The mood on the show floor was upbeat and energetic, with many exhibitors and buyers saying that Toy Fair exceeded their expectations.
The 117th annual Toy Fair New York brought tens of thousands of play innovators from 100 countries to New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Centre from 22nd-25th February. The sold-out marketplace showcased the talent of the global toy industries and provided an engaging line-up of daily educational programming.
“Over the past 117 years Toy Fair New York has evolved from business meetings in New York City’s iconic Toy Building to a crucial global hub for play professionals seeking the hottest new trends, new business opportunities, access to New York’s finance and media communities, and unrivalled educational programming,” stated Steve Pasierb, president & CEO of The Toy Association. “This year’s marketplace unveiled fresh product lines, innovative twists on classics, exciting new tech and interactive playthings, and licensed toys driven by digital and traditional media IP – all competing to top kids’ wish lists and vital to driving the $27b US toy market and US toymakers’ integral role in the $90 billion global toy industry.”
Exhibiting companies from 30 countries unveiled new lines and key drivers to buyers from the nation’s top 25 toy retailers, international outlets, and speciality stores, including: Target, Walmart, Amazon, Walgreens, Disney Store, Smyths Toys and The Entertainer.
First-time exhibitors in the Launch Pad section of the show wowed guests, while veteran brands continued to raise the bar on play and innovation. As a major pop culture destination, Toy Fair New York also welcomed more family influencers and content creators than ever before. Multiple entertainment companies were once again in attendance to negotiate deals and tap into new categories of play, including Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products, Netflix, Sesame Workshop and Warner Bros. Consumer Products. In addition to conducting business, exhibitors leveraged media opportunities with nearly 1,000 members of the press attending Toy Fair.
Dozens of daily educational seminars, panel presentations, and demos took place at the show, covering toy and play topics including safety, compliance and sustainability; toy invention, design and entrepreneurship; top trends; global trade and market expansion; licensing and more. An expanded Creative Factor programme was a show highlight; presentations were held in the Creative Factor theatre to provide creative professionals with the tips, tools, and strategies they need to innovate in today’s toy, play, and retail environment.
