120th Toy Fair Showcases New Innovations and Strengthens Industry Connections

The 120th Toy Fair: A Celebration of Innovation and Collaboration in the Toy Industry

From February 14 to 17, 2026, the Javits Convention Center in New York City transformed into a vibrant hub for the global toy community as it hosted the 120th Toy Fair. This renowned event, organized by The Toy Association, embodied a spirit of discovery and collaboration, attracting thousands of professionals from nearly 100 countries. With an atmosphere charged with energy, attendees were primed to place holiday orders, establish new business connections, and explore cutting-edge toy innovations.

The Toy Fair stands as the largest gathering within the Western Hemisphere’s toy industry, a fact that was evident in the bustling aisles filled with both seasoned exhibitors and emerging companies. More than 720 companies showcased their products, presenting a total of tens of thousands of toys—from multi-billion dollar brands to 175 first-time exhibitors, offering a wide range of choices for retailers and buyers.

Greg Ahearn, President and CEO of The Toy Association, emphasized that such face-to-face interactions are invaluable for driving business success. 'There are moments that happen only at Toy Fair,' Ahearn noted, highlighting how partnerships were formed, orders were placed, and significant media coverage unfolded, all within this unique environment. Attendees had opportunities to meet the largest manufacturers and explore hundreds of new products swiftly, signaling the Fair’s unmatched capability to drive marketplace growth across categories and regions.

Retailers from all corners of the industry attended, including major players like Amazon, Target, and Walmart, scouting for the next big hits for their stores. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive; many noted that this year’s Fair provided an especially dynamic backdrop for networking and discovery. Julie Gwaltney, Vice President at TOMY International, remarked on the buzz created while debuting their new collectible line, indicating strong momentum across their portfolio thanks to the show’s constant traffic and professional engagement.

In addition to the commerce that unfolded, Toy Fair served as a significant forum for education and insight. Attendees benefited from a robust program comprising sessions on crucial industry topics. Educational sessions at Toy Fair University encompassed discussions on toy safety, marketing trends, and strategies for inventors. The Toy Fair Student Congress was noteworthy as well, connecting over 500 university students with industry players, fostering the next generation's involvement in the toy landscape.

A major highlight of the event was the palpable sense of community and philanthropy. Exhibitors donated approximately $330,000 worth of toys via a toy drive led by The Toy Foundation. These contributions are set to reach 27,000 children in need, emphasizing the industry's commitment to social responsibility. Furthermore, The Toy Foundation raised a record-breaking $1 million from the Toy of the Year Awards to support ongoing initiatives that provide play for children in challenging circumstances.

As the Fair came to a close, attendees were already looking forward to the next installment of this essential industry event. The 121st Toy Fair is scheduled for February 20 to 23, 2027, promising to continue this legacy of innovation, collaboration, and community within the toy industry. The excitement generated at this year's event illustrates not only the fundamental importance of play but also the industry’s resolute determination to push forward - serving both children and businesses alike.

Follow the Toy Fair's journey on social media, as well as through their online press room for updates and highlights from this pivotal event. Ultimately, the 120th Toy Fair was not just an exhibition; it was a celebration of what makes the toy industry thrive—creativity, connection, and commitment to enriching the lives of children everywhere.