Showtime!
Big three shows on tap for early '06
By Tom Sosnowski -- Playthings, 11/1/2005
The toy show season hits high gear in January and February 2006 as the first major toy exhibitions take place. The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair 2006 kicks off the show season January 10-13, followed by The Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair Nuremburg (February 2-7) and the American International Toy Fair in New York (February 12-15).
The Hong Kong show is the largest toy fair in Asia and the second largest in the world. This edition continues to evolve. A new section, focusing on candy toys, will make its debut, while the baby toys and baby products section will be expanded.
Other distinct areas of the show include a hobby goods and magic section. Running concurrently is the Hong Kong International Stationery Fair.
On to GermanyFollowing Hong Kong, the toy industry makes its way to Germany and The Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair Nuremburg, the world's largest toy exhibition.
The fair focuses on the latest trends and market developments by organizing special areas and events. These special sections provide buyers with ideas for better marketing of products, present new hot segments, and offer targeted, future-orientated information and practical assistance for everyday business.
During the 2005 edition of the show, 77,000 trade visitors from more than 100 countries attended. Forty-eight percent of the visitors were international.
New York CityWrapping up the early-year shows is the American International Toy Fair, held at the Jacob Javits Center as well as individual showrooms in the Toy District, which includes the International Toy Center (ITC). This show may be the final toy exhibition held at the ITC, as the property changed hands and is expected to become residential homes.
More than 1,500 manufacturers, distributors, importers and sales agents from 30 countries showcase their toy and entertainment products. Special Javits show sections include: Collectibles, e@play, Game Zone, HobbyTech, International Pavilions, Reading writing and Rhythm, Specialty Source, Sweet Spot, and Urban Bazaar: Indie Art Toys. The remainder of the event will take place in Toy District showrooms.
