Toy Fair Events and Resources for International Participants
February 13, 2018 | The Toy Association and its partners have planned show events and educational sessions geared towards international guests at the 115th North American International Toy Fair.
“Each year Toy Fair welcomes an increasing number of international retailers, manufacturers, and other play professionals to the show,” says Marian Bossard, executive vice president of global market events at The Toy Association. “We are proud that the international toy community sees Toy Fair as a not-to-miss event – providing a critical gateway to business both in the U.S. and in other countries. To that end, we offer several happenings to make their time in New York City as productive and as enjoyable as possible.”
To accommodate Toy Fair’s first-time exhibitors – many of which are international companies looking to get a foothold in the U.S. market – the show features a dedicated area in Hall 1E of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center called the “Launch Pad” for companies that are new to the show. International buyers are also welcome to use the Toy Fair Buyers Lounge & International Business Center, located in Room 1B03, where they will find private meeting space and comfortable seating.
The fifth-annual Toy Fair international media delegation hosted by The Toy Association will include 13 international editors. These delegates attend several special activities during Toy Fair to gain insight into the $27 billion U.S. toy market.
International guests may want to check out the following events:
Toy Fair’s International Welcome Reception
Saturday, February 17
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Level 1, Rear of Hall 1E
The Toy Association will host an opening night welcome reception exclusively for registered international Toy Fair attendees, including exhibitors, buyers, members of the media, and invited trade officials. This event is by invitation only.
Global Market and Trade Expansion
Sunday, February 18 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and
Monday, February 19 from 2 to 3 p.m.
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Room 1E11
The Toy Association will present the findings of commissioned global market research to help attendees thoughtfully consider whether their businesses are the right fit for expansion to Germany and France. Sunday’s session will focus on Germany, a desirable market for companies wishing to expand to Europe, and Monday’s session will focus on France, one of the fastest growing populations in Europe. The seminars will explore each country’s business landscape, consumer demographics, and kids' behavior, among other topics. This session is free for Toy Association members and $99 for non-members who wish to attend.
4th Annual Great Canadian Play Date
Sunday, February 18
6 to 8 p.m.
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Member Hospitality Lounge, Level 1, Rear of Hall 1E
The Canadian Toy Association will host this exclusive networking reception, open to all Canadian Toy Fair attendees. Bring your business card (with Canadian address) to gain entry.
International attendees may also be interested in: The Toy Association’s “Toy Trends Briefing,” taking place on Sunday, the “Toy Safety & Compliance Update,” taking place on Monday; and the Ethical Toy Program Launch Reception (formerly ICTI CARE), taking place on Monday. The events are free and open to all.
Toy Fair will take place February 17 to 20 at the Javits Center in New York City. Check out the full events calendar on the Toy Fair website to learn more or download the free Toy Fair Mobile App (available on iTunes and Google Play).