The month at a glance
The stories , topics and trends making headlines in recent weeks .
Toy Fair sells out
The UK ’ s largest toy , game and hobby show has sold out four months before opening .
The prestigious annual show , which is back for its 69th year , is taking place from the 24 -26 January at Olympia London . With 250 exhibiting companies in attendance , occupying the Grand and National halls on both levels . Organisers The British Toy & Hobby Association ( BTHA ) said they now had a waiting list for all exhibition spaces .
Director of fairs and special events , Majen Immink said : “ The momentum and excitement we have seen for Toy Fair 2023 is just fantastic . The fact that the show has sold out already and 89 % of exhibition space has been booked by returnees after a successful 2022 showcase , following the hiatus in 2021 , speaks volumes as to the strength of the toy industry and the importance of the fair to participants .”
Many brands see the show as pivotal to their strategy and as a chance to launch new products .
Dentists ’ debut
The East of England Dentistry Show is set to debut at the East of England Arena and Events Centre in Peterborough on 1 October .
The show has invited dental care professionals in the UK to discuss the development of the profession , learn from multiple lecture and seminar strands , and visit the trade exhibition of dental supplies and technology .
Organised by Finlayson Media Communications ( FMC ), the dental communications company and publishers of Dentistry magazine , the show is the latest addition to its portfolio of events in Bristol , Dublin , Manchester and Edinburgh .
Leanna Ellis , event director , said “ FMC chose the East of England Arena and Events Centre for this important expansion to its events portfolio because of the venue ’ s excellent facilities , gateway location and extensive free parking .”
Truss brings new opportunities
The new prime minister brings new opportunities to reinforce the value of the events industry .
Lizz Truss has appointed former World Wrestling Entertainment marketer Michelle Donelan as the 11th culture secretary in 11 years and Jacob Rees-Mogg took over as business secretary .
Truss promised to prioritise growing the economy in her first speech to the nation . She pledged : “ I will cut taxes to reward hard work and boost business-led growth and investment . I will drive reform in my mission to get the United Kingdom working , building , and growing .”
Chief executive of the AEO , Chris Skeith , said he hoped the new government would bring “ an opportunity to reenforce the economic benefits of events .”
He said : “ Any change represents an opportunity . New faces in the cabinet bring opportunity to re-enforce the economic benefits of events to not only the local economy but also the markets and supply chains that the trade and consumer exhibitions serve .”
Exhibition News editorial director Martin Fullard called for the events industry to make their voices heard , or fear being cast aside in favour of other sectors . He said : “ Prime minister Truss enters 10 Downing Street with a lot to worry about , and the future of the once- £ 84bn events industry must be on her agenda .”
06 — October