Toy Association Moves Toy Fair New York to Fall Starting in 2023; Sets Dates for Dallas Show This Year

February 25, 2022

The Toy Association unveiled plans to change its long-running Toy Fair New York from a late winter to early fall time frame starting next year and set dates for a one-time marketplace in Dallas this year to meet demand.

The announcement comes after COVID-19 concerns prompted the cancellation in January of the 2022 in-person edition of Toy Fair New York, which was set for Feb. 19-22 at the Javits Center. It was only the second time the fair was cancelled in its 117-year run. The 2021 edition was also cancelled due to COVID-19.

Announced during the Toy Association’s Annual General Meeting, the move to fall is part of the next phase of the Toy Fair Reimagination Project, which was launched last year to take a fresh look at every aspect of Toy Fair, including the needs of current and potential audiences and show timing, and make changes beyond 2022.  

“Timing Toy Fair New York to meet the needs of an evolved and evolving industry will ultimately better serve the business needs of our members and the buyer community as well as open new doors to licensors and entertainment studios allied with the toy industry, said Steve Pasierb, president and CEO of the Toy Association. “[Fall is] an ideal time to make impactful holiday news and enjoy New York’s ready access to major national and international media as well as the financial community, which many exhibitors tell us are essential ingredients in Toy Fair.”

The association is now working to shift Toy Fair to late September 2023, and specific dates are being negotiated.

Meanwhile, according to Pasierb, strong demand from exhibitors and keen interest from key retail buyers to show, see and touch product this year prompted the Toy Association to hold a one-time fall marketplace this year, which is scheduled for Sept. 20-22 in Dallas.

The general meeting also included updates on the ways in which the Toy Association is evolving to meet the needs of all members in the face of pandemic-related challenges and the organization’s fight against harmful legislation in Oregon and other obstacles threatening the toy and play community’s ability to effectively and safely get toys into consumers’ hands.

Newly elected members and term renewals to the association’s Board of Directors were also revealed. Included was the election of Aaron Muderick, founder and president of Crazy Aaron's Puttyworld, as its new chairperson.

With the end of a successful two-year term as chairperson, Skip Kodak, regional president, Americas for The LEGO Group, will become chairperson emeritus, take over the role of chair of the Board Nominating Committee and serve as a member of the chair’s Advisory Committee. 

The Toy Association’s roughly 900 members drive $32.6 billion in annual sales for the U.S. market. The association’s annual Toy Fair New York is the largest toy, play and youth entertainment marketplace in the Western Hemisphere.

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook and  LinkedIn!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact