News Releases

January 29, 2016 | Toy Fair attendees will find getting to and from the Javits Center easier than ever, with the added number 7 train stop at 34^th St and11^th Avenue.  It will also provide quick and affordable transportation to many of the networking opportunities and special events being held beyond official show hours. Rounding out Toy Fair’s robust schedule of activities, the Toy Industry Association (TIA) and its partners will be hosting several post-show evening events, which includes:

• Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards Ceremony
  Friday, February 12
  6 – 11 pm
  American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79^th Street
  “Toy Fair Week” kicks off with the 16^th annual TOTY Awards ceremony at the iconic American Museum of Natural History. This year's special TOTY ceremony will honor the most outstanding toy products; celebrate the Toy Industry Association’s 100th anniversary; support the work of the Toy Industry Foundation; and salute Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, as he is inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame. The black tie optional event will include a networking reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by the awards ceremony and seated dinner in the museum's famous Hall of Ocean Life. The evening will end with additional opportunities to connect with industry friends and business partners at a dessert reception. 
  Tickets are $375/person and $3,750/table of 10. Reserve your tickets today
   
• ASTRA’s Exclusively Yours Reception
  Saturday, February 13
  5:30  – 6:30 pm
  Jacob Javits Convention Center, Level 1, Hall 1E Room 1E06
  Don’t miss out on the exciting reveal of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association’s (ASTRA) product exclusives for Active Play and Arts & Crafts at Toy Fair! Grab a drink, have a few snacks, and hear all about the new products that will be made available ONLY to ASTRA members. No registration, just show up and have fun!
   
• International Visitors’ Welcome Reception
  Saturday, February 13
  6-7:30 pm
  Jacob Javits Convention Center, Member Hospitality Lounge, Level 1, Rear of Hall 1E
  TIA will host an opening night welcome reception exclusively for registered international Toy Fair attendees, including exhibitors, buyers, members of the media and invited trade officials. This event is by invitation only. 
   
• TIA Young Professionals Network Happy Hour and Networking Event
  Saturday, February 13
  6:30 – 8 pm
  Jack Doyle’s Pub & Restaurant Street Bar and Grill, 240 W. 35th St. (btwn 7th Ave. & 8th Ave.)
  TIA’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) invites all toy industry stakeholders ages 35 and under to mix and mingle with peers on opening night. Admission is free! Young professionals from TIA member companies receive one complimentary drink. Light bites will be served. Cash bar available for additional food and drinks. To register, visit the TIA website. Inquiries can be sent to Bernadette Boyle.
   
• 12^th Annual Wonder Women of Toys, Licensing & Entertainment Awards Dinner
  Sunday, February 14
  6 – 10 pm
  Grand Hyatt New York, 109 E. 42nd Street
  Join Women in Toys (WIT) for a very special evening at the 12th Annual Wonder Women Awards Gala, as they celebrate WIT’s 25th Anniversary and honor their founders, Anne Pitrone and Susan Matsumoto. Tickets may be purchased on the WIT website. 
   
• Great Canadian Play Date
  Sunday, February 14
  6-8 pm
  Jacob Javits Convention Center, Member Hospitality Lounge, Level 1, Rear of Hall 1E
  The Canadian Toy Association is pleased to invite all Canadians at Toy Fair to the 2nd Annual Great Canadian Play Date. Be sure to bring your Canadian passport -- it's your ticket to the exclusive reception. L’Association Canadienne du Jouet est heureuse d’inviter tous les Canadiens à notre deuxième édition annuelle du gala ‘Great Canadian Play Date’.
  Apportez votre passeport Canadien, il est votre billet exclusif à toutes nos réceptions Canadiennes.
   
• ASTRA’s Night in New York Party
  Sunday, February 14
  6:30 – 9:30 pm
  Naples 45 – MetLife Building at Grand Central (200 Park Ave. at E. 45^th Street)
  Join ASTRA for an adventure under the stars at their signature event where the specialty toy industry gathers for food, drinks, music and the opportunity to connect with new and old friends! Space is limited, so register in advance the ASTRA website or stop by the ASTRA booth #6013 on Saturday or Sunday to purchase your ticket. ASTRA Tickets are $75 for ASTRA members; $160 for non-members.
   
• LIMA Toy Fair Networking Reception
  Monday, February 15
  5:30 – 7:30 pm
  Celsius at Bryant Park
  The Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association’s (LIMA) and theme sponsor, Rovio, present a spectacular night of networking with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres overlooking the ice skating rink at Bryant Park. Tickets reserved by 11 p.m. on Sunday, February 14^th are $75 for LIMA and TIA members / $100 at the door. $110 for non-members through Sunday, February 14^th at 11 p.m. / $135 at the door. Register online at www.licensing.org.
   
• ASTRA’s Share the Fair
  Monday, February 15
  6 – 7:30 pm
  Jacob Javits Convention Center, Level 1, Hall 1E Room 1E06
  Gather with your fellow retailer members to discuss the hot new products you’re seeing in the aisles at Toy Fair. Enjoy a selection of hors d’oeuvres and an open bar thanks to generous sponsors, The Orb Factory and Games Workshop. 
  Make sure to stop by the ASTRA booth #6013 on Tuesday morning for a copy of the list of must-see new toys for 2016.  Open to ASTRA Retail Members only.
   
• ChiTAG NYC Get Together
  Monday, February 15, 2015
  6 – 10 pm
  Connolly’s Pub
  Join the Chicago Toy and Game Group (ChiTAG) for one of the biggest and best parties during Toy Fair.  Register in advance for $20 or pay $25 at the door (food/beverage additional).
   

For more information about after-hour events, visit the official Toy Fair website. Additional dining and nightlife suggestions can be found at NYCGO.com.