Update: Additional Shows

The pandemic continues to challenge 2022 event planners. Here’s what we’ve heard.

The Consumer Electronics Show Deletes a Day

Las Vegas Convention Center Wednesday, January 5 to Friday, January 7

Toy Fair’s new metaverse programming will get toy industry professionals thinking about tech, and at CES, it was expected that tech professionals would ponder children’s toys. But just days before the show started, no one knew just how many tech professionals would arrive in Las Vegas. Because of the Omicron surge, a number of big companies had backed out, including Microsoft, Google, General Motors, Amazon, Twitter, BMW, Procter &Gamble, and Meta Platforms Inc. (formerly known as Facebook).

On January 3, show organizers reported that attendees were still decideding whether to travel to Las Vegas or participate in the virtual show, an option announced last summer.

In addition to the safety measures already in place, the Consumer Technology Association eliminated activities planned for Saturday, January 8, cutting the four-day event down to three.

CES usually draws more than 170,000 attendees and 2,200 exhibitors, and up to 30 percent come from foreign countries.

After earning a reputation as a launch pad for the latest in consumer gadgetry, CES is becoming more of bellwether for longer-term trends, including self-driving cars and artificial intelligence. This year, new categories included NFTs, space technology, and the metaverse.

Spielwarenmesse Moves Forward with Expected Lower Attendance Numbers

Nuremberg Exhibition Center, Bavaria, Germany Wednesday, February 2 through Sunday, February 6

In early February, exhibitors, visitors and media from Europe and around the world are scheduled to meet in Nuremberg again. Despite the pandemic, “numerous important, international events have proven that they can protect their participants and, at the

same time, fulfill the need for genuine encounters,” says Spielwarenmesse eG. “Of course, we continue to monitor the virus situation closely and will keep you informed of new developments.”

Christian Ulrich, spokesperson for the executive board, notes that the generous hall layouts and a continuous supply of fresh air are big safety pluses. In addition, “The hygiene concept we have developed with the health authorities and venue operator NürnbergMesse will ensure that the Spielwarenmesse is held under safe conditions.”

The organization expects that the number of people attending this year will be roughly 80 percent of the number of its last in-person event in 2020. More than 1,800 exhibitors from 64 countries had confirmed their participation in Spielwarenmesse by January 1, down from 2,843 exhibitors from 70 countries in 2020. The decrease is partly attributable to travel restrictions in Asian countries.

A New Venue for ToyFest West

The Expo at World Market Center in Las Vegas Wednesday, March 9 through Friday, March 11

This year, the Western Toy & Hobby Representatives Association (WTHRA) welcomes toy professionals toThe Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas. The newly opened, purpose-built tradeshow facility is located downtown and offers a surprise bonus for ToyFest West attendees – access to permanent showrooms that feature crossover gift and accessories lines.

Since 1961, when the first WTHRA show was held for manufacturers and retailers on the left side of the country, attendance has steadily increased. Today, show participants travel from 47 different states plus Canada and the U.K. They find the beautiful western weather, easy arrival and departure, and spacious convention facilities to be a winning combination, says Blake Goldenberg, chair of WTHRA’s board.

Participants also enjoy the casual, reunion-like atmosphere of the event, he adds. “Those of you who have joined us at our annual tradeshow know exactly what I’m referring to. At ToyFest West you’re treated as if you’ve just come home to see your family. The show is set up in an open environment with open booths, welcoming buyers to browse. You won’t feel rushed, but relaxed and productive instead.”

In terms of safety measures, the show will follow Clark County and Nevada State Guidelines at the time of the event.