The Toy Industry Association (TIA) Executive Committee and Board announced today that Fall Toy Preview – the toy industry’s singular Q4 preview event – will stay in Dallas, TX through 2018, taking place on the following dates: September 27-29, 2016; September 26-28, 2017; and September 25-27, 2018.
“After gathering participant feedback and holding extensive discussions about the pros and cons of various alternative locations, we are pleased to announce that we have recommitted to the Dallas Market Center for the next three years,” said Steve Pasierb, TIA president and CEO. “For the last decade, Fall Toy Preview has worked very well for many in the toy industry seeking another connection with key buyers. We look forward to further strengthening and enhancing the marketplace, as we continue to incorporate business, networking and educational opportunities to benefit attendees who annually attend the show from around the globe.”
TIA’s Trade Show Committee, made up of a range of member company types and sizes, conducted a 10-year review of Fall Toy Preview to determine whether the event’s current timing, location and strategy position the show for short- and long-term success. Alternate sites, date options, rental fees and ancillary costs were explored before it was determined that either Dallas or Los Angeles would be the best fit for the show. Because LA posed several challenges, including a lack of available venues for 2016 and 2017, the Trade Show Committee submitted a consensus proposal to keep the fall marketplace in Dallas through 2018. The proposal was recently approved by TIA’s Executive Committee and Board.
Fall Toy Preview 2015 will bring together hundreds of buyers from mass, mid-tier and specialty retail outlets who rely on the show to jumpstart Q4 planning and negotiate customized products and exclusive lines months in advance of in-store delivery. Nearly 350 innovative toymakers, many with open booths or display areas, will showcase new and beloved brands that will drive holiday ’16 toy sales. Every attendee – from exhibitors and buyers to importers and licensors – will also have access to the show’s educational and networking seminars and special events, including free keynote addresses by Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks owner and investor from the hit TV show Shark Tank during a special Women in Toys event, and Martyn Tipping, branding veteran and CEO of StoryScore.
To date, top retailers have already registered to attend the fall marketplace, including buyers from AAFES, Amazon.com, Bed Bath & Beyond, Family Dollar, Gamestop, Party City, Target, Toys“R”Us, Walmart Stores, and QVC, as well as from a number of specialty stores selling toys, gifts, school supplies and more.
“Fall Toy Preview will continue to evolve to meet the business needs of the global toy industry,” said Pasierb. “With more open booth formats, the ability to window shop and a range of new enhancement and growth strategies in place, we are committed to a successful marketplace for sellers and buyers alike along with an ever-growing audience of key industry players.”
Fall Toy Preview will take place October 6-8, 2015 at the Dallas Market Center in Texas. Buyers, trade guests and exhibitors may register for Fall Toy Preview online. Additional information, including hotel details, is available on the Fall Toy Preview website.
