The organisers say that Spielwarenmesse this week, taking place from 30th January to 3rd February, is set to be one of the biggest yet.
Spielwarenmesse eG offers participants from around the world the latest trends and innovations, along with valuable expertise in toys and a broad range of networking opportunities. The Spielwarenmesse stands for impetus, ideas and inspiration of the highest quality. At the international gathering, industry and trade have the opportunity to cultivate their business relationships neatly and efficiently and to tap new distribution channels and target groups.
“The positive attitude that we have experienced, not to mention the figures themselves, are noticeably higher than last year’s levels. Interest from overseas in particular is exceptionally high,” said Christian Ulrich, spokesperson of the Executive Board at Spielwarenmesse eG.
From ambitious startups to respected key players, 2,354 exhibitors from 68 countries will be there, providing inspiration for trade visitors’ and buyers’ range selections. 13 product groups in 18 halls are waiting to be discovered, and Hall 12.2, with its fixed stands from familiar companies, has a new design.
A number of themed specials are on offer from Spielwarenmesse. Life’s a Playground – Toys for Kidsters, Kidults & Co. is divided into four categories: Collectibles, Premium Collectibles, Tabletop Games and Creative Fantasy. There are also live demonstrations from Ultra Comix, Nuremberg’s flagship store in the Kidults field. Further specials include the Toys go Green area in Hall 2, where sustainable toys are on display. In the integrated Speakers Corner, experts offer information on the latest materials and production technologies in this field.
In Hall 4 the Insights-X Area – named after the eponymous trade fair – will be displaying products relating to the stationery sector and back-to-school products. In Hall 7A, in the Model Railways and Model Construction sector, there will be presentations of new ideas and a miniature funfair. Spielwarenmesse will open up the hall to consumers on Saturday, paving the way for direct contact with the exhibitors, and for the first time, it will be possible to make over-the-counter purchases – on this day and in this area only.
The new LicenseLounge can be found in Hall 12.0 and houses a networking area and the LicenseTalks. A total of 22 presentations will be available at the Toy Business Forum in Hall 3A, every day from 1pm to 4pm.
On Wednesday at 10.30 am, at the Toy Business Forum, the winners of the ToyAward will be announced at a media-friendly ceremony. Awards will be presented in six categories: Baby & Infant (0–3 years), Pre-School (3–6 years), School Kids (6–10 years), Teenager & Adults (10+ years) and Startup and Sustainability.
On the Tuesday, PressDay takes place in all halls, where over 60 businesses and brands will be presenting eye-catching activities. Thursday evening welcomes RedNight; from 6pm, more than 100 exhibitors will be inviting visitors directly onto their stands to wind down with a drink and music.
Services for Trade and Industry will enjoy a networking event in Hall 7, while on Friday, the second edition of the Internationale Spieleerfindermesse – Game Inventors Convention will take place, followed by the GamingHour for networking and more gameplaying.
Four inviting VisitorLounges can be found throughout the exhibition centre, with seating, charging stations and water dispensers (halls 3A, 3, 7 and 11.0). The Spielwarenmesse App, offers practical mobile functions, compact exhibitor information section, interactive hall plans and details of the supporting programme. Integrated networking tools with chat function, audio/video calls and suggested contacts are also available on the app, which is compatible with the year-round industry network Spielwarenmesse Digital.
“The 73rd Spielwarenmesse offers the perfect mix of new ideas and trends, together with information, networking and entertainment,” concluded Christian Ulrich.
For those Nuremberg-bound, don’t forget the first ever stand-alone Toy World supplement previewing the Spielwarenmesse is available online here.
