NEW YORK — The annual Toy Fair convention kicks off Saturday and will unveil a world of play at the Javits Center in New York City, where creative toy companies — from startups to billion-dollar global brands — will showcase the latest toys, games, and youth entertainment products that kids and kids-at-heart will be clamoring for this year.
Produced by The Toy Association, the four-day show will open Saturday, March 1, with a 9 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony and a parade of costumed characters. Immediately following the opening celebration, the show floor will welcome thousands of global play professionals from nearly 100 countries — from inventors and designers to retail buyers, licensors, and media— to explore nearly eight football fields filled with toys and games.
“New York City’s Javits Center transforms into the ultimate playground as the global industry gathers at the 119th Toy Fair this weekend! More than 840 exhibitors, including over 250 up-and-coming companies entering the market at the Launch Pad, are set to unveil hundreds of thousands of creative, innovative, and skill-building toys,” said Greg Ahearn, president & CEO of The Toy Association. “Attendees will gain insight into the latest trends and discussions shaping the toy industry and beyond through a variety of engaging seminars, expand their professional networks, and discover new opportunities to drive their businesses forward. This is where the next big hits are discovered, where industry leaders and rising talent come together, and where the future of play takes shape.”
From traditional media to online content creators, members of the global press will be the first to see the must-have products coming out throughout the year before they hit store shelves. From nostalgic toys with a modern twist and personalized play experiences that reflect kids’ “vibes,” to collectibles, toys inspired by popular entertainment, and everything else in between, there will be plenty of buzz surrounding the hottest toys, games, and youth entertainment products.
This year’s Toy Fair University educational programming will offer showgoers a robust assortment of business-building seminars that tackle the most pressing needs of the global toy industry. Session topics will cover new marketing insights, business development, the role of artificial intelligence in the toy industry, toy and play trends, global market research, product safety, subjects specific to the needs of inventors and entrepreneurs, and much more. Special after-hours networking events will also take place throughout Toy Fair week.
Ahearn added: “As the largest and most influential toy trade show in the Western Hemisphere, Toy Fair is where creativity meets commerce. Whether you’re here to strike deals, explore licensing opportunities, or gain insight from the industry’s thought leaders, this is the place to be to tap into the $42 billion U.S. toy market.”
The full schedule is available at ToyFairNY.com and through the free Toy Fair Mobile app available on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Toy Fair University sessions are free to all Toy Fair registrants. The fair is only for business professionals and not consumers.