Professor Warren Buckleitner took several IMM seniors to the American International Toy Fair – the world’s largest toy trade show. On a weekend in early October, six students (Stephen Kramer, Mickie Haftman, Makensy Kelly, Ravenna Gemignani, Adam Ploskonka and Tim Munoz) took the train from Hamilton Station to the Javits Center in New York City. TCNJ was represented there among universities from across the country.
This day-long event welcomed undergraduates from 43 different academic institutions. The students engaged in a morning filled with networking opportunities, insightful presentations, and thought-provoking panels led by influential industry figures from Build-A-Bear Workshop and Barnes & Noble. In the afternoon, participants were free to explore over one thousand exhibitors, an exclusive privilege not extended to the public. The day concluded with the Toy Fair Huddle, during which students shared what they learned throughout the day. Additionally, they had the invaluable opportunity to have their portfolios reviewed by The Artisan Social Club, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing industry professionals together to offer guidance, direction, and mentorship to the emerging generation of creatives.
The students reported that it was a jam-packed yet memorable day. Ravenna Gemignani reflected on the event, “I felt like it really helped me gain inspiration for my thesis and learn more about the toy industry. I was able to talk to industry professionals such as Crazy Aaron, who made Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty, and studios like Hasbro and Mattel. It was amazing.” Gemignani highlighted this experience as a valuable learning opportunity.
