by CHRIS BYRNE, The Toy Guy, President, Byrne Communications
In an interview in October, John Tong, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Toys Advisory Committee spoke about the upcoming 50th edition of the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair. He noted that following two years when the pandemic affected the show, excitement is high for the celebratory event in 2024. At the time, more than 2,500 exhibitors had already signed up as the fair continues to evolve as a gateway to the Asian markets as well as an important destination for sourcing products, and much more.
Organized by the HKTDC, the show runs from January 8-11 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. For those who can’t make it in person, HKTDC will also offer its EXHIBITION+ business matching platform that will run from January 1-18.
As it has in the past, the Toys & Games Fair will feature dedicated product zones.
Kidults, Collectibles, Sustainability, and Smart Tech
Though the word “kidult” is now a global buzzword, we first heard it at the Hong Kong show in 2013, and in 2024, this sector will continue to expand on the show floor, including a new area devoted specifically to collectibles. The show will also devote space to showcasing sustainable products, as well as smart tech products.
A Growing ‘World of Toys’
The show will also continue to be an international showcase. In addition to the World of Toys pavilion, which features mainly European exhibitors, there will also be group pavilions from Mainland China, Korea, and Taiwan, as well as exhibitors from India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Global Networking
Also continuing — and expanded — will be the educational and networking opportunities that have characterized the show for many years. The Asian Toys & Games Forum will highlight best practices for doing business in China and Asia, as well as numerous seminars and speeches on key topics in the current toy industry, including AI, achieving sustainability, and the processes of certification.
The Toys and Games Fair will run concurrently with the HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair, which is organized by HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.
In the October interview, Tong noted that in addition to the activity on the show floor and in the educational programs, several networking events are planned, including the horse racing evening and dinner at the Happy Valley Racetrack. This has consistently been one of the most popular—and well-attended—events of the show, and a chance for people from all over the world to get together. After a two-year hiatus, this promises to be a terrific evening.
For more information on the shows and to register either as an exhibitor or a visitor, visit the shows’ sites.
To register to visit, click here.
