The Toy Business Forum serves as a trend barometer for the global toy industry. It returns to Hall 3A next year, from Jan. 27-31, 2026. The program brings together international speakers, panels, live podcasts, and exhibitor showcases, offering professionals insights into the latest trends shaping the market.
This year’s sessions focus on artificial intelligence, retail strategies, marketing, sustainability, toy trends, and the kidult segment. Formats include inspiring presentations, panel discussions, and the “Exhibitors on Stage” series. Visitors can also connect during the midday “Networking Break” at outdoor food trucks, with live music adding to the atmosphere.
Highlights include the Toy Pitch competition and a dedicated Press Day on Tuesday morning, providing media with early access to new product reveals. A new “Value of Play Conference” debuts ahead of the fair, exploring the significance of play across industries and disciplines, followed by the annual ToyAward presentation. Later in the week, a fireside chat between Spielwarenmesse eG Executive Board Spokesperson Christian Ulrich and Hape Founder and CEO Peter Handstein provides firsthand insights into the global toy business. On Thursday, the Model Car Hall of Fame takes the stage to announce the Class of 2025.
Confirmed speakers include Reyne Rice of ToyTrends, who will address emerging technologies; Dennis Book of Thalia, who will discuss combining books and toys; Marilyn Repp of The Community Building Company, presenting on community building for brick-and-mortar retail; and Jasmin Karatas of RAW-R Agency and Carol Rapp of Spiel Essen, who will host a live podcast titled Kidults vs. Nerds. Additional presentations include Sabine van Almsick of ECC Next with a session blending AI, play, and pop culture.
The full Toy Business Forum program publishes in mid-November on the Spielwarenmesse website. In the meantime, highlights from last year’s presentations are available to stream on Spielwarenmesse Digital.
