A Day in the Life of … Jackson Wong, The Toy Association’s Director of Event Data & Technology
Toy Association Staff Spotlight
September 18, 2017 | Toy News Tuesday editors recently sat down with Jackson Wong, The Toy Association’s director of event data & technology, to gain insight into how technology plays an important role in efficiently running the Association’s major trade events – Fall Toy Preview and the North American International Toy Fair. Here’s what he had to say…
What are your responsibilities as the director of event data & technology?
I have been with The Toy Association for 19 years and my role has morphed from primarily being in charge of trade show exhibit sales to maintaining the integrity of our tradeshow data and overseeing the development and implementation of new technology that allows for an efficient and enhanced show experience for exhibitors and attendees.
For instance, selecting the right vendor who provides an easy-to-use, yet functional online floor plan of the exhibit spaces offers attendees a clear roadmap as they plan their time and search for specific companies to visit. Another example of how technology plays a key role in trade show management is the implementation of software that allows for mass invoicing and online payments. This process alone has saved our staff many work hours.
What is your career background and how has that experience translated to your role at The Toy Association?
I am a numbers guy. I love digging into data and financials. Prior to working at The Toy Association, I worked as a treaty accountant for a reinsurance company. That experience provided me with an excellent understanding of financial accounts that I was able to expand on at The Toy Association through the management of our trade show financials. I also played a part in optimizing the reinsurance company’s customer database where I learned technical knowledge that helps me understand the back end of The Toy Association’s exhibitor database.
In just a few weeks, hundreds of companies will show their holiday 2018 lines at Fall Toy Preview. Why is it important for toy companies to attend the show?
Fall Toy Preview is an important show for toy companies looking to get their product or products on store shelves, because where else can you get the opportunity to meet with top global mass retail outlets in one place who are eagerly previewing products for next year’s holiday season (which probably the most important season for toy companies)? All it takes is that one buyer appointment that can make it a truly happy new year for a toymaker. There is still exhibit space available. More information is available on The Toy Association’s website.
What is the most challenging aspect about managing so many show exhibitors?
For me, the most challenging aspect is remembering what companies are doing from year to year. That is why the software that we use is necessary to provide accurate information. Another challenge is to develop floor plans that maximize the exhibit space for as many companies as possible and to optimize traffic flow. Over the years I think we have achieved this objective – especially at Toy Fair.
As a longtime Toy Association staffer, what has been the biggest change to the toy industry in your opinion?
I don’t feel like a veteran as I am constantly learning something new about the industry every year and feel I’ve only scratched the surface of the toy business. But I think one of the biggest changes was when the iconic Toy Building in New York City closed. That was the home for the industry for a long time and I remember that our members had a lot of angst when the building was sold. I would like to think that The Toy Association helped alleviate the loss of the building by managing Fall Toy Preview since 2003 and nurturing the growth of Toy Fair. It is really rewarding to know that we help in the success of our exhibitors.
What was your favorite toy growing up?
That’s a tough question. I enjoy board games and played a lot of Monopoly and Risk when I was young. One year I had my tonsils taken out and someone gave me a G.I. Joe. It helped me get through my stay in the hospital.
Jackson Wong, The Toy Association’s director of event data & technology, can be reached via email.