Top Tips for Bloggers Covering the Show
The TIA PR team has enlisted the help of some seasoned bloggers who
have been to Toy Fair for their tips on covering the show. We hope the
information provided below will help you to navigate the show and have a
terrific Toy Fair.
We look forward to seeing you February 10th to the 13th at the Javits
Center. For more information on registration or credentials visit the registration website.
8 Points to Get You Started:
- If you have companies that you are really hoping to connect with,
check the Toy Fair site for contact information regarding who you can
contact for an appointment in the weeks prior to the start of the
event.
- Compile a list of appointments as well as the list of must-see
booth numbers in advance. When you are at the show, check them off to
make sure you don’t miss anything you really want to see.
- Get familiar with the Toy Fair Press Center (in Hall 1E)
immediately. There are charging stations for wireless devices, maps of
the event, a calendar of daily activities, a new product showcase,
access to computers with the internet and a very helpful TIA PR team to
help you navigate the show. Though it's not monitored, there is a place
to hang your coat and small treats like candy and coffee. It's a nice
place to serve as a quiet, home base amongst all the chaos of Toy Fair
to recharge, rest and plan your show strategy.
- If you are using an iPad to do your photo/video work, try using
the app Evernote to keep your notes
and photos together. Relying on handwritten notes and a separate camera
can become time consuming and lead to reporting errors when you are
getting ready to write.
- Bring a suitcase on wheels to store all of the press kits,
catalogs and materials you may receive. Carry a small bag around with
you and stop back at the press center every so often to drop things off
and start fresh again.
- Print or paste stickers of a QR Code of your site onto your
business card. If toys are starting to blur for you after a while,
imagine how the exhibitors feel about having met tons of bloggers. A QR
Code is readable while they are on the floor.
- Take a video camera! Even if you aren't a vlogger, it's really
important to bring along a video recorder or to make sure you have lots
of room on your smart phone's video cam. Still pictures of the fair are
lovely, but to really get a sense of how a toy works and runs, videos
are best.
- Consider bringing a very lightweight tripod. It will get rid of
the shakies when you are filming. You can also use it to tape an
interview between you and the toy seller. Practice at home before the
fair so you know the parameters of your shot.
10 Things to Remember:
- Larger companies will likely require an appointment that is made
prior to Toy Fair. Many companies will have booths that are entirely
closed off where you will not be able to see inside and will need to
check-in with a receptionist. Smaller companies may approach you in the
aisle and ask to introduce you to their product, especially if you
travel with a visible camera and have a press badge.
- Always ask permission before taking photos and videos of toys and
products, especially if you intend on immediately posting that image to
Facebook, Twitter or other social media channels. Some toys and products
are under embargo, especially if you attend the first day of the show,
which means that the information related to them is considered "top
secret."
- Introduce yourself to representatives as a blogger and writer, and
explain the focus of your blog in 2-3 sentences. Be prepared to tell
your tour guide or company representative why you are attending and what
you hope to see in their booth.
- Be polite. Some companies are there just to sell to retailers and
might not have a PR person or someone that could assist you. In the
past, some bloggers have gotten rude and they have made the rest of us
look bad… so remember as a blogger, we're a community... take a deep
breath and internally sigh to yourself. Know that your blog rocks and
it’s their loss.
- Do not approach this like a blogging event. Brands are trying to
cater to many audiences at Toy Fair: buyers, journalists, and more.
- When you get to the show there are plenty of cool things to add to
your schedule: like inventor signings, celebrity visits, etc. The better
organized you are ahead of time the more likely you are to enjoy the
cool events without missing any of the important stuff!
- Don’t expect anyone to know you, and don’t get frustrated if they
brush you aside; many companies are just now learning the positive
aspects of working with bloggers—and there are quite a few of us! Be
remembered for your positive attitude and energy.
- In booths, ask if anyone is tweeting for the company and connect
with that person (if he or she is there). It will make follow-up tweets
more exciting and personal if you can put a face to the name behind the
company Twitter manager!
- Have fun… This is Toy Fair! Give yourself time to walk through the
expo hall, enjoying the sights and sounds of toys, laughter, and fun.
Think creatively and don’t box yourself into only looking for one type
of toy or company; try to see a variety, and you’ll be glad you
did.
- Between appointments try to view an entire aisle or two. There’s
never enough time to start at the beginning and wander through, so it’s
best to knock them out when you can. Be sure to leave some time to
discover new vendors – that’s where the fun in Toy Fair lies!
TIA would like to thank the following bloggers for their “Toy Fair
Tips”:
Jennifer Berger
Newsday.com/ParentTalk
Jenn Choi
ToysareTools.com
Adam Cohen
DadaRocks.com
Vincent Daly
CuteMonster.com
Amy Mascott
TeachMama.com
Jyl JohnsonPatee
MomItForward.com
Meredith Sinclair
Ho-Dee-Hoo
Kim Vandenbroucke
TheGameAisle.com
Keri Wilmont
ToyQueen.com |
