Event Focus

A SPIRITED RETURN

It’s safe to say that the return of Spielwarenmesse will be much welcomed by the toy community and visitors are expected to flock back to Nuremberg to see exhibitors from some 66 different countries, including the UK.

Taking place for the first time since 2020 and running from 1-5 February 2023, the organiser of the show – Spielwarenmesse eG has been champing at the bit to bring everyone back to the German city.

“The response on the part of the industry is consistently positive – everyone is looking forward to meeting up again after such a long time,” comments Christian Ulrich, spokesperson of the executive board at Spielwarenmesse eG.

Companies with an interest in the preschool space exhibiting at the show include Orchard Toys, Wondercloths, Eduk8 Worldwide, 8th Wonder, Artsana (Chicco), Bigjigs, BRIO, Casdon, Cloud b, Fiesta Crafts, Golden Bear, Hasbro, Janod, Just Play, Kaloo, Keel Toys, Lässig, Learning Resources, Mattel, Melissa & Doug, MV Sports, Nattou, Rainbow Designs, Sambro, Spin Master, The Puppet Company, Wilton Bradley and many more.

A number of special areas will also be featured on the showfloor including a ‘Stationery meets Toys’ theme in Hall 4 offering ideas for the back to

Above: Trend focuses for 2023 will include Discover, Brands for Fans and MetaToys. Below left: Christian Ulrich, spokesperson of the executive board at Spielwarenmesse eG. Below: The response to the return of the fair has been “consistently positive” according to Spielwarenmesse eG.

2023 TRENDS

Spielwarenmesse has identified three trends which it will be showcasing during the 2023 show. In the redesigned ToyTrends experience covering an area of some 400m2 in Hall 3A, relevant products will be available to explore and try, while in the neighbouring Toy Business Forum, presentations of the trends will complete the picture.

The three trends will help to guide retailers as they select a range of products with high sales potential.

Discover: here, everything ultimately revolves around the opening up of new worlds and themes, from other countries, cultures and languages to the wonder of nature and unknown galaxies.

Meanwhile, the basis for the second strand – Brands for Fans – is licences and retro products, while the third trend is MetaToys, where innovative approaches and technologies for play are the focus. With its ‘Feel the Spirit’ motto, the return of Spielwarenmesse to Nuremberg Exhibition Centre from 1-5 February 2023 is eagerly anticipated. PPS takes a look at what visitors and exhibitors can expect.

school sector, and Tech2Play in Hall 4A, which will present highlights from the field of electronic toys. Meanwhile, Toys Go Green will continue on the theme of sustainability, with products highlighted in Hall 2. In addition, and new for 2023, is Services for Trade and Industry in Hall 7, with testing institutes, packaging manufacturers and marketing service providers all present.

The StartupArea in Hall 3A will bring international newcomers together, while the New Product Gallery will offer a highly visible placement for products away from their stands and is also where the presentation of nominees and winners of the ToyAward 2023 takes place. Notably, the awards will be presented for the first time as part of the PressPreview which is held at NCC Ost on the day before the start of Spielwarenmesse.

While the return of the physical show is a cause for celebration, the digital element has also been expanded to further enhance visitors’ experience. Extensions to the Spielwarenmesse Digital business platform mean that attendees will be able to filter and seek out both old and new contacts according to their own specific interests. A number of the event highlights are also being streamed live on the platform. Also included will be ToyTalks which will explore new products, as well as trends and themes surrounding the show.