The annual Nuremberg Toy Fair, which normally takes place in late January/early February between the UK and New York shows, has been postponed to summer 2021 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pademic. This follows the postponement of the New York Toy Fair.
For the first time in the show’s long history, the large scale toy fair has been postponed until summer next year by organisers Spielwarenmesse eG. The decision was made by the supervisory board on September 24th and comes as a response to the rising infection rates of coronavirus across the world, and further restrictions on travel.
The move has been implemented as a short-term solution to the global challenge of Covid-19 is still being sought. In a release to the trade, Spielwarenmesse state that ‘the new change in circumstances and concerns over the health of all participants make it almost impossible to stage the Spielwarenmesse and guarantee the customary level of quality at the end of January.’
Many countries around the world are currently experiencing a dramatic increase in the number of Covid-19 infections, leading to new travel restrictions also in major European cities. These developments are casting doubt among exhibitors and visitors over whether they should be taking part in an international trade fair.
This uncertainty has been voiced in intensive discussions with the Spielwarenmesse team.
Ernst Kick, CEO of Spielwarenmesse eG, said: “We very much regret the decision to postpone the Spielwarenmesse 2021.”
Preparations for the 72nd event in January were already well under way. Based on the guidelines of the Bavarian State Government, the Health & Hygiene Concept drawn up in collaboration with the local health authorities and venue operator NürnbergMesse, was well received by all participants.
“I’d like to thank everyone who joined us on this path, and I feel sure that the improvements we have made will benefit all future events and appearances,” concluded Kick.
Spielwarenmesse eG is currently in talks with NürnbergMesse to find a suitable date for the Spielwarenmesse 2021. In the meantime, the website at www.spielwarenmesse.de will continue to provide exhibitors, retailers and buyers, as well as media representatives with a large offering and a plethora of information about the toy industry.
The digital platform is continually being expanded as an extra service and a complement to the physical exhibition experience.
The UK Toy Fair is still scheduled for January 19th – 21st 2021, and we await a decision from the British Toy and Hobby Association if this is still set to go ahead. They recently posted this COVID-19 update: –
The health and wellbeing of our exhibitors, visitors, staff and all contractors is our number one priority. We continue to await clarification on government guidance to ensure that we can open Toy Fair 2021 in a safe and secure environment in which the industry can come together and achieve a successful and productive three days of business.
More as we get it — stay safe!
