by MADDIE MICHALIK, Manager, Communications, The Toy Association
The global toy industry never stands still, and neither does The Toy Association.
As needs continue to evolve, the Association supports the industry by providing insights and resources, championing priorities in Washington and beyond, and creating business-growth opportunities. These efforts are rooted in the Association’s core mission: to be in service of members and the broader toy community.
THE TOY DESK
That commitment recently took on a new form with the launch of the Toy Desk, a centralized support hub designed to make it easier than ever for companies to access the expertise and resources they need. Toy professionals can now visit toyassociation.org/toydesk and submit questions through a single portal to seamlessly connect with the right Association team — whether the issue is trade and tariff refunds, safety and technical guidance, event participation, or finding new ways to connect and grow within the industry.
Greeting visitors is Gilbert, the Toy Desk’s cheerful guide, and the Association’s iconic ball brought to life. Named in honor of A.C. Gilbert, inventor of the Erector Set, Olympian, entrepreneur, and founder of The Toy Association (in 1916 as The Toy Manufacturers of America), Gilbert pays tribute to a legacy of service, innovation, and industry leadership that continues to shape the Association’s work.
“The Toy Association exists to help members succeed,” says Ken Ebeling, Executive Vice President of Strategic Development and Member Services at The Toy Association. “From helping our members solve day-to-day challenges to advocating for policies that impact their businesses, our goal is to show up for them in meaningful ways every day.”
RECENT ADVOCACY WINS
In June, The Toy Association hosted its annual DC Fly-In and Day of Play on Capitol Hill, when nearly 30 toy industry leaders participated in more than 40 bipartisan and bicameral meetings with lawmakers and congressional staff to speak on issues most important to toy companies, including AI, trade policy, and the need for the toy sector’s exemption from tariffs. Throughout the week, Association staff engaged directly with administration officials, including Sam Mulopulos, Chief of Staff for the U.S. Trade Representative, helping to further elevate the industry’s priorities and concerns.
Those conversations are translating into results. Following months of advocacy by The Toy Association and its members, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on June 16 announced a significant policy change affecting toy drones and R/C flying toys. Qualifying products will no longer be swept into restrictions intended for sophisticated unmanned aircraft systems, amending an earlier FCC rule change that was overly broad in scope and, while aimed to address national security risks tied to advanced drones, also blocked certification for toys that didn’t pose the same risks.
UPCOMING EXPERIENCES
The Toy Association is bringing the industry together through a busy calendar of events. The LA Fall Preview Market Weeks (September 14-25) once again put The Toy Association’s Toy Building (101 Continental Boulevard in El Segundo) at the center of the activity. Home to more than 80 showrooms, the Toy Building welcomes retailers, licensors, inventors, and industry professionals for two weeks of events, product previews, meetings, and networking opportunities.
In November, People of Play Week (November 5-8) brings the toy community to Rosemont, Illinois, for a series of events celebrating creativity and connection. The Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference and 2026 Toy & Game Innovation Excellence Awards (TAGIEs)gather inventors, designers, and industry leaders, while the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG) invites families and fans to experience hands-on play and new product discoveries as a festive kickoff to the holiday shopping season.
From launching new tools to creating growth opportunities, The Toy Association continues to meet members where they are. Companies are encouraged to connect with the team at any time for guidance and support through the Toy Desk, or visit toyassociation.org for information about the many resources, tools, experiences, and opportunities offered on behalf of the toy industry.
Stay on the Pulse of Play!
A version of this feature first appeared in The Toy Book‘s 2026 Action, Adventure, & Mystery Issue. Read the full issue here!
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