Play Fair Details Industry Preview Night

Early access reception will also give a first look at the Toy of the Year Awards nominees.

The second annual Play Fair, hosted by The Toy Association in partnership with Leftfield Media, will introduce its first Industry Preview Night for toy industry professionals on Nov. 3, the evening before the event opens to the public.

Play Fair will return to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, Nov. 4-5. The inaugural event was held in February 2016 and was visited by more than 20,000 parents, children and toy enthusiasts. This year, the event has tripled in size and will include extra stages featuring exclusive content, additional character appearances and more.

The inaugural preview event on Nov. 3 will offer press, buyers and industry professionals advance access to exhibitors, talent, entertainment and play experiences. Attendees will also receive a first look at the nominees for The Toy Association’s 2018 Toy of the Year Awards.

“Play Fair highlights play and entertainment during peak toy season, and is the perfect backdrop to unveil and celebrate the 2018 TOTY nominees,” says Ken Seiter, vice president, marketing communications, The Toy Association. “The TOTYs recognize the year’s hottest toys and games–all of which build important, lifelong skills through play. The nominated toys also highlight great gift ideas for kids of all ages for the upcoming holiday season.”

Play Fair 2017 will showcase a host of brands including Nickelodeon, LEGO, Hasbro and Mattel as well as new exhibitors such as Alex Brands, VTech/Leapfrog, Cartoon Network, Snazaroo, WowWee and Magformers.

“Inspired by last year’s success, we are thrilled to expand Play Fair in New York City and invite industry professionals and the media to be the first to enjoy the fun with an exciting, hands-on reception during Industry Preview Night,” says Greg Topalian, president, LeftField Media. “From over-the-top play experiences to feature stages, character meet-and-greets, and so much more, this year’s event promises lasting memories for every kid and kid at heart.”