I have gotten so many requests to repeat this piece that each year, the week before Toy Fair, I post it. I am still excited, how about you?
Every year at this time, I get that sense of anticipation knowing that our tribal get together, Toy Fair, is about to commence. In my mind’s eye, I can look out into the distance and can almost see them coming: The Toy and Game Inventors, Designers, Packagers, Publicists, Manufacturers, Retailers, Advertisers, Journalists, Agents, and Sales Representatives.
They will gather on the floor of the Jacob Javits Center as well as in parties, bars, and restaurants all over town. The Women In Toys banquet, the ASTRA get together, the TOTY Awards, Mary Couzin’s ChiTAG NYC Get-Together Get-Together, and countless other parties and celebrations will be happening all over the city.
I believe that it is this mingling of the tribes that is the most important function that Toy Fair provides. I know that common wisdom is that it functions as a place for manufacturers to show their new products to retailers. I think, however, that the true importance of Toy Fair is the magic that happens when so many intelligent, creative, and aggressive people come together and cross-pollinate ideas.
If you are a first-time attendee at Toy Fair, or even if you are a veteran, take the time to appreciate the opportunity you have to meet new people, get new ideas and become motivated to take on the New Year.
I, for one, am excited. I look forward to seeing you in New York.
Well said! GREAT opportunity to mingle , be energized and be stimulated by , and celebrate with , the best colleagues and best industry anyone could ever wish to be a part of !