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In a statement, Steve Pasierb, President & CEO of The Toy Association said: “Key to our efforts these past two weeks has been the balance of some 700 remaining committed toy manufacturers saying they need and want Toy Fair 2022 to build their businesses, weighing that against those departing and seriously on the fence, and needing to provide a sufficient quantity and quality across the retail buying community necessary to deliver a positive experience. As that balance has shifted, we are obligated to make the best decision in everyone’s interest no matter how heartbreaking for so many and potentially damaging some business’ future prospects. The wide range of other events that occur across New York City during Toy Fair week are now also impacted.”
He added, “Certainly, there are legitimate concerns around the pandemic that has guided thinking. Many are saying they are very comfortable with being in New York City, at the Javits Center, and at the show given strict health and safety protocols in place, while travel concerns and for some, staff absences due to illness at home, rightfully weigh on their minds.”
Previous announcements from The Toy Association indicated a clear set of guidelines with regard to COVID-19 safety and precautions for Toy Fair 2022 including all attendees be fully vaccinated and wear masks during the event.
“Delivering a best-in-class next Toy Fair for all the varied audiences it serves so well is now our focus,” Pasierb concluded. “We will be working with all exhibitors on next steps to unwind February 2022 and build a solid base for visitors from across the world to again experience Toy Fair.”
It’s unclear how the manufacturers that had already planned their Toy Fair exhibition will handle the cancellation but the potential for online announcements from some certainly seems like a possibility.
