Toy Industry Association, LeftField Media Will Debut Play Fair in New York City
September 21, 2015
Every year, when thousands of attendees head to the Toy Industry Association’s North American International Toy Fair, the only thing missing on the showfloor filled with toys and game were the kids.
Starting with the February 2016 show, the public will have the opportunity to see all the latest new products with TIA and LeftField Media teaming up to launch Play Fair - "a celebration of play and entertainment for all ages”.
"Play Fair will provide toy lovers of all ages with unique and unparalleled access to enriching immersive events and experiences built around the power of play," said Marian Bossard, Toy Industry Association senior vice president of Global Market Events.
She added, "It's a truly one-of-a-kind event for families and fans to explore nostalgic and innovative toys and brands in an all-ages atmosphere that can't be beat!"
Fans – from kids to adults – will experience toy reveals, photo ops, character interactions, stage performances, author readings, celebrity signings, live music, and giveaways.
Retail areas will allow attendees to purchase show exclusives, limited edition products, and rare variants of toys and games.
The inaugural Play Fair will run Feb. 13-14, 2016, at the Jacob K Javits Convention Center of New York.
"We're humbled and thrilled to work together with TIA on Play Fair," said Greg Topalian, president of LeftField Media. "For more than a century, TIA has gathered the professional side of the toy world together at Toy Fair, and now families, fans, and collectors will finally get to experience this excitement inside their own event.”
He added, “Play Fair will be a space to create fun, engaging, and rewarding connections between brands, their current fans, and the fans of tomorrow – and get a glimpse at new toys before anyone else on the planet!"
Play Fair will be headquartered inside New York's Javits Center and will turn all of Manhattan into a giant "game board," encouraging attendees to visit various iconic New York institutions and landmarks to make the most of their time in the city and unlock Play Fair discounts, exclusives, and rewards, according to show management.
"Our launch of Play Fair couldn't come at a better time, as we're seeing a growing number of studies and reports that underscore play's crucial developmental benefits to children, and its impact on the happiness and well-being of adults," said Steve Pasierb, TIA president and CEO.
He added, "We look forward to welcoming families from far and wide for a spectacular event filled with magical moments and playful experiences that they will be re-living and talking about long after they leave the show."
The LEGO Group and Nickelodeon have been confirmed as presenting sponsors.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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