By now, the renewal season for the more than 1000 companies intending to exhibit at Toy Fair New York 2021 would be many weeks underway with a deadline set for later in April. Historically, as soon as the prior year’s show wraps, the renewal process for the next year’s show begins. However, with each day presenting new challenges for those operating businesses amid the COVID-19 crisis, The Toy Association has decided to continue to delay the 2021 exhibitor renewal season for Toy Fair New York.
The Toy Association had originally delayed exhibitor renewals some six weeks until mid-April to alleviate some of the pressures on members, but as the situation has only continued to worsen it concluded that this new timeline, too, was simply not enough. Yet, while calls and questions continue to come in asking when 2021 renewals will begin, exhibitors can rest assured that the show will go on and members will be informed as soon as a timeline for renewals is established.
“These are unprecedented times, and we are all learning how best to operate in this new reality,” said Marian Bossard, executive vice president of global market events at The Toy Association. “That said, we also recognize the crucial role Toy Fair Dallas and Toy Fair New York both play in helping our members to sell more products, make new connections, and enter new markets. It’s for these reasons that Toy Fair Dallas booth sales remain underway and we reexamine each day just how long Toy Fair New York can be delayed, given the lengthy process necessary to make the show such a success for exhibitors, buyers, and the entire toy and play community.”
When Toy Fair New York renewals do begin in the coming weeks, exhibitors can look forward to a reduction in the deposit due with their applications. Approved by The Toy Association’s Trade Show Committee and Board Executive Committee, instead of 50 percent, only 25 percent will be required upon booking.
The Toy Association is sympathetic to the needs of its members and where their priorities lie during this time of uncertainty. Our hope is that these efforts will alleviate some of the current burdens being faced, while continuing to help move your business forward.
Please note that exhibitor applications for Toy Fair Dallas are currenting being accepted and deposits remain at 50 percent. Toy Fair Dallas is planned for Tuesday, October 6, to Thursday, October 8, 2020 at the Dallas Market Center. Toy Fair New York 2021 will return to the Jacob Javits Convention Center on Saturday, February 13 to Tuesday, February 16. Companies interested in exhibiting at Toy Fair Dallas or Toy Fair New York are encouraged to reach out to their account executives for more information. Contact Stacy Liebensohn for Toy Fair Dallas; contact Leigh Carleu or Simon Yung for Toy Fair New York.