by GREG AHEARN, President & CEO, The Toy Association
September is a big month for the toy industry in Los Angeles, filled with opportunities for growing your business, networking with colleagues, and coming together as a community to bring the joy of play to children in need. At The Toy Association, we are excited to be a part of it!
Whether you are reading this while packing your bags, you’re already in town previewing lines at The Toy Association’s new location, or you are visiting manufacturers around the city, there are several activities to enjoy throughout the LA Fall Preview week.
First and foremost, we are here to help you buy, sell, and discover products that will shape the future of play and drive your — and the industry’s — success. We encourage retailers, licensors, international partners, and others to take advantage of the chance to visit toy companies — both big and small — in LA at the same time. But beyond this, we are also dedicated to providing networking and philanthropic events that celebrate play and bring our community together to raise awareness and funds for philanthropic causes.
Starting with The Toy Foundation’s Party with a Purpose on Sept. 9 at TAO Los Angeles, this critical fundraiser and networking event supports TTF’s children’s hospital program, which brings play therapy resources to pediatric hospitals in economically disadvantaged communities. What could be better than the opportunity to enjoy great food, even better company, and live musical entertainment — all while raising money for an important cause? Beyond attending, there are so many ways to get involved with the Foundation by donating products (including at the end of your fall previews) or funds that will bring the benefits of play to kids around the world. Visit us at toyfoundation.org to learn more.
Also, we have invited the entire toy community to Otis College of Art & Design for a free networking party on Sept. 10. The goal is simple: to bring the industry together to build connections while exploring the toy design studios and projects from up-and-coming designers. Take the time to meet and mingle with the creative, one-of-a-kind personalities that make the toy industry so special. To cap it off in style, Women in Toys’ 2024 Wonder Women Awards will take place at the Beverly Hilton on Sept. 13, celebrating the remarkable achievements of women across the toy, licensing, and entertainment industries.
Though we’re in LA now, the buzz continues to build for what’s next: Toy Fair New York! The iconic marketplace returns to the Javits Center in New York City from March 1-4, 2025. The Toy Association team is building a world-class tradeshow featuring global companies, iconic brands, specialized product zones, international pavilions, and a Launch Pad for new-to-the-industry companies, all under one roof. Plus, all of the educational, relationship-building, philanthropic, and networking opportunities that unfold every time our industry comes together.
I personally cannot wait for what’s to come and would like to take this opportunity to thank all our members and partners for their support. Your feedback is invaluable to The Toy Association team as we strive to bring value and serve the industry. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time — contact me at gahearn@toyassociation.org.
A version of this feature was originally published in The Toy Book’s 2024 LA Fall Toy Preview Issue. Click here to read the full issue! Want to receive The Toy Book in print? Click here for subscription options!
