Toy Fair ’17 Highlights Events and Resources for International Participants

February 14, 2017 | International attendees of the 114^th North American International Toy Fair have a lot to look forward to this year as the Toy Industry Association (TIA), the trade organization that produces the annual show, has planned several special events tailored specifically for these guests.

“Toy Fair is a critical gateway to the global toy marketplace, welcoming tens of thousands of retailers, manufacturers, and other play professionals hailing from 100 countries,” says Marian Bossard, TIA’s senior vice president of global market events. “To account for the growing number of international attendees at Toy Fair, we are proud to offer several resources to help make their time in New York City as productive and 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 – Toy Fair ’17 will feature an expanded area in Hall 1E 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.

TIA is also hosting its fourth annual international media delegation at the show, which will include 16 editors from Germany, Brazil, Australia, China, and Russia, Norway, Belgium, Sweden, Spain, and Poland. These delegates attend a number of special activities during Toy Fair, including a tour of the show floor, press conference, and luncheon to gain insight into the $26 billion U.S. toy market.

Toy Fair is also hosting an array of events for international guests, including:

International Visitors’ Welcome Reception
Saturday, February 18
6-7:30 p.m.
Member Hospitality Lounge, Rear of Hall 1E
The invite-only cocktail reception taking place on opening night is exclusively for registered international Toy Fair exhibitors, press, and attendees, as well as trade officials and embassy representatives to meet and mingle.

Toy Trends Briefing
Sunday, February 19
4-5 p.m.
Room 1E09
At the annual Toy Trends Briefing, attendees can get an exclusive first look at the top toy trends of 2017. Using examples from the show floor, TIA’s trend experts will highlight the year’s hottest trends – and where to find them at Toy Fair. This popular session is free to all; no registration is required.

Great Canadian Play Date
Sunday, February 19
6-8 p.m.
Member Hospitality Lounge, Hall 1E
Canadian attendees are invited to attend this reception, hosted by the Canadian Toy Association. Guests must bring a business card with their Canadian address in order to gain entry and for a chance to win Canadian-themed prizes.

TIA's Toy Safety & Compliance Update
Monday, February 20
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Room 1E09
This must-attend annual session will provide news and developments related to toy safety laws and regulations in the U.S. and abroad. The session is free to all; no registration is required.

Global Market Research: United States
Monday, February 20
2-3 p.m.
Room 1E11
International companies looking to potentially expand in the U.S. will benefit from this joint presentation by TIA and Kidz Global. TIA will share U.S.-specific demographics and sales and product trends in the toy industry market. Kidz Global will present information from on popular brands with U.S. kids, as well as their daily routines, play habits, use of digital media, and more. The session is free to TIA members; fees apply for non-members.

Toy Fair will take place February 18-21 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. Check out the show’s full calendar of events or download the free Toy Fair Mobile App (available on iTunes and Google Play).