The Toy Association is aiming for the new date of May 1-4, 2021 at the Jacob K Javits Center.
The Toy Association has earmarked May 1-4, 2021 for the return of Toy Fair New York.
In his latest president’s letter, Steve Pasierb, ceo and president of The Toy Association, said: “We have been presented with a window in the opening days of May and we are willing, ready and able to put resources toward the show and any other projects that will continue to help members grow their businesses.”
It was confirmed in September that Toy Fair New York would not run in its traditional February slot in 2021, due to the on-going impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, while Steve acknowledged that none of us could be certain what would happen some seven months in the distance, we all need “a return to a degree of business normalcy, and to reclaim some aspects of our collective pre-COVID-19 lives”.
Steve continued: “The Toy Association’s trade events effectively and efficiently help members and the industry do more business more often, whether large- or small-scale.
“We canvassed our primary audience of retail buyers and toy sellers to determine whether they want us to plan for a May 2021 trade show. They said yes! We heard from them that the first few days of May have high potential, and the timing is relevant to specialty, long-lead, and mass market retailers. May serves specialty in time for Q4 2021; is well-timed for long lead and mass to conduct or complete spring/summer 2022 line reviews; and may even offer some early views for Q4 2022.”
He also admitted: “To be certain, this not the Toy Fair NY we have traditionally known as we anticipate smaller footprints, a different exhibitor mix, less extravagant if not workmanlike displays, and simply a focus on making the human and product connections that Zoom and similar substitutes have not been able to offer.”
The organisation is working closely with everyone connected to Toy Fair including federal, state and city officials, contractors and support teams to ensure a safe environment. It will also continue to expand its other digital engagement opportunities – Toy Fair Everywhere – which is rolling out its year-round version later this year, as well as a private preview programme with key retailers.
Steve added: “What if the situation does not turn in our favour in spring of 2021? If at any time we feel that Toy Fair NY 2021 cannot be produced in a safe manner, we will cancel the show. If the event needs to be canceled, as is the long-standing show policy, any monies paid will shift toward Toy Fair New York in February 2022, when it returns to the newly expanded and state-of-the-art Javits Center. In fact, almost all 2021 exhibitors had already shifted to 2022, so May again presents a more immediate opportunity.”
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