by SUE WARFIELD, president, American Specialty Toy Retailing Association
The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is gearing up to take on the high seas. ASTRA Toy Boat will officially set sail from Fort Lauderdale on Feb. 20, 2023. Guests will tour around the Bahamas while checking out the latest toys and games, and return to shore on Feb. 24.
ASTRA Toy Boat has so many misconceptions floating around it (pun intended), so let’s highlight some basic truths:
IT’S HAPPENING
ASTRA Toy Boat is not a tentative event: It is happening! We are not canceling. More companies, retailers, and others from the industry are signing up every day to get on board.
BUSINESS WILL HAPPEN ON THE BOAT
This event is definitely about having fun, but the business that can take place in this type of environment is beyond anything that can happen at a traditional trade show. I know from first-hand experience, having participated in a conference/show on a ship before. I’m excited to share that many of my future contacts came from that cruise and actually helped me get to where I am today.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAY
Play is always an important part of any ASTRA event. At Marketplace & Academy, we host game and kit sessions, we have a party, and we do our toy lip sync battle. These experiences are all part of the package to network and engage with those who share similar interests, face the same issues, and strive toward similar goals. ASTRA Toy Boat will be full of great experiences to network, unplug, play, and have a great time.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Guests aboard the ASTRA Toy Boat can pay one price that includes WiFi (so you can keep up with work even while we sail), the Deluxe Beverage Package (includes many non-alcoholic drinks that would otherwise be extra), taxes, port fees, and gratuities. Of course, there will be lots of additional services you can pay for, such as fine dining and excursions, but those are all optional.
HOW TO REGISTER
Registration for ASTRA Toy Boat is done strictly over the phone and must be completed by Dec. 10. If you’re interested in attending and would like to book your cabin, call Michael Foldeak at 312-283-4255 or Sue Warfield (that’s me!) at 312-238-9393.
WHAT ABOUT TOYFEST?
ToyFest takes place Feb. 27-March 3, just a few days after ASTRA Toy Boat. From my perspective, both events should be attended. If you are nervous about having too little turn-around time to get things set up at ToyFest, rest assured. I will be attending the show with Michael on behalf of ASTRA. We’ll be heading straight to Las Vegas from the Toy Boat and we will be ready to lend a hand with showroom set ups and booth set ups at ToyFest. ASTRA will have its own booth at ToyFest as well!
And, we have a special deal: Retailers who attend both ASTRA Toy Boat and ToyFest events will get one free hotel night at one of the ASTRA Hotels in Columbus during our Marketplace & Academy June 11-14 and one free hotel night at ToyFest.
Check out our full itinerary (with new events still being added) to see all the fun in store aboard the ASTRA Toy Boat. We can’t wait to set sail with you!
What’s In Store Aboard ASTRA Toy Boat (Itinerary is still in progress)
Monday, Feb. 20
- Set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Evening reception
Tuesday, Feb. 21
- Dock at Cococay, Bahamas
- Vendor display tables on board (ASTRA only)
- Game and Kit Night (ASTRA only)
Wednesday, Feb. 22
- Day at sea
- Vendor display tables on board (ASTRA only)
- Meet the ASTRA Board of Directors
- Learn to Navigate the ASTRA website info session
- Toy Sync Battle
Thursday, Feb. 23
- Dock at Nassau, Bahamas
- Vendor display tables on board (ASTRA only)
- Game & Kit Night (open to the public)
Friday, February 24
- Return to Fort Lauderdale, Florida
This article was originally published in the 2022 Innovation & STEM issue of The Toy Book. Click here to read the full issue! Want to receive The Toy Book in print? Click here for subscription options!
