In response to challenges posed by the Delta variant of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Toy Association announced the official postponement of Toy Fair Dallas, which was planned to take place October 5 to 7. It is anticipated that new dates in 2022 will be secured at the Dallas Market Center.
“While our exhibitors and hundreds of retail buyers were looking forward to coming back together in person this fall, the health and safety of the greater toy community remains The Toy Association’s number one priority,” said Steve Pasierb, president & CEO of The Toy Association. “In the interim, we remain committed to the ‘possible’ and continue to focus our efforts on providing retail buyers and toymakers with effective ways to connect and do business.”
The Toy Association immediately pivoted in 2020 to offering impactful digital business solutions which continue to be active and vital in 2021 including the Toy Fair Everywhere 24/7 digital marketplace and an exclusive series of retailer virtual product preview events connecting toymakers with top-tier buyers. While the toy industry also deals with impacts of the global shipping crisis, the Toy Fair Everywhere platform offers thousands of toy and play products available for immediate distribution to retailers.
Exhibitor bookings and attendee enthusiasm for Toy Fair New York 2022 continue to advance. The show will take place Saturday, February 19 through Tuesday, February 22 in a newly expanded Jacob K. Javits Center. The show opening will be preceded by the 2022 Toy of The Year Awards gala held on Friday evening, February 18, at the Marriott Marquis. Health and safety protocols will be in place for these events including proof that all in-person attendees are vaccinated against COVID-19. Any additional directives from New York City will be observed.