Spielwarenmesse Preps for 2020 ToyAwards

The 71st Spielwarenmesse international toy fair will take place next year from Jan. 29-Feb. 2 at Germany’s Nuremberg Exhibition Centre, along with the annual ToyAwards. A celebration of outstanding innovation in toys, the ToyAwards is viewed as a benchmark for both buyers and retailers across four age-specific groups and the startup category.

Manufacturers looking to submit products for consideration may do so when registration opens on Sept. 14. Categories include baby and infant (ages 0-3), preschool (3-6), school kids (6-10), and teenagers and adults (10 and up). Additionally, the startup category will be open for companies that are less than five years old. Exhibitors may submit up to three product descriptions in English, accompanied by photos and video assets.

The two-phase selection process begins with a jury of professionals who will narrow the field based on criteria, including potential success at retail, fun factor, accessibility of the product concept, and originality. In the second round, the jury will nominate three products in each of the five categories, with criteria extended to include workmanship, quality, and safety.

On Jan. 23, the nominated products will be unveiled at a press conference, and winners will be announced at the ToyAwards during the Spielwarenmesse opening ceremony on Jan. 28.

About the author

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.