From 30th January to 3rd February, the industry event will be opening its doors for the 70th time.
Over the past seven decades, exhibitors, visitors and organisers have experienced numerous highlights, with a total of 21 companies showing at the fair since its earliest beginnings. The Spielwarenmesse is seizing the opportunity to thank all participants for their loyalty over the years by throwing a big party on the Thursday evening.
Ernst Kick, CEO of Spielwarenmesse eG, commented: “We see our 70th anniversary as an opportunity to say thank you to the industry. At the ToyFestival, we’ll all raise a toast to the event and this special occasion.”
The party starts at 6pm on Thursday 31st January, straight after the fair, with Hall 3C chosen as the prestigious venue. Guests can look forward to a relaxed get-together with musical entertainment and a delicious spread of food. The ToyFestival is the perfect occasion for meeting old friends and colleagues and for forging new contacts, and everyone at the fair – both long-standing participants and first-time visitors – is invited to attend. Admission is free on presentation of a valid exhibition ticket, and prior booking is not required.
The best ideas are created in a communicative environment. This was certainly true in 1949 when four entrepreneurs, who had vision and were not afraid to take risks, decided to establish a toy fair in Nuremberg.
“A year later, the first German Toy Trade Fair opened for business, featuring 351 exhibitors and 4,321 buyers. And it wasn’t long before the fair became more international. The rocking horse logo has been synonymous with our world-leading toy fair ever since the second German Toy Fair,” explains Ernst Kick, describing some of the milestones in its long history.
In 2002, Ernst became the fourth CEO to steer the fortunes of Spielwarenmesse eG. Under his leadership, concepts tailored to the Spielwarenmesse’s target groups have been created and implemented, new halls have been built and filled, products groups have been adapted to changing market conditions, special areas have been set up and an on-trend supporting programme introduced.
