TIA planning ahead
By Allison Warga -- Playthings, 12/2/2002 9:00:00 AM
NEW YORK — Toy Fair may still be over two months away, but it's never too early to start planning. And the TIA is doing a fair share of it. The association is already scheduling events for the week of February 12th that are centered specifically around this year's celebration of the 100th anniversary of Toy Fair.While making their Toy Fair plans, attendees may want to make note of the following.
* Wednesday, Feb. 12 — TIA Member Reception.
* Thursday, Feb. 13 — "The Toy District: Center of the World of Toys" - A day of activities highlighting New York City's historic toy district.
* Friday, Feb. 14 — "Celebrating the Design Process" - The Fashion Institute of Technology's Toy Design Department will host a reception and a tour from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
* Saturday, Feb. 15 — 3rd Annual T.O.T.Y Awards Ceremony at the Waldorf-Astoria from 6:30-11:00 p.m. Formal invitations will be mailed.
* Sunday, Feb. 16 — Javits opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony - Toy Fair officially kicks off at the Javits Center with a record-breaking "World's Largest Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony." Birthday cake will follow. Also, the Toy Fair Centennial Bash will be held at the new Copacabana (34th Street and 11th Avenue) between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $25.00 and are available in advance during registration. Half the price of each ticket will be donated to the Toy Industry Foundation.
* Monday, Feb.17 — "Celebrating a Century of Toys" - A program geared for the media focusing on the current state of the toy industry and highlighting some its accomplishments over the last 100 years.
* Tuesday, Feb.18 — "The Front Lines: Honoring Toy Retailers" - The American Specialty Toy Retailers Association (ASTRA) in cooperation with TIA, will host a Breakfast Seminar at the Javits Center. A commemorative Toy Fair poster will be distributed to retailers.
* Wednesday, Feb. 19 — "Caring for Children" - Events will focus on the charity work that the toy industry is involved with, specifically through the Toy Industry Foundation. Exhibitors will donate product to K.I.D.S (Kids in Distressed Situations).
