Leaving Toycon

It was the smallest ToyCon I have attended but, ironically, it was the best. The economy certainly took a toll on attendance so the head count was down. The speakers and workshops, however, provided valuable new ways of thinking that were actionable while the intimacy of the smaller crowd offered an outstanding networking experience. More than a few deals were done or set in motion over a drink or an appetizer.

After listening to speakers, talking with TIA leadership and conversing with many attendees, here are some of my core take aways:

• The TIA has changed into an advocacy organization whose job it is to proactively protect the industry from bad laws.   TIA leadership has invested great amounts of money and resources and new assets are in place to enhance the effort. Those who do not currently belong to the TIA in the belief that it provides them with no benefit will need to reassess their decision in light of the TIA’s new mission.
• ToyCon has turned into a truly educational experience with a mission to assist members in adjusting to a rapidly changing world. Speakers were on point with sometimes discomforting messages that were aimed at disrupting “sacred cows” and giving a strong message that the consumer marketplace is in a state of constant change and those who plan on surviving need to change along with it.
• Not surprisingly business is tough out there with most I spoke with reporting a slow start to the year. Plans by retailers to maintain leaner inventories; costs of safety protocols and the relentless focus by retailers on toys for children between ages 3 and 5 were just some of the issues on attendee’s minds.

 The TIA and the planning committee are to be congratulated for putting on an excellent conference that did not turn its back on the challenging times in which we live. Perhaps we should consider longer conferences in the future that provide more time for in depth educational experiences. We have a lot to learn and, at least at this point in history, being uninformed is not an option.