Show will take place one more time in New York – from 1-4 March 2025 – before moving to New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in January 2026, 2027 and 2028.
With the second day of the US Toy Fair underway, The Toy Association has this morning (1 October) confirmed some big changes in dates and location going forward.
The next show will take place in the first quarter of 2025 – from 1-4 March – at the Javits Center in New York.
However, following the 2025 event, Toy Fair will move to January at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The confirmed dates are: 17-20 January 2026; 9-12 January 2027; and 15-18 January 2028.
“Prior to the pandemic, we heard repeated calls that changing manufacturing lead times and retailer buying patterns demanded a shift of the iconic trade show’s timing from February into an earlier fall timeline,” commented Aaron Muderick, chairman of The Toy Association. “These factors and similar research findings were accelerated by the pandemic and as a board we were responsive.
“Now, behaviours and inputs have returned to more traditional views that Toy Fair’s key audiences find the most value in a North American trade event taking place in the first quarter of the year, ideally mid-January. We have again listened and responded by crafting an optimal pattern based on the needs of those we serve.”
After a three-year hiatus, Toy Fair marked its 118th return to the global stage at the Javits Center yesterday (30 September), and more than 1,000 toymakers of all sizes are showcasing the hottest new toys, games and youth entertainment products.
Announcing the date and location change this morning, Steve Pasierb, president and ceo of The Toy Association (pictured above with Kimberly Carcone, evp of global events), commented: “After gathering opinions from key retailers, members/exhibitors of The Toy Association and based on a number of evaluation factors including timing, high-quality space availability, access to transportation, and affordability for exhibitors and attendees, it became clear that New Orleans would be the best fit for the Toy Fair – and best meet the needs of all our diverse guests.
“New Orleans has state of the art facilities including a brand-new airport, renowned restaurants, museums, music, an array of event spaces, and a strong collaborative partnership between the Convention Center, New Orleans & Company, and the business community, making it a perfect, welcoming fit for Toy Fair. We are confident in delivering a high quality, energetic and seamless Toy Fair experience over the next four shows, in the same way we have been delivering on this promise for more than 100 years.”
