Jun 17, 2013

Global Toy Experts and Creativity Inc. Bring Together the Leaders of the World’s Play Industries at the First World Congress of Play

The World Congress of Play, the first conference to gather members of every field of the “play industry,” will be making history this fall. Produced by Richard Gottlieb, CEO,Global Toy Experts and Charles Albert, CEO, Creativity Inc., this historic three-day conference will provide an environment for breaking down silos; inspiring new ideas, encouraging new relationships and uniting all members of the play industry as they create a play economy for the 21st century. Global manufacturers and retailers of traditional toys and games, video games, and digital play, as well as theme parks, industry associations, analysts and trade media are all encouraged to attend. The World Congress of Play takes place at the Hilton Union Square in San Francisco, CA on September 9-11, 2013.

“The world of play is changing quickly and dramatically,” said Richard Gottlieb, CEO, Global Toy Experts. “As a result, we need to change the way we do business and work together to shape the future of play as we all compete in the same marketplace for revenue and time.”

The congress will feature a high profile list of exciting speakers from all over the world. Keynoting the congress are John Barbour, CEO, LeapFrog Enterprises and Trip Hawkins, founder, Electronic Arts, 3DO, Digital Chocolate and his latest start-up, If You Can. Some of the highlights will be Utku Tansel, head of toys and games research, Euromonitor International presenting the first ever “State of the Play Industry” address, providing data and commentary on video games, digital play, traditional toys and games. Chris Heatherly, VP, production & marketing, Disney Interactive Worlds will disrupt attendee’s thinking with “Toys of the Future.” David Merrill, the creator of the hugely popular Sifteo, will share his insights on what makes a successful product in the age of phygital play: “Timeless Play; when digital meets physical” and Elie Dekel, president of Saban Brands, will provide powerful perspective and insight with “Playing with OMNI-CHANNEL Brands.”

In addition, a growing list of speakers includes:
• Richard Barry, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Toys”R”Us
• Darran Garnham, chief business development officer and chief licensing officer, Mind Candy
• Donna Friedman Meir, founder of Lemonade
• Traci Paige Johnson, co-creator of “Blue’s Clues” and Yummico
• Miles Ludwig, managing director, Content Innovation Lab, Sesame Workshop

The World Congress of Play will also tackle play’s place in society. “We will explore the role of play not just in child’s play and recreation, but throughout our lives, including how play fosters development, mental health, socialization and creativity,” added Charles Albert, CEO, Creativity Inc.

To register to attend the first World Congress of Play, visit http://www.worldcongressofplay.com/#!register/cqvr. Registration is $950, with a $150 discount if registered by July 1st. Cost includes all speaking sessions, networking events and meals.

For more information and ongoing updates to the list of speakers and agenda topics, visit http://www.worldcongressofplay.com

About Global Toy Experts
Global Toy Experts is a world-renowned consultancy and resource for toy industry insight and information led by well-known industry leader, Richard Gottlieb. Experts provide cutting-edge analysis and strategies to domestic toy manufacturers as well as those international providers who are looking to raise their profile in the United States. The consultancy also provides unique observations and commentary at speaking engagements and conferences globally, furnishing the toy industry with exceptional blueprints for success. Additionally, Global Toy Experts publishes Global Toy News, a Web-based magazine that covers toy industry news and provides resource links. For more information, please visit www.GlobalToyExperts.com. About Creativity, Inc.

Creativity, Inc. was established in 1998 in San Carlos, California. The company’s mission is to provide toy, game, learning, and entertainment developers with the very best design, development and engineering services available. Strengths include game design and play pattern development; music composition, sound design, voice casting and recording; digital illustration and animation; software engineering for embedded processors and mobile App platforms including Apple and Android; electro-mechanical engineering; puppeteering and localization. Customers include 9 of the 10 leading toy companies in the world and leading entertainment companies including Disney, Sony, Nickelodeon, Sesame Workshop, Bandai, HIT, Discovery Channel, and more. For more information, please visit www.CreativityUSA.com.