In response to valuable feedback from attendees and exhibitors, The Toy Association™ has implemented a series of registration updates for Toy Fair® 2025, taking place March 1 to 4, 2025 at the Javits Center in New York City. Toy News Tuesday editors sat down with Kimberly Carcone, executive vice president of global market events at The Toy Association, to catch up on the latest updates and policies.

What motivated the recent changes to Toy Fair's policies and pricing?
We've been actively listening to feedback from our attendees and exhibitors. We conducted an in-depth review and analysis of our registration policies, credential requirements, and pricing. By rolling back prices, offering complimentary member and exhibitor business guest badges, and simplifying the registration process, we're demonstrating that we’ve heard industry concerns and are taking concrete steps to make Toy Fair even more inclusive and accessible for everyone. We hope these changes will further enhance the Toy Fair experience for all participants and upholding our commitment to listening and responding to the ever-evolving needs of the global toy and play community.

Can you elaborate on the new badge policy for non-exhibiting member companies?
Absolutely! Non-exhibiting member companies will now receive two complimentary badges to attend Toy Fair. This is part of our continued effort to reduce costs and make participation frictionless. If non-exhibiting member companies need additional badges, they will be available for a $500 fee per additional badge. We believe this strikes the right balance between accessibility and managing our event's capacity.

What changes have been made for exhibitors regarding their business support personnel and partners?
Recognizing the significant changes in how and with whom exhibiting companies conduct business, we have redefined our policies to now provide an easy path for exhibitors to register their business support personnel, such as public relations teams, and other business partners like factories, sales representatives, and inventors, as guests of the exhibiting company. It’s important to remember that every person can only register for one badge, but if choosing to register under an exhibiting partner, this means they will no longer need to pay the trade guest fee, simplifying the process and reducing costs for our exhibitors.

Have there been any changes to the Trade Guest fees?
Yes — we've rolled back Trade Guest fees to 2019 pre-pandemic rates. Until December 31, 2024, the fee is now $195 per badge, down from $299. Starting January 1, 2025, through the close of the show, the fee will be $295, reduced from the previous $399. We hope this will make attending Toy Fair even more affordable for all our guests. As always, a Toy Fair badge provides full access to all of the show’s exhibit floors, education, and activities for all four days.

What else do Toy Fair attendees need to know about registration?
The registration inquiry site opened back in March to give everyone ample time to prepare their credentials and ask questions. The full registration site will officially open on October 1 for all attendees, including press and trade guests. We're excited to welcome everyone back to New York City in March and truly believe that this modifications to the registration process will make planning for Toy Fair easier, so all of our audiences can focus on their business goals at the show!

Toy Fair® will take place March 1 to 4, 2025 at the Javits Center in New York City. Companies can apply to exhibit today. Attendee registration will open in October. Hotel bookings are now open. Visit ToyFairNY.com to learn more.