World Congress of Play to Feature World Class Speakers From Global Play Industries

NEW YORK, July 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The World Congress of Play returns this September to San Francisco featuring an impressive list of speakers representing a large cross-section of the most successful and forward-thinking companies in the "play industry."  The second annual conference, a sell-out a year ago, brings together global manufacturers and retailers of traditional toys and games, video games, music, entertainment and digital play, as well as theme parks, industry associations, analysts and trade media.  The World Congress of Play takes place at the Parc 55 Wyndham San Francisco – Union Square on September 8-10, 2014.

Among the speakers who will share the challenges and opportunities in the 'play' marketplace are:

• David Zlotnik, Director, Global Marketing, McDonald's Corp.
• Tim McKeown, Director, Experience Design, McDonald's Corp.
• Harry Chang, EVP of LF Products, subsidiary of Li & Fung Corp.
• Darell Hammond, founder of KaBOOM!, leader in play advocacy
• Hugo Malan, President, Sporting Goods and Toys, Sears Holding Corp.
• Manuel Torres, SVP Global Toys & Publishing, Nickelodeon
• John Barbour, CEO, LeapFrog
• Greg Ahearn, Chief Marketing Officer, LeapFrog
• John Coyne, VP, Consumer Marketing, Activision

"These speakers are an excellent representation of the broad array of experts from the 25 distinct play categories who will attend and share insights at the conference," said Richard Gottlieb, CEO, Global Toy Experts, co-producer of the World Congress of Play with Charles Albert, CEO, Creativity Inc.

Mr. Albert noted that more than 40 speakers in all, ranging from global powerhouses to national media, academics and category specific leaders will address issues impacting stakeholders in the world of play as well as play's place in society.

"Play isn't just fun and games," Mr. Albert said.  "It's an integral part of a child's development and an adult's free time, as well as a vital and evolving segment of the world's economy."

Last year's inaugural World Congress of Play featured well-received presentations from the likes of Trip Hawkins, founder of Electronic Arts, Richard Barry, EVP of ToysRUs, and speakers from Mattel, Saban, Sesame Workshop and others.

The 2013 WCOP was heralded by attendees and speakers for its "energy," and "engaged, warm, friendly" atmosphere, which made it, according to an editor in attendance, "one of the more interesting events I've ever been to – and I wasn't the only one who felt that way."   Chris Heatherly, SVP - Disney Interactive Social Kids at The Walt Disney Company, summed it up.  "It was awesome!  Some really inspiring stuff."

The World Congress of Play is also accepting select products to feature as examples of next generation innovations. The New Products Showcase will spotlight innovative products and ideas in front of key players in the play industry.  For further information or to submit a product for consideration, visit http://www.worldcongressofplay.com/ - !for-general-inquiries-about-th/c1zr6.

To register to attend the first World Congress of Play, visit http://www.worldcongressofplay.com/#!register/cqvr. Registration is $1250, with a $125 discount if registered by July 15th. Cost includes all speaking sessions, networking events and meals. (Discount valid for the first 50 to register for the event)

For more information and ongoing updates to the list of speakers and agenda topics, visit http://www.worldcongressofplay.com or follow @WCOP2014 on Twitter.

About Global Toy Experts
Global Toy Experts is a world-renowned consultancy and resource for toy industry insight and information led by well-known industry leader, Richard Gottlieb. Experts provide cutting-edge analysis and strategies to domestic toy manufacturers as well as those international providers who are looking to raise their profile in the United States. The consultancy also provides unique observations and commentary at speaking engagements and conferences globally, furnishing the toy industry with exceptional blueprints for success. Additionally, Global Toy Experts publishes Global Toy News, a Web-based magazine that covers toy industry news and provides resource links. For more information, please visit http://www.GlobalToyExperts.com.

About Creativity, Inc.
Creativity, Inc. was established in 1998 in San Carlos, California. The company's mission is to provide toy, game, learning, and entertainment developers with the very best design, development and engineering services available. Strengths include game design and play pattern development; music composition, sound design, voice casting and recording; digital illustration and animation; software engineering for embedded processors and mobile App platforms including Apple and Android; electro-mechanical engineering; puppeteering and localization. Customers include 9 of the 10 leading toy companies in the world and leading entertainment companies including Disney, Sony, Nickelodeon, Sesame Workshop, Bandai, HIT, Discovery Channel, and more. For more information, please visit http://www.CreativityUSA.com.

SOURCE World Congress of Play