The British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) has announced that registration opened for visitors to attend its Toy Fair 2022.
Following a hiatus in 2021 due to the pandemic, the 68th edition of Toy Fair will take place from Tuesday 25 January to Thursday 27 January at to Olympia London. The event, which is the largest dedicated toy, game, and hobby trade exhibition in the UK, will occupy a new layout across the Grand and National Halls.
Attendees can register for free at www.toyfair.co.uk. To ease the application process, attendees from any of the past three Toy Fairs will receive a Smart Link to their existing profile, so they only need to check, update, and submit their details to receive their 2022 e-badge. All visitors must pre-register before they arrive on-site at the show. Unlike previous years, you will not be able to register for your visitor pass on-site, as part of Covid-19 safety guidelines.
BTHA said: ‘Toy Fair will be the first opportunity of the year for retailers, licensors, media, and the wider industry to meet face-to-face with more than 250 exhibiting companies and get hands-on with the hottest new toys and trends for 2022. After a year away, there is huge positivity and great excitement from all corners of the industry to return to a physical show in January.
“WE ARE VERY MUCH LOOKING FORWARD TO WELCOMING BACK VISITORS TO TOY FAIR AND KNOW HOW IMPORTANT IT IS FOR THE TOY INDUSTRY TO DO BUSINESS IN PERSON ONCE AGAIN AND ALLOW VISITORS TO GET HANDS-ON WITH PRODUCT”
BTHA director of Toy Fair Majen Immink
‘The event will welcome back a high number of returning companies as well as many new exhibitors and some returning after a period of absence. Visitors will be able to network with exhibitors ranging from renowned brands though to ambitious start-ups looking to make their mark, many of which can be found in the Greenhouse Area located in the Grand Hall. Visitors will also be able to take advantage of many exclusive on-site retail offers.’
Confirmed exhibitors include Bandai UK, Character Options, Funko, Hasbro, Keel Toys, Jazwares, LEGO, Moose Toys, Great Gizmos and Learning Resources. The full exhibitor list and floor plans can be viewed here.
BTHA director of Toy Fair Majen Immink said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming back visitors to Toy Fair and know how important it is for the toy industry to do business in person once again and allow visitors to get hands-on with product. While we are excited to have an in-person show again, the safety of all participants during the ongoing pandemic is our top priority.
“We will be operating Covid status checks for all participants and will be conducting enhanced cleaning in high touchpoint areas, as well as increasing access to hand sanitiser throughout the halls. We will also be utilising a second point of entrance/exit via the new National Hall foyer, which should help to reduce any potential congestion. We will continue to follow government and industry advice and will inform all participants of any mandated changes in line with the guidance issued.”
“TOY FAIR IS AN IMPORTANT EVENT FOR THE ENTERTAINER IN OUR BUYING CALENDAR AS IT GIVES US A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH SUPPLIERS AND LICENSORS TO DISCUSS NEW LAUNCHES AND SUPPORT PLANS.”
Mark Whittle, head of buying at The Entertainer
Mark Whittle, head of buying at The Entertainer commented: “Toy Fair is an important event for the Entertainer in our buying calendar as it gives us a great opportunity to meet with suppliers and licensors to discuss new launches and support plans. This enables us to firm up our decision making and buying plans for the year.”
Eva Verhaak, vice president of marketing and business development EMEA at Funko, added: “We are very happy to be taking part in a physical event after two years. There is nothing better than carrying out licensor and retailer meetings in-person at trade shows and showing physical products.”
“WE ARE DELIGHTED THAT WE WILL SOON BE BACK AT LONDON TOY FAIR. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN VERY IMPORTANT FOR US TO BE AT THIS SHOW, WHERE WE ARE ABLE TO SHOW FACE-TO-FACE THE NEW INNOVATIVE PRODUCT THAT IS COMING THROUGH”
Mark Hunt, marketing manager for Character Options
Mark Hunt, marketing manager for Character Options, noted: “We are delighted that we will soon be back at London Toy Fair. It has always been very important for us to be at this show, where we are able to show face-to-face the new innovative product that is coming through. We will be debuting some never-before-seen lines that customers have not seen even during our winter previews. But whether absolutely brand new, or lines they have been introduced to in previews, the personal contact we gain at Toy Fair is essential.”
For operations and sponsorship enquiries, please contact Rebecca Deeming at Rebecca@btha.co.uk
Follow the latest exhibitor and show news on Twitter at @toyfairuk
