PHOENIX -- May 20, 2005 -- The Board of Directors of the Toy Industry Association(TM) (TIA) voted today to keep the American International TOY FAIR® in New York City at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center for 2007, with the intention of maintaining TOY FAIR in New York City for years to come. TIA is already under contract with the Javits Center to host the annual event from February 12 - 15, 2006; and today's decision extends it to 2007, and possibly onward, provided that TIA is successful in relocating the tenants of the International Toy Center in New York City and obtaining the continuing cooperation of local officials and the operators of the Javits Center. In a related decision, the TIA Board also decided recently to keep New York City as the host of the American International Fall Toy Show(TM).
The American International TOY FAIR® has been held in New York City for the last 102 years. The announcement by the Chairman of TIA, Arnie Rubin, CEO of Funrise Toy Corp., came following a scheduled board meeting at TIA's annual meeting, known as ToyCon, held in Phoenix, AZ at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa.
"The Board was unanimous in its decision to keep New York City as the host of the American International TOY FAIR® and continue its 102-year tradition," said Chairman Rubin. "New York City is the cultural and business capital of the world. This decision," he went on, "could not have been made without the cooperation and support of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, NYC & Company, and the Empire State Development Corporation, and we anticipate their continuing support and assistance in maintaining TOY FAIR in New York City."
While the International Toy Center, located at 200 Fifth Avenue and 1107 Broadway, New York City, will remain as the toy industry market center for the upcoming 2005 Fall Toy Show and the 2006 American International TOY FAIR, TIA is exploring alternate venues to host the New York City toy industry market center thereafter.
The American International TOY FAIR® brings approximately 30,000 visitors, from over 94 countries, to New York City in February, a time when hotel occupancy rates are relatively low. The show generates an estimated $55 million in revenue for the city. More than 1500 exhibitors from 33 countries had displays at this year's show, including 347 first-time exhibitors.
About TIA
TIA is the trade association for North American producers and importers of toys, games and entertainment products for the youth market. In addition to the American International TOY FAIR®, TIA owns and manages ToyCon, TIA's Annual Meeting and Conference; American International Outdoor Fun Showcase(TM) (formerly the American International Outdoor Toy Show); Multi-Discipline Conference and American International Fall Toy Show(TM). Visit the TIA website at: www.toy-tia.org.
