Feature
New York Toy Fair Preview
Countdown to Toy Fair New York T
he 116th North American International Toy Fair will take place Saturday 16th – Tuesday 19th February at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, where the newest and most innovative toys and games for 2019 will be unveiled to nearly 30,000 toy and play professionals from all over the world. Featuring 1,000 exhibiting toy companies from six continents, Toy Fair attendees will be able to view hundreds of thousands of new playthings – including classic toys, tech toys, educational toys, novelty products, party games, activity sets and much more. The Launch Pad area will exclusively highlight first-time exhibitors that are new to Toy Fair, offering a rare glimpse at never-before-seen product. Buyers and licensors will be there to do business and strike lucrative deals, while global media will be on-site in search of the next big toy or game. “With less than three months to go, we’re gearing up for an exciting show filled with deal-making, networking, after-hours events and educational opportunities, all of which are designed to help our guests grow their businesses and expand their horizons. And with the show’s square footage already sold out, Toy Fair New York is the place to see the most cutting edge toys, games, and youth entertainment products,” said Steve Pasierb, president and CEO of The Toy Association, the US trade association that produces the annual show. With something for everyone at Toy Fair New York, here’s why the marketplace is a ‘must attend’ event for the global toy and play community.
Knowledge Network Highlights Through Toy Fair’s Knowledge Network programming, attendees will be privy to a line-up of rich educational sessions to help them stay current on industry happenings and learn about compelling topics to help them succeed. • T oy Safety & Compliance: The Toy Association is once again hosting the Toy Safety & Compliance Update at the show on Monday 18th February. The update provides industry stakeholders with information on important changes in state, federal and international toy safety requirements, and covers emerging issues under consideration by legislators around the globe. • L icensing: Given that licensing represents a significant component of global toy sales, Toy Fair’s Licensing Content Connection educational series offers valuable seminars addressing licensing fundamentals, how to negotiate a licensing deal, global licensing trends, and how to evaluate whether a property is ready for licensing. • C reative Factor: The Creative Factor programme for entrepreneurs and inventors will expand at this year’s Toy Fair and feature a deep line-up of engaging demonstrations and educational content presented by experts. Topics include: how to build your brand’s narrative, tips on out-of-the-box distribution, how the integration of artificial intelligence, robotics, AR and VR is driving toy innovation, and how to protect your
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IP. Creative Factor’s refresh is thanks to its new advisory board, which includes Brett Klisch (the program’s co-founder and creative director at Peru Meridian Studios), Robin Raskin (founder of Living in Digital Times), Warren Tuttle (president of the United Inventors Association Board of Directors), Billy Langsworthy (cofounder of Mojo Nation in the UK) and Matt Nuccio (owner of Design Edge). • G lobal Market Research: The marketplace will also offer sessions for companies looking to grow their businesses internationally. The Toy Association’s exclusive Global Trade and Market Expansion programming will include sessions on Brazil and China, with updated data from consultancy firm Kidz Global on consumer behavior in each country. Presenters will also cover additional market entry research focusing on each country’s demographics, business environment, and overall expansion opportunities. Global Trade and Market Expansion programming is free to Toy Association members; the cost for nonmembers is $99. • T rendspotting: Global buyers and media are invited to The Toy Association’s annual Toy Trends Briefing, taking place on Sunday 17th February. During the seminar, the Association’s trend experts will unveil their top trend predictions for the coming year using product examples from the floor.