Independent toy retailers, sales representatives, and manufacturers registered for the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association‘s (ASTRA) Marketplace & Academy will have more than five hours over the course of the event to play with new-to-market games and kits. In addition, they may earn the Certified Play Expert (CPE) credential during a conveniently scheduled pre-conference session, learn about play theory, master the role of play in healthy child development, and participate in a mock play class filled with sensory exploration, art, story time, and music on which they can model play activities in their stores.
Play-related activities and education options at Marketplace & Academy 2018 include:
- Certified Play Expert (CPE) Workshop
- Kits Session
- Game Night
- Play Through the Ages!
- Theorists, Thought Leaders & Thinking Behind the Value of Play
- The Power of Play: An Interactive Experience
- Certified Play Experts Present: Become a Community Resource Center
- Safe Play: Human Factors’ Impact on Toy Safety
ASTRA’s Marketplace & Academy will be held from June 10 to 13 in New Orleans, with pre-conference sessions beginning June 8.
