Sweet Spot Studio scoops Toy of the Year award from Mattel for work on Thomas & Friends TrackMaster Dino Escape
At this year’s Mattel Inventor Showcase, Michigan-based invention house Sweet Spot Studio Inc scooped the Toy of the Year award.
The award was given to the firm, run by Jon and Sarah Vanderbeek, for their work on the Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends TrackMaster Dino Escape set.
Having both been mentored under toy legends at Bang Zoom Design and The Obb, the Vanderbeek’s have gone on to develop major brand launches for IP spanning Jurassic Park, Nerf, Thomas the Train and Hot Wheels, and also spread the love for invention by putting on STEAM workshops with kids from local schools in their town of Saugatuck.
More Recent News
Mattel Brick Shop sets will “surpass builder’s expectations” says Mattel
“Today marks an exciting new chapter as we introduce Mattel Brick Shop,” said Roberto Stanichi, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Vehicles and Building Sets.
LEGO debuts LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers set
‘Working on one of the world’s most famous paintings can be quite daunting, but recreating Sunflowers has been a dream come true,” said LEGO Designer Stijn Oom.
Fun-Damental Invention and Big Potato Games win UK Toy Inventors’ Dinner WITTY Prize for Tilt N’ Shout
The WITTY is presented to the inventors of a product introduced in the preceding year and judged by event attendees to be the most exciting and inventive.
Fuse’s Pete Cartlidge, Kevin Gillon, Lucas Tyler and Tim Rowe win I.D.I.O.T. Award at UK Toy Inventors’ Dinner 2025
I.D.I.O.T. stands for International Designer and Inventor of Toys and the award is given as a tribute to those who have made outstanding contributions to the toy industry.
Hey Dude launches Furby footwear
The collection spans two silhouettes – the Wendy Furby and the Wendy Slip Furby Rainbow.
Mattel debuts Hot Wheels Formula 1 collection
“The next phase of the partnership is all about giving fans the products and experiences that bring the worlds of Hot Wheels and F1 together in a way that has never been done before,” said Roberto Stanichi, EVP of Hot Wheels and Global Head of Vehicles and Building Sets at Mattel.
Popular Articles
Hasbro's Chris Cocks on inventors and innoation
Mattel Brick Shop sets will "surpass builder’s expectations" says Mattel
Mattel debuts Hot Wheels Formula 1 collection
LEGO debuts LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh - Sunflowers set
From Good to Great: Gamely Games founder Hazel Reynolds on pitching to playtesters
Upcoming Events
-
- 31st January 2025
- Spielwarenmesse, Nuremberg
International Game Inventors Convention
-
- 20th - 22nd May 2025
- Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas
Las Vegas Licensing Expo
-
- 24th - 26th June 2025
- Stamford Bridge Stadium, Chelsea, London
Play Creators Festival
-
- Tuesday, June 24th, 2025
- Stamford Bridge Stadium, Chelsea, London
Play Creators Awards
-
- Wednesday, June 25th, 2025
- Stamford Bridge Stadium, Chelsea, London
Play Creators Conference
-
- Thursday, June 26th, 2025
- Stamford Bridge Stadium, Chelsea, London
Mojo Pitch
-
- 7th - 9th October 2025
- Excel London
Brand Licensing Europe