American International Toy Fair

"Toy Fair" redirects here. For Nuremberg Toy Fair, see Nuremberg International Toy Fair.
American International Toy Fair

Toy Fair logo used in 2006
Status Active
Genre Toys
Venue Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Toy Center
Location(s) New York City, New York
Country United States
Inaugurated February 1903
Attendance 30,000 in 2013
Organized by Toy Industry Association
Website
www.toyfairny.com

The American International Toy Fair (stylized as TOY FAIR) is an annual toy industry trade show held in mid-February in New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and at toy showrooms around the city. The event is open to the toy trade only - toy industry professionals, retailers, and press representatives. It is owned and managed by the Toy Industry Association.[1] Toy Fair's promoters describe it as the largest toy trade show in the Western hemisphere.

History

Toy Fair began in February 1903. The first event featured less than ten toy companies with Lionel trains among the featured products.[2] As the event expanded, more space was needed which led to toy companies occupying 200 Fifth Avenue, a former hotel site, in 1910. By 1925, it was renamed the International Toy Center.[3]

The 110th annual Toy Fair, held February 10-13, 2013, attracted more than 1,500 manufacturers, distributors, importers, and sales agents from 30 countries in over 300,000 square feet (28,000 m2) of exhibit space. Nearly 9,500 buyers from 5,000 retail outlets attended. Overall, there were an estimated 30,000 attendees from 92 countries.[4]

Venues

200 Fifth Avenue

The Javits exhibits feature demonstrations and displays in an open trade show setting, while the toy district showrooms allow buyers to consult with sales representatives from the major toy manufacturers in a quieter setting. These showrooms can be found at

Each building (they are interconnected by upper story walkways) contains relatively small showrooms from many manufacturers. Products featured include current lines as well as samples of products not yet introduced, or products under development. Many manufacturers will stage receptions or events prior to the fair itself for invited buyers, media representatives, or dignitaries.

Attendance

Trolls (toy) decorated bus

Registration is open to the trade only. Admission for buyers is free, but proof of participation in the toy industry is required. Admission for toy manufacturer employees and media is not free, and credentials are required.

References

Lego Batman promotional statue with Bionicle advert
  1. ↑ Toy Industry Association main site
  2. ↑ Moore, Angela It's Not All Child's Play at Toy Fair Los Angeles Times (February 10, 2003). Retrieved on 8-09-2014.
  3. ↑ Sanderson, Peter TOY FAIR 2004 DAY ONE: BATMAN, HARRY POTTER & JUSTICE LEAGUE IGN (February 14, 2004). Retrieved on 8-09-2014.
  4. ↑ American International Toy Fair – February 10-13, 2013 – Welcomes Surge in Global Visitors. Toyassociation.org (2013-02-19). Retrieved on 2013-07-19.

External links

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