Oct 30, 2018

ASTRA introduces new Player’s Park pavilion

The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) announced today that a dedicated space for small manufacturers who are first-time ASTRA exhibitors will be featured at the upcomingMarketplace & Academy in June 2019. Named “New Player’s Park,” the pavilion will offer eligible manufacturers an affordable way to introduce their products and provide a convenient way for retailers to browse for new toys they haven’t seen before.

“ASTRA’s Marketplace is all about finding those unique products that differentiate your store,” said Kimberly Mosley, President of ASTRA. “Our exhibit floor is known for the innovative toys and play materials retailers can source there. When we support emerging manufacturers, it helps them grow so we continue to see creative new products that ultimately make ASTRA stores a destination for shoppers.”

New Player’s Park will be strategically located on the exhibit floor. Park Players will have access to a new exhibitor onboarding program which includes first-time exhibitor training. The area will be supported by pre-meeting and onsite promotions, a dedicated web page listing participating companies, and signage directing attendees to New Player’s Park.

Applications for space in New Player’s Park are now being accepted from ASTRA members and will open to non-members in mid-November 2018. ASTRA’s 2019 Marketplace & Academy will be held June 9-12, 2019 in Pittsburgh, PA. For information, contact exhibit@astratoy.org. Attendee registration will open in early December.

Founded in 1992, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is an international not- for-profit trade organization that serves more than 1,800 independent retailers, manufacturers and sales representatives in the specialty toy industry. ASTRA is a community of dedicated professionals committed to providing children with healthy, quality play materials that have high play value and are designed with a focus on what the child can do, rather than what the toy can do. For more information, visit www.astratoy.org/