Trends and topics in focus: media highlights from Spielwarenmesse

• Varied press programme on 27 and 28 January
• Value of Play Conference provides a new stance and ideas

Be the first to report on tomorrow's trends, identify relevant topics and find the right interview partners: as the central gathering for the toy industry takes place this year from 27 to 31 January in Nuremberg, the Spielwarenmesse offers media professionals and content creators a wide range of opportunities. The press team supports them with targeted offers that focus on the first two days of the fair with PressDay and new formats such as the Value of Play Conference. The overview helps press officers to tailor their individual programme precisely to their editorial priorities. 

Atmospheric start

The 75th edition of the Spielwarenmesse kicks off in Hall 3A. The PressDay starts on Tuesday at 8.50 am in the Toy Business Forum with a large press photo opportunity – including 30 walking acts as well as Florian Hess, Jens Pflüger and Christian Ulrich, the CEOs of Spielwarenmesse eG. Sebastian Zappel (from ‘The Voice of Germany’) will provide the musical accompaniment. Afterwards, 15 exhibitors will present their new products in three-minute slots at ToyPitch. Another highlight is the BusPitch: at around 10.15 am, the press shuttle with the Swiss company Keebox will set off directly in front of the NCC East entrance. At Entrance Mitte, Christian Ulrich and Scarlett Wisotzki, Director of Communications, will guide visitors through the ToyTrends ‘AI Loves (to) Play’ and ‘Creative Mindfulness’. Afterwards, expert Stefan Will from Ultra Comix will provide exciting insights into the latest innovations in Toys for Kidults.

Events at the stands

This will be followed by exhibitor activities based on 14 fixed slots and 25 full-day activities. Schmidt Spiele will receive celebrity support from Evelyn Burdecki (11 am, Hall 10.1) and Kekz from Peter Maffay (12.15 pm, Hall 12.2 at Playmobil‘s stand) – exclusively by appointment for the DACH region. At the same time, the international press will compete against each other in a Tetris duel at 12.15 pm at Fizz Creations’ stand (Hall 12.0). Mattel will offer just as much action with ‘Masters of the Universe’ (11.30 am, activity area on the 2nd floor of NCC West), Ravensburger with the ‘Speed Puzzle Competition’ (1 pm, Hall 12.0) and Kosmos with ‘10 Years of Exit’ (1.45 pm, Hall 10.0). In addition, Lego (11.50 am, Hall 12.2 in front of the stand), Cuboro (2 pm, Hall 3A), Fischertechnik, (3 pm, Hall 4) and Hornby Hobbies (4 pm, Hall 7) promise special activities. Between 12 noon and 4 pm Cadeju (Hall 2), French Flair (Hall 3C) and Connetix (Hall 4A) invite visitors to drop by to see their activities. At 4.30 pm, Bruder Spielwaren will conclude PressDay with an after-work beer at its stand in Hall 6. The complete programme overview is available online.

New format on Wednesday

The Value of Play Conference will celebrate its premiere on the second day of the fair. Moderator Dr Volker Mehringer from the University of Augsburg will shed light on the various facets of play with high-profile speakers at the Toy Business Forum from 8.30 to 10.30 am. Registration at presse@spielwarenmesse.de is required for the target audience: experts from science and education, media professionals and content creators, as well as PR and marketing specialists. At 11 am, the coveted industry award, the ToyAward, will be presented in six categories at the same location. This will be followed at 12 noon by the Newcomer Tour with Scarlett Wisotzki through the StartupArea (meeting point: StartupLounge, Hall 3A, D-05). The event will conclude at 3 pm with a coffee break in the LicenseLounge, where press representatives and content creators are invited to network on the topic of licensing in the NCC West foyer.