As reported by Spielwarenmesse eG, the application period for ToyAward 2016 kicked off on September 1, one month earlier than usual. All toy fair exhibitors can register their products and apply for this prize for free.
The ToyAward covers four age group-specific categories: baby and infant (0 to 2 years of age), preschool (3 to 5 years), school kids (6 to 10 years), and teenager and family (from 11 years).
An 11-person panel of experts will rate the registered products on the basis of game enjoyment, novelty, safety, finishing and quality, clarity of the product concept, and potential commercial success. Three products per category will be nominated. On the January 21, the nominees will be introduced to the public during a press conference, and on January 26, an award presentation ceremony will take place.
At the start of the current application period, a new participation condition will apply: Participating products must come onto the market within one year, or before the September 1, 2016, so that the award has market relevance to the retailer.