(Jenna Stirling, Executive Director of POP!) Hello, toy professionals, inventors, and global brand enthusiasts! Welcome to another exciting edition of The Bloom Report, your go-to source for all things toy industry. Today, we have a very special guest with us, Sunny Su, the new incoming Chief Digital Officer of the Chicago Toy and Game Group. Sunny, it's a pleasure to have you here. Welcome!

Sunny: Thank you so much for having me. I'm thrilled to be here and share my excitement about the toy industry and my role in shaping its digital future.

Fantastic, Sunny! Let's dive right into it. As the new Chief Digital Officer, what attracted you to the Chicago Toy and Game Group, and what goals do you have in mind for the organization?

Well, I've always been passionate about the power of play and the positive impact it can have on people's lives, especially children. When I learned about the Chicago Toy and Game Group and their commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and connection through play, I knew it was a perfect fit. My goal is to leverage digital technologies and platforms to enhance the overall toy experience, making it more immersive, interactive, and inclusive for children and families worldwide.

That's wonderful, Sunny! We're all eager to see how you'll bring the magic of play into the digital realm. Speaking of innovation, could you share with us any upcoming digital initiatives or projects that you have in the pipeline?

Absolutely! We have some exciting projects in the works. One of our key initiatives is to create a robust online platform that will serve as a hub for toy professionals, inventors, and global brands to connect, collaborate, and showcase their creations. This platform will provide a space for industry experts to exchange ideas, discover new talent, and even explore potential partnerships. We also have plans to launch an interactive mobile app that will engage children in imaginative and educational play experiences using augmented reality and gamification.

Wow, those sound like incredible initiatives, Sunny! It's truly inspiring to see how the digital landscape can amplify the joy and educational aspects of play. Now, as the toy industry continues to evolve, what do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities in the digital space for toy professionals and inventors?

Great question! One of the biggest challenges is staying ahead of the curve in terms of technological advancements and consumer expectations. With rapid developments in virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and internet-connected devices, toy professionals and inventors need to embrace these innovations to create captivating and relevant experiences. However, the opportunities are immense. Digital platforms offer vast reach and engagement potential, allowing toy professionals to connect with a global audience, gather real-time feedback, and iterate their products faster than ever before. It's an exciting time to be in this industry.

Absolutely, Sunny! The digital landscape opens up a world of possibilities. Now, let's shift our focus to the global brand audience. How do you envision leveraging digital strategies to enhance the presence and reach of the Chicago Toy and Game Group on a global scale?

Global reach is indeed a key priority. With digital strategies, we can expand our presence through social media, online marketplaces, and strategic partnerships. By creating compelling content and interactive experiences, we can engage with toy enthusiasts worldwide, build a strong community, and showcase the amazing work of inventors and toy professionals within the Chicago Toy and Game Group. Collaboration with global brands will be vital in spreading our message and encouraging the adoption of digital innovations across the industry.

Collaboration and community-building are undoubtedly important factors in achieving success. Now, Sunny, as we wrap up this interview, could you leave our audience with a message or advice for toy professionals, inventors, and global brands looking to thrive in the ever-changing toy industry landscape.

Absolutely! To all the toy professionals, inventors, and global brands out there, my message would be to embrace the digital revolution with an open mind and a spirit of collaboration. The toy industry is constantly evolving, and digital technologies provide us with incredible tools to enhance the power of play and create unforgettable experiences for children and families around the world. Embrace innovation, stay curious, and never be afraid to push boundaries. Together, we can shape the future of play and make a positive impact on generations to come. Thank you for having me on the show, and I can't wait to embark on this digital journey with all of you—for those of you who would like to learn more, I’d love to connect with you on LinkedIn! (http://linkedin.com/in/solestio)