September doesn’t just mean it’s back-to-school time, it also means The Toy Association™ is in full execution mode for an exciting lineup of events from coast to coast, including the LA Fall Preview, People of Play’s Chicago Toy and Game Fair (CHITAG), and the global networking event that is Toy Fair®. Each is packed with opportunities for manufacturers to put their brands in the spotlight and connect with buyers and industry leaders, engage with consumers, and/or catch the eye of the media.

First up is our inaugural LA Fall Preview happening the entire month of September at The Toy Association building located at 2250 East Imperial Highway. This marketplace has opened its doors to companies looking to connect with the domestic and international buying community during this critical preview period. We’re excited to say every square foot of space is sold out, with 79 companies, including Hasbro, LEGO, Thames & Kosmos, Crazy Aaron’s, Funko, and many other global brands participating. Add to this The Toy Foundation’s “Party with a Purpose” fundraiser with a headline performance from Blues Traveler, the Association’s come one, come all free networking party at Otis College of Art and Design, and Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment’s Wonder Women Awards, making the LA Fall Preview Market Week (Sept. 9 to 13) full of celebration and connection. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone there and will listen and learn from this year’s preview and events as we look to the future.

And that’s just the beginning. Earlier this month we were happy to announce the Chicago Toy and Game Fair is joining our roster of events this year, following our recent merger with Mary Couzin’s People of Play™. CHITAG, taking place November 9 and 10 in Rosemont, IL, is all about consumer engagement, giving companies the chance to interact directly with kids and families at the start of the holidays. Kids are at the heart of everything we do, and this event is invaluable, allowing companies to receive instant feedback and build brand awareness through the media to kick off the most crucial shopping season of the year. Additionally, on November 8 at Joe’s Live in Rosemont, the 2024 Toy & Game Innovation Excellence Awards (TAGIEs®) will honor the most creative and innovative people and teams in the toy and game space, and provide a fantastic chance to catch up with old friends, make new ones, and soak in the energy of the industry.

Then, of course, there’s Toy Fair, the flagship event that continues to grow and evolve alongside the toy industry it serves. Toy Fair 2025, taking place March 1 to 4 at the Javits Center in New York City, promises to be a cornerstone moment that unites the global toy industry under one roof for networking, deal-making, and discovering the innovations that will shape the future of play. With more than 600 companies already committed to exhibit, from Mattel and Hasbro who will both be at Javits for the first time ever to new exhibitors at the Launch Pad, international brands in the global pavilion, and a diverse array of companies showcased across various product zones throughout the event, attendees can expect the most comprehensive showcase of the latest trends and products in the toy industry.

And with Toy Fair comes the Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards, taking place February 28, 2025 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York. It’s always such a special night where we come together to celebrate the best of the best that drives our industry forward, honor our latest Toy Industry Hall of Fame inductees, and support The Toy Foundation’s incredible programs benefiting children in need. I look forward to sharing this memorable evening with all of you and celebrating the spirit of play.

As we prepare for the next few months, we invite you to take full advantage of the opportunities we’ve created. We understand that success in this competitive landscape requires more than just great products — it requires the right connections, the right opportunities, and the right platforms to shine. We invite you to join us as we continue to support, celebrate, and elevate the toy industry through our growing lineup of world-class events. And know that The Toy Association is here to support every company, large or small, to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. We can’t wait to see what you’ll bring to each of these events, and we’re excited to help you share it with the world!