The Distoy 2024 show was a success despite certain pre-show comments. And the 2025 show dates, Tuesday May 27 to Friday May 30 have already been announced. 

There were some issues, however, not least because of a few rogue exhibitors as noted by Distoy Founder, David Potter, who said: “I do hope that the “exhibitors” that chose to circumvent the rules and have a “free ride” will next year do the right thing and register.” 

David continued: “They can enjoy the benefits of being a registered exhibitor, but they would be acknowledging the years of hard work put in by the Distoy team to create the perfect conditions. It seems that these piggy-backers have no regard for the fact that the élite of the international toy industry are in town because of the Distoy event.” 

“Other shows are super shop windows for the following year’s product launches, but at Distoy we ship for the year we’re in”

Richard North, Wow Stuff

Distoy did have a reduction in the numbers this year – after two difficult years for the industry plus the new activity in Los Angeles, it would have been beyond optimistic to expect anything else.

David Potter commented on the fall in numbers: “It was nowhere near as big a reduction as we thought it might be and those who did participate have nothing but positive observations to make. Quality rather than quantity has been the hallmark of Distoy 2024 – with exhibitors reporting more meaningful meetings without so much pressure to move on to the next one.” 

Distoy received some very positive comments about the show –

“Other shows are super shop windows for the following year’s product launches, but at Distoy we ship for the year we’re in.” – Richard North, Wow Stuff

“What a show we had ! Fabulous meetings – phenomenal opportunity to showcase our products.” – Fizz Creations

“Great to meet potential partners at Distoy – a great opportunity to meet up and network on our doorstep.” – Whiz Kid Games

“All I can say is WOW !” – Exquisite Gaming Ltd

“As the sales manager of SES Creative said to me in the lift, this is a show where just one customer can change everything. I have to agree. I’ve said it before that Wow! Stuff writes more business at this show than any other.” – Richard North (again)

Yes indeed. Some Distoy suppliers were able to report actual order-writing which can be quite rare at trade shows.