www.ToyFairNY.com An Official Toy Industry Association, Inc. Publication Welcome2015 Toy Fair oy Fair in New York City has earned a worldwide Treputation for being the place to spot all of the creativ- ity, innovation and imagination originating in the North American toy industry. In fact, many of the hundreds of thousands of magi- cal playthings shown at Toy Fair – from toys that inspire kids to ex- plore the world around them, to active playthings that encourage families to play together – are not seen at any other toy show in the world! Savvy global retail outlets make Toy Fair a key stop on the toy buying circuit, and look to the marketplace to revamp and diver- sify their shelves with innovative products that will resonate with Caption will go here saying something like opening day of the 2014 toy fair created a large croud of venders and buyers. families. Toy Fair exhibitors, who represent a sizeable snapshot of top-tier media outlets comb the schedule of special happenings Expand your knowledge. Be the $22 billion U.S. toy market, show’s 419,000+ net square feet of and educational programs de- sure to carve out some time to use the show to launch a wide exhibit space in search of the next tailed in the pages of this issue attend Toy Fair’s world-class edu- array of toys, games and youth en- hit toy or game. of Toy Fair Times. Before diving cational sessions. Many of these tertainment products designed to On top of the robust sales and headfirst into Toy Fair, we’ve out- presentations are free and will promote the healthy development networking activity at Toy Fair, all lined some tips to ensure that enrich your Toy Fair experience, of children of all ages. In addi- of the week’s energy and excite- your time at the show is produc- whether you are interested in tion to retailers, reporters from ment is amplified by a packed tive – and fun: CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 What’s happening at toy fair undreds of thousands will show and scout innovative new of toys and games … product, attend special events and Hmore than 1,000 exhib- seminars, and soak up all that Toy iting toy companies … Nearly Fair – and its host city, New York 30,000 global buyers and trade – has to offer. Whether you are a guests … All packed into four, buyer, manufacturer, licensor, in- fun-filled days of trend-spotting, ventor, or other trade guest, Toy Fair order-writing, and networking at has something for you. The follow- the largest toy marketplace in the ing is a brief outline of the show’s Western Hemisphere: TIA’s North schedule, but be sure to check www. N.J. Bellmawr, American International Toy Fair! ToyFairNY.com regularly for the 1239 No. Permit Attendees from 100 countries most up-to-date information about PAID U.S. POSTAGE U.S. are making Toy Fair their desti- the many events and activities 10010 NY York New 1115 Broadway, Suite 400 Suite Broadway, 1115 PRSRT STD PRSRT nation this February, where they CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 Inc. Association, Industry Toy 4 FEBRUARY 14-17, 2015 | NEW YORK CITY What’s happening at toy fair CONTINUED FROM COVER Welcome to Toy Fair 2015 taking place throughout Toy Fair with two afternoon seminars ex- CONTINUED FROM COVER week. ploring the basics of licensing Carter Keithley retail strategies, toy design, digital toy and unique licensing opportuni- President & CEO, Toy Industry trends, licensing, toy safety laws and Friday, February 13th ties. Independent Thinking’s free, Association regulations, global marketplace develop- The night before Toy Fair opens expert-led sessions targeted to ments, export opportunities, and more. its doors, hundreds of toy ex- specialty toy store owners will also Leave time for exploration. By taking ecutives and industry guests will commence on Saturday, with a the time to simply walk the vast show floor attend the 2015 Toy of the Year presentation on how to grow your in between scheduled appointments, Awards (TOTY) to honor the year’s average daily sale up to 20% in 20 John Gessert, you might just happen upon the next big finest toys, games and youth en- days, and Creative Factor, the free Chairman, thing. If your time is limited, consider Toy Industry tertainment products. The awards learning series for inventors and Association and checking out TIA’s toy trends briefing on President & CEO, presentation will include a cer- startups, will share tips on bringing American Plastic Sunday, February 16th. It’s open to all Toy emony for the latest inductees into new ideas to market. Toys, Inc. Fair attendees and is a great way to get an the esteemed Toy Industry Hall of overview of the biggest trends of the year, Fame. More information about Sunday, February 15th see product examples, and speak to TIA this opulent evening is available On day two of the show, com- trend experts. in this issue of Toy Fair Times. Visit panies looking to grow their Get (and stay) connected. Order-writing and relationship-build- www.TOTYAwards.org to purchase businesses overseas will benefit ing can now easily take place beyond the four-day show, thanks to tickets. from TIA’s exclusive Global Trade ShopToyFair365.com. This free e-commerce tool allows registered buy- and Market Expansion program- ers to browse exhibitors’ latest product offerings and place purchase Saturday, February 14th ming. This three-session program orders online – every single day of the year. Toy Fair kicks off at 9 a.m. sharp will take place throughout the There’s no city like New York City. Toy Fair takes place in one of the with a ribbon-cutting ceremony day on Sunday, with research pre- world’s greatest cities – New York – where the options for dining, shop- in the Crystal Palace, featuring a sentations on the U.S., Mexico ping, theatre and cultural activities are nearly endless. While you’re in parade of costumed characters and Australia based on findings town, tap into the city’s creative pulse. You might leave feeling inspired. and special guests. TIA’s Licensing from TIA-commissioned stud- Whether you are a first-time visitor or you have been coming to Toy Content Connection, an educa- ies examining the toy and youth Fair for many years, we thank you for making the largest toy show in the tional program specifically for entertainment markets in those Western Hemisphere your destination this February, and we wish you a those with a stake in the world of regions. On Sunday afternoon, TIA productive, prosperous and playful show! licensing, will begin on Saturday will also host its annual Toy Trends ® El o th S Th l and E ® lf Pets Bo 106 ® and © 2014 CCA and B, LLC. All Rights Reserved. www.ToyFairNY.com 5 Briefing, free for all show attend- ees, to unveil the Association’s top 2015 Toy Trend Forecast toy trend predictions for 2015. Toy industry stakeholders inter- oy Fair is more than a fun-filled playground to explore their passions and create – truly combining ested in knowing how to captivate, filled with thousands and thousands of amaz- the building trend with the arts and crafts trend – and engage and educate children us- Ting new toys, games and youth entertainment really advancing the “maker movement.” Analysts ing the latest digital devices, apps products – it’s also a good predictor of what will be and retailers have been saying that “personalization” and games will learn all of that and trending in the world of toys and play in the year to remains hot among kids. 3D printing, though not yet more at the 9th annual Digital Kids come. Having witnessed the launch of countless widely used, is expected to have a tremendous impact Conference, taking place alongside timeless treasures – from Barbie to Tickle Me Elmo – on the toy industry in the not-so-distant future, and Toy Fair at the Javits Center from Toy Fair is considered a must-attend marketplace for we predict this will further enhance custom-made February 15-17. global buyers and other industry insiders hoping to play. scoop up the next big toy or game sensation. Another trend to watch out for is the rise of toys Monday, February 16th The trends team at the Toy that foster unstructured, open-ended play. We love On Monday, early birds can start Industry Association (TIA) works how these types of toys give today’s overscheduled the day at TIA’s Annual Business year-round to identify and track kids the tools to unlock their creativity and use their Meeting, which is open to all and product developments and emerg- imagination. will cover Association news and ing trends both within the industry updates, as well as the election of and in parallel industries that in- Toy Fair Times: Speaking of tech, people are always new Board members. Following fluence the youth and toy market. excited to see new tech innovations in the toy in- the meeting, TIA’s free and highly Adrienne Appell, TIA’s leading trend dustry. What types of tech toys are on the rise? informative Toy Safety Compliance expert, gives Toy Fair Times readers Adrienne Appell: In the tech area, we are seeing a Adrienne Appell Update, sponsored by ANSECO Toy Trend Expert, a sneak peek at the hottest toy trend growing number of “wearable” tech toys and open- Group, TUV Rheinland of North Toy Industry Association predictions for 2015 and an invita- ended digital toys and games that encourage kids America, and UL, will shed light tion to the annual ‘Toy Trends Briefing’ seminar that to explore their creativity as they play.