The New York Toy Fair has been postponed until the Spring. That’s according to a letter from Steve Pasierb, Toy Association President.
I was impressed and relieved by the Association’s decision not to substitute with an all-digital alternative. Yes, the TOTY Awards and the Hall of Fame induction will be virtual but not the show itself.
The New York Toy Fair is about bringing all of the industry’s tribes (toy companies, retailers, inventors, designers, consultants, the trade press, logistics providers, and more) physically together in one place at one time. There is simply no substitute for the excitement and invention that comes from reenacting an over one-hundred-year rite passage for an industry that values its history and traditions.
The Toy Association was wise to understand this. The decision to postpone Toy Fair rather than to provide a digital substitution is to be applauded by all of us who want the real thing: a true New York Toy Fair.
NYTF is something I really look forward to. I’m glad it was postponed instead of cancelled or virtualized. Nothing compares to seeing the items in person and networking face to face with other business owners & your sales reps.
Anybody concerned about the walking the street at night in NYC?….and will the virus still be a problem…some of us are not that young….lastly, is this for Fall 2021 or Spring 2022 product……still charging $200 to get in if not a buyer or rep???