NYC & Company Welcomes The American International Toy Fair to New York City

NYC & COMPANY WELCOMES THE AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL TOY FAIR TO NEW YORK CITY

More Than 30,000 Attendees Expected to Generate $17.2 Million in Spending for New York City

New York City (February 12, 2009) NYC & Company, the City’s marketing, tourism and partnership organization, welcomes the American International Toy Fair back to New York City for a four-day run beginning February 15. Visitor spending for the show is estimated to reach $17.2 million. The largest tradeshow in the Western Hemisphere and a New York Tradition for more than a century, the event is expected to bring more than 30,000 visitors to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and showrooms across Manhattan.

”This American International Toy Fair is a significant piece of business for New York City, and we’re privileged to welcome visitors from all over the world who are here to exhibit and participate in this year’s tradeshow, educational sessions and events,” said George Fertitta, the CEO of NYC & Company. “New York City is an ideal backdrop for the attendees of the Toy Fair to conduct their business while enjoying one of the world’s most exciting destinations.”

Sponsored by the Toy Industry Association, Inc., Toy Fair ’09 boasts more than 1,100 exhibitors from 25 countries, including leading brands such as Mattel, LEGO and Hasbro. Among the more than 100,000 products in the children’s entertainment market on display at the show will be some 7,000 never-before-seen toys, games and interactive products.

Nearly 16,000 buyers from 94 countries have registered for the show. They represent 7,000 unique retail outlets, including mass merchandisers, toy and hobby stores, drugstores, department stores, grocery chains, TV shopping networks, outdoor retailers, amusement parks, warehouse clubs, gift shops, and museum stores.

The show floor’s 14 feature exhibit sections have been designed to save participants time and enhance their experience. There are four new sections this year: Action figures; Youth Electronics, Tech Toys, Interactive Gaming and Robotics; Outdoor Toys, Play Equipment, Ride-Ons and Sporting Goods; Educational Toys and Games, Science and Discovery Kids; and Infant and Preschool Toys and Accessories.

In addition to the exhibits, educational seminars will be held daily on topics ranging from product safety to retailer strategies for overcoming the current economic climate.

Among the scheduled special events is the 2009 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards, saluting the best of the industry. The awards ceremony will be held Sunday, February 15, at Pier 60 on Chelsea Piers.

Toy Fair 2009, the TOTY Awards and other related events are open to the trade only.

About NYC & Company

NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide

For information on visiting and experiencing New York City, go to nycgo.com or visit the Official New York City Visitor Information Center at 810 Seventh Avenue, between 52nd and 53rd Streets in Midtown Manhattan.

Contacts
Kimberly Spell
kspell@nycgo.com
Chris Heywood
cheywood@nycgo.com
NYC & Company
212 484 1270