Nov 28, 2022

Toy Business Forum to take place at Spielwarenmesse 2023

At the beginning of February, the Toy Business Forum will be hosted during the Spielwarenmesse to showcase the latest trends, products and topics in the toy industry.

The presentation takes place in Hall 3A each day of the event from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature 18 international speakers with 21 presentations on trends in toys and in retailing, digitalization and the metaverse, as well as sustainability and diversity.

Each day’s forum will conclude with presentations on the Spielwarenmesse ToyTrends. Additionally, representatives of the licensing industry will introduce the latest topics from the field at the LicenseTalks.

Industry trends

The latest developments in licensing, best practices and tips for newcomers will be available during the LicenseTalks from Licensing International, Licensing Magazine and BRANDmate founder Eva Stemmer.

On broader trends in the market, international toy and trend expert Reyne Rice will present “Emerging trends and future innovations in toys, games and play technology.” In addition, Steve Reece, consultant to the toy sector, will be speaking on “The Future of Toys.”

Rice and metaverse expert Dominik Griese-Kentschke will also present the 2023 ToyTrends. Afterwards, the exhibitors will take to the stage in the Live on Stage program. In 20-minute slots, companies will present their businesses, product portfolios and new products.

Digitalization and the metaverse

The trend themes of digitalization and the approaching metaverse are further focal points. Julia Frings, project manager at the Institute for Retail Studies IFH KÖLN, will discuss the smartphone as a shopping tool.

Meanwhile, Achim Himmelreich of Capgemini Deutschland will discuss how retail can prepare for the metaverse. Niklas Wittkowski of TikTok reveals what lies behind the concept of millennial marketing and how to communicate with Generation Z through TikTok.

Sustainability and diversity

The forum will also discuss sustainability in the industry. For example. sustainable shopfitting will be covered by Frank Bittel of ppm planning + project management pro.

Additionally, Sharon Keilthy shares her experiences as founder of the world’s first toy shop with a fully ecological orientation.

Themes of diversity and gender in the toy range are explored by Olaolu Fajembola and Tebogo Nimindé-Dundadengar of Tebalou, as well as by Sascha Verlan of Wort & Klang Küche.