Casdon is gearing up for its 50th appearance as an exhibitor at Spielwarenmesse and managing director Phil Cassidy spoke to Toy World about the landmark year.
“Our international business has grown considerably over the past 10 years. We’re doing very well in the States and Australia, and have been picked up in Japan, France and Germany, so Spielwarenmesse, as an international show, is great for us. We have a fantastic spot right at the entrance to Hall 12, so we can capture all the global buyers as they walk past and spot our products. The show has marked the start of many successful business relationships for us. Presence at a show can play an important role in your success, especially if you are moving into new markets; visibility leads to awareness. Appointments are key too, both in the form of walk-ons and advance bookings.
My dad was present at the first fair we ever showed at as a company in 1967. It was held on Airport Road in a large tent called the Leichbauhalle. The following year the show was moved to Maxshere Haus; being a building, we could leave the stand and toy samples in situ until the following year. When the show was moved to Langwasse, the British exhibitors were in tents once more, next to the Israeli stand, which had armed guards at the entrance. Casdon representatives, headed up by my dad, used to drive there directly from the Brighton Toy Fair.
On Friday the 24th at 4pm, in celebration of our 50th appearance at the show, we will be holding a drinks reception on the Casdon stand [Hall 12, Stand C-04], complete with nibbles, to say thank you to our customers and contacts for their support over the years. Everyone’s welcome to come and join us.”
To read the full story in the December issue of Toy World, click here.
