Source: Spielwarenmesse eG

The toy industry is already looking ahead to next year with uncertainty and caution as toy fair season approaches.

Spielwarenmesse eG, the organizer of the 72nd Spielwarenmesse international toy fair, is moving ahead with plans for the event to take place Jan. 27-31 in Nuremberg, Germany. In an effort to ensure the greatest possible degree of safety, the organizers are collaborating with venue operator NürnbergMesse and local authorities to create a definitive “Health & Hygiene Concept” for the show. To help things move as smoothly as possible, Spielwarenmesse asks that attendees and exhibitors abide by a simple mantra: “follow the rules, keep your distance.”

“In all our efforts to stage Spielwarenmesse 2021, the health and safety of the participants is our top priority,” says Ernst Kick, outgoing CEO of Spielwarenmesse eG. “When it comes to personal encounters and sound buying decisions, trade fairs are more important than ever. Particularly in our industry, they are an indispensable driver of growth. That is why we’re doing all we can to stage Spielwarenmesse 2021 – the most important industry hub of the year – whilst ensuring that it is as safe and enjoyable as possible.”

The organizers say that nearly 90% of last year’s exhibitors are already on board for the 2021 show.

Based on the requirements of the Bavarian State Government, the Health & Hygiene Concept will be continually updated up to and during the show. Current efforts include widening of show aisles, social distancing, contact tracing, and other elements.

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book, a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.

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