New York, NY, October 11, 2002 - As the toy industry prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of American International TOY FAIR™ in February 2003, TIA announces innovative changes to the toy industry trade show calendar to support the diverse buying trends of the future. The most immediate change will take place in October 2003, when Toy Industry Association, Inc. (TIA™) will replace the New York Toy Preview with the introduction of the first "early mass market toy show," scheduled from Tuesday, October 21 through Thursday, October 23, 2003.
With mass market retailers more efficiently serviced during October, February TOY FAIR will be promoted as a show more specifically directed to the specialty market. As a result, the mass market retailers will now have more time to spend at Javits or the ITC focusing on the smaller manufacturers.
A Trade Show Committee, comprised of members representing a variety of large and small toy companies within the industry, had extensive discussions and meetings with large and small retailers and manufacturers. The Committee's intent was to review trade show practices of the toy industry, and make recommendations to the TIA Board.
"Members of this committee took a strategic approach to reviewing the industry's total marketing efforts as it relates to trade show practices, and have come up with a groundbreaking proposal that serves the diverse needs of our industry," said Thomas P. Conley, president of TIA. He went on to say, "We applaud the massive effort this group has taken, and congratulate the committee members and retailers who helped the group develop such a comprehensive and innovative plan, designed to meet the diverse needs of our entire industry. The Committee's plan received the unanimous and enthusiastic support of the TIA Board of Directors."
Members of the Trade Show Committee include: Chairperson, Barry Shapiro; Brooke Abercrombie, Neurosmith; Jamie Gallagher, Playmobil; Ted Kiesewetter, International Playthings; John Lee, Learning Curve International; Bryan Stockton, Mattel; George Volanakis, Hasbro; and Norman Walker, K'NEX, with TIA's staff liaison, Laura Greene, VP, Marketing and Shows.
In order to provide more details to its members, TIA is scheduling a series of regional meetings.
About TIA
Founded in 1916, the Toy Industry Association (TIA), formerly Toy Manufacturers of America, is recognized by government, trade, media and consumers as the authoritative voice of the North American toy industry. TIA (www.toy-tia.org) represents producers of toys, games, interactive products and holiday decorations. Its more than 280 members include manufacturers and importers (regular members), as well as design firms, professional inventors and toy testing laboratories (associate members). TIA also owns and operates the American International TOY FAIR™, celebrating its 100th anniversary from February 16-19, 2003.
