The Toy Association, a non-profit trade association, have launched Toy Fair Everywhere, a series of three week-long virtual events to connect the play community ahead of the fourth quarter selling season.
Designed to simulate walking a show floor, each attendee will be able to explore a calendar of daily events, browse exhibitors by category, and book appointments for virtual demos and chats. The events will also feature educational sessions and special events, both live and pre-recorded.
The Toy Association will roll out the first week beginning July 13-19. Two additional Toy Fair Everywhere market weeks are planned for August 17 to 23 and September 14 to 20.
The organization said the events are not designed to replace Toy Fair New York and Toy Fair Dallas, but to supplement them and help bride the gap in industry engagement.
“If there is one thing we have all learned in these unprecedented times when we are forced to social distance from friends, family, and colleagues, it’s the power and importance of connection,” said Marian Bossard, executive vice president of global market events at The Toy Association.