Toy Fair® 2026 had a record-breaking turnout of students eager to explore career opportunities in the toy industry. Nearly 850 undergraduate students attended all four days of Toy Fair to take advantage of educational sessions, explore the show floor, and participate in the day-long Student Congress program, which took place on Sunday, February 15, at the Javits Center in New York City.

Hosted by The Toy Association™, Student Congress provided undergraduates from more than 100 universities with a hands-on, engaging experience, including networking sessions, presentations, and panel discussions featuring power players from top companies like Hasbro, Learning Express Toys, Goliath Group, Zigazoo, and PlayWise Partners.

“Hearing from the speakers was so enlightening. It was so insightful to learn about their experience and how they got there,” said Lindsay Connolly, a toy design student at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

“Now in its third year, Student Congress has grown into an incredible program that offers aspiring industry professionals direct access to some of the biggest names in toys,” said Jacqueline Retzer, senior director of event management at The Toy Association, producer of Toy Fair. “This year’s event was our largest and most impactful Student Congress to date, featuring compelling presentations, show floor access to see how products come to market, and more, solidifying its place as a must-attend event for students aspiring to enter the toy industry.”

Toy companies interested in participating in future Student Congress activity may contact Jacqueline Retzer.