Toy Fair Dallas will present its first-ever FutureCast Gallery, a convergence of art and commerce, toys and business showcasing the future of toys. The new initiative aims to offer retailers a fresh approach to shopping the show, and create an innovative avenue for exhibitors to spotlight what’s on the horizon.
Steve Starobinsky, founder of lifestyle brand KID@HEART and CMO of Diverse Marketing, is the guest curator of this experiential toy industry shopping gallery. Considered an expert in product discovery, Starobinsky will use his passion for product and ability to identify evolving trends to curate an exclusive collection of toys that best foretell the direction of the industry.
The FutureCast Gallery will cover 10 categories of play:
- Animal of the Year
- The Olympic Effect
- Radical Sustainability
- Doctor, Lawyer, Engineer, Creative
- Beauty Videos & Make-Up
- Grandparent-Friendly
- The Spirit of Collaboration
- STEM
- Preschool Magic
- Innovation on Wheels
The Toy Association is currently accepting company submissions for inclusion in the inaugural FutureCast Gallery. Companies should submit their products for consideration by Thursday, August 15.
“The FutureCast Gallery, located on the 13th floor of the Dallas Market Center, will showcase new toys across a broad range of categories giving buyers a unique opportunity to shop the show and find new products in a fresh way,” said Marian Bossard, executive vice-president of global market events at The Toy Association. “Buyers have been asking for this kind of experience at Toy Fair Dallas and we are excited to offer them multiple ways to view products while at the marketplace.”
“The gallery is all about retail discovery,” Starobinsky added. “It is a platform for companies and idea-makers to connect and collaborate with buyers, licensors, inventors, influencers, and anyone else that has a vested interest in the toy and play industries. If you have a product, a prototype, or an ideation that touches or furthers these 10 categories, we encourage you to apply.”
Toy Fair Dallas will be held Wednesday, October 2 to Friday, October 4. For more information, visit ToyFairDallas.com.