Hassenfeld Leads Toy Foundation Campaign for Ukrainian Children

The Toy Foundation (TTF) is calling on the global play community to bring comfort and aid to the thousands of children and families impacted by the largescale humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

In response, TTF has partnered with toy industry veteran Alan Hassenfeld and the Hassenfeld Family Initiatives to spearhead an industry-wide relief effort. Hassenfeld has pledged to donate $1 million and is challenging others throughout the play industry to join him in making an impactful contribution.

“Everything we do as an industry is about children. It’s our responsibility to do everything in our power to try and bring a smile to the faces of these children as they endure this incredible darkness,” said Hassenfeld. “As we watch these events unfold, how can any of us not want to help in every possible way?”

TTF will work with national and international partners, vetted by TTF and its campaign committee lead- ership, to provide essential aid and resources to the thousands of displaced families impacted by the crisis.

“The Toy Foundation exists to offer aid and support to children in need everywhere, but especially those who have been impacted by such life-altering and traumatizing events such as this,” said Pamela Mastrota, executive director of TTF. “We are calling on our industry partners to open their hearts and lend their support in any way they can.”

Those in the toy community who wish to aid in these critical efforts are encouraged to do so. TTF is currently seeking both monetary and product donations. For information, contact TTF’s Executive Director Pamela Mastrota or its Director of Development John Fistolera or visit: https://toyfoundation.org/ttf/sign-in.aspx.

(Source: The Toy Industry Association website. To learn more about The Toy Foundation’s work, visit Toyfoundation.org.)

Gift for Life Welcomes Five New Board Members

Gift for Life, the gift, stationery and home decor industries’ sole national charitable organization, announced recently the addition of five individuals to its board of directors: Andrea Padilla of Transpac, Angela Jacobson of Stephen Joseph, Inc., Crystal Vilkaitis of Crystal Media, Landon Metts of Creative Brands, and Maureen Carpenter of nora fleming.

Gift for Life also acknowledged the resignation of long-time member and former Gift for Life Board Chair

Frank Joens, formerly with the L.A. Mart.

“We look forward to the ideas and energy these newcomers bring to Gift for Life and our year-round fundraising efforts,” said Chair Cole Daugherty. “We will be launching new initiatives across the country in the coming months that will help deliver food relief in support of World Central Kitchen’s amazing work in the U.S. and around the world.”

Halloween & Party Expo Returning to Las Vegas for 2023 Event

The Halloween & Costume Association and Clarion Events are excited to announce that Halloween & Party Expo will return to The Mirage in Las Vegas, Nev., for the 2023 event, with the show taking place January 10-12, 2023. The Halloween & Party Expo is North America’s only event to bring all things Halloween, Party and Celebration under one roof. The show successfully returned this year in January and was met with great feedback from buyers and exhibitors alike. Both groups commented that there is no substitute for the face-toface experience. At the 2023 event, Halloween, party and specialty retailers can once again expect three days of new product releases, networking and sourcing opportunities combined with the convenience and excitement Las Vegas provides as the host-city.

ers that they were delighted with the new location and format of the show. Las Vegas is convenient to travel to and holding the event in a host hotel allowed more opportunity to create a community feel during and after show hours. We are excited that we could answer their request and return to Las Vegas in 2023.”

The Halloween & Party Expo is the most comprehensive opportunity to source and prepare for the upcoming Halloween season, and the January show allowed buyers and exhibitors to make new business relationships, see and feel new products in person, and write orders. Buyers and exhibitors were pleased with the opportunities the event provided: halloweenpartyexpo.com or follow #theHPE23 on social media. Hotel reservations and attendee registration, which is complimentary for buyers, will open late summer.

Exhibit space is available to all companies involved in costumes, accessories, makeup, novelties, party supplies, toys, gifts and similar products. Those who are interested in booth space or sponsorship should contact Marni Golden Vinci at 203-242-8712 or marni.vinci@clarionevents.com.

Top Resources and Programming Encourage Exploration at Summer 2022 Atlanta Market July 12-18, 2022

Halloween & Party Expo Show Director Marni Golden Vinci commented, “The focus of the 2022 event was to create a safe environment for buyers and vendors to get back to business. The feedback post-event was overwhelmingly positive regarding the return to live shows, the need for the events, and the business that got done on the show floor. Most importantly, we heard from our custom-

Following the success of the show, there was tremendous feedback to keep the show in Las Vegas. Gregor Lawson, Chairman of the Halloween & Costume Association board and founder of Morphsuits added, "The 2023 Halloween & Party Expo is thrilled to return to Las Vegas based on the request of our attendees and exhibitors. As the country's number one tradeshow city, there are unlimited dining and entertainment options as well as affordable flight options for domestic and international travelers. We are looking forward to partnering with The Mirage to provide discounted hotel rates as well as opportunities for networking on and off the show floor. We can't wait to carry the excitement and positivity from this year's event into 2023."

For more information visit www.

Atlanta Market is set to be the industry’s biggest buying event of Summer 2022 with 8,000-plus gift, home and lifestyle brands exhibiting plus a full roster of in-person events, seminars and celebrations set for its July 12-18, 2022 run at AmericasMart Atlanta.

“Exploration is the buzzword for the Summer 2022 Atlanta Market,” said Bob Maricich, International Market Centers (IMC) chairman and CEO. “A return to nearly pre-pandemic levels of resources with unmatched access to hot categories like décor, gourmet, tabletop and values-based brands plus industryleading education creates an opportunity to explore what’s next like nowhere else this summer.”

Atlanta Market offers the industry’s most expansive gift and home décor resources with some 8,000plus brands showcased across 40 Continued on page 18