Following days of backchannel buzz, The Toy Association says that Toy Fair New York is absolutely “a go” for next month at the newly expanded Javits Center in Manhattan.
In a statement issued this afternoon, Toy Association President and CEO Steve Pasierb noted that the move forward is being done with the support of exhibitors, buyers, and governmental agencies.
“Hundreds of small and midsize toy and play companies, entrepreneurs, and inventors across North America depend on Toy Fair New York for access to the market and new opportunities,” Steve Pasierb says. “Many have been looking to the 2022 show to help their businesses recover from the negative impacts of the past two years of the pandemic. While international attendance will be down, and some major players do not plan to be present, Toy Fair New York is still set for the second half of February.”
Toy Fair New York will follow New York City’s strict indoor activity guidelines and the Javits Center’s own policies, including proof of vaccination status.
Pasierb told The Toy Book, “Right now we have a strong showing of exhibitors and buyers who want to do the show, however, more attention is being paid to those who have made the early choice to walk away. Given we are still 45 days from show opening, best practice safety standards are in place, emerging data show the new variant is indeed proving to be milder and driving no more hospitalizations than in September, and with a significant segment of the industry saying they still both need and want the show, we continue to move forward.”
Further information and commentary can be found on The Toy Association website.
Additionally, the Association has promised a status update to be issued no later than Wednesday, January 12.
The Toy Association encourages attendees to download the NYC COVID Safe app and complete the Photo ID and Vaccine Verification forms before arriving at TFNY. Additional updates will be published on the official TFNY website as they happen. The event is slated to take place Feb. 19-22, 2022.
As always, the Toy Book team from Adventure Media & Events will be on hand at Toy Fair New York to unveil our biggest issue of the year. Check out our 2022 editorial calendar for more information.
