The Toy Association™, producer of Toy Fair®, has announced Central PLAYce, a brand-new destination at the heart of Toy Fair 2027 designed to bring the global toy community together for networking, meetings, and interactive experiences. Toy Fair will take place February 20 to 23 at the Javits Center in New York City.
“Inspired by New York City's iconic Central Park, a fitting tribute to the city that has hosted Toy Fair for more than a century, Central PLAYce will transform the center of Level 1 into a welcoming hub where attendees can recharge, connect with colleagues, and discover new experiences throughout the show,” said Kimberly Carcone, executive vice president of global experiences at The Toy Association. “Central PLAYce will be the centerpiece of Level 1, alongside innovative exhibitors and the Launch Pad startup community introducing their latest products to a global audience.”
Playfully designed with inviting lounge spaces, interactive activations, greenery-inspired décor, plenty of photo-worthy moments, and easy access to food and beverages daily. Central PLAYce will offer attendees a place to pause between meetings while remaining immersed in the excitement of Toy Fair. Central PLAYce will also serve as the setting for a variety of programming designed to foster meaningful connections across the industry. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.
In addition to Central PLAYce, Level 1 of the show floor will now become home to the extremely popular Toy Fair University, where attendees can take advantage of daily educational sessions featuring industry experts and timely business insights. The Student Showcase, which spotlights the next generation of toy and game designers and innovators, will also return to Level 1.
“Toy Fair’s Level 1 has long been a magnet area of innovation, excitement, and the entrepreneurial spirit come to life,” Carcone continued. “The upcoming Toy Fair will be no exception, only this year’s show will offer even more places for the industry to gather, to conduct business in new and meaningful ways, and continue to be a hot spot of what’s yet to come in the toy and play community.”
Companies interested in exhibiting at Toy Fair still have opportunities to secure booth space. Potential exhibitors are encouraged to contact their account executive with questions about exhibiting at Toy Fair. Company names beginning with A–M: contact Simon Yung; N-Z: contact Michael Lynch.
Toy Fair exhibitors interested in expanding their presence at Toy Fair can look forward to new sponsorship opportunities within Central PLAYce. Additional details about branding and activation opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks.
Toy Fair® will take place February 20 to 23, 2027 at the Javits Center in New York City. Exhibitor applications are now open. Attendee registration will open in October. Visit ToyFairNY.com to learn more.