CONNETIX

Friday Blog Post 

Author: Brea Brand, CEO and Co-Founder of CONNETIX..

 

Hello, my name is Brea, I am the CEO and co-founder of CONNETIX – An Australian brand bringing to market award-winning, STEAM accredited magnetic tiles that inspire imagination and creativity through play.

 

Together with my business partner Dave, we founded CONNETIX in 2019 and we’re incredibly proud of the amazing growth we have achieved, creating a family-focused brand that is globally renowned with our innovative range stocked in 80+ countries. Designed to grow with children as they learn and develop, our products are loved by children, parents, educators and allied health professionals worldwide.

 

What is your favourite part about working in the toy industry?

 

The people and the products! The toy industry is a vibrant and one-of-a-kind community – one that is characterised by people pursuing their dreams, working together and ultimately, creating products that are meaningful and FUN. It’s a space where we can channel our creativity to design products that foster a love of learning, and most importantly, bring joy to children and their families. 

 

Give us the inside scoop, what products are you launching at Toy Fair 2025?

 

It’s certainly been a busy twelve months for our team with lots of big projects and newly released products, including our Pastel Transport Pack and a whole new range – our brand-new Roads! You can expect to see the Roads Range in action on our stand in London and we are proud to say this range, being our most anticipated yet, has been widely embraced by retailers and throughout the CONNETIX community. This range debuts a sleek black shade tile devoid of lines to stay true to the values and open-ended nature of all CONNETIX products. Reimagining the possibilities for magnetic tile play, from creating roads to small world cities to architectural wonders, dynamic ball runs and most recently, Christmas-inspired creations! Visit us at our eye-catching and immersive stand to join in the FUN and experience the magic of CONNETIX. 

 

What trends do you predict for the Toy Fair industry in 2025?

 

As the educational value of toys rises as a key focus for customers, we are seeing a huge demand for both the STEAM and construction categories, and we expect this trend to continue into 2025.

 

Alongside this is the exciting emergence of MESH (Mental, Emotional and Social Health) toys, recognising the importance of play in building essential skills to promote healthy development and resilience in young people. This is something we are passionate about at CONNETIX, as championing the benefits of open-ended play has always been at the forefront of our mission and informs everything we do. 

 

How many years have you exhibited at Toy Fair? Any favourite memories?

 

We are thrilled to be returning to Toy Fair for a third consecutive year. It’s a wonderful atmosphere to be a part of and for us, an opportunity not to be missed. As a remote business we love connecting with retailers, customers and industry leaders to celebrate all-things play. 

 

An unforgettable moment for CONNETIX was winning “stand design of the year” exhibiting at our very first Toy Fair in 2023. Someone once said to me that you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and this was our aim at our first Toy Fair – to leave an impression of the high quality our brand stands for in everything we do. 

 

Another fun highlight was when Gavin Inskip and Anna Williamson from Toy Fair TV presented in our booth and knocked down a mega CONNETIX tower – providing a candid slow-motion moment caught on camera!

 

What is your favourite toy?

 

When we’re not playing with CONNETIX, my three children and I love playing the card games “Spot It” and “Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza” – it’s incredibly fun! I also still have my old original “Downfall” game from MB Games, it’s one we all enjoy and has lots of sentimental value. 

 

What’s your favourite Toy craze, past or present?

 

I was a big childhood fan (slightly obsessed!) of Cabbage Patch Kids. Plush toys are the go-to for my own children, with Beanie Babies and Squishmallows making up part of our home décor over the years. 

 

What top tip would you give to a fellow exhibitor or visitor attending their first Toy Fair?

 

Embrace every opportunity this platform has to offer, from PR to collaborating with other exhibitors, as well as reaching out to the amazing Toy Fair team (they’re so supportive and give great advice!) – it all makes a difference and can be a gamechanger for your brand.