The Toy Association has unveiled plans for Toy Fair Everywhere, a new series of virtual market weeks.

From 13th July to 19th July, The Toy Association will roll out the first of three virtual seven-day market weeks for 2020, to help toy businesses connect with their customers, suppliers, and the global play community during these uncertain times when in-person meetings and events may not be possible.

Toy Fair Everywhere leverages the Association’s state-of-the-art technology platform and partners like Balluun, which had been previously unutilised, to swiftly respond to seller and buyer needs.

“If there is one thing we have all learned in these unprecedented times when we are forced to social distance from friends, family and colleagues, it’s the power and importance of connection,” said Marian Bossard, executive vice president of global market events at The Toy Association. “These three virtual market weeks can help answer member and toy community needs. They were not created to replace our existing face-to-face marketplaces (Toy Fair New York and Toy Fair Dallas) but to supplement them and help bridge the gap in industry engagement. The Toy Association has the reach, the resources, and the responsibility to play this role for the toy and play community.”

From 13th July until 19th July, The Toy Association will roll out the first of three virtual seven-day market weeks for 2020, connecting toy manufacturers to the global audience of toy buyers, media, and other key stakeholders ahead of the critical fourth quarter selling season. Two additional Toy Fair Everywhere market weeks are planned for August 17th to 23rd and September 14th to 20th.

Just like walking a show floor, virtual market week attendees will be able to explore a calendar of daily events, browse exhibitors by category, and book appointments for virtual demos and chats. Further replicating the in-person Toy Fair experiences online, Toy Fair Everywhere will also feature educational sessions and other engaging special events, both live and pre-recorded, that highlight the resiliency, drive, and passion of the global toy community.

More details on these new digital marketplaces will be revealed in the coming weeks. For questions and additional information, please contact Marian Bossard and Kimberly Carcone to learn more.