Visiting the Toy Fair 2023

Compuco got out and about yesterday as we visited the UK Toy Fair run by BTHA! It’s the UK’s largest trade show dedicated to toys, games and hobbies, with over 260 companies exhibiting their products.

So why were we there? Well, as part of our work with the British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA), we were invited along so we could gain a better understanding of the work that they do organising this event. As part of our project together, we’ll be providing them with a new events management system, which will help them streamline the organisation of this incredible event.

“We’re very excited about starting our work with Compuco which will help support the Toy Fair and beyond.” says Matt Jones, Head of Digital & Toy Trust Services at BTHA. “We can’t wait to rollout the new experience for our visitors and exhibitors.”

What’s it like attending?

Entering the exhibition hall at Olympia, the scale of the event is immediately very clear. With bright colours everywhere, all the biggest names in toys and all the largest brands are present. And there’s a staggering amount of diversity. From more traditional board games, dolls and building blocks, to exhibitors from the world of magic and innovative new digital experiences. Everywhere you turn there’s something new to discover as the British toy industry gets together and shows off what it thinks will be the hot new must-haves in 2023.

It’s also a very dynamic experience with many of the exhibitors being eager to show off their latest creations with some very enthusiastic demos and explanations. This is complemented by the fair having its very own TV crew who visit the stands to find out more about the toys, alongside doing live demos with the real end consumers - kids!

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The Toy Trust‍

One of the topics we also learnt more about while there was the important work BTHA do with the Toy Trust. A charity BTHA founded, they distribute money raised from the toy industry to charities helping disadvantaged and disabled children.

While there, we saw many of the exhibitors taking part in the media auction - a fiercely contested process where the different toy companies can put in a bid for advertising opportunities at a possible discount. All proceeds will then to be donated to the Toy Trust! Competition was truly heating up while we were there and the auction was well on its way to raising a significant amount of money to be used toward bettering the life of children.

Summary

We really enjoyed our day out at the Toy Fair and seeing all of the fantastic work BTHA does to put on such a big event for both its members and the industry at large.

With this in mind, we can’t get wait to continue our partnership with BTHA and help them undertake an ambitious digital transformation project which will allow this fantastic event to prosper for many, many years to come.