On Friday February 23, Andy Keimach, interim president and CEO of the Toy Association discussed the previously announced plans for an LA Fall Preview. His letter to the industry follows:
As I continue having conversations with a wide range of professionals who have a stake in the toy industry, it is becoming increasingly apparent that our work at The Toy Association has never been more critical.
In a challenging environment, an industry trade association must adapt to the needs of all stakeholders it serves. In our case, this means that The Toy Association must listen to what manufacturers of all types and sizes (both members and non-members), inventors, the retail community, and others, need from us to succeed.
Last year, we heard you loud and clear that a fall marketplace in Los Angeles was essential to your business success. In early 2024, we announced our plans for an LA Fall Preview, taking place this September. The decision to host a Fall Preview at 2250 East Imperial Highway in El Segundo came after extensive research into what would be the most affordable, accessible, and convenient location for this activity.
We are pleased to announce that we have secured three consecutive floors in the building, allowing companies to host buyers, show long-lead product, and hold meetings in Los Angeles during the crucial fall preview time.
If you choose to rent space, you will be able to use it for buyer appointments through the entire month of September (Sept. 1-30), while The Toy Association will host a dedicated market week from September 9-13, and will invite buyers to make appointments with all toy tenants during that timeframe. Please fill out this tenant interest form if you would like to learn more.
The Toy Association LA Fall Preview is a solution that enables companies to rent space and conduct their own private preview meetings. It is also an important opportunity to gather as a community and network, which is why we will host a “come one, come all” Networking Party on Tuesday, September 10 at the Otis College of Art & Design, home of one of the nation’s leading Toy Design programs.
The networking event is open to all toy professionals, regardless of their affiliation with The Toy Association and/or the LA Fall Preview. Our intention is to welcome everyone for a fun-filled evening. There will be food and drinks, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. Tickets are complimentary, but registration must be completed ahead of time.
The Toy Association serves our members and the broader toy industry, from inventors and entrepreneurs to specialty and mass retailers, toy manufacturers, distributors, and others that contribute to our overall success. As an industry, we are stronger when we are united on key initiatives, and we are more effective as a trade association when we know what you want and need. Please don’t be a stranger – I can be reached at akeimach@toyassociation.org. We hope to see you in Los Angeles this fall.
