Fall Toy Preview News You Need to Know
September 11, 2018 | Fall Toy Preview exhibitors will have more opportunities to get their products noticed by the right people – including buyers and online influencers – and more chances to network when the fall marketplace returns next month to Dallas, TX.
To date, the industry’s premier fall marketplace for mass, long-lead, and specialty buyers has seen a 36 percent surge in registered retail companies compared to last year’s registration numbers. Individual buyer registration is up 27 percent in the same time period.
Notable retailers attending Fall Toy Preview include: Amazon, Army & Air Force Exchange Service, Barnes & Noble, Bed Bath & Beyond, BJ’s Wholesale, Burlington Stores, Canadian Tire, Cinemark, Claire’s, Dillard’s, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, GameStop, Hallmark, Hobby Lobby, Hot Topic, Indigo Books and Music, J.C. Penney, Justice, Macy’s, Michaels Stores, Office Depot, Party City, Ross Stores, Sam’s Club, Spencer’s, Staples, Stage Stores, Target, TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Home Goods, Toys“R”Us Canada, Tuesday Morning, and Walmart. View the full list of registered retailers online.
The marketplace will also feature new and expanded events in Dallas. Highlights include:
- Meet Local Social Media Influencers
Exhibitors can kick off the show by participating in an inaugural Blogger Breakfast on Tuesday, October 2, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Blogger Breakfast will host local toy influencers looking for the hottest product for holiday ’18. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with influencers and participate in a 10-minute product demonstration. NOTE: Spaces are limited; exhibitors should contact The Toy Association’s Laura Mangiaracina to secure a spot. (This is a paid appointment subject to availability.)
- Learn the Right Recipe for a Balanced Diet of Media
On Wednesday, October 3, join David Becker of Blue Plate Media Services to learn what a “balanced diet” of media buying looks like in today’s era of multiple screens, pages, activations, experiences, and more. The complimentary lunchtime session, titled “Understand the ‘Balanced Diet’ of Media Matters,” will take place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Dallas Market Center’s World Trade Center Atrium Lobby.
- Attend YPN’s Mentor Meet Up & Cocktail Party
Also on Wednesday, The Toy Association’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) will host an enhanced Mentor Meet Up & Cocktail Party at Uchiba from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Attendees can mix and mingle with other toy professionals, have a drink, and hear a short panel discussion (subject to be announced). Drinks and live entertainment will be sponsored by YPN and Spin Master. YPN is targeted towards industry professionals 35 and under, but all Toy Association members, exhibitors, and show attendees are welcome to attend the event by registering online.
Fall Toy Preview takes place October 2 to 4 at the Dallas Market Center in Dallas, TX. Toy companies still have time to contract exhibit space at Fall Toy Preview by applying online or by contacting their account executive. Exhibitors are also encouraged to book appointments with The Toy Association’s trends team, who will be on site previewing products for toy trends and media opportunities in 2019.