Get the Facts on India with TIA’s Toy Market Immersion Program

June 13, 2016 | The Toy Industry Association (TIA) is once again inviting members on a fact-finding excursion to Mumbai to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Indian market at the fourth annual Kids India trade show, held on September 16-18, 2016. Registration forms for the program can be accessed here.

Presented by Spielwarenmesse eG, Nuremberg Toy Fair’s producer, Kids India is the nation’s largest B2B event for the toy industry. The global trade show features toys and games, baby articles, licensed products, sports equipment and other playthings from India-based manufacturers and international exhibitors.

Building on the success of its 2015 program, TIA has planned a new immersive itinerary that will provide participants with an insider understanding of this emerging toy market, home to the world’s second-largest population.

“We were part of TIA’s market exploration delegation to India last September and expect to return this year to build on that experience,” said George Irwin, owner of Irwin Toy, Inc. “Meaningful content was delivered during the daily briefings and key contacts were established which allowed us to enter the market this year with confidence, and to make some long-term plans.”

The program will kick off on Friday, September 16, when visiting toy companies will tour the Kids India fair and meet market experts before taking part in its educational workshops and evening programming. On Saturday, September 17, a trip is planned to a Mumbai-based toy factory and local toy stores to learn more about the retail landscape, including consumer demographics and opportunities for market entry. The trip will be followed by a networking dinner at the Westin Hotel. A sightseeing tour of Mumbai will conclude the program on Sunday, September 18.

“Exploring new market opportunities is essential to PlanToys' growth and doing so as part of TIA’s delegation made it less daunting and certainly more fun,” said Kosin Virapornsawan, president of PlanToys. “We met with local industry professionals well-versed in market opportunities and challenges. Participating in the delegation provided much-needed insight and understanding as we develop our strategy for the region.”

Spielwarenmesse’s fee for participation in the market immersion program is 470 EUR per person; the cost covers all activities, including bus transportation to and from the Westin Hotel. Airfare, hotel expenses and meals not specified above are not included. Limited spaces are available. To learn more, contact TIA’s Marian Bossard, SVP of global market events (646.520.4853).