5 minute read
London Toy Fair 2022 - Majen Immink, director of fairs and special events at BTHA, gives the low down on the UK’s premier toy industry event
Toy Fair is back with a bang!
As we look forward to London’s Toy Fair, Majen Immink, director of fairs and special events at show organiser the BTHA, talks to TnP about what’s in the pipeline
This is the first Toy Fair since 2020 - what changes can we expect to see? Well, the most important thing is that Toy Fair is back! After unfortunately having to take a break in 2021 we are so excited to be returning to Olympia London. We’re set to be as big as ever, with more than 260 exhibitors, from the biggest brands in the business including LEGO and Bandai, right through to the newest companies exhibiting for the very first time.
It will be the first big opportunity of the year for visitors to get hands-on with the hottest toys and games for 2022 and see all the exciting new trends. If anyone has not been before, Toy Fair provides visitors with a real overview and insight into a fun, innovative and exciting industry! It’s a great setting in which to meet the toy There are some “ elements of Toy Fair which involve crowding that are unable to take place this year such as the Influencer Day, Demo Zone and, sadly, Toy Fair TV ”
industry, network with peers, and make new contacts.
How will you make this the best show yet? This year, more than ever, it’s so important for us that all exhibitors and visitors have a very successful show on behalf of all of their companies, especially after a tough couple of years during Covid and a year away from the show.
There are some elements of Toy Fair which involve crowding that are unable to take place this year such as the Influencer Day, Demo Zone and sadly Toy Fair TV. Fortunately, our exhibitors will still be allowed to hold their own events on their stands, and we will also see the return of Toy Fair’s Hero Toys, which will be very exciting.
We have no doubt that the atmosphere at the show will be
260+
Number of exhibitors expected at Toy Fair 2022
nothing but vibrant and positive as everyone is looking forward to being back at Toy Fair in person.
How many exhibitors can we expect to see? We have had a great booking response from exhibitors for Toy Fair 2022 and have more than 260 exhibiting companies. We are still getting exhibitor enquiries every day, which is great as it really shows how keen and positive the industry is to get back to meeting in person.
Press day will be taking place as normal, and we expect media representatives from the biggest publications and outlets to attend and check out what’s new in our industry for 2022.
What Covid-safe procedures will be in place? The health and safety of our exhibitors and visitors is our number one priority for this year. Our current guidelines are that everyone at the show will have to provide proof of either double vaccination or a negative lateral flow or PCR test within 48 hours of attending the show. Those opting to provide a negative test will have to make sure the test is valid throughout their duration at the show. Therefore, if an exhibitor is on site a few days prior to the show opening, they will need to take a test every two days to prove their Covid status is up to date throughout their time at the show. We will also be providing plenty of hand sanitiser stations around the halls.
This year we are using two entrances at the show, via the Grand Hall and a new entrance via the National Hall, so we can ensure visitors will be guided safely into Toy Fair to prevent crowding or bottlenecking.
How will you make the Toy Fair accessible for those who can’t travel due to Covid or travel restrictions? As with previous years, we will release all the latest news and updates from Toy Fair throughout the show. If you are unable to visit, the best place to see all the latest news will be on our Twitter account @ToyFairUK. Our exhibiting companies will also reveal their latest products and we will promote that via our Toy Fair Twitter. We also have a detailed online exhibitor list on the Toy Fair website at www.toyfair.co.uk. What’s new for this year’s show? As I mentioned, things will be different this year. The most important part of Toy Fair is for everyone to be able to get together and see what will be on offer in 2022. This is where our exhibitors’ own events will come into play. These are still being created and will be the best place onsite to see all the latest products.
What is a must-see at the show? Apart from our exhibitors in general, the Toy Fair’s Hero Toys display is a must to see all the top toys and games that we predict will drive business and generate headlines in 2022 and beyond. Toy Fair’s Hero Toys will be on display at the front of our Press Office (Gallery Stand 160), so make sure it’s on your list of places to visit.
Any advice for new visitors? Make sure you plan your trip; with so many exhibitors, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The onsite map is available on our website at www. toyfair.co.uk/visit/#floorPlan and is a useful tool to plan your way around Olympia London.
For new visitors I always advise taking a trip around the Greenhouse Area. This is our dedicated area for new exhibiting companies. In the Greenhouse Area you will discover exciting new toys and products that could end up being the smash hits of 2022. I can confirm that we have a fully booked Greenhouse Area once again, so head on over to see the next generation of household names.
of 2022 ”
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? Just that I’m so excited to see everyone once again! It’s been such a long time that I can’t wait to see some familiar and some new faces. It’s always exciting to take a lap around Toy Fair and see the toys that are going to be making waves over the next year. I look forward to seeing everyone in January to start 2022 with a bang!
