Toy Fair® offers a competitive edge no other trade show – or Zoom meeting – can match, from inviting attendees to discover (and play with) unique products, make new connections, and see hundreds of thousands of toys games under a single roof. General exhibitor applications are now open for Toy Fair, taking place March 1 to 4, 2025, at the Javits Center in New York City. Attendee registration will open in early fall.
“Toy Fair is not just a business event; it’s a place to nurture ideas, attend educational sessions, and build invaluable connections,” said Kimberly Carcone, executive vice president of global market events at The Toy Association™. “We remain focused on growing the show’s business, educational, and networking opportunities to help exhibitors and the full range of show attendees get the most out of their time in New York.”
For first-time exhibitors and newcomers, taking advantage of the show resources, networking, and educational opportunities can not only help them break into the North American market (or simply better understand the market landscape) but also enhance their brand’s visibility and recognition within
the industry.
New and international exhibitors can showcase their products in the ‘Launch Pad’ at the show, offering buyers and other attendees a dedicated zone to explore unique, never-before-seen products and innovations. Additional product zones, showcases, and pavilions throughout the show floor can also help companies cut through the noise and draw attention to their toys, from general product zones (Action Figures, Arts & Crafts, Games & Puzzles, etc.) to dedicated areas that highlight the influence of global trends and parallel industries on toys, such as the World of Toys Pavilion in partnership with Spielwarenmesse eG, which spotlights brands and playthings from around the world.
Educational offerings from Toy Fair University offer showgoers perspectives on the intersection of business and play in the metaverse; data-driven research on trends and consumers; and insights on toy legislation, safety, and compliance; among other topics. Recordings of past sessions are available on demand. (Applications for speakers for Toy Fair 2025 are now open. Likewise, 50+ special events and networking activities throughout the four-day show serve various audiences, such as university-level students during Student Congress Day and the inventor and designer community during Creative Factor Inventor Day (March 4). During Creative Factor Inventor Day, selected inventors will have their concepts reviewed by top toy manufacturers and kids’ entertainment executives.
Building on the success of its 2023 edition, Toy Fair will also reintroduce the visual merchandising initiative, requiring exhibitors to make products visible in at least 20 percent of their aisle-facing space, enhancing engagement with top buyers (23 of the top 25 U.S. toy sellers attended in 2023) and media visibility (800 media registered for the 2023 show). The second annual Reimagination Awards will
recognize standout displays judged by industry experts across four categories. “With so many engaging activities for exhibitors as well as business-building programs for every Toy Fair attendee, now is the time to secure your space and ensure you and your company are well represented at the most eagerly anticipated North American toy event in 2025,” said Carcone. “We’re already seeing an extremely strong renewal season and early exhibitor commitment for 2025, further solidifying Toy Fair’s place as the pinnacle gathering for everyone involved in the business of play.”
Potential exhibitors are invited to apply now to secure booth space in specific product zones, book private meeting suite space, opt-in for turnkey packages, and lock in sponsorship opportunities. For tips on how to best navigate Toy Fair 2025, mark your calendars for six upcoming Exhibitor Academy sessions beginning this month. For more information, including how to take advantage of Toy Fair’s designated hotel blocks for the best rates, visit toyfairny.com.
