The Toy Hub, the organization powered by the United Inventors Association (UIA) that connects and supports inventors in the toy and game industry, will be having a unique, “Meet The Inventor” series during Toy Fair in New York. Designed to facilitate conversation and relationship-building among industry professionals, the program showcases the people behind some of 2024’s hottest toys and games.
“The ‘Meet The Inventor’ series exemplifies our mission to empower inventors through education, access, and advocacy,” said Executive Board member, UIA and Chairman of the Toy Hub Matt Nuccio, president, Design Edge. “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.”
Founded in October 2022 by the UIA–the largest inventor member organization in the U.S.–the Toy Hub is guided by an advisory board of trusted industry experts and strives to help inventors navigate the toy business. The organization provides educational resources, events, webinars & newsletters, and networking for like-minded individuals.
“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!” added Toy Hub Board member Trina McFarland, owner & general manager, Bright Door Ideas.
On Saturday March 1 and Sunday, March 2 (the first two days of the show), Toy Fair attendees can stop by the Toy Hub booth (#3152) to meet with the inventors responsible for several of the 2025 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards finalists. Guests at each session will receive the featured toy, while supplies last.
Saturday, March 1st
10:00-11:00 AM
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-12:00 PM
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 PM
Eric Olsen, inventor of Flip 7 manufactured by The Op, nominated for Game of the Year
3:00-4:00 PM
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 PM
Ken Gruhl, co-inventor (with Eric Lang) of Life in Reterra manufactured by Hasbro, Inc., nominated for Game of the Year
Sunday, March 2nd
10:00-11:00 AM
Troy Fisher, founder of Fischo Innovation and inventor of Magic Mixies Pixie Supremes Magic Mirror manufactured by Moose Toys, LLC
11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Steve Moore from Tantrum Innovation, inventor of Pictionary vs. AI manufactured by Mattel, Inc.
3:00-4:00 PM
Scott Landsbaum, business lawyer for companies and creators and host of the “Meet The Attorney” session
No women – what a shame.