Step onto the bustling show floor of Toy Fair® in February, and you’ll find yourself at the heart of the global toy community. For four days, Toy Fair® 2026 (Feb. 14-17) will transform New York City into the world’s epicenter of play. From emerging toymakers to powerhouse brands, the show connects every corner of the play community under one roof for an unmissable experience of discovery, learning, and deal-making.
“With the world’s biggest names in toys exhibiting and a growing roster of 1,000+ retailers, distributors, importers, and wholesalers (and counting!) already pre-registered (including 19 of the top 25 toy retailers), Toy Fair 2026 promises to be an unmatched platform for discovery, collaboration, and innovation in play,” said Kimberly Carcone, executive vice president of global experiences at The Toy Association™, producer of Toy Fair. “These early commitments are also a clear reflection of Toy Fair’s position as the place where business momentum begins, and the evolution of play takes shape.”
Across four action-packed days, attendees will have countless opportunities to explore and source products tailored to their business needs. The show floor’s expansive aisles will feature product from every category, from established powerhouses like LEGO, Mattel, Hasbro, Spin Master, and Just Play to up-and-coming innovators debuting in Toy Fair’s Launch Pad.
Dedicated showcases will spotlight what’s new and next in play, including Hot for Holiday, featuring the year’s most talked-about toys; the STEM/STEAM Showcase, highlighting the latest in educational products; and Freshman Connect, where first-time exhibitors introduce their brands to the global market. Together, these experiences reflect the diversity of the toy space and provide a preview of the trends shaping the industry.
Toy Fair also continues to evolve to meet the business goals of all who attend.
Returning for 2026, Toy Fair University will deliver a full slate of expert-led sessions, dialogues, and panels designed to provide actionable insights on licensing, consumer behavior, brand protection, and emerging technologies. Whether you’re a retailer, inventor, licensing executive, or designer, the show’s educational sessions are tailored for all professionals to ensure everyone walks away with new tools to sharpen their competitive edge.
“No matter what your role is in the play community, Toy Fair University offers the opportunity to gain fresh perspectives and discover the strategies needed to thrive in today’s dynamic retail environment,” Carcone added.
One of the key anchor events on day one of the show is the industry-facing “Toy Trends Briefing,” presented by The Toy Association’s trends team. Drawing on in-depth research and year-round consultations with toy companies, the briefing will unveil the top trends shaping the coming year in toys and play. The session also provides a head start for global manufacturers, licensors, retailers and licensees in attendance to align strategies as they shop the show floor. Historically, these announcements have influenced buying decisions, product development pipelines and media coverage for months afterward.
As Toy Fair 2026 fast approaches, attendees can look forward to four days to experience the latest in toys and games, grow their footprint in the North American market, and build lasting partnerships. It remains a can’t-miss opportunity for the international toy and play community.
Registration is now open to attend Toy Fair. Visit ToyFairNY.com to secure your spot and access travel and hotel information.
This article also appeared in Edition 18 of The Toy Universe Magazine
