THE German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) recently introduced to the local media the staging of “Spielwarenmesse”, considered the world’s largest and leading event for the global toy industry, with the goal of inviting Philippine toy manufacturers to take part in this yearly worldwide convention.
Now on its 69th year, Spielwarenmesse will take place in Nuremberg, Germany, from January 31 to February 4, 2018.
According to Spielwarenmesse CEO Ernst Kick, the “world’s biggest trade fair for toys will continue to be shaped by quality and a high level of service”, as evidenced by a strong year-on-year demand.
In 2017 the toy meet housed 2,800 exhibitors from international partners who featured about 1 million products. It also welcomed 73,000 trade buyers and decision-makers from 123 countries.
The 2018 staging will introduce the “Tech2Play” category, which will showcase e-pets, robot racing, remote-controlled drones, virtual play items and 3D printing, as well as a special area for baby and infant articles.
Spielwarenmesse will also unfurl its 9th Toy Award, with about 800 entries vying for recognitions. “In fact, the first placer generated interest from 30 countries, and is now producing 100,000 pieces of their winning toy per order,” Kick confirmed.
Operations Manager Vince Gottman of Hansa Creations, which has been producing world-class toys from Clark, Pampanga, and are being sold worldwide, confirmed, “the most talented workers can be found in the Philippines. Hopefully, the country can send representatives this year.”
Kick also said Spielwarenmesse pulls out all the stops in terms of promotions and communications to ensure exhibitors and attendees are provided with complete information for their full and maximized appreciation of the event.
Registered exhibitors are also provided with personalized consultations and support, checklists, an online service center, a starter package, as well as newsletters and access to the event webinars.
For visitors, they will enjoy free Wi-fi service, a dedicated app, as well as partner hotel programs, including Airbnb, or private accommodations and special offers from the Deutsche Bahn.
Members of the media from various global outfits will also be accorded with a news preview a day prior to the opening, which includes a news conference, get-together, tour and a dedicated news center, among others.
GPCCI Executive Director Peter Kompalla revealed that the Spielwarenmesse will also be discussed among 80 German businesses and 300 members in the country.
Image credits: Christian Hartlmaier/ Spielwarenmesse