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Long recognized as THE event to salute the success, creativity and playful spirit of the North American toy industry, the Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards fully embraces the passion and creativity of the toy industry and its commitment to bring millions of smiles to millions of kids!
On November 21, 2011, this year’s finalists were unveiled and voting began during a national press conference held in New York City; toys took over the Great White Way as TOTY images were displayed over Broadway throughout Thanksgiving week.
The TOTY 2012 voting process includes input not only from consumers, but also members of the Association, retailers and journalists. Voting is open through Sunday, January 15th at which point votes will be tallied and the winners announced during a celebration in New York on February 11th.
How does a toy or game get to be a TOTY finalist? See the TOTY 2012 Award Guidelines below to learn more:
Eligibility
Representatives from any toy manufacturer or toy-related company are eligible to nominate products and/or properties for award categories defined in the TOTY Awards Program Guidelines.
An unlimited number of products may be submitted per award category, however no more than two products from one company may appear in an award category on the final ballot. Companies with multiple divisions and whose individual divisions have nominated toys may be represented by up to three products.
Criteria
All 2012 TOTY nominated products must have been:
(1) available at retail in the United States on or before November 21st , 2011, and
(2) introduced to the marketplace within the last two years.
[Note: A new version of an older product line was deemed eligible so long as the “new” iteration was introduced within the last two years.]
Submissions contained detailed explanations about the product’s play value, creativity/originality, application of new technology, creative manufacturing processes, adherence to safety standards, etc.; commentary on how the product is meeting marketplace expectations; and details of outstanding, unusual and/or creative execution of artwork, product/package design, promotional strategy and execution.
Selection of TOTY Finalists
Finalists were selected by the members of eleven Nominations Committees – one for each category – comprised of seven to eighteen high-stature experts representing retail buyers; journalists, bloggers and toy industry media spokespersons; academics and inventors/designers. Nearly 50 persons staffed the committees.
Press Conference
On November 21, 2011, the TOTY nominees were unveiled at a national press conference held in the heart of New York City. The event also marked the launch of ToyAwards.org, where consumers were invited to “vote for their favorite toys” during the holiday season.
Voting
Five weighted ballots – one each for consumers (25%), mass and specialty retailers (40% combined), journalists and bloggers (20%), and members of the Toy Industry Association (15%) – were closed in mid-January. Winners will be announced during a formal presentation ceremony on February 11th, 2012.
Awards Categories
The 2012 TOTY Awards honor products and companies for their outstanding performance in eleven categories (see sidebar at right).
Toy of the Year
The biggest honor of the evening is awarded to the year’s best toy or game, which is selected from among the finalists balloted in the individual award categories.
About the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) (www.ToyIndustryFoundation.org)
The Toy Industry Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring joy, comfort, and learning to children in need through toys and play. While other organizations provide food, shelter and support services to children and their families, TIF sees to it that these children have toys and opportunities to play in an attempt to restore both fun and a sense of normalcy to their lives. The Foundation currently fulfills its mission through core programs including The Toy Bank™ and grants to organizations whose missions are in line with that of the Toy Industry Foundation.
About the Toy Industry Association (TIA) (www.ToyAssociation.org)
TIA is the not-for-profit trade association for producers and importers of toys and youth entertainment products sold in North America, representing more than 500 companies who account for approximately 85% of domestic toy sales. Toy safety is the number one priority for the toy industry. TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety including development of the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 30 years ago, and working with government, consumers and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play. For more information, please visit www.toyfairny.com, www.toyassociation.org or www.toyinfo.org.
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