Page 30 - Toy & Hobbly Retailer Magazine August-October 2019

ATA UPDATE BY JONATHAN ZIMBLER
All action in the Australian toy industry
AS Australia ticked into a new financial year, the Australian Toy Association has been a hive of activity running events, planning for future events and delivering wide-ranging services for its members.
This June, the ATA held the third annual Mid-Year Preview in Parramatta which saw more than 150 retailers attend over two action- packed days. Building on the success of its first two years, the event gave more than 30 exhibitors the opportunity to showcase their
key products for the second half of 2019 and the all-important Christmas shopping season.
The event also served as a valuable networking and educational event with attendees having the opportunity to attend an NPD Breakfast presentation on the second day of the Fair. At the session, Seton Leung and Amelia Eng offered their insights and data on the national and international toy markets. With the Mid-Year Preview continuing to go from strength to strength,
the ATA looks forward to running this valuable event once again in 2020.
The ATA has also been busy planning for the future, with the upcoming Play World event which will take place during the School Holidays in Sydney (5- 6 October) and promises to be a two-day play-extravaganza at the Sydney Convention Centre.
With brands such as Foxtel, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Cbeebies and Disney Junior involved, children will have the opportunity get up close and personal with their favourite
characters, toys and shows in an interactive and most importantly, fun, environment.
This is the second year Play World has run in Australia and is fast becoming a school holiday fixture in Sydney.
The ATA is also continuing its important work in the areas of safety and compliance to ensure Australian children are only being exposed to the highest quality toys that don’t compromise their health and wellbeing. This includes ensuring members have access to ongoing support on regulatory issues from Richard Hayman, ATA Compliance Advisor. Richard runs regular webinars, provides reports and consultation support for ATA members to help companies navigate this complex field.
Finally, preparations are well under way
for the 2020 Toy Hobby and Licensing Fair which is set to take place from Sunday 1st
to Wednesday 4th March at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Preferential allocations are taking place as we speak and the event is already shaping up as a sell-out. To ensure your place get in touch with the ATA office today!
It’s been a busy time in the Australian toy industry and there are no signs of slowing down! ❉
Trade diary
AUTUMN FAIR
01 - 04 September NEC Birmingham Birmingham, UK autumnfair.com
RETAIL QUARTER SYDNEY
21 - 24 September
ICC Sydney Exhibition Centre
Sydney, Australia reedgiftfairs.com.au/retail-quarter-sydney
BRAND LICENSING EUROPE
01 - 03 October ExCel London London, UK brandlicensing.eu
CHICAGO TOY AND GAME (CHITAG)
21 - 24 November
Navy Pier Terminal Building Chicago, USA
chitag.com
2020
HONG KONG TOYS & GAMES FAIR
06 - 09 January
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Hong Kong, China event.hktdc.com/fair/hktoyfair-en/HKTDC- Hong-Kong-Toys-and-Games-Fair/
HONG KONG BABY PRODUCTS FAIR
06 - 09 January
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Hong Kong, China event.hktdc.com/fair/hkbabyfair-en/ HKTDC-Hong-Kong-Baby-Products-Fair/
SPIELWARENMESSE
29 January - 02 February Nuremberg Exhibition Centre Nuremberg, Germany spielwarenmesse.de/language/1/
NEW YORK TOY FAIR
22 - 25 February Jacob K. Javits Center New York, USA toyfairny.com
30 TOY & HOBBY RETAILER AUGUST / SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019