‘All Aboard’ - Why I’m excited about the ASTRA Toy Boat

‘All aboard’

Why I’m excited about the ASTRA Toy Boat!

By Amanda Gummer, The Good Play Guide

Those of you who know me, know I love the sea. Being in it, on it or by it, it’s my happy place.

So I was one of the first to sign up to the ASTRA Toy Boat and I’m getting more excited about it by the day. I’ve never really subscribed to the work/life balance approach. I prefer a work/life blend and I’m always happy to talk about play, children, research, whether I’m ‘working’ or not.

So an event that really does blend work and play, and when play is work, makes total sense for our industry.

If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got. In a post-pandemic world with the global economic challenges we face, a new model for trade events, especially one with a captive consumer audience, feels like an innovative approach - and the toy industry should be innovative!

As a company, we are happy to support our clients by giving them an opportunity to join in with the Toy Boat, even if they are unable to attend in person. The two sides to our business will compliment different aspects of the event, with accredited toys being showcased to trade and consumers, and having the talks to share our expertise in child development and research. We’re delighted to be bringing some UK brands to the attention of the US industry and hope that this is the first of many Toy Boats.

I’m looking forward to all aspects of the cruise, from the game nights, to the Caribbean beaches. What’s not to love?

I really value the opportunities for informal connections as we’re all in the same place. This feels very different to other trade events where people stay in different hotels and don’t all attend the whole event, so knowing that there is time to have really meaningful conversations over the course of the four days takes some of the pressure off and allows for more genuine interactions.

There are not that many people who would want to share a cabin with me (or I with them to be honest), but then I had a brainwave. My mother has a significant birthday this year and is always up for a game. One of the reasons I’m so passionate about play is the Mary Poppins approach she took with me and my brother when we were young - turning everything into a game.

She’s an amazing woman and has been a huge support to me as I’ve set up and grown my business, so I’m thrilled that she’s going to be joining me on the Toy Boat. So look out for Sue, and come and say hello. She’s never done anything like this before. I’m sure she’ll appreciate a friendly face.