Toy Fair has been part of the industry for over one hundred years, but new ideas and ways to make the most of attendees’ time at the event are generated each year.
For the first time, the Toy Hub — an organization under the United Investors Associations (UIA) that connects and supports investors in the toy and game industry — is introducing something new this year.
They will host the inaugural ‘Meet the Inventor’ series during Toy Fair 2025.
The series aims to connect the creators of some of the most successful toys and games of 2024 with other industry professionals.
Matt Nuccio, an executive board member of the UIA, chairman of Toy Hub, and president of Design Edge, states that the ‘Meet The Inventor’ series exemplifies the organization’s mission to empower inventors through education, access, and advocacy.
Our inventor community comes from diverse backgrounds with varied areas of expertise, and we’re proud to kick off this new series by offering Toy Fair attendees the opportunity to mix & mingle with some of the brightest minds in our industry.”
Matt Nuccio, UIA Executive Board Member, Toy Hub Chairman, and Design Edge President
During the first two days of Toy Fair, March 1-2, attendees are invited to visit Toy Hub’s Booth (No. 3152) to meet the inventors behind several of the 2025 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards finalists. Guests at each session will receive the featured toy while supplies last.
“No matter your role in the business of play, learning about how popular products come to life is always fascinating – we invite you to join the Toy Hub for a series of interesting and inspiring discussions,” says Trina McFarland, Toy Hub Board member and owner of Bright Door Ideas.
The schedule for these sessions is below.
Saturday, March 1
10:00-11:00 a.m. Austin Hillam, co-inventor (with Stephen Fazio) of the Zip String Luma manufactured by ZipString, nominated for the Educational Toy of the Year
11:00 AM-noon Jim McCafferty from JMP Creative, inventor of the Sticki Rolls Sticki Book manufactured by Sky Castle Toys, nominated for Collectible of the Year.
1:00-2:00 p.m. Eric Olsen, inventor of Flip 7 manufactured by The Op, nominated for Game of the Year
3:00-4:00 p.m. Martin Lombardi, founder of Lombardini Integrated Technologies, LLC and inventor of Cornhole Shootout manufactured by ABetter Design Company, nominated for Outdoor Toy of the Year (this item will not be featured in the series giveaways due to its size)
4:00-5:00 p.m. Ken Gruhl, co-inventor (with Eric Lang) of Life in Reterra manufactured by Hasbro, Inc., nominated for Game of the Year
Sunday, March 2
10:00-11:00 a.m. Troy Fisher, founder of Fischo Innovation and inventor of Magic Mixies Pixie Supremes Magic Mirror manufactured by Moose Toys, LLC
11:00 AM-noon Steve Moore from Tantrum Innovation, inventor of Pictionary vs. AI manufactured by Mattel, Inc.
3:00-4:00 p.m. Scott Landsbaum, business lawyer for companies and creators and host of the ‘Meet The Attorney’ session
For more information about UIA, Toy Hub, and Toy Fair, please visit uiausa.org, thetoyhub.org, and toyfairny.com.
