2024 WONDER WOMEN AWARDS
Celebrating the Wonder in Every Woman!
Lights, Camera, Action! On September 13, 2024, at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles we celebrated the remarkable women executives, entrepreneurs, thought leaders and changemakers who are propelling the toy, consumer products, licensing and entertainment industries forward.
Timed to coincide with LA Fall Toy Previews, this year's much-anticipated celebration brought together top industry executives from manufacturers, entertainment studios, retailers, media outlets, and the world's most iconic brand owners. Together, we honored the brilliant women whose innovation and leadership ignite and uplift our industry!
Friday, September 13, 2024
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM (PDT)
The Beverly Hilton
Los Angeles
2024 Award Categories
ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE recognizes a purpose-driven woman who has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to advocating for gender equality and diversity within the industry, inspiring positive change and fostering inclusivity.
Individual Award
Suggested Recipients: Human Resources, DEI
BRAND EXCELLENCE recognizes the collaborative efforts of a dedicated team that has collectively contributed to the outstanding success and development of a brand, demonstrating exceptional creativity, innovation, and teamwork.
Team Award
Suggested Recipients:: Marketing, Licensing, Sales
BRAND FRANCHISE recognizes an accomplished woman or team who has played a key role in bringing an IP to life through innovative collaborations, licensed partnership, and curated retail programs in traditional and/or non-traditional distribution channels.
Individual or Team Award
Suggested Recipients: Outbound Licensing, Brand Partnerships, Retail Development
COMMERCIAL SALES recognizes a top-performing sales team for their exceptional work, high standards and knowledge, creative approach, and contributions made to exceed sales goals and drive top-line revenue and growth.
Team Award
Suggested Recipients: Internal Sales Teams, External Sales Reps
CORPORATE CHANGE recognizes the collaborative efforts of a company who has shown outstanding support for women in the consumer products industry
Team Award
Suggested Recipients: Company
DESIGNER/INVENTOR - CORPORATE recognizes a woman for her exceptional brilliance, creativity, and ingenuity in product or property design within a large corporation. This award celebrates her significant contributions to the industry, showcasing her transformative achievements
Individual Award
Suggested Recipients: Designer, Inventor, Product Development
DESIGNER/INVENTOR - INDEPENDENT/ENTREPRENEUR recognizes a woman for her outstanding brilliance, creativity, and ingenuity as a small business owner or entrepreneur in product or property design. This award celebrates her significant contributions to the industry, highlighting her innovative achievements.
Individual Award
Suggested Recipients: Designer, Inventor, Product Development
DIGITAL INNOVATOR recognizes a woman for her exceptional innovation and success in digital technology or e-commerce. This award celebrates her exceptional contributions and visionary leadership, setting new standards and reshaping the future of digital platforms.
Individual Award
Suggested Recipients: Service Providers, Digital Platforms
DIGITAL STORYTELLER recognizes a talented woman in the digital space—whether an influencer, ad executive, content creator, writer, illustrator, or animator—who has delivered compelling content and demonstrated excellence in brand storytelling and cross-channel consumer engagement.
Individual Award
Suggested Recipients: Content Creator, Influencer
INBOUND LICENSING recognizes an accomplished woman for her exceptional skill and success in creating and launching stellar licensed products or product lines based on third-party IP. Through her innovative approach and strategic partnerships, she has set new standards for excellence.
Individual Award
Suggested Recipients: Manufacturer
LICENSING AGENT/AGENCY recognizes a talented licensing agent or agency that has demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity, and success in licensing properties and brands across various consumer product categories.
Individual or Team Award
Suggested Recipients: Agent or Agency
MARKETING recognizes an accomplished woman for her excellence, ground-breaking ideas, and outstanding achievements in delivering effective and innovative marketing campaigns.
Individual Award
Suggested Recipients: Marketing
MENTOR OF THE YEAR Recognizing an inspirational woman who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to mentoring others, who has gone above and beyond to support, guide, and inspire others to achieve their full potential.
Individual Award
Suggested Recipients: Individual From Any Company
PR EXCELLENCE CORPORATE Recognizing an outstanding woman who has achieved success in creating and executing exceptional PR/communications campaigns that have resulted in the growth of IP, increased brand awareness, and exceptional ROI.
Individual Award
Suggested Recipients: Corporate Executive
PR EXCELLENCE SMALL BUSINESS/ENTREPRENEUR Recognizing an outstanding woman or PR agency who has achieved success in creating and executing exceptional PR/communications campaigns that have resulted in the growth of IP, increased brand awareness, and exceptional ROI.
Individual or Team Award
Suggested Recipients: Business Owner or Agency
RISING LEADER >500 EMPLOYEES Recognizing a driven early-career woman who demonstrates significant promise as an emerging leader, and exhibits ingenuity of thought with the potential for substantial and lasting influence on the industry.
Individual Award
Suggested Recipients: Early Stage Executive
RISING LEADER <500 EMPLOYEES Recognizing a driven early-career woman who demonstrates significant promise as an emerging leader, and exhibits ingenuity of thought with the potential for substantial and lasting influence on the industry.
Individual Award
Suggested Recipients: Early Stage Executive
SMALL BUSINESS OWNER OF THE YEAR Honoring a female small business owner for her exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial drive, and innovative spirit. She has navigated entrepreneurship's challenges with dedication and strategic vision, leading to significant growth and success. Her ability to inspire, adapt, and create impact sets her apart as a leader and role model.
Individual Award
Suggested Recipients: Small Business Owner or Entrepreneur
SUSTAINABILITY EXCELLENCE Recognizing a visionary woman whose commitment to sustainability in product development has made a profound and lasting impact on the industry. Her innovative approaches and ability to inspire change exemplify the highest standards of sustainability.
Individual Award
Suggested Recipients: Product Development
UNSUNG HERO Recognizing a talented woman who consistently goes above and beyond to make the magic happen. Whether in operations, logistics, finance, accounting, research, legal, or other areas of the business, her contributions are countless, and she plays an integral role in her company.
Individual Award
Suggested Recipients: Executive or Entrepreneur: Operations, Logistics, Finance, Accounting, Research, Legal
NOMINATION GUIDELINES
NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
Nominations are open from March 27 through May 19, 2023.
Submission Fee:
$100 per nomination - Your contribution to nominate will benefit the WiT Foundation Scholarship Program and fund vitally important programming. Nomination fees are non-refundable.
Eligibility:
-
Anyone may submit a nominee.
-
Self-nominations are welcomed and encouraged.
-
For companies nominating employees, please limit your nominations to one nominee per category.
-
Nominator has consent on behalf of the nominee for submitting the nomination.
-
Submissions must be received by May 19, 2023 to be eligible.
On the nomination form, tell us why your candidate is deserving of a nomination, and include a bullet list of 3-5 major accomplishments. (Total 300 words or less)
Follow These Helpful Hints:
-
Edit your submission carefully, as the content you provide will be published for voters to review.
-
Focus on your nominee’s achievements and accomplishments instead of your personal relationship with her.
-
Use a bullet-list when describing your nominee's accomplishments. This makes it easy for voters to read.
-
Review the Award Criteria on this page and address one or more of the questions shown, which will be considered when deciding the final slate of nominees.
AWARD CRITERIA
The Wonder Women Awards recognize outstanding women who have made a significant and lasting impact on the toy, consumer products, licensing and entertainment industries.
Tell us your nominee's story! Emphasize the unique elements of her leadership achievements that make her stand out. How have her accomplishments:
-
Positively impacted her company, peers, or industry?
-
Contributed to the growth or improvement of her company or the toy, licensing or entertainment industries?
-
Served as a role model for other individuals or companies in the industry?
SELECTION PROCESS
All nominee submissions will be reviewed by the Wonder Women Committee and WiT staff to ensure eligibility is met. When necessary, a nominee may be moved to a different category than originally nominated.
All nominees will be contacted by WiT, and have the opportunity to accept or decline their nomination prior to the official Final Slate announcement.
Voting for the winners will be conducted by all active WiT members, including Committee Chairs, Chapter Chairs, and WiT Board of Directors. Winners will be announced at the Wonder Women Awards Gala in New York City on Sunday, October 1, 2023.
NOMINATION GUIDELINES
NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN THROUGH APRIL 19, 2024
Submission Fee:
$100 per nomination - Your contribution will benefit the WiT Foundation Scholarship Program and fund vitally important programming. Nomination fees are non-refundable.
Eligibility:
-
Please note new TEAM and INDIVDUAL Awards.
-
For TEAM Awards, provide the name of the female team leader. If the team wins, the team leader should accept the award, and the team is invited to join her on stage. Team Awards may include male allies.
-
Anyone may submit a nominee.
-
Self-nominations are welcomed and encouraged.
-
Companies, please nominate only one nominee per category.
-
Nominator must have the nominee’s consent to submit the nomination.
-
While not required, we encourage nominees to attend the Wonder Women Awards Gala.
-
Submissions must be received by April 19, 2024 to be eligible.
SELECTION PROCESS
All nominee submissions will be reviewed by the Wonder Women Committee and WiT staff to ensure eligibility is met. When necessary, a nominee may be moved to a different category than originally nominated.
All nominees will be contacted by WiT, and have the opportunity to accept or decline their nomination prior to the official Final Slate announcement.
Voting for the winners will be conducted by all active WiT members, including Committee Chairs, Chapter Chairs, and WiT Voting for the winners will be conducted by all active WiT members, including Committee Chairs, Chapter Chairs, and WiT Board of Directors. Winners will be announced at the Wonder Women Awards Gala in Los Angeles on Friday, September 13, 2024.
FAQ
When will the location be announced, and when can I buy tickets?
The location for the 2024 Wonder Women Awards Gala in Los Angeles, CA at The Beverly Hilton: 9876 Wilshire Boulevard Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Tickets and more information are available here.
What is the format of the WiT Wonder Women Awards?
The evening will begin with a cocktail reception followed by a seated dinner and Awards program.
What is the suggested attire for the WiT Wonder Women Awards?
Evening or cocktail attire is recommended.
Is there assigned seating at the event?
Yes. We will do our best to seat you with everyone in your party. Please include any seating requests in the notes section of your ticket purchase. Assigned seating is only guaranteed for full table purchases.
Does the Wonder Women Awards sell out?
Yes, this event has sold out in the past and may sell out again so purchase your tickets early.!
Are tickets refundable?
No, all ticket purchases are non-refundable.
I’m a journalist who wants to cover the WiT Wonder Women Awards on Friday, September 13. Are there tickets for the media?
For press-related inquiries, please email info@womenintoys.com
Directions to the event:
We recommend using rideshare (Uber, Lyft, Waymo) to attend the Wonder Women Gala. Using rideshare to attend the event ensures a hassle-free and convenient journey, avoiding the stress of parking and navigating unfamiliar areas. Plus, it allows you to relax and enjoy the ride, arriving refreshed and ready to enjoy the occasion.