The Toy Association ®, Inc . is the business trade association representing hundreds of companies , including manufacturers , retailers , licensors and others who are involved in the youth entertainment industry . “ We produce the world-renowned Toy Fair ® ( aka the North American International Toy Fair ®) and provide members with programmes , products , actionable research , and consumer events to help grow their businesses globally ,” says Kimberly Carcone , the association ’ s executive vice-president , Global Market Events .

Carcone explains that Toy Fair is the largest and most comprehensive play-focused experience , marrying the industry ’ s entire ecosystem with key players to help with business development and sourcing the latest products from across all forms and stages of play . Featuring thousands

of new and unique toys , games , edutainment , entertainmentdriven experiences , and more from around the world , Toy Fair offers attendees a competitive edge .

“ We have joined UFI because we needed to both contribute to and learn from the widest part of the world possible if we were all going to thrive ,” says Carcone , adding : “ Certainly , in the aftermath of the pandemic we see how a sound made on the other side of the world can affect us , so why not be part of the future and embrace the rest of the universe – its business practices , its knowledge , its ever-expanding work force . We are a global show , serving a global industry of toys and play , so our events will benefit all around from a more interactive , engaging , ecumenical conversation with all event leaders .” l www . toyassociation . org

Above : Reduce2 , contributing to positive change

Left : Toy Fair

“ In the current climate , sustainable business conduct is paramount for long-term success and the preservation of the exhibitions industry . Stakeholders want to see positive change resulting from operations and supply chains following industry sustainability standards ,” says Glenn Hansen , CEO and founder of Reduce 2 consultancy .

Hansen continues : “ In the quest to achieve ‘ net zero ’, Reduce 2 helps organisations not only achieve a high level of sustainable business conduct , but also provides third party proof that they have done so .

“ And that proof helps make sure that your organisation is seen to be sustainably responsible , distinguishing your company as a leader . To do this , we provide gap analysis , carbon footprint calculations , performance assessments and certification services to sustainability standards , industry guidance , and best practices .”

For the past decade plus , company founder , Hansen , has participated as a member of the sustainability committee at UFI . With the launch of Reduce 2 , there was an immediate application for UFI Associate membership , says