The popular international toy show for distributors will take place from May 28th-31st at its traditional venue.

Speaking exclusively to Toy World, organiser David Potter commented: “I have been lucky enough to be part of the international toy community and industry for more than 50 years. During that time, I’ve forged many solid and enduring friendships with people whom I trust implicitly.

Since 2012, I’ve taken great pride and pleasure in developing the Distoy show that we hold annually in London at the end of May. We registered the name back in the year of the London Olympics, and the Distoy team has worked tirelessly since then to enhance its reputation and add value to the event year on year. Many distributors and their representatives have told me that Distoy has become an unmissable event in the international toy industry calendar, proven by the enormous number of registered visitors that attend every year.

With both pride and humility in equal measure, I can claim that the elite of the international toy industry come to London at the end of May because they know how valuable and effective Distoy has become since its inception. My heartfelt thanks go out to all these loyal supporters and exhibitors – together you have been behind Distoy’s success.

However, I have recently been disappointed to discover that a number of erstwhile Distoy customers have formed a small ‘rogue’ group and rented a few rooms at a nearby hotel, taking advantage of Distoy’s hard labours. Their actions – taking advantage of the very team that gave them years of faithful service as bona-fide Distoy exhibitors – not only upset me, but also put unreasonable pressure on our loyal visitors. They are now expected to make time in their already busy schedules to go to a third hotel quite separate from the original two. I apologise to those who will be obliged to do this and thank them again for their continued, valued support of Distoy.”

For more information on the official show, which takes place at the St James’ Court Hotel in Buckingham Gate and the St Ermin’s Hotel in nearby Caxton Street, please visit the Distoy website by clicking here.