ToyFest's Carrie Scanlan: SAG Awards, Red Carpet, Celebrities, Horses and More!

by ToyFest | 18 Jan 2025

Biographies and Interviews

 

 

Hi Carrie, it was great to have a chance to get to know you a bit at ToyFest 2024. I think our readers will be quite surprised at your background! How long have you been in the toy industry?

 

I have been working in the Toy Industry since 2016 when I was brought on as a photo and video editor for ToyFest. I took over as the Event Director for the wonderful Frances Mendez in 2017

 

 

What is your background and how did it influence you? (Young self, 20’s, 30’s, and now)

 

I started my career in the television award show industry. My first gig was the American Music Awards with Dick Clark. I worked closely with the director, Jeff Margolis, as his personal assistant. He offered me a job at his production company where I became the publicity manager for the Screen Actors Guild Awards for 13 years. I then left to become a producer in the corporate world and worked with clients such as Kia, Bank of America, and Midnight Moon Moonshine. After I had my second daughter, I took a year off to enjoy my girls and then landed the job at ToyFest. My stepfather who was the Exhibitor Services Manager for over 30 years at the Toy Show (dating back to Pasadena) introduced me. I actually went to the Pomona Show a few times when I was a kid! Working in the PR Dept and then becoming a Producer gave me a full guideline to running a show myself. I couldn’t be happier working for ToyFest!

 

 

What is your claim to fame?

 

Besides working with 100’s celebrities at SAG Awards including Betty White, Julie Andrews and Shirley Temple, the project I’m most proud of was setting up an event at Willie Nelson’s ranch in Luck, TX for Midnight Moon Moonshine. I created a mason jar chandelier that was voted top 10 designs by BizBash. It was also amazing meeting Willie and spending time on his ranch.

 

 

What is the most rewarding part about your job?

 

Working from home and making my own schedule (most of the time) allows me to spend time with my two girls when they need me. The chapter of children in the house will be gone before I know it, and it so rewarding that I get to have this amazing job and be a stay-at-home mom at the same time. And bonus, Ireland my oldest daughter now helps me at home and on the road!

 

 

How do you recharge?

 

My recharge time is split between spending quality time with my horses and binge-watching TV shows.

 

What was your favorite toy growing up?

 

This is a tough question! I enjoyed my big wheel, making lanyards, puzzles, my vintage Charlie McCarthy ventriloquist dummy, but my favorite for the longest time were my plush. I had so many stuffies growing up and they were with me for years. They all had their special place on my bed. Funny thing, my youngest daughter Hazel is the same way!

 

 

I’m Lucky….. to be alive.

 

I was kicked in the face by a horse this past December trying to save a child stuck under her horse who fell on top of her while practicing barrel racing. I am so lucky that a concussion was the worst of it. I feel fortunate to be alive and part of my family’s life. I am so lucky to be married to my husband, partner and teammate. He lifts me up and supports me since Day 1 in 2007. I feel lucky to work with an amazing group of people at ToyFest who value me. So Special! I feel so lucky to have traveled the road that led me to where I am today. #FeelingBlessed 

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