The BTHA says its No. 1 aim is to ‘create another strong platform for the industry to do successful business within a safe and secure environment’. 

The British Toy and Hobby Association has sent a detailed update to exhibitors regarding the upcoming London Toy Fair, which is scheduled to take place 19th-21st January 2021.

The statement reads: “At the end of July, after much campaigning from the events industry, the PM announced in quite a low-key way that business events, including exhibitions, would be given a ‘go live’ date of October 1st. This is ‘conditional’ however and subject to a series of caveats including: a stable climate, no increase in the R rate, ‘test and trace’ being operational and a series of pilot events later this month to put the new health and safety measures into practice.”

“We are awaiting further updates both from the venue and the government- the guidelines are subject to change at any point, so we are keeping a keeping a keen eye on developments as well as being in close contact with our key contractors. Currently there are some parts of the government guidelines, including the number of people permitted in the halls at any one time, that have caused concern across the events industry, and are therefore still being discussed and determined.”

While the BTHA is doing everything in its power to ensure London Toy Fair can go ahead, it has also announced that, in the event of a cancellation, all exhibitors will be fully reimbursed for their stand space. This will be welcome news to the trade; Spielwarenmesse recently amended its terms to offer the same reassurance. It is hoped that other major trade shows will follow suit.

In the meantime, exhibitors are being asked to notify the BTHA of likely changes to their stand size or booking prior to 1st September, as balance invoices would usually be sent on 1st October. The statement adds: “However, we are, of course, as always, keen to treat our exhibitors fairly and reasonably, as we have always done, and would work closely and sensitively in response to either changes in the current situation or changes in your stand design requirements after that date.”

All exhibitors have also been sent a DCMS approved ‘All Secure Standard’ (put together by the Events Industry Alliance) which highlights the key health & safety measures the BTHA will be looking to intensify, in order to safeguard attendees and mitigate risks. The full exhibitor manual will be published in September.

For more information, contact Majen Immink, director of Fairs & Special Events – majen@btha.co.uk.