The 68th Spielwarenmesse trade show in Germany will take place starting next week from Feb. 1 to 6. The fair expects more than 70,000 trade buyers from 120 countries. A record-breaking 2,871 companies will exhibit at the show, showcasing more than 75,000 products total.
Spielwarenmesse will feature the Tech2Play Promotion Area, featuring technological toys in the electronic pets, robot toys, R/C drones, virtual play, and 3-D printing categories. The new Special Area for Baby & Infant Articles will feature a range of products including baby toys, baby textile, travel systems, care and food, home and safety, and licensed articles.
The TrendGallery focuses on the three big trends for 2017 identified by the TrendCommittee: Body and Mind, which uses play to bring body and spirit into balance; Girl Power, which encourages girls to go after their goals with confidence; and Swap & Collect, a fresh take on the classic theme of trading and collecting.
ToyAward 2017 had a record number of entries, with 361 companies submitting 635 products for a chance to win. The jury of experts has selected 12 products based on criteria such as play value, originality, safety, craftsmanship and quality, comprehensibility of the product concept, and market potential. The ToyAward winners will be announced at the Spielwarenmesse’s Opening Ceremony on Jan. 31. Click here to see all of the finalists.
The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) will exhibit at Spielwarenmesse for the first time. LIMA’s CEO Charles Riotto from the U.S. and his German colleague Peter Hollo are among the speakers at the Toy Business Forum who lead a topic discussion titled, “Let’s License—keeping business moving and shaking all year long” on Feb. 2. International industry experts, such as Reyne Rice, will also speak at the Toy Business Forum, taking place from Feb. 1 to 5.
