TOY FAIR is the showcase for the newest trends in toys

Noting a renewed enthusiasm and optimism, attendees and exhibitors at the 101st annual American International TOY FAIR declared the 2004 trade show an overwhelming success, said Tom Conley, president of Toy Industry Association, Inc., which owns TOY FAIR.

The largest toy trade show in the Western Hemisphere, TOY FAIR is the showcase for the newest trends in toys for 2004 and the upcoming holiday season, which accounts for 65% of annual toy sales.

Our pre-registration figures were up for buyers and total attendees, so we had a strong feeling prior to the show's opening that this year's event, our 101st, would be a successful one. Conley noted. We were doubly pleased that the excellent pre-registration numbers were compounded by the final quality and quantity of attendees who participated in the show and the nearly unanimous, positive reports we received from buyers and exhibitors alike.

According to TOY FAIR Show Director Marian Bossard and TIA's Director, Event Operations, total attendance was 21,234 including members of the trade from 29 countries. Press registration included 1,173 members of the national and international print and broadcast media.

Ms. Bossard reported that random on-site surveys of TOY FAIR exhibitors revealed a high degree of satisfaction with the event overall and the level of buyer participation.

Added Ms. Bossard: Exhibitors were eager to sign up for TOY FAIR 2005, and by the end of the show nearly 40% had done so, which bodes well for an early sellout of space for next year's event.

The majority of exhibitors showcased their product at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, using all 333,000 net square feet of space. In addition to Javits, there were 250 showroom exhibitors presenting their product in and around New York City’s Toy District. Special pavilions representing China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand and Spain, and four special product category exhibit areas: Collectible Dolls, Miniatures and Plush; Game Zone; Model & Hobby/Tech; and Specialty Source added to the broad scope of the show.

This year’s well-attended Conference program showed a 9% increase from TOY FAIR attendees. Popular sessions covered hot topics such as licensing, toy marketing and promotion in addition to the annual toy safety update which drew a large crowd.

Hot Trends: Licensed Properties, Retro Toys and Tweens Some of the most prominent themes that arose during TOY FAIR included: increased licensing focus with licensed products tied to new movie releases and popular television shows including Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob Square Pants, and a new fall animated Batman series.

Retro products continued to hold ground with more classic properties being reintroduced ---all in new, refreshed versions made relevant to today’s more tech-savvy kids, while maintaining the basic storyline that captured their parent’s hearts when they were young. More companies are also adding DVDs to accompany or complement product sales for both licensed and non-licensed properties.

With educational products and arts and crafts continuing their upward trend, both pre-schoolers and tweens have a wide variety of products to choose from. Kids and adults share the renewed interest in games, as game companies expand board games, card games and other products designed to bring families and friends together. Even the youngest role-players are able to explore creative new options for becoming heroes, in their own homes, and backyards.

Also see: Kids Toys

About The Author:

Alex Drabing is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-toys.com. Find fun kids educational toys and children’s wooden toys you enjoyed as a child.

	Toy Trends
TOY FAIR is the showcase for the newest trends in toys