It’s so good to be back to physical events and this years’ sold-out Fair is surely not going to disappoint.
We have over 160 exhibitors ready and waiting to show the industry’s buyers what is hot and new for the coming 12 months. You will see loads of toys, educational products, magic items and much much more.
Over the four days we will be holding many events and presentations, starting off with the Industry night of nights at Crown Palladium. The Gala Dinner will be held on Sunday 5th March and celebrates the products, licenses and people that make this industry thrive. Sponsored this year by Showtime Attractions, the night will kick off at 7pm so get your best frock ready for a night of networking and dancing.
New awards have been added to this years’ list including the Environmental and Sustainability award which recognises manufacturers working towards a circular economy. Also, for the first time in over two years, we will be inducting another industry stalwart into the prestigious Hall of Fame. Chosen from a long list of deserved recipients and chosen by a subcommittee of previous Hall of Fame inductees, this award is the most prestigious acknowledgement for outstanding dedication to our industry here in Australia.
The Fair will also see a host of presentations being made at the ATA Learning Hub. There will be topics by Mumpower, The NPD Group, Equilibrium/ASGA and The Retail Doctor as well as a special presentation from Fred Gaffney and Grahame Grassby on the history of Australia’s very own B1&B2. So make sure you head on up to N41 and check out these informative sessions.
For information on dates and times, you can view a complete agenda in the online portal and the Fair Directory onsite.
One event I am personally excited about is the Women in Toys, Licensing and Entertainment event which will be held on Tuesday afternoon from 3.30pm. Sponsored by LEGO Australia, this event will see some amazing ladies in this industry tell their own unique stories including what drives them and the hurdles they have overcome to achieve where they are now.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have made this 2023 event such a huge success including our official media partners The Bugg Report and The Toy Universe as well as our sponsors and supporters BBC Studios, Hasbro Pacific, Just Kidding, LEGO Australia, Moonbug Entertainment, Mumpower, Showtime Attractions, The Retail Doctor, The Walt Disney Company, Total Licensing, Tradeshow Training, Melbourne Convention Bureau, Visit Melbourne, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Women in Toys Licensing and Entertainment. And of course, to our exhibitors who have done an amazing job showcasing their products to the industry.
On behalf of the Australian Toy Association Board and Staff, I hope you all have a fantastic Toy Fair that proves successful for you and your business.
By Alice Sanderson, Executive Manager at the Australian Toy Association
This article originally appeared in Edition 4 of The Toy Universe Magazine
