Building Our Future Conference

June 18, 2008

“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.”

Vinod Khosla - Founder of Sun Microsystems

In the last two blogs I spoke about the need for the toy industry to not just anticipate but to actually shape its future. In order to spur that process forward, I am announcing a Building Our Future conference that will take place in Dallas in October.

It will be a small, intimate conference of no more than 20 people. We will discuss the future, develop some predictions and create a vision of a toy industry that can be successful in that future.

Who will attend? Maybe you!

I have a short list of participants but certainly do not know everyone so I am keeping some slots open. If you would be interested in participating, email me at Richard@usatoyexperts.com

What are the qualifications?

Before I tell you that, let me say emphatically that you do not need to be a president or work for a big company. You can be a designer, an inventor, an accountant, a salesperson, a marketer, or anyone else who is a citizen of Toy Nation. In fact, you don’t even need to be involved with toys. You may work in electronic gaming, juvenile products, licensing or television. You just have to care and have a vision, not just for your own future, but for the future of all of Toy Nation.

I am excited about this conference and swapping ideas with smart people who have the courage and imagination to think about what is to come. See you in Dallas.

Posted by Richard Gottlieb on June 18, 2008 | Comments (2)

June 20, 2008

In response to: Building Our Future Conference
Tony, Kvale Good Natured Games commented:

Your blogs are invaluable commentary on the shifts recognized and soon-to-be recognized and acted upon, Richard. I will have to think about attending this event. There could be the makings of some collaborative directions for some in the industry! Thank you for all you so! Tony, Kvale Good Natured Games

June 20, 2008

In response to: Building Our Future Conference
Randy Compton commented:

This is a fabulous idea. The future is designed by our visions of what is important as a culture and I believe that the toy industry ought to keep envisioning positive futures based on healthy and creative game playing. Some of this will be the games themselves, and some of this will be how we promote and advocate for the games themselves--like the Alliance for Childhood. Wish I could be there! Randy, Think-a-lot Toys