Toy Industry Converges in Washington, DC This Week to Shine a Spotlight on Play

June 10, 2025 | The Toy Association™ and its members are bringing the power of play to the halls of Congress this week, starting off with the First Annual Day of Play on Capitol Hill, taking place today (June 10) from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, DC.

Coinciding with the International Day of Play and The Toy Association’s DC Fly-In (June 11), the event brings together lawmakers and congressional staff to experience the benefits of play firsthand, while learning more about the innovation, creativity, and economic strength behind the U.S. toy industry.

The Annual Day of Play on Capitol Hill will showcase The Genius of Play™, The Toy Association’s educational initiative that spreads awareness about the benefits of play. Congressional staff, lawmakers, and other attendees will have the chance to play with toys and enjoy activations from Hasbro, Crazy Aaron’s, Salus Brands, Elenco, Epoch Everlasting Play, Ferrero, and Lovevery.

“We couldn’t be more excited to kick off The Toy Association’s first Annual Day of Play on Capitol Hill, celebrate the International Day of Play – a global movement to preserve, prioritize and promote play – and elevate our industry’s priorities at the DC Fly-In,” said Kathrin Belliveau, chief policy officer at The Toy Association. “Throughout the week, we’ll be celebrating play and highlighting everything our industry stands for — creativity, learning, joy, and connection.”

Toy Association members have been invited to Washington for these events to help shine a spotlight on play in front of key decision makers. Members will attend the Annual Day of Play on Capitol Hill, and take part in a Fly-In dinner hosted by The Toy Association this evening. Tomorrow, leaders from toy companies of all sizes and Toy Association executives will take part in a full day of congressional meetings, where they will engage directly with government officials to discuss key industry priorities.

As part of its ongoing federal advocacy, The Toy Association is excited to have relaunched the Congressional Toy Caucus, which is dedicated to raising Congressional awareness on key issues impacting the toy industry, including trade & tariffs, toy safety, resilient supply chains, and chemical and environmental management.

Questions on The Toy Association’s federal advocacy may be directed to Kathrin Belliveau, chief policy officer at The Toy Association.