Women in Toys Introduces WIT Launch Virtual Programming Series

Source: Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment

Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT) is looking toward the future with the debut of WIT Launch.

WIT Launch is the latest educational programming series from the organization that champions the advancement of women through leadership, networking, and educational opportunities.

The series will include virtual programs — including interactive workshops, panels, learning, and mentorship opportunities — designed to boost innovation and creativity within the $90 billion global toy, game, and entertainment industry.

“Female leadership matters, and its positive impact on business is more evident today than ever,” says Janice Ross, WIT President. “With WIT Launch, we’re building a pipeline of fresh ideas, actionable concepts, and distinct perspectives.”

The first programming event is the virtual WIT Launch: Innovation Summit sponsored by Hasbro.

The full-day learning experience takes place on Oct. 5, from 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. EST, replacing the former Empowerment Day that traditionally ran during Toy Fair Dallas.

WIT Launch: Innovation Summit Sessions

Keynote by Jess Weiner, cultural expert and CEO of Talk To Jess
Where Do (Toy) Babies Come From?
The Building Blocks of Prototyping
If You See It, You Can Believe It: Representation in Toys
Expert Empower Hour: Live Sessions with Toy Industry Leaders
Pitch Perfect: The Do’s and Don’ts of Pitching Your Invention
WIT Launch: Innovation Summit Networking Happy Hour

WIT says that the Innovation Summit can be viewed as “Toy Industry 101” for inventors, entrepreneurs, or anyone wanting to learn more about the toy business. The event is a primer for WIT Launch: Invent, an immersive 8-week virtual education program slated for Spring 2021 that will teach the nuances of taking a product from concept to retail.

“Innovation is a key driver for our industry’s sustained growth, and WIT is more deliberate than ever with our mission and our goal to bring more women into our industry as inventors and innovators.” says Alita Friedman, WIT Launch: Innovation Summit/Invent Chair. “Our Innovation Summit and WIT Launch: Invent programs will give women the tools they need to put them on the path to succeed.”

Registration is open for the WIT Launch: Innovation Summit.

The event is free for WIT members and $49 for non-members.

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book, a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.