Episode #109: Why You Should Attend The TCA Virtual Pitch Event
Listen Now
Tap Play Below or Listen On iTunes | Spotify | Google Podcasts
Finding a platform or opportunity to pitch your toy or game idea to an industry professional seems like an impossible task, especially if you have no previous experience or contacts within the toy industry. But what if you could be invited to a one-on-one meeting with a major toy manufacturer like Mattel or Spinmaster?
What if before that meeting you could go through weeks of training and research to develop and polish your concept with the help of like-minded individuals? Well my friend, that is essentially what the Toy Creators Academy Virtual Pitch Event is! Want to learn more? Well that’s what today’s podcast episode is all about.
Today in Episode 109, you will learn who you can meet by attending this event and what you can gain by doing it. You will also hear about what it is like to attend this event, and how going through the Toy Creator’s Academy can prepare you for success in the toy industry!
EPISODE CLIFF NOTES
Learn about how TCA Students get the opportunity at curated virtual pitch meetings WITH a coach at their side the whole time.[12:18]
Learn who this pitch event is for, toy inventor, entrepreneur or Story creator. [12:30]
Why you should take every opportunity to pitch [20:27]
-
This episode is brought to you by www.thetoycoach.com
Join The Facebook Community and write on the wall what you’re currently struggling with, the community is here to support you.
Learn more about Toy Creators Academy by clicking here.
Learn More About The Virtual Pitch Event by clicking here.
TCA Alumni Recap The TCA Virtual Pitch Event:
#75: Lessons And Benefits Of Pitching Your Toy Ideas At The TCA Virtual Toy Pitch Event
#88: Virtual Pitch Event Stories from Students of Toy Creators Academy
-
[00:00:00] Azhelle Wade: You are listening to making it in the toy industry episode number 109.
[00:00:04] Hey there toy people, Azhelle Wade here and welcome back to another episode of the toy coach podcast, making it in the toy industry. This is a weekly podcast brought to you by thetoycoach.com. Well, if you haven't been living under a rock, then you know, that New York toy fair has been canceled, that Nuremberg toy fair has been canceled. These are the largest annual trade shows in our industry. And with those cancellations, you know, the, the larger companies got their stride making virtual meetings to connect with retailers, but midsize and some smaller companies specifically have started to freak out a little bit. I'm seeing a lot of posts on LinkedIn about how can we stay connected?
[00:01:05] What can we do to continue growing our businesses, even without these trade shows, which we relied on so much. So for today's episode, I wanted to talk a little bit about the TCA virtual pitch event specifically, but we're having this conversation because of the growing importance of virtual events. Overall virtual events I think are here to stay and they're going to have to start being a part of our in-person events, a piece of it. So that on the occasion where we have a in-person event in the future, which won't get canceled when somebody can't attend, maybe they fall ill or they can't travel. The event can still go on in other ways. Virtual events. You know, if you know me, if you follow me on this podcast, if you've followed along with twin creators, academy launches and all that, you know, virtual events are my jam.
[00:02:04] So I have to say, and I want to say here for any toy companies, large or small, that might be listening in on this episode. If you want any information or guidance on preparing virtual pitches please do not hesitate to reach out to me. And I am working on an episode around virtual pitches. But I know that the events that were canceled we're coming up so soon that we know, we may not have time to wait for that episode Azhelle. So we're a small company and we want to hear from you how we can connect with retailers. Now that New York toy fair is canceled or Azhelle, we're a midsize company and you know, we're just starting this whole virtual thing and we want to hear your take on how we could be doing it better or shell we're a large company.
[00:02:58] And we just really would love to have you involved in our process of planning, our virtual pitch events, whatever the situation I want you to feel welcome and invited to reach out to me or if you're into Instagram, so am I, you can message me over on Instagram. You actually also, message me over on WhatsApp. So feel free to message me on WhatsApp. Plenty of ways to get into contact. So for today's episode, we are going to focus on one of my favorite virtual events, and that is the TCA virtual pitch event. I'm going to talk about how this pitch event really creates a sense of community creates opportunity, builds new relationships, and you know, how it all gets done. What's involved with it.
[00:03:53] If you've seen me posting about the TCA virtual pitch event lately, and you've been wondering, what is Azhelle always posting about? What is this event about? Then this is the episode for you. We're going to dive into the event that this year has welcomed companies including Jazwares, Hasbro, Mattel, Spinmaster, Genius Cat Books, Tinker Tiny. So many more. So if you have been curious about my post or curious about what those pitch meetings are like and what the whole process entails, whether you are a toy company, a toy retailer, a studio, or an inventor or entrepreneur who might want to participate in this event, we are going to dive into the details. You ready? Let's do this. Today's episode is all about the BI annual or semi-annual pitch event. The TCA virtual pitch event. It's an event held for the graduates of toy creator's academy.
[00:04:55] And today we're going to talk about why you might want to attend. But at the end of this episode, you will learn who you can meet by going to the TCA virtual pitch event. What the TC virtual pitch event is and what you can gain by taking part in it. You will also hear about what it's like to attend. How the process works from the perspective of a company and from the perspective of an inventor, we'll also cover a little bit about how toy creator's academy works into this event and how it can prepare you to show up as your best self for it. So to start off, we've got to address what is the TCA virtual pitch event? Well, the TCA virtual pitch event, TCA stands for toy creator's academy. The TC virtual pitch event is a semi-annual speed dating style pitch event.
[00:05:49] That's exclusively for students and alumni of toy creators academy. This pitch event happens over the course of two weeks. It runs Monday through Thursday during those two weeks, and there are pitch meetings happening at various times. At those times, toy companies, retailers, publishers, and even studios are invited to participate in the event for an opportunity to discover new IPS or intellectual properties to uncover new inventions, new game mechanics, but most importantly, to get to know up and coming toy creators. Now, why did I create the toy creators academy virtual pitch event? Well, the TCA virtual pitch event first came to fruition because I noticed that there were a few star students in toy craters academy, and they were coming up with some really innovative and toyetic product. They were applying the principles, they were doing the work and making the prototypes, but they weren't pitching I know.
[00:06:57] Now, if you aren't familiar with toy creator's academy, let me clarify a bit. I built that program to help teach aspiring toy creators who take it not only how to develop great ideas come up with great ideas, but also how to prepare for pitch meetings with prototypes and pitch decks and sizzle videos. As well As how to develop your product. If you want to be a toy entrepreneur, we get into manufacturing, all that, but a huge part of this program is how to develop your own toy company relationships. And I teach the participants how to build their own toy company contact list. The goal is to empower aspiring toy creators, to take ownership of how they show up in the toy industry. Now, even with all the new found knowledge of how to do that, work, how to build that list, how to build those contacts. I found some of my students were still hesitant to get their ideas out there.
[00:07:58] Many of them felt that. Weren't ready that their products, maybe weren't polished enough when in fact many of them had some of the best concepts and pitches that I'd seen in recent years now, I was so inspired by their dedication. And their creativity, their passion for what they did. And every time they met with me to develop a concept or to ask for advice, I would tell them, I would say, Hey student, you know, Jane at ABC toy company would love to see this product. Have you reached out to them? What's going on with. Now, oftentimes my TCA students or alumni just wouldn't believe me. They wouldn't believe that it was really ready or maybe they weren't believing in themselves. So I started reaching out to toy industry executives and telling them what I was thinking of putting together and asking them to attend. Just a few months later, the very first TCA virtual pitch event came to be with more than 12 companies in a tendence and it's only grown from there.
[00:09:09] So next I want to get a little bit into the benefit of the TCA virtual pitch event for the people at corporate toy company. So if you're an executive at a corporate toy company, whether it's a retailer or a manufacturer, or if you're in the entertainment side of the business at maybe a studio or a publisher, Now for my corporate level toy executives or my corporate toy people. I designed this event with them in mind as well, to take up as little time as possible on their calendar, but to get the most high quality and valuable pitches in there. And the reason I did that is because I know I've been in the industry as a corporate toy person, been from designer to VP. And I know how valuable your time is. I know how many meetings you come to, and I know how many emails are getting and as we get to that point, I've got to say again, thank you to any TCA virtual pitch event attendees from either this year or last year who might be listening to this podcast episode.
[00:10:15] I say, thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much for your time. I know I've said this before, but it means a lot to me and the students of TCA that you show up to take these pitches seriously. Now, not only does this event happen in a speed format to cater to the busy schedules of corporate toy people. We have 45 minute time slots available per company. Sometimes we can do less but I also do this work to curate the best possible pitches or product or entrepreneur or inventor fit for each company specific goals. So that means you're not going to be a publisher coming in, getting a pitch about a toy product, or you're not going to be a games and venture relations person getting pitched an idea for a TV show and all of that makes for a much more productive use of time for the toy companies and also for the inventors pitching to them.
[00:11:15] So this allows you a toy industry profession. From a company that's always looking for new products, inventions, or show concepts to see more pitches in less time. And even if you don't find your next product during this event specifically, I can guarantee you will make new relationships with burgeoning toy inventors. Our TCA virtual pitch event is four-star students. So the inventors that make it through have got passion and they're doing the work to make better products and better pitches for you. So these relationships could lead to a great product invention or concept for your company, for your retailer for your studio down the line. And all of that, happens in just 45 minutes slot. Okay, next. I want to talk about the benefits of this event for the people who are attending and pitching ideas. So in this case, it's it's TCA students or alumni, right? So TCA students that attend this event, get the opportunity at curated virtual pitch meetings. Coach at their side the whole time.
[00:12:32] And this is something that I know means a lot to the students, but also the toy companies are happily surprised that there's someone there keeping things on track, but also guiding the conversation, making sure things aren't left out. At this pitch event, you don't have to be a toy inventor. As I mentioned, you could be a toy entrepreneur, somebody who is manufacturing and selling a product. I mean, in our last most recent pitch event, we were so lucky to have learning express lake Zurich, join our last pitch event and find a few products to order and test in there. So you can be a toy entrepreneur with a product that you want to get into stores and potentially show it at this pitch event, you can also pitch at the TCA virtual pitch event. If you have an idea for an entertainment, IP, like a book or a show. And of course, if you are a toy inventor, you kind of 1000% picture ideas for a chance to be licensed by some of the biggest toy companies in the world.
[00:13:36] Now, every inventor gets 10 to 15 minutes to pitch. And I, the toy coach I'm there the whole time, keeping time I tell my students, I'm like, guys, you've got to, you've got to get this together. We got 10 minutes. We got 15 minutes. You got to pitch, pitch, pitch, we'll get feedback. And then we move on. Aside from timekeeping. But I'm also there with the students to ask questions that they might not think of in the pressure of the moment. And I guide the conversation when it goes off track or bring up key points on their products when they may accidentally look over them. One of the most recent instances where this was extremely valuable is a student was pitching an idea. And I'd already been with the student during a pitch meeting with another company. And as they were pitching this idea, I said, oh, you know, you forgot to mention this portion of the game play. And it's a really important portion of the gameplay.
[00:14:30] And I love the way that you explained it. So could you just go back and explain that portion of the game, play again. Now in addition to giving real-time feedback, making sure things go smoothly. I'm also there taking notes and taking pitch notes, because I know that if you have 10 to 15 minutes to pitch that you might not realize that you're not going to have time to write down notes or think about what is really being said to you, because all you're thinking about is pitching that product in that window and hearing if they're interested or. Now, if you're curious about the lessons that we've learned through this pitch event and through others I want you to actually send me a DM. I'm going to be putting together a summary of some of the lessons learned, and I would love to show you where you can grab a copy. Of that summary. So you can send me a message on Instagram, Facebook. I mean, they all go to the same place, don't they, they all go to my phone. So you can send me a message at the toy coach.
[00:15:29] If you're interested in a summary that I provide my students after the pitch event, like lessons learned, what are we going to focus on next time around? So send me a message. If you're interested in getting that. And now if you just can't wait, if you just can't wait and you want more lessons right now, you're like Azhelle. I don't want to wait to DM you. I want to learn some lessons from the TCA virtual pitch event right now. Well, I actually have two podcast episodes in which I entered. Three TCA students on each episode about their experience doing and participating in the TCA virtual pitch event. So those are incredible episodes to listen to. And you can head over to the toy coach.com forward slash 75. Or you can head over to the toy coach.com forward slash 88. Of course, after you listened to this episode Both of those episodes feature different students and their experience going through the pitch event, what they learned and what you can take away from their experiences.
[00:16:33] Working with me pitching to different levels of different companies in all different categories, from a baby to tween product. Okay. Now I want to share a little bit about the community aspect of the TCA virtual pitch event. This is an incredibly fun piece of this pitch event, which really wasn't a planned piece of the event. It's just something that I enjoy doing. And even students that don't take part in the pitch event contribute to this part of the community. After we go through a series of pitches, I love to periodically pop in to our toy creators academy, Facebook group. This is a Facebook group that is specific for students and alumni of TCA. And it's just kind of where we all gather whether we're pitching or we're not. And I love popping in there to provide feedback, to give encouragement, and engage with all of the people that are pitching as the event goes on.
[00:17:30] Even before the event, I love to use that community to let my students know like, Hey, we've got this company coming. Like they just signed up. Let's make something amazing for them. It's an interactive experience and it's such a supportive community to be a part of. You will gain confidence in pitching yourself. I can see when a students have just pitched for the first time, how nervous they are. And then as we continue to go through the process, they gain more confidence and they get support from one another. It's really, it's just, it's a beautiful thing. So throughout this whole process in the community, in the course that comes before this pitch event, I invest a lot of time. Finding the right inventors finding the right entrepreneurs, finding the right people with stories and coaching, all of those people that are participating in toy creator's academy to develop the best product they possibly can and to develop the clearest pitch that they possibly can.
[00:18:31] I plan the TCA virtual pitch event to be a month after the 12 week program of toy creators academy. And if you want to learn more about toy creators academy, head over to toy creators, academy.com, but through the course and through the preparation part of the TCA virtual pitch event. The students and alumni that have gone through the program can improve their product ideas with guidance improve their pitching process, and as a result of participating in the event, they gain confidence in communicating with toy industry executives and that confidence comes from doing the work pitching, but also just seeing how open and friendly these executives really are. Once you get into a meeting with them, it also comes from each other, like them supporting each other and cheering each other on through the face of. Now you might be wondering in this pitch event, Azhelle what happens if someone likes your idea? Because it's just 10, 15 minutes in the zoom, then what, what happens next?
[00:19:37] Well, every toy company has a completely different process. Every toy retailer has a completely different process. So at this pitch event, we let them take the lead. If they are interested in your idea, we make notes during the meeting. And we take our next step cues from them. So sometimes that means they say, share an email address. We want to order this product. We want to put this in our inventory right now. Sometimes it's share an email address because we really like this invention and we want to take the next step and we want to see a prototype. Other times it's just getting onboarded into a certain inventor platform so that they can review your product more efficiently and internally with their larger team. And that is their next step. So it really, really depends on the company or the studio, the retailer, the manufacture. What their process is. Now you might be wondering Azhelle. What makes this event different from all of the other pitch events out there?
[00:20:38] Well, one thing I want to say is I want you to know. Every opportunity to pitch. And I tell this to all of my students and sometimes what will happen is by the time we get to our TCA virtual pitch event some of my students have now met the companies that will be attending the pitch event because I, I deeply encourage you to take any opportunity you have to pitch. One, because a huge part of selling your ideas is timing. So the more times you can get in front of people, the better too, you need the practice. The more that you can practice selling yourself and selling your idea, the better you'll get at it. Three you're building your network. You know, pitching is an opportunity for you to become known in this space to get to know the people in this space. So I always encourage people to go to. Any and all pitch events. I don't think that any one is necessarily better than another.
[00:21:34] I just think they are all opportunities for you to grow your toy network, which, I mean, I'm teaching like I'm in TCA right now, but which is very important to grow your toy network. But one of the things that I love best about pitching in the TCA virtual pitch event is because as a student or alumni, You aren't going into these pitches cold. And when I say cold, I mean, you are not going into these. Unprepared, not knowing what companies want as far as product, but also you're not going in unprepared, not knowing what kinds of presentation materials they'd like to see and how they like to see it. You're also literally not going in cold because I essentially am hosting the entire pitch, warming everyone up before they get to talk to you. And because the TCA students and alumni who take part in this pitch event are prepared with lessons on pitching and developing product and useful templates.
[00:22:30] It makes the process a whole lot easier and it impresses the people who you're pitching to. I have to say. Every pitch event so far. And I mean, okay, I've only had two, but every pitch event so far, I would say at least once a week. So there's four weeks. I get feedback from toy companies and retailers distributors that the students that come to the TCA virtual pitch event are just so well prepared. And I have to say some of my students. Some of my star students. I can totally tell when you haven't gone through the program, there are some of you who have wonderful products and I let you pitch, and I'm very proud of you, but I can tell when you haven't gone through the pitch lessons in the program, but I have to say those of you that do go through and follow the process and do everything.
[00:23:19] Everybody is noticing like the distributors are noticing the retailers, noticing the manufacturers are noticing and saying how well-prepared, how innovative and just also help varied backgrounds that you all have. So that is really what makes this pitch event so different it's that you are coming into it after having gone through not only an educational experience, but really an inspirational type cohort. Like we're really lifting each other up and guiding each other until we get to this pitch. Additionally, what's really cool about the TCA virtual pitch event is it really gives you a level playing field. So there are pro inventors out there they've been pitching for years. Whenever I give feedback on a pitch for the TC virtual pitch event. You have to actually submit to this pitch event.
[00:24:07] You can't just go no matter what you have to apply. So when I ever receive an application to the TCA virtual pitch event, in my mind, I'm comparing it to professional level pitches and I'm doing my best with my feedback to make sure you show up as a pro toy creator. Because even if that idea isn't perfect for the company, if the way you pitch it is really. Well thought out or playful or clear or interesting the company is going to be interested in you and want to stay connected with you and want to give you more information like wishlists, want to get, makes sure that you are on the frontline of receiving insight into what they're looking for next. And that is just, oh, that's just what I want for you. Okay. So let me go back to where I said this pitch event gives an even playing field that's because everybody most people that come into TCA are early on in their toy journey, either just starting, or maybe they've just been doing it a few years.
[00:25:05] So we're all kind of starting out at the same level. And that way you're not competing with the pro toy creator at this specific pitch event. This specific pitch event is for newbies who have been well well aversed and well-educated. So when you're pitching directly to these toy companies, you normally would be competing with super experienced inventors. But at this event, everyone is around the same level. As I said, most people are just starting out and are aspiring inventors and entrepreneurs, just like you having said that the companies that agree to attend understand it, they're excited to meet new talent and they are appreciative when that new talent knows how to pitch their ideas professionally. At the time of recording this podcast, the current TCA virtual pitch event is almost coming to a close. So if you are interested in being a part of the TCA virtual pitch event, then head over to toy creators, academy.com, sign up there and you'll learn more.
[00:26:12] Before I tell you when the next TCA virtual pitch event will be, I want to just shine a light on how beneficial it could be and who you could meet there. Now toy creators who attend the TCA virtual pitch event will have the opportunity to meet just established industry experts in the past in this current TCA virtual pitch event in January, 2022. And in the past pitch event May, 2021, we've had toy companies, including Hasbro, Mattel, Jazwares, Spinmaster, all in attendance. We also had a distributor publisher services, Inc PSI in attendance, retailer, learning express lake Zurich and publisher genius cat books, or Kayppin media. Now, if you would like to be a part of the TCA virtual pitch event, it's important to know, not all students go through through this pitch event. It star students, you do have to apply.
[00:27:13] A student Ruthie previously said that she was actually nervous about the entire process, but that applying and then being selected actually pushed her to develop a better sizzle video and better pitch materials. And it helped her be more confident before the actual pitch. Itself. And then once you are actually selected, you have this benefit because you have assistance from toy creators academy, course materials to help you build out your pitch decks or sizzle reels and Polish, your communication material. All of that's built into the course. And as I review your products, I might say, you need to review this portion of the course again, before we go forward. Now Kesha, another participant from the TCA virtual pitch event said that she really benefited from using the templates available for the pitch deck. The first time that they went through toy creators academy. Participants always have the opportunity to just reject pitch meetings.
[00:28:12] If they feel like it's not the right fit. But if they do, they can't be guaranteed another one because there's limited slots and limited companies. Okay. Once you go through the pitch process and you get feedback even when that feedback isn't yes, we'll buy your idea immediately. It can be very helpful. So Kesha said, when she paid, she got really clear feedback about where to start and where to go with her IP idea, which involved an animated series, a graphic novel, and toys, and the process totally reverse how she was thinking about where she needed to start and helped her save time and energy in her. People that participants who also pitched said that the event gave them more confidence to not only pitch in the future, but to also just reach out to other people that they may have felt afraid to reach out to before going through the TCA virtual pitch event process. And I have to say that is just a pleasure to hear, because that was my whole goal through this program.
[00:29:15] Okay. I know, I know at this point, everyone listening might want to hear some success stories. What does the event really have in it for me? What can I look forward to? Well, look, first, I want to say one person's success does not just guarantee another, but. But here is an example of the kind of benefits and connections that are possible to be made with this event. Now, Nicole, a recent student had her product purchased by a specialty retail store. Chrissy worked with a distributor. She met at the event to develop and produce her own game. Trudy is working with a distributor to sell her game and stationary line so that she can focus on what she loves most the creative side of her. Another student Emmanuelle has developed an inventor relation ship with titan toy companies after pitching his innovative building toy. Can't say too much about it. You know, hush, hush. Fantastic.
[00:30:19] As we close this episode, I want to talk a little bit about sponsorships, because if you are in the toy industry and your working at a corporate toy company, and you love this idea of getting fresh talent injection. In to your company, into your inventor portal, or pitching to you on a regular semi-annual basis basis, you can take a step further and you can sponsor students to receive a scholarship to go through toy creator's academy, and then the TCA virtual pitch event. So this supports new inventors and brings more opportunity for them, but also the industry as a whole. And the students that you sponsor may come up with the next big idea for your brand this year. So this is a special shout out to a learning express lake Zurich and. Especially to the owner, Richard for supporting students to go through this program and the toy inventor community. For more information about how to sponsor a student, you can just contact me at.
[00:31:27] Now, before I jump into my summary of today's episode, I'd like to take a quick break and give a massive shout out to Daniella valance. Sweller bombshell, a current student pitching at the TCA virtual pitch event. This is a massive shout out to you for creating really fantastic toy and game products that have just wowed. So many people at this pitch event. I mean, you are a star you're truly going places, the quality of your artwork and the concepts and the thinking behind your play patterns and your toy development. Beautiful. I mean, the moment I saw it, I, you know, I knew you were a star. Thank you for being a part of the community. So, so, so, so, so happy to have you here. Now let's wrap up what we cover today. Today, we talked about what the TCA virtual pitch event is and who you might meet there. If you attend as either a toy inventor, entrepreneur, or an IP creator.
[00:32:36] I also shared some things that my previous students had learned at this event and how this event has helped them connect with more people in the industry and grow their own confidence as toy creators. Then we covered what makes this pitch event different from most and really it's that nurture aspect. That coaching aspect that you get from the day you sign up with me till the day you applied to the pitch event and hopefully get in. Before I let you go. I'm going to dive into some homework. If you are feeling stuck with your current toy idea that you've maybe been working on or mulling over, here's your homework. Want you to head over to the toy coach Facebook group, and write in the group on the wall and tell us what you're stuck on. What are you currently struggling with? Are you trying to find a material to do something and you can't find the right material?
[00:33:30] Are you struggling with a manufacturer issue? Is it a shipping issue? What are you currently struggling with? Are you just trying to innovate a category that you don't have a ton of experience on? Are you not sure of a price point of your toy? I want you to come to. The toy coach making it in the toy industry, Facebook group. And I want you to post it on the wall because this group of aspiring toy creators are so responsive and helpful. And if you need someone to have your back, this group, is it so to join the group, you've got to sign up at thetoycoach.com/FB. I will put all of the links mentioned in this show, in the show notes. But it's the toy coach.com forward slash fb. As always, thank you so much for joining me here today. I know your time is valuable and that there are a ton of podcasts out there. So it means the world to me that you tune into this one. Until next week, I'll see you later toy people.
-
🎓Learn more about how you can develop and pitch your toy idea with Toy Creators Academy® by clicking here to visit toycreatorsacademy.com and join the waitlist.
Not ready for the Toy Creators Academy online course? Start by connecting with fellow toy creators inside our online community. Click here to join.