TIA to Sponsor May 2010 Sandbox Summit Exploring the Relationship between Media and Play

The Toy Industry Association (TIA) announced today that it has signed on as a sponsor of the May 18-19, 2010 Sandbox Summit conference “iPlay, YouPlay, WiiPlay: How Play is Changing Media & Media is Changing Play.” 

The two-day event, which will be held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is being presented by the MIT Education Arcade, and will bring together leading innovators in children’s media, books, toys, virtual worlds, and education for an exploration of the impact that emerging media and technology platforms have on kids’ play – and to share their predictions on how the new playrooms will impact 21st century literacy.

Launched in January 2008, Sandbox Summit® is a series of conferences designed to address how technology is changing the ways kids play, learn, and connect. The goal of Sandbox Summit® is to ensure that the next generation of players becomes active innovators rather than passive consumers of technology.

During ToyCon ’09, Sandbox Summit co-founders Wendy Smolen and Claire Green moderated a panel discussion on mobile apps, playful learning and new ways to increase play value.

“This year we are looking at how children and technology are reshaping the play environment,” said Ms. Smolen.  “From books to toys to screens of all sizes, technology is making an impact on how kids play and what they’re learning from their play.”

Ms. Green added, “21st learning requires kids to be literate in all kinds of play, regardless of the medium. Bringing together thought leaders and innovators from different media platforms will help jumpstart the process of creating toys and tools that will address the future of learning through play.”

The speakers and panelists – including scholars, developers and toy designers, will address a broad array innovations and technologies that cross and combine platforms.

“We are pleased to continue building upon our positive relationship with Sandbox Summit,” added Carter Keithley, TIA president.  “The convergence of high tech and traditional play presents some interesting opportunities for the toy industry.  Sandbox Summit is creating an opportune environment to come together to imagine the future of fun and play.”

To learn more about the event, please view the online Program Agenda & Event Registration page; registration for the 2 day event in May is $695.

TIA members and industry constituents are also invited to sign up to receive email updates from the Sandbox Summit.