After a two-year break imposed by the pandemic, Spielwarenmesse – the world’s leading toy fair – will be opening its doors again at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre from 1 to 5 February 2023.

The associated online platform, Spielwarenmesse Digital, which launched in 2022, will continue to act as a network for participants, and to provide useful additional services. However, the focus is very clearly on the physical event, as Christian Ulrich, Spokesperson of the Executive Board of Spielwarenmesse eG, explains: “This business depends on live experiences – there is simply no substitute for person-to-person communication. Only by being there on site can one make use of all the senses to discover the products in all their diversity.”

Participation in the fair promises “unmatched business efficiency with savings in costs and time”, according to the organisers. Companies get direct feedback on their products and services, allowing them to optimise their business cycles and product development.

For new participants – whether new to the Spielwarenmesse or to the industry – the event organisers have a special offer. In addition to the previously available 9 m² stand, the New Exhibitor Package also offers new exhibitors the option of a 12 m² area. This package includes full basic equipment, from the stand area to stand construction and comprehensive marketing services. Additional services such as webinars are also being planned to provide companies with support in preparing for their first appearance. Every exhibitor has a specified personal contact who is available from registration right up to the fair itself for any questions about the event. Newcomers to the industry have their own area at the Spielwarenmesse: the StartupArea is especially effective at directing visitors’ attention to participating exhibitors. A subsidy is available for young businesses from Germany. Booking for stands has already started; new exhibitors can register until 31 July 2022.

Ulrich is certain that everyone will enjoy being able to get together again. “We received a large number of bookings from all over the world within a short time of registration opening,” he says, “which shows the high level of interest and attachment. We are already looking forward to meeting everyone again in 2023.”