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The Toy Association™ and People of Play™ Announce Merger

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Association Elevates its Focus on Creativity, Innovation & Consumer Engagement for the Toy Industry

NEW YORK, Aug. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Toy Association™ announced today that People of Play™ (POP) and its assets will be merging into the Association and that Mary Couzin, founder of People of Play, will be joining the senior leadership team at the Association. Couzin will be responsible for guiding the future and growth of this new addition to the Association, effective immediately.

People of Play’s wide range of assets and events, including Chicago Toy and Game (CHITAG®) Fair®, The Toy & Game Innovation Excellence Awards (The TAGIEs™), the Bloom Report, Young Inventor Challenge®, Toy & Game Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference, Play in Education and POP Platforms, and the People of Play Holiday Guide will join The Toy Association’s portfolio of world class events including Toy Fair™ New York, LA Fall Preview and The Toy Foundation’s Toy of the Year® Awards.

Mary Couzin, founder of People of Play, stated: “Who knew that over 20 years ago, when I started Chicago Toy & Game Group, now People of Play, and hosted our first big event, the Chicago Toy & Game Fair, to promote play, we would add so many events and initiatives as well as have such an amazing, long-lasting effect on the industry. By joining The Toy Association with their additional resources and new vision, we can strengthen our brands for generations to come. I’m thrilled that People of Play will continue to grow and flourish and want to thank everyone who has been a part of our initiatives. As we have shown, everything is possible when people of play collaborate.” 

Adding People of Play allows the Association to build on its ongoing strategy of creating meaningful experiences that connect the industry and consumers. Aligning with People of Play creates a deeper relationship with the inventor and design community, putting greater focus on creativity and innovation, one of the cornerstones of the toy industry. Additionally, with the Chicago Toy and Game Fair, People of Play will leverage The Toy Association resources to continue to grow one of the preeminent consumer experiences during the all-important holiday season.

“We saw the opportunity to be a catalyst for creativity and innovation by aligning with Mary Couzin and People of Play and utilizing our assets and experiences to help People of Play and its events grow,” said Greg Ahearn, president and chief executive of The Toy Association. “Mary, a toy industry Hall of Famer, has built an amazing community with some of the most unique events, consumer engagement moments, compelling content, and industry resources and we are excited to have her and People of Play as part of The Toy Association. With People of Play and The Toy Association working together, the possibilities are endless.”

The 22nd annual holiday Chicago Toy and Game Fair, North America’s largest consumer toy & game fair, will take place on November 9 and 10 in Rosemont, IL. The event is open to the public with experiential and immersive events and interactive exhibits and activities for all ages. The 17th annual Toy & Game Innovation Excellence Awards (the TAGIEs), celebrating toy and game excellence worldwide, will take place on the evening of November 8th at Joe’s Live in Rosemont, IL. If you are an inventor or student designer with ideas to pitch, sign up at the premier and largest Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference. For more information visit www.peopleofplay.com and www.toyassociation.org.

About The Toy Association™ toyassociation.org / toyfoundation.org / thegeniusofplay.org / playsafe.org

Founded in 1916, The Toy Association™, Inc. is the business trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The Toy Association leads the health and growth of the U.S. toy industry, which has an annual U.S. economic impact of $102.8 billion, and its roughly 900 members drive the annual $41 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Toy Association serves as the industry’s voice on the developmental benefits of play and promotes play’s positive impact on childhood development. The organization has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, government, consumers, and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play.

As a global leader, The Toy Association produces the world-renowned Toy Fair™ in New York City; hosts marketplace activities in Los Angeles; engages in state, federal, and international advocacy on behalf of its members; sustains the Canadian Toy Association; acts as secretariat for the International Council of Toy Industries and International Toy Industry CEO Roundtable; and chairs the committee that reviews and revises America’s widely emulated ASTM F963 toy safety standard. The Toy Association’s philanthropic arm is The Toy Foundation™, a 501 (c)(3) children’s charity that acts as the uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry. To date, The Toy Foundation has delivered the joy of play to 32 million children in need worldwide.

About People of Play peopleofplay.com

People of Play (POP) leads the global toy and game industry in promoting innovation, creativity, and connectivity. A one-stop source of community for toy industry veterans, newbies, inventors, buyers, educators, influencers, media, consumers and people of all ages who love to play, POP hosts a wide range of events. This includes the Chicago Toy & Game (CHITAG) Fair, the Toy and Game Innovation Excellence Awards (the TAGIE’s), Young Inventor Challenge (YIC), PlayCHIC, Play in Education (PIE) Conference, Toy & Game Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference, People of Play platform and newsletters, and People of Play Holiday Guide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-toy-association-and-people-of-play-announce-merger-302215759.html

SOURCE The Toy Association

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AI Wellness Launches “Ask My Avatar Challenge” at CES, Ushering in a Powerful New Way to Engage

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9 hours ago

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January 4, 2025

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Three Stations to Host Interactive Experiences from January 6–11

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Assisted Intelligence Wellness (known worldwide as AI Wellness), a global leader in wellness innovation, proudly announces the Ask My Avatar Challenge, a groundbreaking interactive experience taking place during CES 2025. The event will be hosted across three premier locations:

 

IFEZ Innovation StationVenetian VIP SuiteDesert Moon Wellness

This weeklong activation from January 6–11 invites attendees to engage with cutting-edge AI-powered digital avatars representing some of the most influential visionaries in health, fitness, and wellness.

Interactive Wellness at Its Best

The Ask My Avatar Challenge offers attendees the chance to ask questions directly to AI-powered avatars of leading experts in health, wellness, and technology, gaining real-time insights into their fields of expertise.

Participants can also spin the wheel after engaging with the avatars to win big prizes related to health and wellness, further enhancing the interactive experience.

For those who engage with all the avatars across the challenge, grand prizes include:

AI Wellness Powersuit: Revolutionary EMS technology for physical recovery and performance.AI Wellness Smart Ring: Advanced wearable technology that tracks biometrics and optimizes health in real time bundled with our Powersuit until February 15, 2025.XO Sprayer with 1 Vial of Exosomes from JuveXO: A breakthrough in regenerative skincare and healing.30-Day Cellular Reset from Dr. Daniel Pompa: A complete wellness program designed to optimize cellular health and detoxification.Botox Treatment from Dr. Gideon Kwok: A premium aesthetic experience tailored to rejuvenate and refresh your look.Mr. Olympia Jacket: A coveted collectible celebrating excellence in the world of fitness.Potency No. 710 Wellness Products: A range of high-quality plant-based skincare and wellness solutions.

Wellness Prizes You Can Win

Participants will also have the chance to win innovative products, including:

epsolution™️: A premium blend of Magnesium Sulfate Epsom Salt and Siberian Fir essential oil, created by Nick and Nikki Giacara. Learn MoreMr. Lulu Skincare: Targeting pigmentation concerns like dark spots, acne scars, sun damage, melasma, and dull skin. Learn MoreGlobal Healing: Cutting-edge wellness products founded by Dr. Edward Group. Learn MoreSilverceuticals: Advanced silver-based health solutions by Dr. Keith Moeller. Learn MoreRejuran Scar Gel: A revolutionary approach to skincare and healing.Mindbody Matrix Water: A wellness breakthrough by Dr. TK Hyun. Learn MorePneuma Nitric Oxide: Solutions for nitric oxide health by Dr. Nathan Bryan. Learn MoreVisual Healing Experience: A collaboration between Louie Schwartzberg’s Moving Art, Assisted Intelligence Wellness, and Earable Neuroscience.

And more!

Meet the Avatars

Attendees can interact with the avatars of renowned thought leaders, including:

Dr. Daniel Pompa – A Leader in Real Natural Detox Health Solutions.Bernard Hiller – Top Hollywood Acting Coach, providing guidance on social, emotional, and intellectual wellness.Dr. Gideon Kwok – The Lifestyle Architect, specializing in aesthetic wellness and holistic health.Dr. Nathan Bryan – The Father of Nitric Oxide, exploring the science of nitric oxide and its health benefits.Louie Schwartzberg – Visual Healing Innovator, combining art and neuroscience for wellness.Dr. Jessie Cheung – The Vitality Visionary, focusing on sexual wellness and hormonal health.Louis Chabert (Mr. Lulu): Expert in skincare, targeting pigmentation concerns and advancing professional skincare products.Dan Solomon – President of Mr. Olympia, representing the pinnacle of fitness excellence.

Additionally, attendees can engage with avatars from the Top 111 Innovations, each representing cutting-edge solutions and insights into the future of health, wellness, and technology.

Join the Challenge Across Three Stations

The Ask My Avatar Challenge will take place at three distinct locations:

IFEZ Innovation Station: Discover global health innovations and interact with top industry avatars.Venetian VIP Suite: A luxurious setting for engaging with expert avatars and wellness solutions.Desert Moon Wellness: A tranquil space for holistic wellness experiences, open through January 11th, featuring wellness activations that demonstrate how avatars integrate into clinic-like settings.

Our content creators, film crew, social media team, and TV host will be on-site to engage attendees, guide them to the stations, and highlight the interactive elements of the challenge.

What You Can Do With Your Avatar

Creating a digital avatar unlocks endless possibilities:

Real-Time Engagement: Allow clients or customers to interact with your avatar anytime.24/7 Support: Integrate your avatar into platforms for scheduling, customer support, and more.Unlimited Content: Create high-quality, on-demand materials for education and marketing.Global Visibility: Use AI Wellness Screens, interactive platforms, and more to amplify your reach.

Quote from Founder, Abby Aboitiz

“The Ask My Avatar Challenge exemplifies how assisted intelligence and wellness can work together to create meaningful, engaging experiences. By bringing the wisdom of thought leaders and innovators to life through digital avatars, we’re bridging the gap between innovation and education in a way that’s accessible, exciting, and transformative.”

Quote from Dan Solomon, President of Mr. Olympia

“Technology and wellness are converging in incredible ways, and the Ask My Avatar Challenge is a perfect example. The top brands in the world are taking their game to an entirely new level by   By combining innovative tools like digital avatars with the knowledge of industry leaders, we’re shaping a future where fitness and health education are accessible, interactive, and transformative.”

About Assisted Intelligence Wellness (AI Wellness)

Assisted Intelligence Wellness is at the forefront of merging AI with health and wellness. From the Ask My Avatar Challenge to innovative partnerships, AI Wellness redefines how we engage with wellness through immersive digital experiences and cutting-edge technology.

For additional details or media inquiries:
Contact: info@aiwellness.ai
Website: aiwellness.ai

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ai-wellness-launches-ask-my-avatar-challenge-at-ces-ushering-in-a-powerful-new-way-to-engage-302342225.html

SOURCE Assisted Intelligence Wellness, Inc.

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MALLINDA LAUNCHES GROUNDBREAKING VITRIMAX™ VHM RESIN, ENABLING ECONOMIC FULL RECYCLABILITY FOR COMPOSITES

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9 hours ago

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January 4, 2025

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DENVER, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mallinda Inc., a pioneer in advanced polymer technology, today announced the commercial launch of Vitrimax™ Versatile Hot Melt (VHM) Resin, a revolutionary vitrimer-based composite resin system that transforms how manufacturers process and recycle high-performance composites. This breakthrough technology combines the superior mechanical properties of thermosets with the processing flexibility of thermoplastics, marking a significant advancement in sustainable manufacturing and, for the first time, enabling economic recyclability and reuse for high-performance composites. Mallinda targets 100% recycling and re-use of production scrap with Vitrimax™ VHM customers, and targets end-of-life circularity programs as well.  Due to molecular-level design for circularity, Vitrimax™ resins and their composites can always be profitably recycled at lower cost than their virgin inputs. Vitrimax™ VHM Resin and carbon fiber composite samples are available for immediate purchase at mallinda.com/shop. For more information about Vitrimax™ VHM and how it can transform your manufacturing processes, visit mallinda.com or contact info@mallinda.com. 

“Vitrimax VHM represents a paradigm shift in composite materials,” said Philip Taynton, CEO at Mallinda. “We’ve successfully bridged the gap between performance and sustainability, offering manufacturers unprecedented flexibility in scalable manufacturing and processing while maintaining the structural integrity demanded by modern applications.”

The launch follows successful commercial-scale production validation, with demonstrated batch consistency at 200L reactor scale and qualification for 2.1 tons per batch manufacturing. One day’s batch could produce 10,000 square meters of composite materials. Recognizing the transformative nature of this technology, multiple Fortune Global 500 companies already collaborate with Mallinda to commercialize VHM resins to their particular requirements.

Key Features and Benefits:

Revolutionary Vitrimer Technology: A new polymer class combining thermoset performance with thermoplastic processabilityInfinite Recyclability: Enables truly circular manufacturing with complete component material recoveryManufacturing Flexibility: Post-cure processing capabilities with tunable glass transition temperatureField Repairability: Parts can be reshaped and repaired on-demand, in the fieldSustainable Solution: Enables economically viable separation and recycling of resin, composite fabric, and integrated components including precious metalsSelf-Healing Properties: Enhanced durability through stress-relief capabilities.

“The industry has long sought a solution that doesn’t compromise between performance and sustainability,” said Eduardo Torres, CEO, MTorres America, “Vitrimax VHM delivers on both fronts, offering a truly circular solution for composite manufacturing.”  

This innovation addresses critical industry challenges, including manufacturing efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental sustainability. The technology enables manufacturers to reprocess scrap material and rejected parts, significantly lowering the overall carbon footprint of their manufacturing processes while maintaining high-performance standards. The product is optimized for the prepreg process and is ready for immediate application in UAV’s, sporting goods, automotive, marine, and aerospace secondary structures. The Vitrimax™ technology platform stands to have outsize impact on wind energy, hydrogen pressure vessels, and urban air mobility.

“The performance and recyclability of Mallinda’s vitrimer chemistry have been validated in multiple academic studies.  Circularity in composites is challenging, but the Vitrimax™ chemistry is likely one of the best places from which to start.” Said Professor Steven Nutt, Director of M.C. Gill Composites Center, University of Southern California.

About Mallinda

Mallinda Inc. is a leading global developer of Vitrimer resin systems and has identified advanced composite materials as the leading emerging market for its technology. Mallinda Inc. is headquartered in Denver, Colorado.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mallinda-launches-groundbreaking-vitrimax-vhm-resin-enabling-economic-full-recyclability-for-composites-302342236.html

SOURCE Mallinda Inc.

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Human In Motion Robotics Invites Media to Experience CES 2025 Innovation Award-Winning XoMotion™ Exoskeleton

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10 hours ago

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January 4, 2025

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VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Human In Motion Robotics Inc. (HMR), a leading innovator in robotic mobility, invites media to visit its booth at CES 2025 and experience XoMotion™, the world’s most advanced medical exoskeleton recently honored with a CES 2025 Innovation Award.

Revolutionizing Rehabilitation Medicine

XoMotion has been recognized for its potential to transform rehabilitation by emulating natural human movement and empowering individuals with mobility impairments through innovation. This cutting-edge exoskeleton offers a leap forward in:

Patient Independence: Enables hands-free, self-balancing movement, fostering a sense of control and improving rehabilitation outcomes.Therapist Support: Reduces physical burden on therapists by assisting with lifting, mobilizing, and training patients, allowing them to focus on personalized care.Versatility: Suitable for various conditions, including spinal cord injury, stroke, and neurological impairments, at different stages of recovery.

Key Features of XoMotion:

Self-Balancing & Hands-Free Operation: Ensures stability and allows natural upper body function.Omnidirectional Movement: Provides true functionality with complex walking motions.Safe & Versatile: Reduces therapist strain and caters to a wide range of patients.

Meet the XoMotion Team at CES 2025

Join HMR at booth 54612 at the Venetian Exhibit Hall D from January 7th to 10th, 2025, to witness XoMotion in action and connect with the team. See firsthand how this innovative technology is empowering individuals and transforming rehabilitation.

Experience the Future of Mobility:

The media are encouraged to schedule a visit to the HMR booth to witness live demonstrations of XoMotion and learn how this cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing human mobility.

Meet Product Ambassador Chloe Angus

A highlight of the HMR booth will be the opportunity to meet Chloe Angus, Director of Lived Experience at HMR. Chloe, an XoMotion ambassador, will be available to share her inspiring story and answer questions from the media.

Meet the Co-Founders of HMR

Siamak Arzanpour, CEO and Edward Park, COO will both be in attendance at CES and will be available for interviews. 

CES 2025

Dates: January 7-10, 2025Location: Las Vegas, NevadaHMR Booth Number: 54612 at the Venetian Exhibit Hall D

To Schedule a Media Visit or to get a copy a link to our full Press Kit please contact:

Phil Astrachan
VP of Marketing
phil@humaninmotion.com
415-310-7466

About Human In Motion Robotics

Human In Motion Robotics is dedicated to enhancing human mobility through advanced exoskeleton solutions. XoMotion is a testament to the company’s commitment to improving patient outcomes and supporting healthcare professionals. Following its recent Canadian regulatory approval, HMR is committed to expanding global access to XoMotion. The company is pursuing regulatory clearances for XoMotion in the US, Asia, and the EU.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/human-in-motion-robotics-invites-media-to-experience-ces-2025-innovation-award-winning-xomotion-exoskeleton-302342217.html

SOURCE Human in Motion Robotics Inc.

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