time award-winning designer in the Toy and Game Industry, Nick has pushed the boundaries of what board games could be, having worked with major licenses such as Marvel and Disney and integrated smart speakers into his game design. He's designed challenges for Survivor, helped design an experimental entrepreneurship class at USC taught entirely through game simulations, and has gamified theme park rides. He was recently published in a book about creativity in board games and was named in the top 100 most influential people in the Toy and Game Industry in 2018 and 2019. His first game hit market when he was 17 after winning the Chicago Toy and Game Fair Young Inventors Challenge for a second time and has over 20 games in market today. He is 26 at the recording of this episode.

James Russell Hornsby has spent his life cultivating the imagination of children. As one of the foremost inventors in the toy industry, he has been recognized the world over for his creative and innovative designs that inspire wonder as they bring magic to life. His entrepreneurial spirit and passion to improve the lives of others have inspired him to create new products in household, lawn and garden, and medicinal products. However, he is best known for his work in the toy industry where he has touched the hearts and minds of millions of children around the globe. As CEO and owner of Trendmasters Inc., he built one of the largest privately held toy companies in North America, which was sold to Jakks Pacific in 2001. In 2002, Mr. Hornsby founded Cepia LLC on the premise that a small group of people passionate about their craft could make technology indistinguishable from magic. In 2009, Cepia introduced its toy phenomenon, ZhuZhu Pets®. With more than 70 million of the popular robotic ZhuZhu Pets® sold worldwide, the brand was named Toy of the Year 7 times in 5 countries and has earned a place on Time magazine's "All-TIME 100 Greatest Toys" list. In 2010, Mr. Hornsby received the Excellence in Toy Design award from the Chicago Toy and Game Group, and Ernst & Young named him one of its regional Entrepreneurs of the Year. He holds numerous patents for his work and collectively his business ventures have generated over $4 billion in retail revenue. Russ will share his creative process for inventing and licensing toys that spark imagination and wonder. Russ is pictured with one of his daughters, Mia Hornsby. Stephen Key and Andrew Krauss are the world's leading experts on how to license a product idea. If you have an invention idea, this is the show to watch. Steve and Andrew are the cofounders of inventRight, a coaching program that has helped people from more than 60 countries license their ideas for new products. Visit http://www.inventright.com for more information and to join the one-one-one coaching program. If you have questions about how to invent, how to be creative, design, how to do market research, prototyping, manufacturing, negotiating, pitching, how to sell, how to cold call, how to reach out to open innovation companies, licensing agreements, non-disclosure agreements, patents, copyright, trademarks, and intellectual property in general — subscribe to inventRightTV! New videos every week, including tons of entrepreneur success stories. Inventing can be lonely, but you don't have to go it alone! Join the inventRight community for priceless inventor education, mentorship, support, accountability, hand-holding, honesty about the invention industry, and so much more. Contact us at #1-800-701-7993 or https://www.inventright.com/contact. This is the book you need to license your product idea: “One Simple Idea: Turn Your Dreams Into a Licensing Goldmine While Letting Others Do the Work.” Find it here: http://amzn.to/1LGotjB. This is the book you need to file a well-written provisional patent application: “Sell Your Ideas With or Without a Patent.” Find it here: http://amzn.to/1T1dOU2. Determined to become a professional inventor? Read Stephen's new book "Become a Professional Inventor: The Insider's Guide to Companies Looking For Ideas": https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1653786256/ inventRight, LLC. is not a law firm and does not provide legal, patent, trademark, or copyright advice. Please exercise caution when evaluating any information, including but not limited to business opportunities; links to news stories; links to services, products, or other websites. No endorsements are issued by inventRight, LLC., expressed or implied. Depiction of any trademarks/logos does not represent endorsement of inventRight, LLC, its services, or products by the trademark owner. All trademarks are registered trademarks of their respective companies.

On today’s episode of Board Gaming with Education, Dustin interviews Mary Couzin, the CEO and founder of Chicago Toy and Game Week. Mary talks about her history starting the company and developing the conference which strives to be the Toy & Game Industry leader in promoting innovation, creativity, and connectivity throughout the world. She gives an overview of ChiTAG Week and explains select events, like PIE Con, a convention for focusing on play in education, and The Young Inventors Challenge, a contest held every year where young inventors compete and learn from industry leaders. Board Gaming with Education Updates- newsletter- 2:27 Who is MaryCouzin? - 4:10 Starting Chicago Toy and Game Week (CHITAG) - 6:48 All Things CHITAG - 12:18 The Young Inventor Challenge - 14:54 Play in Education (PIE) Con - 20:22 Last Words of Advice: Allowing Kids to Grow through Failure - 24:58 Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down Rapid Fire Round - 29:05 Website: https://www.chitag.com/ Young Inventor Challenge: https://www.chitag.com/yic Email: mcouzin@chitag.com   How can you support us? There are many free and paid ways to support the show. Be sure to check out our support page!  Support our podcast! Thank you to Purple Planet Music for the wonderful contribution of their song "Retro Gamer" for our Interview Segment. This song can be found in full on this music archive. Also, thank you to Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) for his creative commons 4.0 contribution of "Getting it Done" for our Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down Rapid Fire Round. Always be sure to check out our show notes (website blog post) to read a recap of the episode topics and games mentioned in the episode. https://www.boardgamingwitheducation.com/mary-couzin

In this week's episode of the "Power Kid Podcast," host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design speaks with Joe Barron, founder of Gray Matter Games, a company dedicated to promoting community and fun while exercising the brain. Barron has designed and published four games which are sold in more than 3000 stores across five countries. He was a 2019 Rising Star Innovator nominee for the Chicago Toy and Game Fair's (ChiTAG) Toy and Game Innovation Awards (TAGIEs) for The Game of Wolf, which was also a Mensa Mind Games finalist. On the show, Albritton delves into Barron's origin story, which involves a family road trip that inspired his entrance into the game industry. Barron discusses the importance of shows like ChiTAG for meeting with the public, networking, and driving sales. Additionally, the duo discusses Barron's guiding belief that business should always be a force for good, and the work that Gray Matter Games does to support Alzheimer's research. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/adventuremedia/message

In a special episode of the “Power Kid Podcast,” host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design shares interviews recorded live at the 2019 Chicago Toy & Game Fair (ChiTAG). Phil says: "ChiTAG 2019 was a huge success and I am happy to bring you this episode recorded live at the show! You will hear many toy industry voices including select winners of the 12th annual Toy and Game Innovation (TAGIE) Awards and winners of The Young Inventors Challenge. Additionally, you will hear conversations with Robert Victor of Kite & Rocket; James Zahn, Senior Editor of the Toy Book, the Toy Insider, and the Pop Insider; and Lifetime Achievement Honoree Award winner Ivan Moscovich." "A huge thank you to Mary Couzin, Sheena Stephens and the whole team for creating this excellent event and celebrating innovation! Enjoy the show!" https://www.chitag.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/adventuremedia/message

Nick Martinelli went to the Chicago Toy and Game Fair before Thanksgiving, and came back with a gaggle of interviews! We'll tell you about what we've been playing lately, then get to the interviews after the break. The post 171 – ChiTAG Interviews – The Family Gamers Podcast appeared first on The Family Gamers.

WheelHouse Ep #76 Featuring Ambitious Entrepreneurs Mary Couzin, owner of the Chicago Toy and Game Expo + Max Temkin, co-creator of Cards Against Humanity.

In this VERY SPECIAL episode we grabbed a table at the Fall 2019 CHICAGO TOY SHOW with the sole purpose of asking show-goers some hard hitting questions. What do people want to find at the toy show? Will THE RISE OF SKYWALKER outperform Marvel's ENDGAME?. Is the MCU cinema? If you want to hear a bunch of like-minded people give their two cents on these critical inquiries...hit play and put yo' ankles in it! Leave us a voice mail @ www.AsteroidFactory.com Follow us on social media for daily madness: INSTAGRAM: @AsteroidFactoryPodcast / TWITTER: @AsteroidPodcast / FACEBOOK: @AsteroidFactoryPodcast --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/asteroidfactory/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/asteroidfactory/support

Today we speak with the founder and producer of the Chicago Toy & Game Fair Mary Couzin. This is the largest toy & game fair in North America. Mary speaks to us about the value of families playing together, invention and so much more. Click here to get your tickets, use the promo code RWYK at checkout and save $3 per ticket

"It is in games that many men discover their paradise." - Robert Wilson Lynd Here it is...our last episode of the season.  I take the summer off so I can play a bit more, which is AWESOME because we're hitting a bit of that in this episode. In this episode, I had the great pleasure to talk with Mary Couzin.  Mary is a super cool person and has it going on.  She invented (yes, invented) the Chicago Toy and Game Fair and is a game developer herself.  We talk about her journey in the world of toys, games, and play as well as why it's such a passion for her. I know you'll dig this episode as much as I did!  CHEERS! More on the Toy and Game Fair... Chicago Toy & Game GroupWe promote play and innovation through events listed below (over 2 Billion media impressions in Nov); monthly e-newsletters reaching over 250,000 people - industry, consumers, educators, inventor, bloggers, Scouts, traditional and social media. www.chitag.com.Join our Toy, Game & Play Innovators Network here on LinkedIn! ChiTAG Events:Chicago Toy & Game Fair Largest public toy/game fair in North America. Meet your consumers! The biggest and most cost effective focus group anywhere. The traditional/social media and bloggers love this event - they attend to report what's hot for the holidays. Early open to media/trade. Emphasis on interactive/hands-on and meeting inventors at Navy Pier the weekend before Black Friday. www.chitag.comInventor & Innovation Conferences with top industry executives. Learn, network, pitch your ideas to dozens of companies. www.chitag.com/conferencesToy & Game Innovation Awards Dinner, the TAGIEs, celebrating inventors www.chitag.com/tagiesPlayCHIC pairs haute couture fashion designers with toy and game brands to create media worthy playful runway looks. www.chitag.com/playchicEducator Conference for teachers to incorporate play in the classroom. www.g4ed.comStar Wars Character BreakfastYoung Inventor Challenge www.chitag.com/yicChiTAG year round activities include:Hosting Pub Events/Get-Togethers around the world.Play in Education, PIE, website, newsletter and conference www.playineducation.comSpecialties: Connecting people, helping toy and game inventors, promoting inventors and play to the public anywhere and everywhere we can, bringing play and games into the classroom and libraries, quality fundraising (www.gamesforfundraising.com)

Late as usual, but we’re baaaack with our post Celebration weeping, leading into the Spring... The post 2019 Star Wars Celebration, Chicago Toy Show, Flippers and Fanatics! appeared first on The Toy Archives.

On today’s episode, I talk about one of our most popular products, the Coping Cue Cards Discovery Deck. My sister and I went to the Chicago Toy and Game Fair, and this was great because we got to see people interacting with the Discovery Deck. People love the deck, but parents kept asking “how do I use this?” so I wanted to explain how to use it in more detail. Learn more about the Coping Cue Cards Discovery Deck.If you like this podcast, please subscribe and you’ll get notified when new episodes launch. Want to help others find us? Share this podcast with others, and rate and review us where you listen to the podcast.If you prefer video, we also have a video version of the podcast available on YouTube!

Rest in Peace, Stan. Recorded live from the show floor of ChiTaG, the Chicago Toy and Game Fair, the worst we have ever done at a convention. This one almost broke us.

Rest in Peace, Stan. Recorded live from the show floor of ChiTaG, the Chicago Toy and Game Fair, the worst we have ever done at a convention. This one almost broke us.

Check out Podcast Episode #3! We talk about Mythic Legion figures by Four Horsemen Studios,... The post Podcast Episode 3 – Mythic Legions, Chicago Toy Show, Super Powers! appeared first on The Toy Archives.

What do Operation, Radio Flyer, Cards Against Humanity, Beanie Babies and Pinball have in common? They were all invented in Chicago. Mayor Emanuel chats with Mary Couzin, founder of the Chicago Toy and Game Group, about why Chicago is the toy and game capital of the world.

I ramble about The Brick Lounge comedy night, Glass Ceiling Comedy guys, the Chicago Toy Shows, and doing things yourself. Glass Ceiling Comedy - https://www.facebook.com/GlassCeilingComedy/?fref=ts

The winners of the 2015 ninth annual Chicago Toy & Game Fair's Young Inventors Challenge and Event Director Julie Blake were interviewed by host Brian Fried of Got Invention Radio www.gotinvention.comListen to this show and hear what our innovative young inventors have come up with, what inspired them and listen to the advice they give to aspiring inventors of all ages.CHICAGO, Ill. (November 25, 2015) – The winners of the ninth annual Young Inventor Challenge have been announced! Chicago Toy & Game Fair's popular youth invention contest showcased a total of 107 original toy and game entries created by nearly 200 children on November 21st at Chicago's Navy Pier. Almost one third of those entries came from the British International School of Chicago, whose student Athena Gottleib (6) took home the 2nd place prize in the Junior Category. Entrants came from as far as Mexico and California, with the Senior Category 2nd place winners, Nathaniel Grgurina and Kodo Elder (both 17 years old) flying from San Rafael, California.“This was, without a doubt, the best Young Inventor Challenge yet. To see so much creativity packed into such a small space is incredibly inspiring. Given the growing importance of STEM education, we were thrilled to see so many games, including our two grand prize winners, that demonstrated how much fun science and technology can be,” said Young Inventor Challenge Director, Julie Blake.Fantastic prize packages were on offer by the event's presenting partner Spin Master including Meccanoid robot, Meccano building sets, Legendary Yoda, Air Hogs Millennium Falcon and Zoomer Kitty. Grand prize winners and their families were also treated to dinner following the event where they got one-on-one time with Spin Master marketing and toy design professionals.Senior category winner Steven Huetteman (11) was beyond excited to take home the first place prize for his game, Chromo Tag. He explained that the game is like playing paintball without the paint, and instead, players t-shirts change color when they get wet.Junior category winner, Kedar Narayann (7, aka “Little Code Ninja” www.littlecodeninja.com) won the first place prize for his game, Storibot, which teaches blind kids to code using braille and velcro game pieces. Kedar is on a mission to help children not only play games, but also learn to make them. As part of their prize package, first place winners will have the opportunity to present their original creations at New York Toy Fair courtesy of Toy Industry Association in February 2016, and present an award at the Toy of the Year awards gala at The American Museum Of Natural History. They will also receive a behind the scenes tour of the New York Toy Fair, and Lund and Co. headquarters where Tickle Me Elmo was developed.This year's People's Choice award went to Malik Haleem (9) and Miguel Segovia (10) for their creation Hoop Shooters, which proved to be a favorite amongst the fair's 30,000+ attendees.Next year's contest promises to be even bigger in celebration of Young Inventor Challenge's 10th Anniversary. Stay tuned for updates and interviews with the winners at http://www.chitagfair.com/young-inventor-challenge/About the Chicago Toy & Game Group, Inc.The Chicago Toy & Game Group, Inc. oversees toy industry initiatives designed to encourage and promote the power of play and invention in social, educational, and professional environments. Chicago Toy & Game Group initiatives include the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (ChiTAG), the playCHIC Fashion Show, the Toy & Game Inventor of the Year (TAGIE) Awards, the Young Inventor Challenge, the International Toy & Game Innovation Conference (T&G Con), the International Summit for Professional Inventors (I-SPI), Games for Educators, Discover Games and the Chicago Toy & Game Foundation. For more information, visit www.ChiTAG.com.

For our twenty-sixth episode, I talk with Mary Couzin, founder of ChiTAG and the TAGgies.   We talk about families and gaming, the Chicago Toy and Game Fair, and more!

Get ready for the holiday season and a whole new year of play by hearing from several powerhouses in the business of play about what is hot in toys and games for kids. My guests on this week’s very fun episode are: Mary Couzin, CEO and founder of the Chicago Toy and Game Group, which includes the Chicago Toy & … Read more about this episode...

This week: Duncan, Brian, Abigail Satinsky and special guest host Jacob Wick (MFA candidate in social practice at CCA in SF, he has a hot dog stand and it's art....kidding....kidding) talk to Sean Joseph Patrick Carney about @socialmalpractice, Fuck James Franco and more more more! Everyone gets silly, editing was exciting. After that Richard and Max report live from the Chicago Toy and Game Fair. Max thinks the Star Wars nerds from the 501st are scary as hell.  Sean Joseph Patrick Carney is an artist, educator and writer living and working in Portland, Oregon. He has exhibited original work and performances nationally and internationally in New York, San Francisco, and Amsterdam, amongst others. Carney's interdisciplinary art practice includes stand-up comedy, sculpture, performance, sound, critical writing, satire, and public happenings. He is the founder and director of Social Malpractice Publishing, an artist book distributor. In 2011, he co-founded the Conceptual Oregon Performance School (C.O.P.S.), a free, artist-run summer institute focused on contemporary performance strategies and critical theory. Carney earned a BFA in Printmaking with a Minor in Secondary Education from Arizona State University in 2004, and an MFA in Visual Studies from Pacific Northwest College of Art in 2009 where he now works as an arts administrator in the Graduate Studies Department and as a faculty member in Intermedia. 

Oct. 27th 10am-11:30am. Join my guest Sarah Parent of Clan of Parents blog and the Humans Being podcast and I as we discuss unschooling media,politics and life. Dayna Martin of Unschooling America will also be making a guest appearance. Looks like it will be another rollicking time.Be a caller yourself and you can win 4 free tickets to Chicago Toy and Game fair on November 22nd and 23rd. Call (347)633-9765. The chat room will be open!

Oct. 27th 10am-11:30am. Join my guest Sarah Parent of Clan of Parents blog and the Humans Being podcast and I as we discuss unschooling media,politics and life. Dayna Martin of Unschooling America will also be making a guest appearance. Looks like it will be another rollicking time.Be a caller yourself and you can win 4 free tickets to Chicago Toy and Game fair on November 22nd and 23rd. Call (347)633-9765. The chat room will be open!