Special Feature - Prague International Toy Fair

Czech it out - Play Global announces Prague International Toy Fair

Designed to cater primarily to exhibitors and visitors from European markets, Prague International Toy Fair is set to make its debut in May 2025. Andreas Wissner, chief executive officer of Play Global, one of the organisers of the event, explains what sets the show apart from the others on the trade show calendar and how interested companies can secure their space.

There’s no shortage of excellent trade shows taking place across the globe each and every year, so it’s a bold move to launch a completely new one, in a new location. But that’s exactly what Play Global’s CEO Andreas Wissner has set out to do with Prague International Toy Fair, which is set to make its debut next year.

Taking place at the modern and luxurious 5-Star Hilton Prague Hotel & Conference Venue from 27th-29th May 2025, the show will kick off with a 3-day format across prime locations spread over three floors of the hotel, offering a variety of exhibition space solutions. Downstairs, companies that prefer bigger, more open spaces can opt to showcase their ranges in modern and adjustable conference rooms, while the two floors immediately above offer private showrooms for those who would rather preview their ranges in intimate settings behind closed doors. Exhibitors – who can choose from one of two show package tiers - will have a full day to set up their showroom, before welcoming visitors on the Tuesday morning. The event is off-limits to the general public and access will be controlled.

“The show will focus on European markets; both CEE/ EMEA regions as well as Western Europe, Middle East and all surrounding areas, whilst also inviting visitors from the rest of the world to participate,” explains Andreas. “However, we already understand from early feedback that the audience will be global.”

“Prague International Toy Fair addresses the everchanging global climate, changing buying and selling behaviours, and the need for a strong, Europeanbased, truly international show,” he adds. “The show will be held in the very heart of Prague, utilising its strategic central location and the many benefits of showing in an EU state (including ease of access). We’re offering a flexible events strategy with its own unique style, and the ability to accommodate growing demand without compromising exhibitors, low prices and favourable business terms, as well as a stunning location. At its heart, Prague International Toy Fair will allow attendees to take advantage of a great business environment, first-class facilities and the amazing tourist hotspot that is the Czech Republic.”

While the planning and development of the show is still is in its early stages, Andreas and the Prague International Toy Fair team have already started reaching out to manufacturers and distributors in the toy industry to obtain a preliminary overview of exhibitors for the May 2025 event. They will continue to add to the growing list of interested attendees during the autumn and winter.

Andreas explains: “At this point we are not asking for financial commitments, focusing instead on getting a better picture of exhibitors and making sure we can accommodate everyone properly: it will be critical for the first event to be both well organised and a commercial success for all participants. This means we will be firming up commitments during Q4 only. If anyone reading this would like to secure a space at Prague International Toy Fair, then the realistic cut-off date will be end of 2024 - but it may come earlier if we run out of space for the first year’s event.”

In the coming weeks and months, Andreas expects to announce further price reductions for exhibitors as more companies express their interest. A bespoke visitor presentation has also been created, detailing the special Hilton Hotel room rates available during the event and other show-related offers and discounts. This is available upon request.

“Feedback on Prague International Toy Fair has been universally positive – far better than we had imagined - so we are increasingly optimistic that we’ll put on a strong first show in 2025 and that we can continue to build on that momentum into the future,” Andreas enthuses. “We are looking forward making Prague International Toy Fair a major yearly event. More information will be available on the official website soon, but in the meantime, I feel there is growing word-of-mouth. Anyone interested should get in contact with myself or anyone with links to the show – of which there are many – and I’d like to thank those who have expressed their support so far.”

To contact the show organisers, email info@ pragueinternationaltoyfair.cz