Over 13,000 Buyers To Attend Toy Fair 2007
This year, Toy Fair promises to be huge. There are over 13,000 toy buyers registered to attend, and more than 1,500 manufacturers from more than 30 countries. For the uninitiated, Toy Fair is the biggest Toy Show for the industry in the Western Hemisphere. It takes place in New York city every year in February as it has for the past 104 years!
Toy Fair - Important To The Doll Industry
Toy Fair is critical for the doll industry, because Toy Fair is where doll hits are born. Toy Fair has the most "buzz" and media of any toy show on the planet - its where iconic dolls are born, especially in the mass market and for children's dolls. Sure, there are other important doll shows, but Toy Fair is truly the show where doll fortunes are made.
More Than Just Dolls
Of course, dolls are not the only thing sold at Toy Fair. At the fair, you can find toys, dolls, action figures, plush, games, electronic entertainment, books, and all manner of other playthings aimed at children (and adults who love to play!). Its also a great place to see trends emerge across categories of dolls and toys.
Memories of Toy Fairs Past
My impressions and memories of past Toy Fairs could fill books. Some of my favorite memories of Toy Fair include the two blizzards that have occurred during the past 5 years (blizzards definitely bring people together; I've made some of my best friends in the toy and doll industry during them!), the very difficult Toy Fair in 2002 (after 9/11), and seeing new dolls that stopped me in my tracks when I've seen them for the very first time at Toy Fair (including Tonner Dolls and Only Hearts Club). I even have semi-fond memories of standing in long shuttle bus lines in the freezing cold because of all the interesting people I've met on those lines! I have one memory that spans every Toy Fair I've been to. At each fair, there is usually one day (usually Tuesday or Wednesday) when I'm trying to walk as much of the huge, endless floors at the Javits Convention Center as I possibly can, just so I can make sure I don't miss anything new. Each year, without fail, I stop dead in my tracks and don't think I can possibly go another step. I look around and realize that I haven't even walked half the show at that point! I wish someone would measure exactly how many miles of aisles are full of toys during Toy Fair at Javits!
The Thrill Of The Unexpected
I never know what I'm going to find at Toy Fair. I always go with appointments to see favorite doll companies, but I inevitably also find something new that I've never seen before. This year, I even have some leads on some new dolls...which I'm keeping under wraps until I can bring you photos and more information!
Toy Fair Can Only Be Attended By Members of the Toy Industry
Toy Fair is not open to collectors. Only industry members and media can attend. This is why each year I try to bring Toy Fair to the collectors via photos and articles. This year will be no exception. Stay tuned for full coverage of Toy Fair 2007 starting on Saturday, February 17th!
