FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TARGET TEAMS UP WITH TOY ASSOCIATION TO HOST ANNUAL BUSINESS CONFERENCE IN MINNEAPOLIS, JUNE 18-19, 2019

Conference offers attendees valuable insights about the evolving retail landscape

MINNEAPOLIS, MN | May 6, 2019 – Target will be the featured retailer at The Toy Association’s Annual Business Conference, June 18 and 19 in the retail giant’s hometown of Minneapolis, MN.

“Today’s retail landscape is changing at a rapid pace. From the increase in e-commerce sites, to shifting consumer trends, the Annual Business Conference will tackle the most important issues facing the toy industry today,” said Steve Pasierb, president & CEO of The Toy Association. “A roster of expert speakers of diverse business backgrounds together with keynotes and presentations from Target leadership will provide attendees with information they can put to work immediately in an evolving and competitive marketplace.”

Speakers from Target will include Mark Tritton, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer; Christina Hennington, senior vice president and general merchandise manager, essentials, beauty, hardlines and services; Melissa Millo, vice president of toys; and Amanda Nusz, vice president of Target Sourcing Services; among others. They will share their unique perspectives on what’s in store for the future of retail, the role of licensing in toys, sustainability, the benefits of Roundel (Target’s reimagined media company), and the role of play and leisure as it relates to the guest experience. Target is a member of The Toy Association and the eighth largest retailer in the United States.

“Target is excited to be working with The Toy Association to bring its Annual Business Conference to Minneapolis,” said Melissa Millo, Target’s vice president of toys. “Executives will be sharing valuable insights and participating throughout the two-day conference, with the goal of having attendees better understand our business and the investments we’re making so we can all prosper together.”

Conference-goers will also hear from speakers from a range of businesses, including The NPD Group, Red Points, Billtrust/Credit2B, U.S. Bank, The Toy Association, Ice Miller LLP, Harvest Revenue Group, Venable LLP, Buffalo Games, PlayMonster, Spin Master, Basic Fun!, Melissa & Doug, and more.

Presentations will cover topics such as counterfeits and brand protection, toy regulations, new e-commerce sales tax laws, business strategies for a changing toy market, how to reduce compliance costs, and the financial health of key retailers.

The Annual Business Conference includes access to general sessions, breakout tracks, two networking lunches, daily refreshment breaks, and an opening night networking party. Additional details, including registration information, is available online at www.toyassociation.org/abc.

ABOUT THE TOY ASSOCIATION        www.toyassociation.org / www.thegeniusofplay.org / www.playsafe.org

Founded in 1916, The Toy Association™, Inc. is the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The Toy Association leads the health and growth of the U.S. toy industry, which has an annual U.S. economic impact of $110.9 billion, and its 1000+ members drive the annual $28 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Toy Association serves as the industry’s voice on the developmental benefits of play, and promotes play’s positive impact on childhood development to consumers and media. The organization has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, government, consumers, and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play.

As a global leader, The Toy Association produces the world-renowned North American International Toy Fair and Fall Toy Preview; advocates on behalf of members around the world; sustains the Canadian The Toy Association; acts as secretariat for the International Council of Toy Industries and International Toy Industry CEO Roundtable; and chairs the committee that reviews and revises America’s widely emulated ASTM F963 toy safety standard.

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