Leader - with Clare Turner

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Clare Turner

Over the past months, the British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) has been continuously monitoring government This factor is one of several cited by retailers interviewed for this edition as a reason why they are so excited to go to the show again. Nouman Qureshi, regulations and industry guidance to best the toys & hobbies category manager of eBay, prepare and work towards delivering is particularly keen to see the Asmodee a safe and successful Toy Fair. stand “because their demonstrations

At TnP went to press, the BTHA are flawlessly executed and very was pleased to confirm that, engaging,” while Julia Wingate, ‘given the government has not owner of The Trading Post in changed the conditions under Kingsbridge, loves playing a quick which the Fair can take place’, game with Big Potato Games and it looks forward to delivering a seeing the water toys at Tomy. But great Toy Fair 2022 and the first time she sees the life-size to welcoming the industry LEGO models and meets Peppa back again. Pig, Ben and Holly walking about

This news will be warmly always brings a smile to her face. As welcomed by readers, who are no Peter Allinson, director of the four-strong doubt counting the days until they can specialist chain Whirligig Toys in Kent and meet up again at the UK’s premier toy industry Sussex, points out: “Being trodden on by various event, which takes place from January 25 to furry characters is always fun!” January 27 at Olympia in London. As the BTHA’s director of fairs and special events Majen Immink “ The exhibitors we’ve spoken to are similarly keen to return to the show and share what they’ve been working on. Jack says in this issue, it will be the Probyn, UK marketing manager of Winning first big opportunity of the year Moves, sums up the mood of many when for visitors to get hands-on with he says: “More than anything else, having the hottest toys and games for not seen one another for nearly two years, 2022 and see all the exciting new we’re excited to see our customers again. trends. And, she adds, if anyone We can’t wait to hear what’s hot in their (like me!) has not attended before, worlds, and to be able to show them Toy Fair provides a real overview what’s hot in ours. The connectivity within and insight into this fun, innovative the show is second to none and we look and exciting industry. It’s also, of forward to welcoming customers both old course, a great setting to network and new onto our stand.” with peers and make new contacts. As a first-time visitor, I can’t wait to meet

Majen notes that this year, more you all. From the feedback I’ve received than ever, it’s so important that all from regular visitors and exhibitors, I’m

exhibitors and visitors have a very ” sure the atmosphere at the show will successful experience, especially be nothing but upbeat and positive, as after a tough couple of years during Covid and everyone is so keen to meet up in person and see a year away – when the show was cancelled in products ‘in the flesh’ again. 2021 due to the pandemic. Finally, flip this issue over and you will find

There are some elements of Toy Fair that our preview to the world’s largest toy fair: the involve crowding and so are unable to take Spielwarenmesse, which will be held from February 2 place this time round, such as the Influencer to February 6 at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre. Day, Demo Zone and Toy Fair TV. But Toy Fair’s Hero Toys will be back, and exhibitors will still be Enjoy the issue, enjoy the shows - and allowed to hold events on their stands. see you there!