The launch of the Toy Desk signals an important shift in how industry associations are evolving to meet the needs of modern toy companies. As manufacturers, inventors, retailers, and licensors navigate increasingly complex issues ranging from tariffs and compliance to safety regulations and market opportunities, the value of quick access to expert guidance has never been greater. By creating a centralized support hub, The Toy Association is recognizing that members increasingly expect the same level of responsiveness and streamlined service they receive from leading technology and business platforms.
More broadly, the Toy Desk reflects a growing emphasis on member engagement and year-round value beyond major events like Toy Fair. As the toy industry faces ongoing supply chain challenges, changing global regulations, and rapid technological advancements such as AI and connected play, organizations that can efficiently connect members with expertise, advocacy resources, and networking opportunities will play an increasingly strategic role. The initiative demonstrates The Toy Association’s effort to strengthen its position as not only the industry’s leading voice, but also a day-to-day resource that helps companies navigate challenges and identify opportunities in a fast-changing marketplace.
New Hub Provides Member-Only Access to Expert Guidance Across Key Industry and Business Needs
NEW YORK, NY | June 17, 2026 — The Toy Association™ today announced the launch of the Toy Desk, a new centralized member support hub designed to provide members with a concierge-level service connecting them with the Association’s resources, expertise, and services.
Created to strengthen the member experience, the Toy Desk provides a single point of entry for questions, requests, and support needs. Through a streamlined online submission process, inquiries are routed directly to the appropriate Association team, helping members quickly access the information and guidance they need.
The launch is the first phase of a broader initiative focused on modernizing member engagement and services. Future phases will build upon the Toy Desk’s foundation with additional capabilities and enhancements.
“The Toy Desk reflects our ongoing commitment to putting members first and continually improving how we serve the toy community,” said Greg Ahearn, president & CEO of The Toy Association. “The Toy Desk is an important step forward in strengthening that commitment. By creating one welcoming front door for support, we can point members to the right resources and expertise across our organization.”
Members can use the Toy Desk to submit inquiries related to events and experiences, networking opportunities, policy and regulatory developments, tariffs and trade issues, safety and technical guidance, promotional opportunities, general membership support, and more.
The Toy Desk’s mascot, Gilbert, serves as the friendly face of the initiative. Named in honor of A.C. Gilbert, inventor of the Erector Set, Olympian, entrepreneur, and founder of The Toy Association (in 1916 as The Toy Manufacturers of America), Gilbert embodies the spirit of innovation, service, and industry leadership that has guided the organization for more than a century.
Members can access the Toy Desk on the Association’s website under the “Services” tab. For more information about The Toy Association, visit www.toyassociation.org.
About The Toy Association™ toyassociation.org / toyfoundation.org / peopleofplay.com / thegeniusofplay.org / playsafe.org
Founded in 1916, The Toy Association™, Inc. is the business trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The Toy Association leads the health and growth of the U.S. toy industry, which has an annual U.S. economic impact of $155.7 billion, and its roughly 800+ members drive the annual $45.6 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Toy Association serves as the industry’s voice on the developmental benefits of play and promotes play’s positive impact on childhood development. The organization has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, governments, consumers, and the industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play.
As a global leader, The Toy Association produces the world-renowned Toy Fair™ in New York City; hosts marketplace activities in Los Angeles; engages in state, federal, and international advocacy on behalf of its members; supports the inventor and design community through People of Play™ and its numerous assets and events, including the consumer-facing Chicago Toy & Game Fair; sustains the Canadian Toy Association; acts as secretariat for the International Council of Toy Industries and International Toy Industry CEO Roundtable; and chairs the committee that reviews and revises America’s widely emulated ASTM F963 toy safety standard. The Toy Association’s philanthropic arm is The Toy Foundation™, a 501 (c)(3) children’s charity that acts as the uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry. To date, The Toy Foundation has delivered the joy of play to 33 million children in need worldwide.
