LA Fall Preview Updates: Q&A with The Toy Association’s Kimberly Carcone

March 25, 2024 | As anticipation builds for The Toy Association’s LA Fall Preview this September, Toy News Tuesday editors sat down with Kimberly Carcone, executive vice president of global market events at The Toy Association™, to catch up on all the news and buzz surrounding the marketplace.

How are plans shaping up for the LA Fall Preview?
The anticipation is palpable, and I'm delighted to share that plans are progressing remarkably well. We're dedicated to delivering a brand-new experience that meets the evolving needs of the industry, and the response to our new, temporary home at 2250 East Imperial Highway in September has been overwhelmingly positive.

Since opening showroom space applications less than three weeks ago, we've already received commitments from nearly 50 companies. This enthusiastic response underscores the industry's confidence in our LA Fall Preview as an efficient platform for showcasing long-lead products, fostering connections, and driving business opportunities.

What should companies interested in participating know about the new marketplace?
The Toy Association has secured three consecutive floors in an El Segundo office building. We are offering space for the entire month of September with a variety of options available to accommodate different preferences and requirements. Located in the heart of the "toy district,” this central location ensures convenient access for all participants.

Designed primarily as a by-appointment marketplace, companies renting office space will have the opportunity to host private meetings with their contacts throughout September. We will also actively promote the marketplace to our network of buyers, encouraging them to schedule appointments with all participating toy tenants during the dedicated market week from September 9 to 13.

How is the LA Fall Preview different from other Toy Association events?
The LA Fall Preview is not a traditional trade show. It is a flexible and efficient alternative for companies seeking opportunities in the LA market during the fall preview season, acting primarily as a by-appointment marketplace.

We remain committed to listening to the needs of the industry and adapting our marketplaces and events accordingly. While the LA Fall Preview serves as a solution for 2024, we are exploring future long-term iterations based on industry feedback, including potential spring activity and permanent showroom spaces. Plans beyond 2024 have not yet been determined, but rest assured, we are dedicated to ensuring that our offerings continue to meet the industry's evolving needs.

What else can the industry look forward to during the market week?
In the spirit of bringing the industry together, we are hosting an LA Fall Preview Networking Party on Tuesday, September 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the beautiful campus of Otis College of Art and Design. No matter what your role is in the business of play, we encourage you to join us – as our guest — and network with your Association and fellow toy professionals. Registration is complimentary and now open. Let us know you are coming and we will be delighted to welcome you. We look forward to bringing the entire toy and play community together for this fun-filled free evening of camaraderie, connections, community, and, of course, delicious culinary experiences. See you in September!

To secure showroom space at the LA Fall Preview, companies may apply here or contact their account executive with any questions. Company names beginning with A–G: contact Simon Yung; H-P: contact Stacy Liebensohn; and Q-Z contact Michael Lynch.

The Toy Association’s LA Fall Preview will take place this September in Los Angeles, with a dedicated market week taking place from September 9 to 13. Click here for more information.