Toy Community to Gather for ‘The Play Date’ Next Week

February 28, 2023 | The toy community is buzzing with excitement to come together and showcase their new-for-2023 toys to top-tier media at “The Play Date” next week. The exclusive, media-only event, presented by The Toy Association and Adventure Media & Events, is taking place March 8 at the brand new etc.venues 360 Madison Avenue in New York City.

Toy companies of all sizes — including Jazwares, Battat, Melissa & Doug, LEGO, Spin Master, Moose Toys, Crazy Aaron’s, Funko Games, Just Play, Crayola, Playmobil, and WowWee — will display and demonstrate their priority items for the year, including new spring launches and product that is yet to hit store shelves. Media and a very limited number of VIP influencers will be vetted under strict guidelines before they are approved to attend.

“The Play Date will truly set the stage for the year ahead and we can’t wait to bring the Moose ‘WOW’ factor. It’s important to connect face-to-face with media and our friends in the industry to share first looks of a few key items in our 2023 lineup,” said Belinda Gruebner, chief marketing officer, Moose Toys. “We look forward to launching an incredible line, including mind-blowing innovations, licensed brands and games.”

The event will kick off with The Toy Association’s “2023 Toy Trends Briefing,” which will include business insights on the state of the toy industry from Steve Pasierb, president & CEO of The Toy Association, followed by the trend team’s reveal of 2023’s hottest trends in toys and play, featuring product examples from exhibitors’ booths.

Taking place on International Women’s Day, The Play Date will also feature a dedicated Women-Owned Business area and a breakfast sponsored by Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WIT) will shine a spotlight on the vital impact of female entrepreneurs in the industry.

“Spin Master is looking forward to the inaugural Play Date event and first toy media event of the year! Having the opportunity to showcase our innovative new toys and get them into the hands of editors, toy experts, and producers is an essential element to our proactive outreach,” said Tammy Smitham, vice president of communications at Spin Master. “With toys that celebrate PAW Patrol’s 10-year anniversary, the introduction of new play patterns with Rubble & Crew and expansions to our core and licensed brands, we are excited to present a first look at some of our latest creations for 2023.”

"We're excited to be exhibiting at The Play Date following the CES, London, and Nuremberg shows and the launch of our new robot dog, Dog-E," said Sydney Wiseman, vice president of brand development and creative strategy at WowWee. "In addition, we'll have a special surprise to reveal to the media next week — let's just say, get ready to 'Go Bananas' like never before!"

Media, influencers, and play professionals who are interested in attending The Play Date may reach out to theplaydate@coynepr.com. Visit toyassociation.org/playdate to learn more.