For the first time ever, The Toy Association held its LA Fall Preview Market Week September 9 to 13, providing domestic and international toy companies an entirely new experience for previews at 2250 E. Imperial Highway in El Segundo. Beyond creating locations for first-time exhibitors to the LA previews, there were also new industry-wide events, including The Toy Foundation’s Party with a Purpose fundraiser, The Toy Association’s networking event at Otis College of Art & Design, and WiT’s Wonder Women Awards, as well as daytime presentations from Circana and Spielwarenmesse. It was a week filled with many opportunities for our industry to network, learn, and most importantly, create value.

In The Toy Association building, throughout the LA “toy district” in El Segundo, and across the city, toy companies will continue to show their ’25 lines over the coming weeks during what is sure to be the biggest, most successful fall preview season yet. We have spoken to many participants at the previews, gaining significant insight into the nuances of timing, duration, location, and more regarding this continually growing and evolving experience in LA. Our team has been hearing an enthusiastic response from manufacturers eager to show their latest innovations for next year, which we anticipate being even bigger and better as we integrate these learnings into our 2025 plans.

We are feeling optimistic about The Toy Association’s future in Los Angeles, having seen the potential of this brand-new venture and what it can mean to our members. And we will continue to provide more valuable experiences later this year and into 2025 – with People of Play’s Inventor Pitch and Innovations Summit, TAGIE Awards, and the Chicago Toy and Game Fair in Chicago November 6 to 10 and Toy Fair New York and the TOTY Awards coming up from February 28 to March 4 – there is so much to look forward to!

A “soft open” for Toy Fair attendee registration is already off to a strong start with Amazon, Walmart, Five Below, Marshalls/TJ Maxx, Kohl’s, Barnes & Noble, Macy’s, Ross Stores, and Disney Theme Park Merchandise already confirmed for Toy Fair 2025. With registration officially opening on October 1, there will be many more valuable retail, licensor, and toy partners joining this roster over the next few months. Plus, attendees from Australia, Denmark, Germany, India, New Zealand, South Africa and Spain (in addition to the U.S. and Canada) have already committed to Toy Fair, continuing the tradition of TFNY being a top international show, with key players from about 100 countries expected to be in attendance.

It was heartening to see the industry come together during the LA Fall Preview market week and hear anticipation building for our upcoming events and bigger expectations for next year. I encourage everyone in the industry to check out www.peopleofplay.com and www.toyfairny.com for the latest news and updates on how to get the most out of each of these “have to be there” opportunities to expand your business, connect with consumers, network with the greater toy community, hear the latest industry insights, see the hottest trends … and so much more!

Kimberly Carcone, Executive vice president of global market events, The Toy Association