Craft Focus - December 2022/January 2023 (Issue 94)

TOYS & HOBBIES GALORE! Rebecca Deeming Communications & Events Manager at BTHA discusses what to expect at Toy Fair 2023 What can visitors expect from Toy Fair 2023? Toy Fair 2023 is back with an incredibly packed show! We’re so excited to welcome hundreds of global and independent toy brands all under one roof, including Character Options, The Elf on the Shelf, Coiledspring Games, Winning Moves, Craft Buddy Ltd, plus many more. Exhibitors will be showcasing thousands of toys and games from many different categories, including art and crafts, plush, board games, STEM toys, tech toys plus lots more. Visitors at the show will get a first look at new toys, trends, themes and crazes for 2023, as well as exclusive retail offers which are only available to on-site attendees. This year we’re also welcoming back influencers to Toy Fair, with our dedicated Influencer Day taking place on Thursday 26th January 2023. We’ll be sharing an influencer friendly programme of events in January, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for that. We’ve also recently launched the official Toy Fair Instagram page, so make sure to follow @toyfairuk where we’ll be posting lots of engaging content, including blogs featuring exhibitors and behind the scenes posts! Are there any new areas or developed areas of note? We’re so excited that Toy Fair TV and the Demo Zone are returning to the show this year, for the first time since 2020! Toy Fair TV will be interviewing key spokespeople from exhibiting companies on their stand, whilst the Demo Zone will be full of company representatives showcasing their latest launches. Both features add such a great atmosphere to the show and you can expect lots of fun and laughter, as well as getting a sneak preview of lots of new toys, so be sure to keep an eye out for the camera crews roaming around the venue! The Greenhouse located towards the back of the Grand Hall is always a mustattend area, where you can find smaller, up and coming manufacturers who will be showcasing innovative new creations. Visitors may very well discover the next big thing here! Are there any competitions/ workshops or seminars to watch or attend? The unveiling of Toy Fair’s Hero Toys on the first morning of the show is always a must-watch for media, buyers and retailers alike. Taking place outside the press office, this is your chance to get a preview of the new and innovative toys launching in 2023. It’s an event you’ll not want to miss out on! Are there any new exhibitors you’re excited to welcome? We have just under 50 new exhibitors that we are looking forward to welcoming to the show this year, all showcasing a great range of products. As a little sneak peek, Little Brian will be at Toy Fair 2023 for the first time, showcasing their colourful range of paint sticks to help make painting less messy. You can also expect to see new exhibitors Razor USA who make scooters for kids, Sequin Art Limited, who produce a range of sparkly, sequin craft kits, The Mystery Agency, who make escape room puzzles and Smiffy’s showcasing their fancy dress costumes! How can exhibitors and visitors sign up? We’re completely sold out of exhibitor space now but visitors can register for their free visitor pass on the Toy Fair website here: https://toyfair2023.eventreference.com/register Make sure to join the community on LinkedIn, Instagram & Twitter @ToyFairUK and follow for regular updates and announcements about the show! What: Toy Fair When: 24th-26th January 2023 Where: Olympia London 33 TOY FAIR

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