InspirationWorks’ Kurio (winner of the inaugural Gadget Show Live best Toy Fair gadget toy award), Leapfrog’s LeapPad, Character Option’s AppGear, Apptoyz' AR games, Zeon’s Doctor Who Tardis and Vivid’s Moshi App Monsters which were just some of the technology toys that caught the focus of much media attention, including features in the London Evening Standard, Guardian Games Blog, Wired magazine, Pocket Lint, Stuff.tv and MSN’s technology.

Media coverage included five interviews fed live from Olympia on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday morning, extensive coverage on ITV’s Lorraine, The Times, The Guardian, The Daily Mail, The Sun and The Metro. Features are lined up to follow in The Independent, Daily Telegraph and Financial Times.

“It’s fantastic to see so many toys embracing the technology revolution,” said BTHA communications manager, Majen Immink. “The amalgamation of technological and traditional aspects of toy manufacturing has captured the imagination of the industry in updating the traditional toy categories that kids know and love, such as building sets, plush, dolls, action figures and arts and crafts. And with the eyes of the world on London this year, it was good to see so many amazing toys that promote active play among children, too, from the likes of H Grossman, MV Sports & Leisure, Plum Products and Re:creation.”

Jamie Dickinson, Marketing Manager, Playmobil: “2012 has been another fantastic Toy Fair and it certainly feels like it has been even more successful than last year. I love being at Olympia and it’s even better when you are busy over all three days.”

Helen Davis, PR and Marketing Manager, John Crane: “Toy Fair 2012 was brilliant, much (much!!) busier than last year: the John Crane stand was heaving for most of the show.  Retailers and press, they all showed up – usually all at the same time, but we coped!  We’re just awaiting our post show debrief now to check how many orders taken and to confirm lines for 2012.” 

Nathaniel Southworth, Sales and Marketing Director, Hornby Hobbies: “Three Toy Fair Best New Toy awards, every major toy buyer, interviews across all news media, and a very proud team! 2012 - it's been a brilliant start!”

Peter Balcombe, Managing Director, Plum Products: “Toy Fair 2012 has proved to be a successful and productive show. There has been a real buzz in the hall and we had lots of quality meetings.”

Ilan Kabalo, Marketing Manager, D'arpeje: “This was our first time at Toy Fair and we had a great show all three days; we will be back again next year and hopefully with a bigger stand.”

Heather Corbett, Marketing Manager, Innovation First (Hex Bug): “We were really busy and consistent throughout the show with meetings with all of the major buyers. In fact, we were so busy we haven't had a minute to walk the floor!”

Matthew Woolf, National Account Manager, LiteBulb Group: “Toy Fair was very busy and well-attended, with representatives from independents and retail giants coming to speak to us about our Scootrix scooter accessories and ShirtBox lunch boxes.  We’ve also had some fascinating conversations with design students about the insights and processes behind our innovations.  We’re delighted!”

“Toy Fair 2012 has been a fantastic three days for our exhibitors who have had back to back meetings with quality retailers and loads of attention from trade, national and broadcast media,” commented Simon Pilling, Head of Toy Fair Operations and Sales. “Even though it’s only a matter of hours since Toy Fair 2012 ended, we are already looking forward to 2013, which will mark the 60^thanniversary of the fair!”

The next Toy Fair will be held at London’s Olympia on 22-24 January 2013.

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