Have you heard about Toy Fair Everywhere and ShopToys365 (ST365)? If you are in the play industry, we know you have been wondering what Toy Fair New York and The Toy Association are offering for the remainder of 2020 as well as upcoming events in 2021. Get the scoop on the latest happenings in the most widely anticipated toy events in the U.S.A.!
What is Toy Fair New York, You Ask??
Simply put, The American International Toy Fair hosted by The Toy Association takes place annually in New York. It is the place where you can expect everyone who has a passion for this incredible industry will be each year to discover the newest toys on the market and learn about the reigning champs for the year’s expected sales. An average of over 150,000 products are on display for a week of exhilarating exhibits, demonstrations, and connections with buyers from all over the globe. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, this trade show should be at the top of your list of annual events!
Should new Sellers Come to Toy Fair?
Yes! Experienced manufacturers and newcomers alike will be eagerly awaiting Toy Fair all year long. Of all the trade shows in the toy and play industry, this is the perfect place to showcase your innovative designs and interactive creations. Plus, where else can you spend time speaking with the gurus of your field who can guide your journey as a seller in this exceptionally fun yet highly competitive profession? Find your buyers, entertainment trends, and the experts in one location. Apply today!
When is the Next Tradeshow?
The next Toy Fair is scheduled for the week of February 13th. Use the Toy Fair New York website to learn about where to stay and how to find all your favorite vendors. Each year, License 2 Play has two booths,#2553 and #2565. In 2021, we will be located on the third floor in the Exhibit Hall. Come find us by clicking “At Toy Fair” and “Show Map” to enter our name or booth numbers to locate where we will be waiting to speak with you!
How far out Should I Register?
It has been our experience the earlier you register for this globally touted event the better. While you can usually register to attend up to the day before and perhaps during the Toy Fair, this year could be different and it can also be challenging to find a hotel nearby. Also, you could run the risk of the rates going up closer to the start of the event and transportation becoming more difficult to secure, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking of the pandemic, this brings us to the question of how many people they will allow inside the event this year. We are fully expecting the Toy Fair to be enacting unprecedented safety measures this February to ensure all attendees and exhibitors are not transmitting the virus. Thus, there may be a lower limit on the number of attendees and vendors. All this to say, it is more important this year than ever before to plan ahead and reserve your spot ASAP!
Cannot Wait Until February?
For those of us who have been missing our connections with our buyers, sellers, and touted experts during COVID-19, we have exciting news! Toy Fair New York is going virtual this summer for two weeks in an event called Toy Fair Everywhere! During each session, virtual attendees will have special access to vendor booths, demos, tending products, the Toy of the Year (TOTY) finalists, and special events you won’t find anywhere else! Sign up today for the week of August 17th and September 14th to take advantage of all this online trade show can offer.
Need Year-Round Access to Vendors and Products?
The Toy Association heard buyers and sellers when they requested a year-round connection site that would enable them to shop, chat, and personalize the entertainment experience for retailers. Introducing ShopToys365 also known as ST365 where you can browse and download product listings, create wishlists, share your buying preferences with your team, view your favorite showrooms as if you are actually attending The Toy Fair in New York, personalize your experience, utilize in-app messaging, and, of course, follow trends and updates. Best of all, the basic membership package is FREE!
In short, The Toy Fair in New York is the ultimate experience for all manufacturers, wholesalers, and buyers in the play industry! Thankfully, now there are two options to continue the B2B learning, shopping, demonstrating, and purchasing opportunities online. Begin your connection with others who share your passion for toys, games, and novelty items in this $90.7 billion industry by registering to participate with all three events!