July 31, 2023 | With 989 companies slated to exhibit at Toy Fair®, thousands of toy professionals, media, and buyers from around the world (including 22 of the top 25 U.S. toy sellers representing the $40 billion U.S. toy industry) will take advantage of Toy Fair’s unparallel opportunities to scout new toys and games; tap into unique play-fueled experiences, edutainment, and entertainment; and explore the latest character-driven licensing opportunities from the top brands and up-and-coming creators.
“Taking place September 30 to October 3, Toy Fair 2023 is a can’t miss event for the industry and truly a one-stop shop for all those involved in the toy industry,” said Kimberly Carcone, executive vice president of global market events at The Toy Association. “From creatives to key leaders, manufacturers, and media, professionals driving the business of play will all be doing business at Toy Fair.”
As of this writing, 1,400 retail outlets spanning across all 50 U.S. states and 59 countries and territories, and counting, are slated to attend, and Toy Fair’s overall attendance, representing 73 countries and territories, is up 7 percent from Toy Fair 2020.
Beyond meeting with buyers from mass, specialty, and other channels, exhibitors can take advantage of the show’s new Visual Merchandising Initiative, which will require exhibitors to make product visible in at least 20 percent of their booth space. Companies can show off their current holiday drivers to media and buyers looking to fill any last-minute Q4 orders up front, while previewing their innovative product for 2024 behind closed doors to trusted partners. The most playful, welcoming, and attractive booths will be up for one of Toy Fair’s inaugural Reimagination Awards.
Showgoers will also have the opportunity to explore the influence of global trends and parallel industries on toys through Toy Fair’s new dedicated product zones, showcases, and pavilions. The World of Toys Pavilion in partnership with Spielwarenmesse eG will spotlight brands and playthings from around the world; a Halloween Pavilion will highlight Halloween-related products and experiences; a new “Hot for Holiday” display will show off buzz-worthy toys for this holiday; and a new “Pet PLAYce” section will put the focus on playful products for pets.
Attendees can further boost their business savvy by attending Toy Fair University sessions held throughout the show. Seminars and panel presentations will address everything from AI and marketing in the metaverse, to sustainable packaging guidance, to The Toy Association’s Toy Trends Briefing, which will unveil new consumer research about toys, play, and emerging trends.
“Get direct access to the valuable connections and resources you need to succeed and break through the clutter across the play landscape,” added Carcone. “Whatever your place in the business of play, Toy Fair is where you need to be.”
Toy Fair will take place September 30 to October 3 at the Javits Center in New York City. More information about the schedule of events for Student Congress and additional Toy Fair events can be found at ToyFairNY.com.