Toy Fair is delighted to announce the return of its Student Design Seminar, an initiative aimed at inspiring university design students and nurturing the next wave of toy and game innovators. This year’s seminar brings together an exciting lineup of leading inventors and in-house designers who will share their expertise with the emerging talent.
Working in close partnership with Mojo Nation, the British Toy & Hobby Association has tailored a seminar that champions creativity and provides valuable industry perspective. By hearing from both independent inventors and in-house design leaders, students will gain a well-rounded understanding of the varied opportunities available in the toy and game industry.
Taking place on the final day of the show in the Henley Suites, students will hear from a panel of celebrated independent inventors, including Gary Pyper of Fun-Damental Invention, board game inventor Ellie Dix, and Fi Murray of Making Things Studio. Together, they will offer invaluable guidance for those eager to break into the world of toy and game invention.
The seminar will also showcase perspectives from leading in-house design teams. Speakers include Alpesh Patel, VP of Global Toy Design at TOMY; Bob Moog, President of University Games; Rory Edwards, Design & Development Manager at Vivid Goliath; and Alex Reynolds, Global Head of R&D & Licensing at Casdon. Their discussion will provide students with an inside look at designing for global brands and developing products that resonate with consumers around the world.
Beyond the seminar, students will have the opportunity to explore the show floor, with scheduled stand visits arranged with exhibitors. These visits will offer valuable insight into emerging industry trends and the wider market landscape, inspiring innovative product ideas.
Majen Immink, Head of Toy Fair said: “We are so pleased to be able to bring back the Student Design Seminar this year. The toy industry is so vibrant and creative, and this seminar is a great opportunity to inspire the next generation of up and coming designers to think about the toy industry as a future career destination.”
Toy Fair 2026 will take place Tuesday 20th-Thursday 22nd January. To register for your visitor pass please click here https://toyfair2026.eventreference.com/register.
For more information on Toy Fair please visit www.toyfair.uk and @ToyFairUK on Instagram.
