by Toy Industry Association
The Toy Industry Association™ (TIA) has announced “Toy Preview Month” will take place in September, culminating with their Fall Toy Preview event running from September 27th – 29th in Dallas, Texas.
Brand marketers and product development teams at TIA member companies are currently working tirelessly to ensure they are ready to present their very best at the September venue, when they will meet with buyers to present a flood of innovative new products and line extensions for the 2017 holiday season. Professional buyers eager to view what’s new and cutting edge in the toy business will travel from across the nation — from California to Connecticut to Rhode Island, to arrive in Texas — to view potential purchases for their retail channels.
“With coast-to-coast presentations, September will be a hectic month for toy buyers navigating the calendar and the country,” says Steve Pasierb, TIA president & CEO. “This year, TIA has coordinated its efforts with the broader toy industry to make the most efficient use of everyone’s time by hosting Fall Toy Preview when the bulk of national activity winds down. Our fall marketplace proudly remains an essential show for the toy community. Last year in Dallas alone, more than 300 lines were shown. When all eyes turn to Dallas this September, expect to see an impressive line-up of playthings that will shape the future of play.”
TIA members who hold product previews outside of the Dallas area have already indicated their support of the collective needs of the industry, even as they manage their own previews. “We’re working with customers who traditionally visit both our show and the Dallas Fall Preview, so they can attend both events,” says Geoff Walker, EVP and chief strategic technology officer, Mattel® and a TIA board member.
“September is Toy Preview Month and we’re looking forward to sharing our exciting plans for 2017,” notes Skip Kodak, senior vice president of LEGO Americas. “Buyers will be busy during the first few weeks of the month with activity at various manufacturer sites —including our Connecticut offices — before they’ll turn their attention to Dallas. At LEGO Systems, we believe a stronger collective industry helps everyone when many players succeed together in bringing quality play and entertainment to children.”
The September Fall Toy Preview will bring together decision-makers from every retail sales channel including mass merchants, long lead, independent, and specialty retailers, all with an eye trained towards previewing product for 2017’s all-important holiday season. Held at the Dallas Market Center, this year’s exhibition will draw worldwide participants to one location to shop the toys that will make for a successful Q4 2017.
Jay Foreman, president & CEO of The Bridge Direct and chair of TIA’s trade show committee adds: “We appreciate the willingness of those doing business outside of Dallas to concentrate preview efforts during the first few weeks of September. This will support our mutual retail customers in their mission to review and select a broad range of products sure to make holiday 2017 a success for all.”
Registration for Fall Toy Preview is now open. Visit www.FallToyPreview.org to learn more.