Page 10 - Toy & Hobby Magazine Feb-Apr 2021
P. 10

                 EDITORIAL
BY IMOGEN BAILEY
A new frontier
THEY say there’s a first time for everything.
And here we are.
At the first-ever, in its 56-year history, digital Australian
Toy Hobby & Licensing Fair.
The online show is the ATA’s first foray into a virtual
exhibition and is the new frontier of trade fairs.
While nothing can replace a physical fair, it’s difficult
to imagine that fair organisers would totally abandon the great advantages of a virtual fair.
Such advantages include a wider scope of local and international exhibitors and attendees, lower barriers to entry, AI recommendations, meeting flexibility and a collection of engaging content.
Having said that, there is nothing quite like the buzz out on the floor at a physical fair, which I’m sure many are looking forward to returning to – me included.
I suspect the ATA and other fair organisers around the world will look to bring hybrid shows to the industry as COVID gets under control.
But in the meantime, we get to connect virtually to conduct the business of play.
I’m excited to see the new products hitting the shelves this year, some of which are teased in this very edition.
I’m also thrilled to profile the finalists for the ATA’s Rising Star award in this edition.
This is the second consecutive year that Toy & Hobby Retailer has proudly sponsored the award, which recognises the young guns making waves in our
local industry.
You can read all about the finalists from page 20.
Within these pages is also an expert column from a University of Melbourne lecturer discussing how play can encourage mindfulness, especially in stressful situations such as COVID.
There’s also a trend update, which delves into key trends across products and consumer behaviour – keep a lookout for these this year.
Finally, our annual listing of toy fair exhibitors and their products begins from page 33.
Enjoy your time perusing these products. I’ll see you online!
Imogen Bailey – Editor
                   EDITOR
Imogen Bailey imogenbailey@yaffa.com.au
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   10 TOY & HOBBY RETAILER FEBRUARY / MARCH / APRIL 2021
 











































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