NEW YORK, N.Y. — During a press conference this week, The Toy Association’s President and CEO Steve Pasierb shared a number of changes in his industry that are affecting the way retailers buy and are behind the association’s decision to move the dates of its industry-leading event next year. The largest toy, play and youth entertainment marketplace in the Western Hemisphere, the 118th edition of Toy Fair will take place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center from September 30 to October 3, 2023 in New York City. The show will return to Javits again in 2024; dates are still to be determined.
The association’s Board of Directors made the decision to shift the show timing to fall from February based on a number of factors. “We are seeing significantly longer lead times in production and shipping, and the total supply chain has permanently changed,” Pasierb said. “We need to align our trade shows to get people in front of the products with that in mind.”
Related. 12 Trade Show Trends for 2022
The buying cycle of toy retailers has changed as well, Pasierb said. “The cycle for a large chunk of toy sales has moved much earlier, and some buyers are backing up into the summer. Everything has moved earlier.”
All of these changes have been exacerbated by the pandemic, Pasierb said, and are likely here to stay.
Related. The Show Must Go On: Early 2022 Shows Moving Forward
Pasierb was enthusiastic about what he called a “reimagined show” in New York City, saying the location will best serve all audiences relying on Toy Fair and can tap into New York’s position as a finance and media hub.
Since the change could not happen for 2022, the association will be holding a 2023 Preview & 2022 Holiday Market September 20-22 at Dallas Market Center for retailers to shop for this holiday season and preview products for next year.
Reach Steve Pasierb at spasierb@toyassociation.org or (212) 675.1141
