The New Jr. Con Events: Powerful Exposure and Social Media Impact for Your Brands

Steve PasierbJust before thousands of retail buyers descend on Toy Fair New York, we ask a related question, “What could be better consumer exposure for your toy brand and products than a high-energy convention where thousands of fans flock to see their favorite pop-culture brands and characters?”

How about a tandem business-to-consumer event, where pop-culture-loving parents can take their kids to interact with their favorite characters, brands, and playthings? That is the essence behind the Jr. Con shows, The Toy Association’s evolved B2C show (formerly known as Play Fair) in partnership with LeftField Media. In 2019, our Jr. Con events will be fully integrated into three regional Comic Cons produced by LeftField Media to give toy companies a direct opportunity to reach more than 30,000 families and over 160,000 fans to deliver a positive message about toys – and the enduring value of play.

After seeing the successful impact of our initial Jr. Con event at the Rose City Comic Con last September, we are taking the proven B2C show on the road and inviting YOU to join us. As part of our commitment to provide members with resources to help you grow your businesses, we know many consider the importance of B2C events when formulating annual marketing budgets. Key benefits include: these events allow companies of all sizes to display unique branding and build awareness with fans and families; test your new products with attendees that essentially act as focus groups; generate significant social media reach through organic consumer engagements and interactions while at the shows; and importantly, create lasting bonds with fans who can turn into profitable customers. Booth presence can vary from the simple to turn-key sponsorships to more elaborate activation-based options and can include retail sales for those interested.

Exhibitors and attendees had an overwhelmingly positive response at the kid-friendly event at Rose City Comic Con, where more than 30 companies and sponsors, including DreamWorks, Playmobil, Entertainment One, Hog Wild, and Relevant Play, offered a mix of hands-on exhibits, meet & greets with character mascots, and engaging activities to bring the power of play to more than 10,000 families. (View a recap of the event.)

LeftField Media’s Con Jr. events will take place during the following 2019 dates and locations:

  • Awesome Con Jr. (a part of Awesome Con) at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, April 26 to 28;
  • Big Easy Con Jr. (a part of Big Easy Con) at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA, May 31 to June 1; and
  • Rose City Jr. (a part of Rose City Comic Con) at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, OR, September 13 to 15.

Interested in learning more about how B2C events can bolster your business? During Toy Fair New York, LeftField Media representatives will be available for appointments at the Javits Center on Monday, February 18 and Tuesday, February 19. To schedule an appointment, email the team at: sales@leftfieldmedia.com with your preferred time on either day. In addition, The Toy Association and LeftField Media will be hosting a special webinar on March 21 to share best practices on how toy companies can incorporate a B2C event into their marketing strategy. Look out for details on registration in an upcoming Toy News Tuesday and through our member email communications.

Playful moms and dads are eager to share their love of interactive experiences with their kids, and to engage with beloved brands, characters, and playthings. We highly recommend that you join in on the fun this year too!

In the meantime, our team sends to you their best wishes for a prosperous and successful 2019 Toy Fair New York.

Steve Pasierb

Steve Pasierb
President & CEO
Follow me on Twitter @StevePasierb