Have you ever had an idea for a character that you could envision becoming a globally recognized brand? Today, one of the important ingredients to building a licensable brand is authenticity. Building an authentic toy and entertainment brand means that you’ve got to be crystal clear about the reason WHY you created that brand in the first place. You’ve got to dedicate your time and energy to growing AND supporting your community, and meanwhile you’ve got to make sure the whole world knows it’s happening. That’s the topic that we dive into during today’s podcast episode. Our guest today is April Showers, the founder and CEO of Afro Unicorn. This uplifting brand includes unicorn themed clothing, accessories, toys, and more, that feature a diverse array of unicorns with afros and different skin tones. Afro Unicorn products are available at Walmart and Target, this brand has been shared and supported by Gayle King, Viola Davis, and Tiffany Haddish. April supports fellow entrepreneurs to “live the dream!” providing free promotional and educational opportunities through her social platforms, called Small Business Saturday.

Have you been considering joining Toy Creators Academy to develop your toy or game idea? Do you still have a few questions about how the program works, when it starts, or what it covers? This episode is perfect for you! In today’s podcast episode, The Toy Coach addresses the most frequently asked questions about this 12 week group coaching program. Toy Creators Academy is the only toy education and implementation program of its kind that not only shows you how to fully develop your toy or game idea like a pro — but also how to properly pitch that idea to buyers and toy companies. Are you ready to bring your toy and game ideas to life? Make it happen with the guidance and support provided by Toy Creators Academy.

If you have a brand or product you should consider adding licensing to your business model. Licensing is a great way for toy manufacturers to borrow the authority of powerful brands and grow their own revenue. A great licensing deal can help growing brands expand to various consumer goods categories while avoiding the added cost of manufacturing. If you’re ready to learn more about how licensing can benefit your toy business, you should consider attending the Las Vegas Licensing Expo next year. But before you sign up, listen to this podcast for 9 tricks and tips for first time visitors to the Licensing Expo.

The Licensing Expo has over 200 exhibitors each year, including notable brands like Netflix, Lego, Paramount, Mattel, and more. In past years, over 16,000 people have attended, coming from more than 60 countries. Attendees include licensees, manufacturers, retailers, distributors, licensing agents, and more. Each show has more than 5,000 products or brands on display, allowing you to catch trends and get innovative ideas. Of course, there are many representatives from the toy industry, but there are also people in attendance from the fashion world, gaming, animation, and more.

The first ever Toy Creators Academy virtual pitch event concluded at the end of May 2021. Over a dozen toy companies, reviewed dozens of product pitches in 2 weeks of speed-dating style toy and entertainment pitch meetings. If you are curious about the TCA Virtual Pitch event, and are considering attending the next one, listen to this episode to find out more about who the event is for and what is required to be eligible to apply for this incredible opportunity. If you are a toy entrepreneur, toy inventor, or one in the making this new virtual pitch event is one you won’t want to miss out on!

Do top toy companies really want to work with inventors? Today’s episode answers that question with a resounding YES! Our guest today is Zack Pentecost of ZURU Toys. If you don’t know the name ZURU, you most definitely know some of their smash hit toy brands. Inventor, if you’ve been feeling restless because you haven’t heard back from your latest pitch submission, this is the episode for you. Inventors, this episode is filled with nothing but love and appreciation for the way you think and create for the toy industry.

Festival of Licensing is a virtual event, designed to combine and connect the audience that typically attends three major global licensing events that cover Europe, Asia, and the Americas. This event is an online space where Brand owners, Manufacturers, and Brands can network and build licensing relationships.

In this episode, Michael and Azhelle will talk about how a licensing agent works and the importance of having one on your side when you have a product ready to be pitched. Michael will also explain his process from accepting clients to bringing a toy to the market. Are you ready to learn more about the value of having a sales partner in your toy licensing journey? This episode is for you!

This week's episode is fan-requested and is ALL about Licensing Week Virtual and the Las Vegas Licensing Expo. This industry event is known as the go-to destination for the biggest licensing deals of the year, and it's typically an in-person show, in Las Vegas.

There's nothing more important to the success of your product pitch than really knowing the company that you're pitching to! So for today's episode, The Toy Coach dives into a conversation about 6 top toy companies in the industry. We dive into the stories and toys of Hasbro, Mattel, MGA, Spinmaster, Goliath Games, and Funko. You'll get a mini-history lesson on each company, learn their most popular games, and most importantly learn about their history working with inventors.