#Germany #Nuremberg #Spielwarenmesse #ToyIndustry

Celebrating 75 Years of Spielwarenmesse

From January 27 to 31, 2026, the toy industry will unite in Nuremberg for a special occasion—the 75th edition of Spielwarenmesse. This renowned fair marks a significant milestone in the world of toys, bringing together retailers, manufacturers, and media representatives from around the globe. The event stands as a premier B2B platform, pivotal for fostering business connections, sharing inspiration, and nurturing personal encounters within the industry.

A Rich Heritage of Success

The history of Spielwarenmesse is a remarkable journey that began in 1949 with its foundation. What started as a modest gathering has transformed into a global event synonymous with the toy market and a hub for networking year-round. Christian Ulrich, a member of the Executive Board at Spielwarenmesse eG, emphasizes the fair's essential role, stating, "More than ever, Spielwarenmesse epitomizes the global market, specialization, and a year-round network."

With 2,313 exhibitors from 68 countries, including 488 new entrants, the fair showcases an impressive array of products spanning across 18 halls and 13 product groups. Attendees can anticipate a plethora of activities, including interactive stations, selfie points, and musical performances, all set against the backdrop of this momentous anniversary.

Innovative Themes and Action Areas

This year’s fair features strategically positioned special showcases to guide participants through the new fiscal year. At the entrance hall, the "Toy Trends" area shines a light on groundbreaking innovations.

• - The "AI Loves (to) Play" segment displays toys powered by artificial intelligence, introducing consumers to futuristic concepts.
• - Meanwhile, "Creative Mindfulness" highlights creative skills and craftsmanship, culminating in completed projects.

Additionally, the "Toys for Kidults" zone invites visitors to engage and discuss business opportunities, showcasing a market with enormous potential. Recent data indicates that in the U.S., spending on toys for consumers aged 12 and over is projected to hit $13.4 billion (+12%) between October 2024 and September 2025, with Europe expected at €5.7 billion (+14%).

Innovative products can be found in the newly designed Startup Area, featuring 44 exhibitors from 16 nations, including 22 newcomers from Germany. The New Product Gallery will display over 130 unique innovations, and the ToyAward will draw attention to standout products across six categories, with the winners announced Wednesday at 11 AM at the Toy Business Forum.

A Hub for Knowledge and Networking

Beyond a mere product exhibition, Spielwarenmesse serves as a knowledge hub, facilitating personal exchanges. In pavilion 3A, the Toy Business Forum offers in-depth insights into emerging retail trends, digitization, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and the evolving landscape of kidults. Daily lunch breaks accompanied by live music and food trucks foster informal networking in a relaxed atmosphere.

Notably, the inaugural Value of Play Conference will occur on Wednesday from 8:30 to 10:30 AM, bringing various experts to discuss the multiple facets of play's value. Miniature car enthusiasts can look forward to a special experience on Thursday at 4:30 PM with the induction ceremony into the Model Car Hall of Fame. Additionally, the LicenseLounge focuses on the licensing business as a growth driver, offering valuable insights during the LicenseTalks series. The Game Inventors Convention on Friday will provide a stage for creative minds from the gaming world, hosting 156 participants from 22 countries.

Celebration and Community Spirit

Networking is deeply embedded in the DNA of Spielwarenmesse. A variety of formats will encourage exchanges in a friendly environment. A fresh initiative this year, Let's Connect! – Toy Community Meetup, will host informal discussions daily from noon to 4 PM based on common interests. The exclusive ToyNight on the first day of the fair will gather all exhibitors under the theme “Welcome to the Future.”

Furthermore, the 15 exhibitors who participated from the beginning will be honored in this festive setting. The lively atmosphere will continue on Thursday night during the RedNight celebrations at exhibitor booths. In a show of community spirit, ToyCity Nuremberg will illuminate historical landmarks like the Imperial Castle and the Frauentor Tower.

As we reach this milestone, Spielwarenmesse continues to be the central meeting point of the toy industry, where individuals from around the globe will converge to discover trends, seize business opportunities, and experience the unique "spirit of play." Christian Ulrich encapsulates the anticipation, stating, "We look forward to celebrating this anniversary with all participants and are optimistic about a future filled with success."