Top 5 Reasons to Exhibit at Toy Fair 2023
January 3, 2023 | A new year begins and with it comes the return of Toy Fair, the industry’s most iconic trade show, evolving right alongside the business of play. Taking place in its new timeframe (September 30 to October 3, 2023 in New York City), the show reflects the new realities and opportunities of the evolving toy and play landscape.
“Toy Fair’s impact on the play community is reinforced by the fact that we are still months away and manufacturers have already committed to 92 percent of available booth space,” said Kimberly Carcone, executive vice president of global market events at The Toy Association. “With countless initiatives underway for exhibitors to learn and grow their business, now is the time to secure your spot at Toy Fair.”
Here are the top five reasons to exhibit at the reimagined toy show:
- Showcase Your In-Year Priority Items
Taking place in the media capital of the world, Toy Fair has proven to be a must-attend for the global press − from major traditional outlets to top-tier influencers. Couple this with its new fall dates and Toy Fair is perfectly timed for generating toy stories and critical product exposure for the holidays, both of which ultimately help drive sales.
- Launch into 2024
As development and selling-in calendars and retail buying cycles have increasingly shifted earlier, Toy Fair’s new timeframe is better aligned to help the greatest number of toy and entertainment companies successfully grow their businesses. As retailers seek increased lead times for buying decisions, the fall dates will allow exhibiting companies to finalize their spring 2024 launches and preview holiday 2024 product behind closed doors to trusted buyers and media partners.
- More On-Site Exposure
Thanks to the show’s three-pronged advantage of showcasing in-year and 2024 spring and holiday product, Toy Fair 2023 offers exhibitors even more ways to gain exposure. From more elaborate influencer activations that tie directly to on-shelf toys and games to the Toy Association’s must-attend trend presentation and promotional opportunities as TOTY finalists and winners, the opportunities are endless.
- Expand Your Business IQ with Toy Fair University
Toy Fair offers the most robust education program in the industry to boost business and help companies meet today’s demands head on. Uncover the latest trends in the world of toys, games, and entertainment to get ahead of the next big things; hear critical updates on safety, compliance issues, and intellectual property protections; be among the first to hear the newest export and licensing opportunities in the marketplace; and discover retail strategies that work. With programming taking place over the course of the four-day show, attendees are invited to build a schedule that best suits their goals.
- Accelerate Your Partnerships
From creative talent to key leaders, manufacturers, and media, professionals driving the business of play all meet at Toy Fair. The industry’s entire ecosystem knows that Toy Fair, in the city that never sleeps is the gathering to widen your network, strengthen relationships, exchange ideas, and get deals done — all while having fun along the way.
“Toy Fair 2023 will feature an even broader array of programming and products designed to spark joy at every age,” added Carcone. “But for all that’s changed, one important thing remains the same: the event’s legacy as the most influential and necessary toy, game, and play product experience.”
To secure booth space at Toy Fair, companies may contact their account executive: Simon Yung (A–G); Stacy Liebensohn (H–P); or Michael Lynch (Q–Z).
Toy Fair will take place September 30 to October 3 in New York City. Visit ToyFairNY.com to learn more.