§ The world’s leading toy fair retains top spot in international ranking
§ The latest trends, expert knowledge and a full range of services guaranteed
The Spielwarenmesse is the biggest, most international and important industry gathering all year. Always with its finger on the pulse, the world’s leading trade fair is taking place from 1 to 6 February 2017 for the 68th time. Manufacturers and the trade receive a comprehensive overview of the market, whilst forging high-quality contacts and accessing the latest trends. All the decision-makers come together in Nuremberg where they are presented with more than 75,000 new products – more than at any other specialist toy fair. Numerous services help visitors find their bearings in the jungle of products, whilst providing genuine added value for their everyday business activities.
Strengths in the international arena
A glance at the facts and figures confirms that the Spielwarenmesse is streets ahead of its international competitors on all fronts. More than 2,800 exhibitors from almost 70 nations show their products to nearly 71,000 visitors who wend their way to Nuremberg from more than 120 countries. The exhibition area is at least as impressive: Covering more than 170,000m², it would fill around 30 football pitches. But it’s not just the quantity but also the quality that fits. The secret to its success lies in the consistent implementation of its corporate philosophy and its strong background. Bolstered by an international network of more than 90 representatives, several subsidiaries and its agency Die Roten Reiter, it is able to take advantage of a multitude of synergies. These components all feed into the Spielwarenmesse which offers its guests from all four corners of the globe an impressive range of services both in and outside the exhibition halls, coupled with a proven quality management system. Other events owned by Spielwarenmesse eG, such as the stationery expo Insights-X and the World of Toys international fair programme, all benefit as a result.
New Tech2Play Area
The sheer abundance and choice of new products in Nuremberg is truly unique. The twelve different product groups provide buyers with a good overview of the 18 fully booked halls. An absolute highlight is the Tech2Play area in Hall 4A, demonstrating once more that the Spielwarenmesse has a feel for the products of tomorrow. The 400m² area spotlights the latest technology-inspired toys that are blazing a trail in the marketplace. Five categories help visitors hone their attention: “Electronic Pets”, “Robot Toys”, “3D Printing”, “RC Drones” and “Virtual Play”. The various categories featured in the promotion area encourage visitors not only to browse but also to get involved.
Reliable trend barometer
The TrendGallery has been given a facelift and presents innovations and trends in an area of around 1,000m². Throughout the year, the ten members of the TrendCommittee track down the most promising trends all over the world. The most exciting trends for 2017 are highlighted and brought to life in the special area at the Spielwarenmesse. Also on show at the TrendGallery are the nominations and winners of the ToyAwards. The four age-specific categories for the coveted innovation awards have been slightly realigned in response to market changes. The 10 years+ age group, for example, has been renamed Teenager&Adult, replacing the former Teenager&Family category. The winners of the ToyAwards will be announced at the Opening Ceremony on 31 January.
Licences in focus
The Spielwarenmesse also serves as a business platform for licensing, a sector of ever growing significance. Offering everything from cuddly toys and back-to-school products to party accessories and lifestyle products, companies of all sizes present fast-selling licensed products across all twelve segments. From mid-December, the trade will be able to access the Spielwarenmesse LicenseGuide on its website www.spielwarenmesse.de/license
Moreover, international speakers will shed light on this fascinating field at the Toy Business Forum when the spotlight falls on the topic “Let’s License – Keeping business moving and shaking all year long”.
Spielwarenmesse as an information broker
The other topics featured at the Toy Business Forum address issues currently affecting the specialist trade. The compact, free presentations take place every day from Wednesday to Sunday and shed light on the latest trends in the toy industry and general developments in the retail landscape. Moreover, the online magazine “Spirit of Play” provides the industry with expert knowledge all year round. November will see the publication of its first-ever print edition which will be distributed to 40,000 potential trade buyers.
In this way, both exhibitors and visitors will be well prepared for the Spielwarenmesse 2017. A trip to Nuremberg will provide them with all the ideas and inspiration they need for the daily running of their businesses and for coping with the growing pressures in all markets.
Spielwarenmesse®
Spielwarenmesse, the leading international fair for toys, hobbies and leisure, is organized by the fair and marketing services provider Spielwarenmesse eG. The trade fair creates a comprehensive communication and ordering platform for 2,800 national and international manufacturers. The presentation of new products and the extensive industry overview provide a valuable pool of information for annual market orientation for more than 70,000 buyers and toy traders from over 120 nations.
