When The Toy Association first announced our plans to have a presence in Los Angeles in September, our goal was to provide more companies with a space to do business in the heart of LA's "toy district" during what's proven to be a critical preview time of year for our industry. We're excited to announce that part one of delivering on this goal has come to fruition: The Toy Association's inaugural LA Fall Preview is officially sold out, with 78 top toy companies securing space at 2250 East Imperial Highway in El Segundo.

We are grateful for the enthusiastic response we've received thus far, and our team continues to be hard at work on the next step: ensuring 2250 East Imperial Highway is a crucial stop for buyers and decision-makers on their fall preview circuit.

Open all of September to accommodate vendor meetings, the building will serve as a particularly essential hub of activity during The Toy Association's LA Fall Preview market week from September 9 to 13, supplemented by philanthropic and networking events.

Here’s a breakdown of the activities and resources available during market week:

Must-Attend Market Week Activities

Festivities kick off on Monday, September 9 with The Toy Foundation's Party with a Purpose at TAO Los Angeles, starting at 7 p.m. Serving as a critical fundraiser for the Foundation's Children's Hospital Grants program, the evening will include a special performance from the legendary rock group Blues Traveler, an auction of one-of-a-kind experiences and items, food and drinks, and the chance to network with industry friends. Tickets are on sale now, and 100% of the event's proceeds will help bring play therapy to pediatric patients in disadvantaged communities nationwide.

On Tuesday, September 10, The Toy Association’s free Networking Party at the Otis College of Art & Design, brought to you in part by Platinum sponsor Circana, will bring the industry together from 6 to 8 p.m. to mix and mingle in a casual outdoor environment. The works of future designers from the college’s toy program — the beginning of the creative pipeline — will also be on display for viewing. Although this event is complimentary and open to all, registration is required. Earlier in the day, Circana will also host a free research presentation in the 6^th floor theatre at 2250 East Imperial Highway at 10:30 a.m.

After the day’s activities on Thursday, September 12, there will be yet another opportunity to network and further strengthen connections during a taco and margarita reception at 1960 Grand in El Segundo from 5 to 7 p.m. Hosted by Newmark Realty and John Ollen, who manages activity for the LA Fall Preview building, the event is located about five minutes away from the marketplace and offers the perfect way to unwind after a busy and productive day. No registration is required.

Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT)'s Wonder Women Awards will help wrap up the week on Friday, September 13, by celebrating top women executives, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and changemakers throughout the industry. The event will be held at The Beverly Hilton from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are now available.

Mark Your Calendars for our LA Fall Preview Mobile App’s Launch

Our LA Fall Preview Mobile App will be available starting August 1 (available in the Apple App Store and Google Play). This app will be your go-to resource for all things related to previews, including a complete list of tenants at 2250 East Imperial Highway and maps to additional company showrooms in LA. The app will also facilitate appointment scheduling, helping buyers and sellers streamline their interactions and maximize productivity this fall. This information will also be available through The Toy Association’s LA Fall Preview webpage. There’s still time to have your showroom included in our directory, whether you are a tenant at the LA Fall Preview or have space elsewhere in LA!

Shuttle Bus Service

To make your market week experience seamless, we will provide a shuttle bus service within the Toy District during market week. This service ensures easy and convenient transportation between events and meetings. (Timing and route details are forthcoming and will be available in the App, on the website, and on-site signage.)

It goes without saying that we are pleased to see such a positive response to The Toy Association’s inaugural LA Fall Preview. Bringing this initiative to life exemplifies our commitment to serving the industry in as many ways as it needs. But moreover, we are particularly excited about all of the supporting events happening as part of our market week. The weekdays will be filled with meetings essential to business, and the evenings will be filled with colleagues, community, culinary delights, and collaborative power. The fabric of our industry is, at its core, the people and we can’t wait to welcome you all to LA this September.

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