September 8, 2023 | Toy Fair® will serve as a meeting ground for hundreds of university students when Toy Fair’s Student Congress unfolds on October 1 amid the four-day show in New York City.
The exclusive day-long Student Congress invites undergraduates of various disciplines to learn about and make connections within the toy industry. Activities will kick off with a networking “Meet & Eat” breakfast followed by presentations from industry professionals and power players.
Kathleen Campisano, global chief marketing officer of Beacon Media Group, will lead a panel discussion with Barnes & Noble, Build-A-Bear, Crazy Aaron’s, Future Today, Hasbro, and Mattel that will offer students a better understanding of the scope of careers available in the toy industry. Jennifer Caveza, chair of Toy Design at Otis College of Art & Design, will also lead a presentation sharing her own experience in the children’s entertainment space, where she has held executive roles with toy manufacturers, at major studios, and with world-renowned brands.
In addition to the Student Congress agenda, students can have their portfolios reviewed by The Artisan Social Club, a non-profit that brings industry professionals together to provide insight, direction, and mentorship to the next generation of creatives; take advantage of internship and first-hire recruitment sessions hosted by Paramount, Hasbro, Target, and Jazwares at The Toy Foundation™ booth; and visit exhibitors’ booths on the show floor.
“Many of us entered the business of toys and play through pure happenstance, but Student Congress is an opportunity to change that, facilitating the pipeline of talent for our industry and making students more aware of the vast opportunities available to them across our industry — from product development to media marketing, retail, and beyond,” said Kimberly Carcone, executive vice president of global market events at The Toy Association. “We are excited to invite these students to experience the wonder and innovation that will be on full display throughout Toy Fair.”
Students interested in attending and toy companies interested in connecting with Student Congress participants should contact Jacqueline Retzer.
Toy Fair will take place September 30 to October 3 at the Javits Center in New York City. More information about the schedule of events for Student Congress and additional Toy Fair events are available at ToyFairNY.com.
View original article here: https://www.toyassociation.org/PressRoom2/News/2023_News/toy-fair-2023-student-congress-day-creating-a-pipeline-of-talent-for-the-industry.aspx
