Toy Fair is set to return to Olympia in January 2023, with the entire ground floor exhibition space now sold out, and the key industry calendar event will now also boast a new PR agency.
For Retail PR has been appointed as the show’s new public relations and press experts and will support exhibitors and help the get their products seen by the world’s media.
Agency founder and md Courtney Rogers said: “We’re delighted to be working with the British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) as Toy Fair’s new PR agency and look forward to a successful show for the industry in 2023. We endeavour to support all brands exhibiting to build and strengthen relationships with a high calibre of national and broadcast journalists. We will bring our knowledge of the retail landscape, media expertise and fresh ideas and propel the show to new heights, whilst continuing the legacy Toy Fair has built over its history.”
The BTHA thanked long-term Toy Fair agency Bastion for its hard work over the years and, as the agency exits, Bastion client services director Ravi Vijh said: “For more than 12 years Bastion has managed the Toy Fair press office for the BTHA. We’re proud of the innovations and coverage that we achieved for the industry in that time, from placing memorable segments on BBC Breakfast to launching Toy Fair TV. Most of all though we’re proud of the relationships we’ve built within this brilliant hard-working industry. Good luck to the BTHA team who work so hard to make every Toy Fair a success for members, we’ve enjoyed every moment working with them.”
The BTHA said the show, due to take place from January 24-26 2023 at its Olympia, London, home, is shaping up nicely, with plenty of rebookings as well as interest from new exhibitors. Companies already signed up include the likes of Posh Paws International, VTech/Leapfrog, Character Options, Golden Bear Toys, Gibsons, Asmodee UK plus many more.
Senior brand manager at Vtech/Leapfrog Mike Lynch noted: “Toy Fair is always a really great opportunity to meet retailers and agencies in one location over a few days. It allows us to see people face to face when we may not have another opportunity in the year to do so.”
Vice chairman and creative director at Golden Bear Toys Christine Nicholls said: “London Toy Fair is a real highlight of the year and it never disappoints. It is always well organised and a pleasure to exhibit at! It’s a great opportunity to showcase our products and we value the time spent with our customers and industry colleagues.”
Toy Fair organiser Majen Immink, said: “It is great to see such a high number of returning exhibitors already signed up for Toy Fair 2023, proving just how important buying and selling in-person at Toy Fair in January was for the industry.
“We are looking forward to continuing the success the industry had at the show earlier in the year and welcoming our new exhibitors who will add even more excitement to the show. We urge anyone thinking of applying to do so quickly to avoid missing out.”
Potential exhibitors and sponsors can contact the Toy Fair team on 020 7701 702 or email rebecca@btha.co.uk.
