The first-ever Toy Fair Everywhere virtual market week, hosted by The Toy Association, will kick off next Monday, July 13. More than 150 exhibiting companies, as of this writing, have signed on to showcase their hottest toys and games to global buyers and media vying to see what will be trending in Q4. Created in partnership with software provider Balluun, Toy Fair Everywhere aims to connect the worldwide toy community at a time when business travel and in-person meetings and events are limited.
In preparation for next week’s kickoff, exhibiting companies have already begun to leverage the online platform to book meetings, upload product catalogs to highlight across their unlimited “booth” space, and become familiarized with the platform’s real-time analytics to tailor their buyer outreach. Current exhibitors and sponsors include Aurora World; Boogie Board; Buzzy, Inc.; Design Masters; Faber-Castell USA/Creativity for Kids; Goliath; HABA USA; Klutz; The LEGO Group; Melissa and Doug; Safari Ltd.; Schylling; TOMY; Toysmith; TY; Ukidz LLC; Viking Toys; and more.
“While nothing can replace our in-person meetings and events like Toy Fair New York and Toy Fair Dallas, the pre-show success and interest in Toy Fair Everywhere is a strong indicator that these virtual events are serving a critical need to our industry at this time,” said Marian Bossard, executive vice president of global market events at The Toy Association. “As long as children are on the lookout for the best toys and games to top their holiday wish lists, Toy Fair Everywhere will do its part to serve as the meeting grounds to keep stores stocked and business forging ahead.”
The toy community is already abuzz about Toy Fair Everywhere, with The Toy Association recently announcing a new partnership to host the inaugural Toy Fair Everywhere Influencer Choice List powered by Clamour, which will spotlight family content creators’ picks for the hottest toys shown by exhibitors. Exhibitors’ products have also been featured in recent TV segments nationwide, including airings in Detroit, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Houston. Toys and games from Toy Fair Everywhere exhibiting companies will also be featured in The Toy Association’s mid-year trend update during the August market week. Companies that want to have their products considered should complete this form by July 17 for consideration.
Additional Toy Fair Everywhere events and happenings are expected to be announced in the coming days. For more information and to register to attend, visit ToyFairEverywhere.info.