Toy Industry Association, LeftField Media Will Debut Play Fair in New York City
September 21, 2015
Every year, when thousands of attendees head to the Toy Industry Association’s North American International Toy Fair, the only thing missing on the showfloor filled with toys and game were the kids.
Starting with the February 2016 show, the public will have the opportunity to see all the latest new products with TIA and LeftField Media teaming up to launch Play Fair - "a celebration of play and entertainment for all ages”.
"Play Fair will provide toy lovers of all ages with unique and unparalleled access to enriching immersive events and experiences built around the power of play," said Marian Bossard, Toy Industry Association senior vice president of Global Market Events.
She added, "It's a truly one-of-a-kind event for families and fans to explore nostalgic and innovative toys and brands in an all-ages atmosphere that can't be beat!"
Fans – from kids to adults – will experience toy reveals, photo ops, character interactions, stage performances, author readings, celebrity signings, live music, and giveaways.
Retail areas will allow attendees to purchase show exclusives, limited edition products, and rare variants of toys and games.
The inaugural Play Fair will run Feb. 13-14, 2016, at the Jacob K Javits Convention Center of New York.
"We're humbled and thrilled to work together with TIA on Play Fair," said Greg Topalian, president of LeftField Media. "For more than a century, TIA has gathered the professional side of the toy world together at Toy Fair, and now families, fans, and collectors will finally get to experience this excitement inside their own event.”
He added, “Play Fair will be a space to create fun, engaging, and rewarding connections between brands, their current fans, and the fans of tomorrow – and get a glimpse at new toys before anyone else on the planet!"
Play Fair will be headquartered inside New York's Javits Center and will turn all of Manhattan into a giant "game board," encouraging attendees to visit various iconic New York institutions and landmarks to make the most of their time in the city and unlock Play Fair discounts, exclusives, and rewards, according to show management.
"Our launch of Play Fair couldn't come at a better time, as we're seeing a growing number of studies and reports that underscore play's crucial developmental benefits to children, and its impact on the happiness and well-being of adults," said Steve Pasierb, TIA president and CEO.
He added, "We look forward to welcoming families from far and wide for a spectacular event filled with magical moments and playful experiences that they will be re-living and talking about long after they leave the show."
The LEGO Group and Nickelodeon have been confirmed as presenting sponsors.
Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
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