NUREMBERG, Germany – The Spielwarenmesse, a key event for the toy industry, took place from January 28 to February 1, 2025. This year marked its 74th edition, and it attracted impressive numbers, similar to last year. A total of 2,362 exhibitors from 71 countries showcased their latest innovations, filling a larger space and offering even more opportunities for connections. About 57,500 visitors from 126 nations explored a vast array of products, enjoying a smooth experience thanks to the revamped layout and special events.
“We love participating in the Spielwarenmesse; it’s essential for toy industry professionals,” said Daniel Levy, CEO of Buki France. Nearly all exhibitors value attending this leading event. “Our stand was busy every day; the energy was incredible,” noted Alison Coates from Just Play in the UK. Many exhibitors reported a higher quality of visitors, indicating that key decision-makers showed genuine interest in their products. “The right people were here, eager to engage,” said Sutepan Ganendiran of Compactoys, a German startup. Major US retailers like Target and Walmart also had significant participation, underscoring the fair’s growing international importance.
Exhibitors shared positive feedback on various aspects of the event, including its improved services. Christian Ulrich from Spielwarenmesse eG highlighted how appreciated the upgrades were. The addition of a new hall dedicated to baby products made navigating the fair easier and fostered collaboration among exhibitors. “We really enjoyed the new space,” said Christian Vollmer of the German company Fehn.
The Toy Business Forum introduced engaging formats like fireside chats and fast-paced product presentations, which were well received. The ToyAward ceremony, celebrating excellence in six product categories, also drew attention. “Winning this award has put our small toy company on the map,” said Yusuf Beyaz, CEO of the Swiss startup Qubs. Other exciting features included special exhibits focusing on outdoor toys and products for older audiences, which attracted much attention.
Networking was a significant highlight of the fair, with many exhibitors praising the unique opportunities to meet industry peers. The RedNight event turned exhibitor stands into lively spaces, fostering connections among attendees. Diego Motto from Giochi Preziosi mentioned how beneficial these networking events were for building relationships.
Despite its size, many exhibitors noted the fair’s friendly atmosphere, describing it as a yearly gathering of friends. “It’s always a joyful experience to be here,” remarked Kheir Houeiss from Invictus 1928 in Bulgaria. An impressive 96% of participants would recommend the show to others. The next Spielwarenmesse, celebrating its 75th anniversary, will take place from January 27 to 31, 2026.
Spielwarenmesse® is recognized as the leading event for the toy sector. It provides a platform for well-known brands and startups to showcase innovations and trends to retailers worldwide. The event not only delivers a wide range of products but also offers valuable insights and knowledge that enhance everyday business operations.
Source link
Spielwarenmesse, networking opportunities, NUREMBERG, Germany, exhibitors
