Toy Fair ’13 Grows Resources for International Attendees

February 5, 2013 | Building on the steady growth of attendees from foreign countries, the Toy Industry Association’s (TIA) 110^th American International Toy Fair is enhancing its programs and resources for international buyers and export-ready exhibitors.

“Overseas toy retailers recognize that the New York City Toy Fair provides them with key access to the creative toys originating in the U.S. Likewise, global manufacturers recognize that Toy Fair is a key gateway to the North American marketplace,” said Carter Keithley, TIA president. “To account for this growing group of visitors from nearly 100 countries, TIA makes it a priority to ensure that our international guests make the most of their time spent at the show.”

The following is a sample of networking, trade and educational opportunities being offered to Toy Fair’s global audience:

Networking

• The International Visitors’ Welcome Reception (Sunday, February 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.) has been expanded to include international buyers, press and exhibitors. To RSVP contact TIA’s Joan Wyche, director of buyer relations and attendee services. Guests at this invite-only event will meet and mingle with TIA leadership and Toy Fair attendees from around the world.

Trade & Promotion

• A comprehensive directory of export-ready exhibitors at Toy Fair ’13 has been compiled to assist international buyers. Companies currently engaged in export to markets outside the U.S. – or those ready to ship to another country or region – have been included in the directory, which is available on-site in the International Buyers Lounge (Room 1B04, Level 1).
  
  
• Toy Fair is hosting a delegation of international press from International Trade Magazine Association (ITMA) member publications.

Education

• Exploring the Domestic Chinese Market (Hall 1E-04) is a one-hour seminar for exhibitors looking to tap into the Chinese marketplace. The session will be held on Monday, February 11 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and presented by Crystal Zhong, General Manager of Kidsland Ltd. in Guangzhou, China.

• A Guide to Exporting: Opportunities North & South of the Border (Hall 1E-04) will take also take place on Monday, February 11 from 3 to 4 p.m. This free seminar will provide toy companies with key guidance on how to expand their businesses further into the global marketplace. The session will be led by representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and the U.S. Consulate General in Toronto.

For more information about all of Toy Fair’s educational sessions, after-hours events and special activities, visit the Education and Happenings sections of ToyFairNy.com.  The 110^th American International Toy Fair will take place February 10-13, 2013 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.