Virtual Worlds Conference: Where was Toy Nation?

March 15, 2009

Last week I spoke at the Engage! Expo Virtual World’s Conference. This is a great place to meet companies that can assist in building, improving and in general learning how to effectively use virtual worlds to add profit and revenue.

With the number of toy companies either offering or planning to offer virtual play as an adjunct to their three dimensional toys, I had anticipated that I would see a number of familiar toy industry faces at the show. Surprisingly, I saw few representatives from the traditional toy industry. Those I did see seemed as mystified as I was by the absence.

Toy Nation was however, not alone, in missing the show. Perhaps it was the economy, but it appeared to me that this year’s show was literally half the size of last year’s in terms of exhibitors and attendees.

Here is what makes sense to me: Move the Engage! Expo up into February and have it take place at the same time as Toy Fair. It is not that big a show so it could conceivably find space in the Javits Center. This would provide an ideal opportunity for the virtual and real world play industries to cross pollinate and for the toy industry to learn how to take advantage of a play format that is only going to become a bigger part of the toy experience.

Posted by Richard Gottlieb on March 15, 2009 | Comments (6)

August 5, 2011

In response to: Virtual Worlds Conference: Where was Toy Nation?
Anne S commented:

I work in the toy industry and read the article above about the serious need to play. I cannot agree more with the article and the comments. We need to allow our children to free play to develop social skills. If everything is structured for them they never learn these skill. I fondly remember playing with all different ages and genders of kids growing up - be it tag, hide and go seek and many other fun games. I played with Barbie's, Tammy's. We built our own "houses" and made clothes for these dolls. Our children are losing their childhood. We have 1 year olds in toddler gym and baby soccer??? What happened to just running around?

August 2, 2011

In response to: Virtual Worlds Conference: Where was Toy Nation?
Wind commented:

One or two to rememebr, that is.

August 1, 2011

In response to: Virtual Worlds Conference: Where was Toy Nation?
Jaydee commented:

This is exactly what I was lokonig for. Thanks for writing!

March 21, 2009

In response to: Virtual Worlds Conference: Where was Toy Nation?
Scott Traylor commented:

While I really like the name "Engage Expo" as a conference title, I think very few people were aware of the conference name change. Last year the show was called the "Virtual Worlds", a VERY clear description of what you would find. This year the show was called "Engage Expo", not exactly clear even to those that follow this space. The first thing I thought when I finally made the connection was that attendance to Engage Expo would be smaller than that of Virtual Worlds. Also, Engage Expo could also mean engagement across a whole host of other products, be it handheld, Wii, social media, or even traditional toys. Now to confuse even further, there is yet another conference next month that is similar to Engage Expo, but is supposed to be directed towards business solutions. This one will be called 3D Training, Learning, & Collaboration (TLC). I cote to change the name back to Virtual Worlds. I also think it would be great if the two conferences, Virtual Worlds and Toy Fair, were held at the same time.

March 16, 2009

In response to: Virtual Worlds Conference: Where was Toy Nation?
gbyh2o commented:

Virtual play worlds are horrible and harmful. They are eating away at healthy, imaginitive play. They promote consumerism. Kids today need more time playing with real, non media-linked toys. Check out this article in American Scientic Mind; "The Serious Need for Play". www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=the-serious-need-for-play

March 16, 2009

In response to: Virtual Worlds Conference: Where was Toy Nation?
Liam O'Malley commented:

I think this is a really good idea, especially considering how much emphasis there was on kids and youth at this year's show.