2017 International Toy Fair Opens in New York City
Posted on February 19, 2017
The 114th International Toy Fair has opened in New York City. Toy Fair 2017 has 443,000 net square feet of exhibit space. The toys include everything from board games and dolls to cutting-edge tech toys.
Steve Pasierb, president & CEO at TIA, says in a statement, "New York City is where the creative spirit and energy of the global toy industry comes to life with more than 1,100 companies of all types and sizes exhibiting at the North American International Toy Fair 2017. Many of the toys and games displayed here are being seen for the very first time – and are likely to top kids' birthday and holiday wish lists throughout the coming year. We are thrilled to welcome the toy community from over 100 countries to Toy Fair for four, fun-filled days of buying and selling, trend-scouting, networking, and most importantly, play!"The U.S. Toy Industry Association (TIA) also revealed six of the top trends for toys this year. They include collectibles, movie tie-ins, classic toys, tech toys, robotic STEAM toys and active toys to motivate kids to get up and move.
Some of the tech toy trends include "augmented and virtual reality toys, drones, virtual pets, robotics, and more." The TIA notes that recent technologies like 3D printing have helped manufacturers make high-tech toys more affordable. On the robotic STEAM trend, the TIA says, "In 2017, expect to see Robotics incorporated into the trend – transforming STEAM to STREAM."
On Up & Active toys the TIA says the latest active toys from manufacturers "not only motivate kids to burn off excess energy, they are also engaging for the whole family and are more seamlessly integrated into other types of play." Movie toys could be very big this year thanks to a slew of tie-in products and upcoming family friendly films. The TIA says, "this might be the best year for movies (and toys with movie tie-ins) in recent history."
Update: Here's an official recap video: