Applications Are Now Open to Present at “Toy Fair University”

September 30, 2022 | Calling all toy industry thought leaders: The Toy Association is now accepting presentation applications for “Toy Fair University,” taking place throughout Toy Fair, next September 30 to October 3 in New York City. Experts are invited to submit their application for a chance to transform their research, ideas, case studies, and best practices into an enriching session for show attendees.

Selected speakers will present in person at “Toy Fair University,” held throughout all four days of the show. The new initiative will spark imagination, encourage dialogue, and drive solutions for all those in the business of play. Chosen sessions will feature a wide range of experts and provide access to the strongest, most comprehensive thought leadership in the global toy and play industry.

“For the first time ever, we are opening the process to present at Toy Fair and will be reviewing applications from the widest group of toy, play, academic, and toy-adjacent experts to present education sessions to Toy Fair attendees,” said Kimberly Carcone, executive vice president of global market events at The Toy Association. “Toy Fair University is designed to provide attendees — whatever their role in the ecosystem of play — a competitive edge in today’s increasingly complex and crowded field. We’re looking forward to educating our audiences with the most valuable, relevant, and innovative content available next year!”

Toy Fair University session topics will include manufacturing, retail, shipping, trends, technology, e-commerce, the metaverse, licensing, inventing and designing, and many more. Speakers must be available to present in person during Toy Fair and participate in an audience Q&A post-session. Sessions are open to all Toy Fair participants and will be recorded.

Completed applications are due December 16. Accepted presenters/sessions will be notified by February 28, 2023. If selected, final session material must be submitted to show management for review by May 31, 2023.

Toy Fair University’s presentation application, session topics, target audiences, and review and selection process details are available here. Contact Jackie Retzer, The Toy Association’s director of event management, with any questions about Toy Fair’s call for presentations.

Toy Fair will take place September 30 to October 3 in New York City. Visit ToyFairNY.com for more information.