On February 18-21, New York City will become the center of the toy universe when thousands of toy makers, buyers, and enthusiasts flock to the Jacob K. Javits Center for the annual Toy Fair. As one of the oldest, largest, and most exciting trade shows in the US, the event is expected to attract more than 30,000 people, including retailers, wholesalers, and importers, from more than 100 countries. Over 1,000 international media representatives will also be in attendance to report on the latest trends in toys and games.
According to the Toy Industry Association, this year’s show is bigger than ever as more than 1,100 toy companies from across the globe are participating, and with about 100 exhibitors joining the event for the very first time. Many of these first-timers are international firms seeking to have their share of the $26-billion U.S. toy market. To accommodate these companies, there will be an area in the venue, called the “Launch Pad,” allotted especially for them.
Another highlight of Toy Fair 2017 is the Trends Briefing. Here, attendees will get an exclusive first look at the major toy trends of the year. Some of the trends that will be addressed include:
The use of cutting-edge technologies (robotics, virtual reality, augmented reality, and the “Internet of Things,”) in developing innovative toys and games to promote skill-building play.
The continued popularity of movie tie-in toys, especially since there are several family-friendly movies coming out this year, like Beauty and the Beast, as well as superhero fares such as Spider-Man: Homecoming and the LEGO Batman movie.
The update on the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) concept of educational toys, which now includes Robotics (STREAM).
The impact of traditional play things (role-play toys, board games, and puzzles) on creativity and development of cognitive, physical, social, and emotional skills.
At NarraSoft, we are excited to hear about all these developments as we take pride in being part of the toy industry as a trusted 3D outsourcing company.
Working with a wide range of toy and gaming companies, NarraSoft delivers exceptional 3D modeling outsourcing services to create action figures, scale figurines, and other collectibles. We also provide concept art and 3D sculptures for global brands, like DC Comics, Marvel, BBC, Warner Bros., etc. In fact, some of the most recent works that have been outsourced to us involved comic book-to-movie properties such as Wonder Woman, The Avengers, Batman v. Superman, X-Men, and Suicide Squad.
NarraSoft extends warm congratulations to the organizers, exhibitors, and all the guests of Toy Fair 2017. We look forward to another exhilarating year for the toy industry.