Happenings @ Toy Fair

There's a lot happening at Toy Fair this year – from the addition of educational seminars, drop-in learning centers and special events - all designed to maximize your time in New York and help you grow your business.

February 13 | February 14 | February 15 | February 16 | Exhibitor Events 

Live with Charles Allen

Saturday, February 13, 2010
2:00 PM
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center

Join Charles and his marketing team for a pre-opening day session focused on last-minute tips for attracting buyers to your booth and engaging those decision-makers in a quality conversation that will ultimately lead to sales. It's never too late to learn something new!

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Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards

Saturday, February 13, 2010
6:00-10:30 PM
Chelsea Piers, New York City
Purchase tickets now

TOTY turns 10 in 2010! Join us at the “Oscars” of the toy industry as we celebrate a decade of the most creative, innovative toys, games and entertainment products … and usher in a new year by honoring the most outstanding new toy products to hit the marketplace. Toy of the Year Awards will be bestowed in twelve product categories plus an overall “Toy of the Year” designation recognizing North America’s top choice for the single best product to deliver fun and excitement to young consumers. The industry will also salute two of its own by honoring the 2010 inductees into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame.

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The Post-Recession Consumer: Will Retail Ever Be the Same?

George Whalin Keynote
Sunday, February 14, 2010
8:45-9:45 AM
Special Events Hall Level 1D
Register now

Since the mid-90s, almost everyone involved in toy industry sales—from inventors, manufacturers, and distributors to sales reps and buyers—could count on consumers to buy their products. And then came the worst recession in memory. We don’t know if it will ever be the same, but we must be primed and ready for when things swing back around.

In this don’t-miss-it keynote, George Whalin shares proven tactics for readying your business to serve the more budget-minded post-recession consumer. The program is jam packed with real-world ideas and insights you can take back and put to use right away.

George Whalin was a retailer for 25 years before founding Retail Management Consultants in 1987. He’s written two books, Retail Superstars and Retail Success, regularly blogs at RetailerBlog.com, and writes the monthly Retail Management e-Letter. Read his full bio.

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Toy Fair Opening Ceremony

Sunday, February 14, 2010
10:00 AM
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center/Crystal Palace

Toy Fair will officially begin with a parade of best-loved, whimsical costumed characters accompanied by the fun and whimsical Clown Band. Great visuals for photo opp.

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TIA's Annual Business Meeting

Monday, February 15, 2010
8:00-9:00 am
Special Events Hall 1 D

The Association’s annual business meeting will be held during Toy Fair and, for the first time, will be open to both members and non-members. The agenda will cover a variety of topics including a summary financial report, key activities and accomplishments since the last meeting, and the election of the new Board members and officers.

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Toy Fair Safety Update Seminar

Monday, February 15, 2010
9:15am – 10:30am
Special Events Hall 1D
Register now

CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum will provide the keynote address for this session, which will include an update on pending state and federal legislation impacting the toy industry and an overview of TIA’s efforts to prevent passage of any harmful legislation or regulation; the latest, most up-to-date status of the implementation and development of the CPSIA and the opportunity to hear about efforts that are now underway to advance the harmonization of toy safety standards from around the world.

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Toy Safety Certification Program® (TSCP®) Presentation

Monday, February 15, 2010
11:00am – 12:30pm
Special Events Hall 1D
Register now

Learn why and how the Toy Safety Certification Program (TSCP) will help companies like yours meet CPSC and CPSIA requirements.

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Sell Your Toys Online with Sears

Monday, February 15, 2010
1:00PM – 2:00PM
Special Events Hall 1D
Free

Sears, a leading on-line retailer, is making it simple for small toy companies to get their products on-line and in front of consumers.  Join us as Julia Fitzgerald, CMO of Toys and Seasonal at Sears Holding Company, shares the Marketplace at Sears.com with the toy industry at Toy Fair 2010.  Come learn about this simple solution for a cyber market place.  Combine the power of Sears on-line with the innovation of your toy line!

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Growing Green: A Toy Industry Update on Environmental Sustainability and Bottom Line Growth

Monday, February 15, 2010
3:00PM – 4:30PM
Special Events Hall 1D
TIA Members: Free
Non-members: $149
Advance registration is encouraged

Join this timely and relevant session designed to educate, encourage and inspire attendees to increase their eco-friendly practices in order to run a more sustainable business and increase the bottom line. Laura Phillips, Vice President Toys, Walmart, is the featured speaker.  Daniel Grossman, TIA Environmental Sustainability Committee Chair and CEO, Wild Planet Entertainment, Serah Chae, President, Hosung, Inc., Carlo Espejo, Senior Manager, Creative Operations, Spinmaster Ltd., Craig Storey, President, Sprig Toys, and Robert Von Goeben, President, Green Toys will discuss best practices.

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A Guide to Exporting: The Toy Industry – Challenges and Opportunities

Presented by the U.S. Department of Commerce
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
11:00am

Toy Fair 2010 was selected by the United States Department of Commerce to participate in the International Buyers Program. As such, you are invited to meet with and learn directly from a DOC toy expert to design your own interntional outreach strategy. This session will provide you with guidelines on becoming export-ready; and if you are already active on the global stage, this session will offer you details on growth-market expansion. Speakers include:

• Jamie Ferman, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Department of Commerce – The Department of Commerce: Strengthening Global Competitiveness in the U. S. Toy Industry
• Kate Bishop, Business Development Officer, Trade Association Outreach, Export-Import Bank of the U.S – Trade Financing Solutions
• Elizine Osores, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Consulate General Toronto – Building Bridges to Prosperity with Canada First!
• Jetta DeNend, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Department of Commerce, New York U.S. Export Assistance – U.S. Export Assistance Centers: A Guide to Exporting
• Moderator: Eugene Quinn, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Department of Commerce

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Exhibitor Events

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