114th North American International Toy Fair Opens Today

NEW YORK, Feb. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The 114^th North American International Toy Fair opened its doors this morning to a sea of 30,000 global play professionals and guests eager to see hundreds of thousands of innovative new toys and games before they hit store shelves. Open through Tuesday, February 21, the four-day trade event has transformed New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center into a massive celebration of toys, youth entertainment, and the developmental benefits of childhood play.

Produced by the U.S. Toy Industry Association (TIA), Toy Fair is the Western Hemisphere's largest and most important toy show, representing the vitality of the North American and global toy marketplace. Last year, U.S. toy sales grew 5% and are estimated to be $26 billion. The industry supports more than half a million American jobs and has a total U.S. economic impact of more than $80 billion.

Toy Fair 2017 boasts an impressive 443,000 net square feet of exhibit space brimming with the hottest new toys and trends – including outdoor and active toys, educational playthings, cutting-edge tech experiences, dolls, board games, licensed collectibles, and everything in between.

"New York City is where the creative spirit and energy of the global toy industry comes to life with more than 1,100 companies of all types and sizes exhibiting at the North American International Toy Fair 2017," stated Steve Pasierb, president & CEO at TIA. "Many of the toys and games displayed here are being seen for the very first time – and are likely to top kids' birthday and holiday wish lists throughout the coming year. We are thrilled to welcome the toy community from over 100 countries to Toy Fair for four, fun-filled days of buying and selling, trend-scouting, networking, and most importantly, play!"

This year's show has expanded its exhibit space to include a special "Launch Pad" area that showcases unique toys and inventions from first-time exhibitors. The easy-to-navigate show floor has been divided into distinct product zones to help media, buyers, and attendees from all corners of the play industry find exactly what they need – whether they are in search of the next "it" toy of the year, looking to diversify product lines, in search of tried-and-true classics, or seeking the latest innovations in play.

World-class educational sessions and special events will be held throughout Toy Fair, including a toy trends briefing; licensing seminars; toy safety and compliance forums; global trade and market expansion research presentations; workshops for inventors and designers; and much more. A full schedule of show events can be found at www.ToyFairNY.com.

Registration is mandatory for access to Toy Fair 2017; verification of media and buyer credentials is required. Sign up on-site during show hours.  Those who can't make it to the show can follow Toy Fair on Twitter (#TFNY) and visit the Toy Fair Online Press Room and TIA's Facebook page for up-to-the-minute show information.

About the North American International Toy Fair    (www.ToyFairNY.com)
Toy Fair is an annual event that is owned and operated by the Toy Industry Association (TIA). The show brings together close to 1,100 exhibiting manufacturers, distributors, importers and sales agents to showcase hundreds of thousands of toy and youth entertainment products to retail outlets from nearly 100 countries.

About the Toy Industry Association (TIA)    (www.ToyAssociation.org / www.TheGeniusofPlay.org)
TIA is the not-for-profit trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. TIA is the owner and operator of the North American International Toy Fair, held annually in New York City. The Association serves as the industry's voice on the cognitive, social, emotional, and creative benefits of play, and promotes play's positive impact on childhood development to consumers and media. TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, government, consumers, and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play.

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SOURCE Toy Industry Association