Kids India KidsIndiaMag_Issue_III | Page 9

A PREVIEW: 70 th SPIELWARENMESSE Coinciding with its 70 th anniversary from 30 January to 3 February 2019, the Spielwarenmesse ® is poised for major change, with some product groups being restructured or reconceptualised. The product group Electronic Toys will celebrate its debut. In addition, ground-breaking changes are afoot in the product groups Festive Articles, Carnival, Fireworks, and Model Railways and Model Construction. Comment- ing on these changes, Ernst Kick, CEO Spielwaren- messe eG, states: “These steps are necessary if we are to respond to the changing market and reflect the needs of buyers and retailers.” Initial talks with exhibitors took place at the last event. The response has been positive, particularly in regard with the biggest move: Model Railways (until now in Hall 4A) and Model Con- struction (until now Hall 7A) are to be merged in Hall 7A. This move will allow the fair to reflect under one roof the interna- tional diversity of both sectors, offering a wide portfolio to their identical target groups. Both, well-known brand manufacturers and smaller niche suppliers will come together to create an inspiring and comprehen- sive mix of products. At the same time, the profile of the Model Construction segment will be raised by relocating those suppliers whose product ranges target the toy trade as opposed to stores specialising in model construction. They will be moved to Hall 4A. A new product segment for Electronic Toys will be created here, encompassing RC vehicles, drones, planes, robots and much more. This new distinction provides independent retailers and buyers with valu- able guidance in the field of technology and digital- isation, both of which have evolved from a fleeting fad to a firm facet of the toy sector. The foundations for this latest move were laid in 2017 when the Tech2Play activity area was first introduced. This popular feature is set to stay and will certainly continue to attract widespread visitor attention into the future. The Spiel- warenmesse is also seeing a growing number of well-known exhibitors offering electronic toys. The product group Festive Articles, Carnival, Fireworks in Hall 9 is likewise undergoing consider- able change. The toy retail sector is an important sales market for this segment. Indeed, all the big names and market leaders come to Nuremberg to show their wares, prompting the Spielwarenmesse ® to add an exciting new aspect in Hall 8. The extra space and the growing international composition of this sector will allow for this product group to be reflected more broadly. The new highlight, a roughly 200 m² Activity Area, will enhance the overall appeal, giving exhibitors the opportunity to showcase their products at fashion shows and presentations for maximum exposure. The new hall structure will give visitors a more focused insight into forward -look- ing innovations. They will find it easier than ever to locate interesting products that complement existing ranges and suit their own business models. The stand alloca- tion for Spiel- warenmesse ® 2019 will begin in April 2018. To be a part of Spiel- warenmesse ® , a prospect exhibitor can either apply online or get in touch with the representative from their country. First time exhibitors at Spielwarenmesse do not only have the option of being a part of their respective product halls but can also be a part of the special area called New Exhibition Center – NEC which gives new exhibitors a chance to experience the fair for the first time without any preparation worry of fabrication and marketing measures. This special area provides new exhibitors with a ready to use 6m² stand in Hall 3A. Want to explore more? Visit www.spielwarenmesse.de Kids India Mag Issue III : April 2018 | Page 07