The Javits Center in New York City will serve as a meeting ground for hundreds of university students at Toy Fair’s Student Congress on Oct. 1.
The exclusive event, which will last all day, invites undergraduate students of various disciplines to learn and make connections within the toy industry.
The agenda will kick off with a “Meet & Eat” breakfast networking event, which will be followed by presentations from industry professionals. This includes a panel discussion with Barnes & Noble, Build-A-Bear, Crazy Aaron’s, Future Today, Hasbro, and Mattel led by Kathleen Compisano, the Global Chief Marketing Officer of Beacon Media Group. The panel will offer students a better understanding of careers available in the industry.
Jennifer Caveza, the Chair of Toy Design at Otis College of Art & Design who has held executive roles with toy manufacturers, major studios, and world-renowned brands, will also lead a presentation sharing her experience in the children’s entertainment space.
Additionally, students will be able to have their portfolios reviewed by The Artisan Social Club, which is a non-profit organization of industry professionals that provides insight, direction, and mentorship to the next generation.
They will also be able to attend recruitment sessions hosted by Paramount, Hasbro, Target, and Jazwares at the Toy Foundation booth in order to take advantage of internships and entry-level career opportunities, as well as visit the exhibitors’ booths on the show floor.
“Many of us entered the business of toys and play through pure happenstance, but Student Congress is an opportunity to change that, facilitating the pipeline of talent for our industry and making students more aware of the vast opportunities available to them across our industry — from product development to media marketing, retail, and beyond,” says Kimberly Carcone, Executive Vice President of Global Market Events at The Toy Association. “We are excited to invite these students to experience the wonder and innovation that will be on full display throughout Toy Fair.”
Undergraduate students who are interested in attending, as well as toy companies interested in connecting with Student Congress participants, should contact Jacqueline Retzer at jretzer@toyassociation.org or visit toyfairny.com.
