As we return Toy Fair to the first quarter in alignment with current and traditional trends for Toy Fair 2026, the event continues to evolve.

To provide engagement requested by the buying community and to leverage media attention, a visual merchandising effort of at least 20% of the aisle-facing exhibit square footage is now required for all exhibitors. This ensures that the show delivers direct access and open displays of the hottest products, creating an engaging and impactful experience for attendees.

Things to note:

1. The Visual Merchandising Initiative applies to each booth space contracted by an exhibitor.
2. Many configurations are possible! Exhibitors can creatively utilize a storefront design, demonstration area, low or plexi walls (remember, this initiative does NOT equal no walls!) and more to follow the guidelines.
3. All booth designs must be submitted for review and approval by show management. Submission details will be available following Exhibitor Applications in 2025.

This will allow you to visibly present in-year product while also having the flexibility to host private meetings for preview activity.

Watch this video to see all the details of how to implement in your exhibit space!

For Toy Fair 2026, we are thrilled to announce that this will mark our third annual awards event. In 2023, Toy Fair featured the first annual Exhibit Reimagination Awards, and now, all exhibiting companies will once again have the opportunity to participate. Exhibits will be evaluated by a panel of media, tradeshow experts, and toy professionals, assessing them for aesthetics, functionality, and innovation from the perspective of an attendee navigating the Toy Fair show floor. There is no entry form to fill out and no entry fee to pay.

See the complete criteria, categories and 2025 winners

Toy Fair offers a variety of turnkey exhibit options designed to provide you with an efficient and convenient exhibiting experience inclusive of graphic headers, track lights, carpet, shelving for your products, material handling and more. These one-stop packages save you time, hassle, and allow you to move in and out of the show with ease.