NewSky XR Brings Toy Foundation’s Toy of the Year Awards After-Party Into the Metaverse

April 1, 2022

The metaverse is upon us, and The Toy Foundation is one of the latest companies to bring one of its events into the new world of virtual interactivity and participant engagement. For its recent Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards after-party, the Toy Foundation leveraged the immersive event platform of NewSky XR for a cutting-edge virtual experience.

NewSky XR took this year's TOTY to the next level by hosting an after-party for winners, Toy Industry Hall of Fame inductees and event attendees in their New York Rooftop location in the metaverse.

After the winners were announced, event participants logged in to NewSky XR’s secure online platform to enjoy the highly engaging and immersive event. They donned customizable avatars with video screen heads to network with toy industry leaders in a high-fidelity, rich texture, photo-realistic environment. Each category winner had a video that played on one of 20 in-world screens throughout the beautiful virtual ballroom.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this year’s Toy of the Year Awards,” said Tim Weisbrod, chief technology officer at NewSky XR. “We were thrilled that The Toy Foundation chose to leverage our platform to engage with its audience in the metaverse in a way that you simply can’t experience in simple video conferencing.”

“On a night that honors the best in play and kids’ entertainment, NewSky XR helped us deliver a TOTY after party that reflected the innovation the toy industry is known for,” said Pamela Mastrota, executive director at The Toy Foundation. “It was an engaging virtual experience that added another experiential layer to the night’s festivities, allowing attendees to interact and network in a fun new way.”

Robin Raskin, founder of The Virtual Events Group, which produced the event, said her company searched high and low for the right metaverse that would ensure that TOTY guests would have a great experience and an easy time onboarding, and not require them to have any special hardware.

“NewSky XR had the perfect combination of stunning New York scenes, seamless sign-ons, and the sense of playfulness and exploration that we were seeking,” Raskin said.

NewSky XR was created by event professionals, entertainment veterans, VR pioneers, and gamers in a mashup to deliver immersive and engaging live experiences through its WebXR platform.

Known as the "Oscars" of the toy industry, the TOTYs are presented annually by The Toy Foundation to the top toys, games and properties of the year. The awards program supports the philanthropic work of The Toy Foundation.

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on TwitterFacebook and  LinkedIn!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.