The Spielwarenmesse Toy Fair is gearing up for another big year with more than 2,800 companies slated to showcase new offerings Jan. 28 to Feb. 2 in Nuremberg, Germany.

Close to 75,000 professionals from 120 countries are expected to attend to scout the newest in toys, hobby and leisure products.

For the first time this year, lifestyle offerings are being broken out in a new section featuring children's fashion, accessories, playroom equipment and interior design elements, designer toys, souvenirs and licensed products. The new Lifestyle section, which will be located in the central entrance hall, will feature a large array of brands including Samsonite, Perletti and bb-Klostermann.

“With our new Disney by Samsonite collection in the kids' segment, toy retailers can sell vibrant bags, backpacks and luggage in the most popular Disney designs. That’s why we felt we needed to be present at the Spielwarenmesse with a great booth in the lifestyle area,” says Jonathan Dory, general manager, kids, Samsonite.

Also new this year will be the TrendGallery, which will showcase the latest developments in the toy industry.

An international Trend Committee researched toy trends around the world and identified three key trends for 2015: Little Scientists, Express Yourself and Beyond Reality. Little Scientists juggle with numbers and tinker about with new technologies, Express Yourself describes do-it-yourself toys that help kids discover, understand and create, while Beyond Reality focuses on the integration of technology into toy offerings.

The special 1,000-meter Trend Gallery area will highlight these three trends with new products, live campaigns from exhibitors and feature discussions with trend experts.

On Jan. 29 licensing professionals including License! Global group publisher Steven Ekstract will host a panel on the connection between licensing and toys called "Licences–Recognizing Worldwide Trends in 2015." Joining Ekstract on the panel will be Liza Abrams, vice president, global licensing and marketing, Sakar International; Paul Bufton, vice president, licensing and retail EMEA, Rovio Entertainment; and Johanne Broadfield, vice president EMEA, Cartoon Network Enterprises, Turner Broadcasting System.

Finally, exhibitors at the Nuremberg Toy Fair will once again be vying for the Toy Award in four age-group-specific categories: Baby & Infant (0-2 years), Preschool (3-5 years), School Kids (6-10 years) and Teenager & Family (11 years and up).

A panel of experts will review all the submitted products and announce the 12 nominees (three in each category) today. The winners will be announced at the show's Opening Ceremony on Jan. 27.