At Toy Fair®, education goes hand in hand with innovation. Beyond product discovery, the show offers a robust slate of educational programming designed to inform, inspire, and empower the global toy industry. This year’s sessions dive into emerging trends; licensing, retail, and media marketing strategies; new approaches to reaching today’s consumers; and more, all led by experts at the forefront of the business.
Below is a snapshot of the can’t-miss educational opportunities taking place throughout the show, taking place February 14 to 17 at the Javits Center in New York City. All educational sessions are free to attend for registered Toy Fair guests.
Toy Fair University
Feb. 14 to Feb. 17 | Toy Fair University Theatre (Level 3, Booth 3103)
Toy Fair University brings together expert voices from across the toy, play, retail, and media landscapes, plus adjacent industries, for a packed lineup of more than 30 educational sessions. Designed to serve professionals at every stage of their career, the program covers topics ranging from consumer behavior and retail strategy to product design, packaging, marketing, licensing, and sustainability. Click here to see the full session lineup.
Toy Trends Briefing
Feb. 14 | 1-2 p.m. | General Session Theater, Hall 1D
The Toy Association’s annual Toy Trends Briefing is a must-see unveiling of the product trends and consumer insights set to define the year ahead. During this opening-day presentation, the Association’s trends team will reveal its top toy trends for 2026, supported by fresh data from a survey of U.S. parents and real-world examples pulled directly from the Toy Fair show floor. Click here for more information.
Toy Safety & Legislative Update
Feb. 16. | 8:30-11 a.m. | General Session Theater, Hall 1D
The annual Toy Safety & Legislative Update delivers timely, essential information on the regulatory landscape. The session will feature a keynote address from Peter Feldman, acting chair of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), who will discuss agency priorities for 2026, enhanced oversight of online marketplaces, and the rollout of eFiling. The program will also feature international regulatory perspectives, including presentations from Health Canada officials and an update on the developing European Toy Safety Regulation. Toy Association staff will conclude with a 2026 Industry Outlook, covering state, federal, and international legislative priorities, as well as the Association’s ongoing advocacy efforts on behalf of the industry. Click here to learn more.
Blue Plate Media Lounge
Feb. 16. | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Room 1D05
Blue Plate Media Services (BPMS) will host its 16th Annual Blue Plate Media Lounge, offering free, personalized educational sessions for Toy Fair exhibitors and attendees. Designed as both a learning opportunity and a retreat from the busy show floor, the lounge features 15-minute, one-on-one meetings with BPMS media experts. Topics include building a modern media mix, leveraging upper-funnel awareness for performance-driven campaigns, maximizing retail media, optimizing Facebook ROI, and integrating creator talent for measurable impact. Advance registration is encouraged. Click here for more information.
Toy Fair® will take place February 14 to 17, 2026 at the Javits Center in New York City. Attendee registration is now open. Limited space is available to secure a spot to exhibit. Visit ToyFairNY.com to learn more.