From licensed action figures and board games to educational toys and arts & crafts, tens of thousands of innovative new products will be shown at the October 7-9 event by 341 exhibiting companies, including Blue Orange Games, Cardinal Industries, Cloud B, The Haywire Group, Kahootz, Learning Resources, Melissa & Doug, Moose Toys, and Wicked Cool Toys.

Buyers from several powerhouse retail outlets have already signed up to attend the marketplace, bringing the total number of pre-registered buyers to more than 600 – 23% of which hail from international outlets. As of press time, representatives from 16 of the ‘Top 25 Toy Sellers’ are expected, including Amazon, AAFES, CVS, Dollar Tree, Sears, Target, Toys “R”Us, and Walmart Stores. In addition to mass market buyers, Fall Toy Preview’s doors will open for the first time to high-volume specialty retailers with expressed interest in the gift and toy markets.

“From toy companies and retailers to importers and licensors, the entire toy industry is gearing up for an energetic and exciting Fall Toy Preview 2014,” said Marian Bossard, TIA vice president of meetings and events. “Thanks to the introduction of new elements – including educational programming and open-concept booths – we are confident that this year’s fall marketplace will meet the contemporary needs and wants of all of our attendees!”

REMINDER: Special Activities at Fall Toy Preview

·                 On the afternoon of Monday, October 6th, WIT's Winning Moves Empowerment Workshop will take place on-site at the Dallas Market Center. Coordinated by Women in Toys (WIT) and supported by TIA, the popular business-building initiative (previously held at New York Toy Fair) will offer attendees the chance to participate in “speed networking” and panel discussions, including one entitled “Selling to Walmart” featuring Anne Marie Kehoe, VP of Toys at Walmart U.S. and Melissa Bernstein, co-founder of Melissa & Doug. Women-owned suppliers will also have the opportunity to pitch product directly to Walmart buyers.

·                 At 8 a.m. on Wednesday, October 8th, a breakfast hour keynote address delivered by Doug Van Andel, executive creative director for global shopper marketing firm Saatchi & Saatchi  X, will discuss strategies for breaking through retail environment “clutter” by tapping into the emotions, memories and experiences of shoppers. Continental breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 8 a.m.; admission to the breakfast and keynote address is complimentary with Fall Toy Preview registration.