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.

Are you thinking about teaming up with a partner for your toy or game invention? But what if it isn’t the right move for you? Tune into this episode of "Making it in the Toy Industry," where Azhelle Wade chats with April Mitchell about the ins and outs of partnering up in the world of invention. April is a licensed inventor and the co-creator of the Tabletop Game Design Masterclass. In this episode, she shares key considerations you should keep in mind when choosing a partner for your next big idea.

Did you know that even if you're selling a toy product on Etsy, you are required to have it safety tested and certified? In this episode, dive deep into the crucial topic of toy safety and compliance. The first half of the episode focuses on the legal requirements set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the US. Gain an understanding of critical standards like ASTM F963 and ASTM D4236.

Q: Could TCA be valuable to you if you already have corporate toy industry experience A: YES! Perhaps you think that having professional toy industry experience guarantees success in your entrepreneurial ventures. But this episode turns that notion on its head, featuring Gerardo, a former toy industry professional turned toy entrepreneur, charting his own course through the toy market with a little help from the Toy Creators Academy.

Ever wondered if there's a social network tailored just for kids where fun meets learning in a safe environment? Yes, you heard that right, and it's called Zigazoo.

What if there was a platform where kids could engage, learn, and interact without the usual worries of social media? Or, if there was a social media platform dedicated to connecting your brand directly with its target market? Well if either of those possibilities pique your interest, then our latest podcast episode is a must-listen for you!

In the face of a looming climate crisis, can the toy industry lead the charge towards a sustainable future? Well today’s interview guest believes the toy industry has a responsibility to address the environmental impact of our industry. Helen Townsend, co-founder of the B Corp certified toy company Sustained Fun, dives into the critical role that toy companies can play in reducing emissions and increasing environmental education.

Ever wondered why brands like Barbie have products in unexpected categories? Or, why licensed products often come with a premium price tag? Well, you might just be intrigued by the lesser-known complications and exhilarating opportunities that lie within the licensing labyrinth. In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade interviews Anita Castellar to unveil the complex dance of toy licensing, where every step—from initial outreach to the final signature—matters immensely. More often than not, it's not just about the big names or flashy trademarks, but also about sustainable strategies and the ever-evolving consumer engagement through social media platforms.

Ever wondered how a simple idea can transform into a toy that's flying off the shelves? Perhaps you've been toying around with a concept, but the thought of kickstarting it into production leaves you feeling majorly overwhelmed. Well, then today’s episode is the perfect fit for you. Brandon Braswell, founder of Nine to Five Warriors is sharing the ups and downs of developing and producing his own action figure line.

Is your latest toy design capable of teaching kids valuable life skills? Creating a toy that's both a blast to play with and packs a punch in the personal growth department isn't child's play. So, how do you shake things up and make a toy that's not just another shiny object in the toy box but a true game-changer in a kid's development? Get ready to level up your toy-creating game with some insider knowledge from this must-listen episode.

Welcome Rachele Harmuth, Head of ThinkFun who is back on the podcast to highlight her latest work in the toy industry. Rachele's got the lowdown on something called "MESH" - think emotional veggies for your kid's growing mind - and she's here to spill the beans on why it's cool (and crucial) to weave problem-solving and emotional smarts into playtime. She's not just talking the talk; she'll guide you through what it really means to create a toy that earns the MESH stamp of approval.

If you're ready to toss the old playbook and craft toys that'll stand out in a heart-and-brain-healthy way, plug into this episode and learn all you can about the new MESH Accreditation program. Oh, and once you're all fired up, don't forget to bounce over to thetoycoach.com for links from today's episode.

What happens when a frustrated parent channels her passion into playtime? For Jana Hallam of Wonderwell Toy Co., it sparked The Kindness Mouse - an ingenious plush toy system inspiring kindness and empathy in kids through irresistible storytelling and activities. Tune in for her inspiring entrepreneurial journey and how Toy Creators Academy became an integral part of it.

Are you giving your toy's package the attention and budget it deserves? If your answer isn't an immediate "Heck yes Azhelle, ALWAYS." then it's time to listen to part 2 of of Ivan and Brittany's interview on this podcast. At the top of the episode, Ivan and Brittany share their secret on staying up to date with trends and spotting what's exciting in packaging. They remind us to step out of our comfort zones and to explore everything from boutique shelves to big-box stores to uncover what really makes packaging pop.

In this episode, I had the privilege of diving deep into the art of communication in packaging design with Brittany and Ivan Wesley, the masterminds behind Anchor Creative. With over two decades of experience in branding and packaging, they've turned the concept of packaging into a storytelling art form, with bits of “magic” worked in here and there. One fascinating insight they shared was the strategic use of awards and accreditations on packaging—how to showcase them effectively without overwhelming your audience. But that's just the tip of the iceberg; we also explored the nuances of communicating a toy's digital features and the secrets behind packaging that sells.

Join Azhelle Wade as she takes you inside Toy Fest 2024, the ultimate toy industry trade show in Las Vegas. Discover the top-selling categories, emerging trends, and innovative products showcased on the floor. Plus, learn about the power of networking and collaboration in this relaxed and friendly environment where industry experts come together to share successes and learn from each other.

Right now you might feel like an outsider in the toy industry. But it’s important to remember that we ALL started out that way. The goal of today’s podcast episode is to show you how you can go from zero connections in the world of toys, to thousands! Yep, thousands.

Discover how Ehi Oviasu-Kahn's journey from attorney to toy inventor was inspired by her daughter's birth during a pandemic. In this episode, Ehi shares how motherhood fueled her passion for creating educational toys and how she navigates the competitive toy industry with creativity and data.

Are you struggling to crack the networking code in the toy industry? Tune in to episode #207 of The Toy Coach Podcast: Making It In The Toy Industry as Azhelle Wade, unveils the secrets behind successful networking. Spoiler? It's easier than you think. The host debunks myths surrounding industry connections and shares invaluable tips for building meaningful relationships that drive professional growth.