The Toy Association announced the upcoming dates and locations for #ToyFair. The following addresses common questions about why decisions were made to shift the show's timing to the first quarter, why the location will change to New Orleans, and why there won't be a Toy Fair in 2024. See below for the answers:
1. Why is Toy Fair moving back to Q1 when it was just moved to fall?
Before the pandemic, we heard repeatedly that changing manufacturing lead times and retailer buying patterns demanded a shift of the show's timing from February to an earlier fall timeline. We also conducted extensive research into what would be best for the toy community. Based on all these considerations, The Toy Association Board of Directors was responsive and Javits Center helpful to move the show to fall for 2023.
Our Board, which is made up of representatives from toy companies and retailers of varying sizes, continues to listen to all stakeholders when making decisions about the future of Toy Fair. The show's key audiences have returned to traditional views that Toy Fair is most valuable as a North American trade event when it takes place in the first quarter of the year. In fact, we have heard that an earlier timeframe than in the past is most ideal -- so we plan to host the show in mid-January for 2026-2028. In 2025, we will host Toy Fair in early March at the Javits Center in New York City. We remain open to returning to New York for 2029 should space come available.
2. Why is Toy Fair moving to New Orleans?
We needed to find a high-quality convention center that could host a show of Toy Fair's size and magnitude in the mid-January timeframe that our audiences requested. New Orleans is also much more affordable for our exhibitors and attendees. The city has state of the art facilities including a brand-new airport, public transportation, renowned restaurants, a wonderful cultural scene, and a strong collaborative partnership between the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans & Company, and the business community. All of these factors make it a perfect and welcoming fit for Toy Fair.
We have a three-year commitment in New Orleans. Our Board of Directors and staff will continue to listen to our community to ensure Toy Fair remains a strong, vibrant, trade event that meets the needs of all attendees.
3. Why isn't there a show in 2024?
Following the decision to move Toy Fair to Q1, it was simply impossible to host a show in a few short months from now.
4. What are the future Toy Fair dates? If mid-January was the preference, why March of 2025?
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City, March 1-4, 2025.
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, January 17-20, 2026; January 9-12, 2027; and January 15-18, 2028.
The factors of available dates in desirable cities and sufficient space make it difficult to quickly move a trade show the size of Toy Fair. The March 2025 dates were the first and best available thanks to the Javits Center.
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