Tara McGrath – Head of Inventor Relations & Innovation at Mattel – on why inventors remain crucial to the company’s ongoing success.

Julien Sharp – Asmodee’s General Manager for the US – on her origins in the industry, inventor advice and the blurring lines between hobby and mass market games.

Winners of the Designer/Inventor accolades were Melissa & Doug’s Claudia D. Sandoval, Melissa & Doug and Theodora S.T.E.A.M. Girls’ Gayle Keller.

This revamped version of Julian Courtland-Smith’s Survive comes with a brand-new monster, a fifth player and a refreshed packaging.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, November 29th.

Ananda, designed by Dirk Barsuhn, sees players build a temple for their monk – and promises a balance of ‘fun and relaxation’.

“The speakers we’ve lined up for this year’s conference include some of the brightest minds from a variety of influential spaces,” said Kim Boyd, President, Global Brands and Franchise Management at Hasbro.

“We will deliver extraordinary products that encapsulate the enchanting spirit and magic of the franchise in every detail,” said André Lake Mayer, Spin Master’s SVP Global Strategic Partnerships & Consumer Products.

“The excuse that’s been hounding teachers for generations is so timelessly ridiculous, we just had to turn it into a game,” said Craig Hendrickson, SVP Product Development at University Game.

Azurite Sea sees characters from Disney’s Big Hero 6 join Disney Locana for the first time.