As this issue goes to press, ASTRA is moving full speed ahead for our Marketplace & Academy in Long Beach, California. We have a jam-packed schedule including our Kit and Game Session, educational breakout sessions, an opening party, two and a half days of show floor time, and general networking and social time as well. If you are joining us at the show: Welcome!
But we have a lot to look forward to next year, too! We will continue to have our Marketplace & Academy, which is scheduled to take place in Columbus, Ohio, from June 11-14, 2023. In addition, we are working with the various gift stores to schedule times to meet up with members and attract new members. We have started hosting regional events that offer opportunities for our members to gather, discuss current issues, and learn from one another. Thinking outside of the walls of hotels, showrooms, or convention centers, we are launching a whole new way for our industry to gather: the ASTRA Toy Boat, due to set sail from Feb. 20-24, 2023.
You heard correctly: Toy Boat. Let’s answer a few questions you may have about our newest adventure.
WHY A TOY BOAT?
Based on a survey we conducted after The Toy Association announced it was moving Toy Fair to September in 2023, the vast majority of participants answered that they needed an event to take the place of Toy Fair in February. To make sure we were not replacing any other shows (gift shows, ToyFest, or our own Marketplace & Academy, for example), it needed to be something completely different. So, let’s try a cruise!
WHEN DO WE SAIL?
- FEB.20: Ship leaves Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
- FEB. 21: Private Island at Cococay, Bahamas
- FEB. 22: Day at Sea
- FEB. 23: Nassau, Bahamas
- FEB. 24: Dock back at Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, at 6 a.m.
WHAT CRUISE LINE?
We’ll set sail on the Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas. No, we do not have the entire ship — we just reserved a variety of cabins.
WHAT WILL IT COST?
Cost of the cabins (double occupancy) will vary by size and type of cabin booked. ASTRA has negotiated a group rate for the cabins that will be all-inclusive of WiFi, a deluxe drink package, taxes, gratuities, and port fees. Prices for these all-inclusive packages will range from $921.74-2,514.74 per person. Kids
who come will be priced based on the cabin chosen, but at a lower fee than the adult cost.
The only added costs will be for product display and service tables for manufacturers, affiliates, and representatives, if they choose to have them; excursions; or upscale or added dining. Table options for manufacturers, inventors, affiliates, and representatives will vary by size, ranging from $200-500 each. Table displays will be open on Feb. 22 and 23 — times TBD.
OTHER EVENTS
Two of the three nights will be Game and Kit Nights — one night for ASTRA members and one open to the public. Conference rooms will also be available for manufacturers to book. Both Game and Kit Night tables and conference room booking will be an additional fee.
For families, we’ll be hosting a family-friendly Toy Sync Battle Night, and Liberty of the Seas has great programs for kids that are all included in the cost of the package.
SAFETY AND HEALTH ISSUES
There are not currently any issues with ports of call. The “return to service” protocols include every ship and every port of call worldwide. Ships have medical facilities for COVID-19 testing, isolation rooms (if needed), and specific disembark protocols for anyone who tests positive for COVID-19. Contact tracing is completed for guests who may have come in contact with the positive person or persons; those guests are tested and, if negative, free to continue their cruise as usual.
Visit astratoy.org/events for more information on the ASTRA Toy Boat.
This article was originally published in the June 2022 edition of the Toy Book. Click here to read the full issue!
