Creating your own brand of puzzles or children's games, such as dominoes or memory games, is no small feat, but it is also a fascinating journey. From conception, through the creative process, to launching the product on the market - each stage is full of opportunities and hurdles to overcome. One of the most crucial aspects of this journey is introducing your product to the world, and toy fairs are the best place to do that.
What are toy fairs and why are they important?
Toy fairs are venues where manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and customers come together to discover new trends, forge connections, and of course, showcase their products. These events are of great significance to anyone dreaming of creating their own brand of puzzles or children's games.
An overview of the most important toy fairs in the world
The biggest toy fairs in the world take place in various parts of the globe, from Nuremberg to New York to Hong Kong. Each of them offers unique opportunities for game and puzzle makers.
Nuremberg Toy Fair (Spielwarenmesse)
The Nuremberg Toy Fair is one of the most important events in the toy industry worldwide. It gathers thousands of exhibitors from different countries every year.
Link to the organizer's website:Spielwarenmesse
Next upcoming event: January 30, 2024
Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair
This is one of the largest toy fairs in Asia. It takes place annually in January and attracts exhibitors from all around the world.
Link to the organizer's website:Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair
Next upcoming event: January 8, 2024
New York Toy Fair (American International Toy Fair)
This fair is organized by the Toy Association and takes place annually in February. It is one of the most significant events in the toy industry in North America.
Link to the organizer's website:American International Toy Fair
Next upcoming event: September 30, 2023
Tokyo Toy Show
This is a Japanese toy fair that attracts many local and international exhibitors.
Link to the organizer's website:Tokyo Toy Show
Next upcoming event: information coming soon
Previous edition: June 8, 2023
China International Toy Fair (China Toy Expo)
This is the largest toy and children's products fair in Asia, organized annually in Shanghai.
Link to the organizer's website:China Toy Expo
Next upcoming event: October 17, 2023
London Toy Fair
The London Toy Fair is an important event for European toy manufacturers.
Link to the organizer's website:London Toy Fair
Next upcoming event: January 23, 2024
International Toy Fair in India (Kids India)
The largest toy and children's products fair in India.
Link to the organizer's website:Kids India
Next upcoming event: August 31, 2023
Brazilian Toy Fair (Abrin)
The largest toy fair in Latin America, taking place annually in Sao Paulo.
Link to the organizer's website:Abrin
Next upcoming event: March 3, 2024
Many of the world's largest toy fairs previously mentioned encompass a broad spectrum of children's products, including games, puzzles, and many others. However, there are also specialized fairs focused on specific types of products. Here are a few of them:
Essen Spiel (Internationale Spieltage SPIEL)
This is the world's largest board game fair, which takes place annually in Essen, Germany. Games for children are presented here, but also for adults. The fair attracts thousands of participants from around the world.
Link to the organizer's website:Essen Spiel
Next upcoming event: October 8, 2023
Cannes International Games Festival (Festival International des Jeux)
This is one of the most important events in the games industry in Europe, which takes place annually in Cannes, France. It includes both board games and video games.
Link to the organizer's website:Festival International des Jeux
Next upcoming event: information coming soon
Previous edition: February 24, 2023
Gen Con
This is one of the largest game-related events in the world, which takes place annually in Indianapolis, United States. Gen Con includes everything from board games and card games, to RPGs and video games.
Link to the organizer's website:Gen Con
Next upcoming event: August 3, 2023
Bologna Children's Book Fair
This is the leading professional fair for children's books in the world. It is a key event for authors, illustrators, literary agents, licensors and licensees, packagers, distributors, printers, booksellers, and librarians.
Link to the event's website:Bologna Children's Book Fair
Next upcoming event: March 26, 2024
How to prepare for a toy fair?
Participating in a toy fair is not just about showcasing a product, but above all, an opportunity to establish valuable business contacts. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for such an event.
Understand your target audience
Understanding your target audience is crucial. Knowing who your ideal customer is, what their needs and expectations are, will help you direct your communication and product presentation at the fair.
Prepare an effective presentation
Your presentation is the first thing potential customers will see at your booth. Make sure it is appealing, clear, and conveys key information about your product.
Utilize your network
Networking is one of the most important aspects of participating in fairs. Use these events to establish contacts with potential customers, business partners, and media.
How to benefit from toy fairs after they end?
Even after the fair ends, you can still benefit from it. Firstly, analyze the contacts you've made, fulfill promises made, and continue building relationships with potential customers and partners.
In summary, toy fairs are not just a venue for product presentations, but also a platform for establishing business relationships and exploring new opportunities. For anyone dreaming of creating their own brand of puzzles or children's games, participating in these events is not only inspiring, but can prove to be a key step to success.