NUREMBERG, Germany, January 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The toy world will gather in Nuremberg from January 27 to 31 for a very special event: the Spielwarenmesse, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in collaboration with retailers, manufacturers and media. As a leading B2B event, it brings the industry together and cements its importance as a central platform for business development, inspiration and personal encounters. On the occasion of this anniversary, organizer Spielwarenmesse eG is setting new content priorities, promoting dialogue on future topics and transforming the entire exhibition center into a lively stage for the industry.
Global relevance
The success story of the Spielwarenmesse reaches a special milestone with its 75th edition. In front of the Mitte entrance, the “Play Walk” The exhibition invites visitors to discover the most important stages in the history of the fair. What began in 1949 with the decision to found the trade fair quickly developed into an international gathering for the entire industry. “More than ever, Spielwarenmesse stands for a global market, but also for specialization and a global network with contacts throughout the year,” says Christian Ulrich, board member of Spielwarenmesse eG (spokesperson). Specialty retailers and buyers – from traditional toy retailers to online platforms and large chain stores – benefit from a diverse range of products offered by 2,313 exhibitors from 68 countries. These include 488 new businesses that are specifically looking to establish new business relationships at Spielwarenmesse. Spanning 18 halls and 13 product groups, the event presents the entire spectrum of the toy world. The anniversary will be celebrated throughout the exhibition center; exhibitors have prepared more than 30 activities, including selfie spots, interactive stations and musical performances.
Areas of action with new ideas
The strategically placed Specials at Spielwarenmesse provide direction for the new financial year. In the Mitte Entrance hall, the two Toy trends illustrate the desire to pioneer in the world of toys. “AI Loves (to) Play” features toys that use AI tools or impart knowledge about them, while “Creative Mindfulness” focuses on creative and craft skills through to the finished object. Right next to it, the Children’s toys This space invites visitors to try things on and chat shop. According to market research company Circana, this product sector has enormous market potential: in the United States, spending on toys by consumers aged 12 and over will reach $13.4 billion (+12%) between October 2024 and September 2025, and in Europe €5.7 billion (+14%). Visitors will also find future-proof products in Hall 3A, in the new design Startup area. Here, 44 exhibitors from 16 countries will present their creative ideas, including 22 newcomers from Germany. THE New product gallery will showcase more than 130 different innovations, while the ToyAward, awarded in six categories, will draw more attention to the winners and nominees. The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Toy Business Forum. In Hall 7A, the Special for Sports, leisure, outdoors The category will offer a dynamic atmosphere filled with testing areas and activities.
Deepen specialist knowledge
The Spielwarenmesse is not limited to products: it transmits industrial knowledge and is nourished by personal exchanges. THE Toy Business Forum Hall 3A offers in-depth specialist knowledge with presentations on retail and toy trends, digitalization, artificial intelligence, sustainability and children. Daily lunch breaks with music and food trucks also create a space for discussion in a relaxed atmosphere. On Wednesday, the Value of Play Conference will celebrate its premiere at Spielwarenmesse, highlighting various facets of play value in the company of experts from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Toy Business Forum. For model model fans, Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at the same location has a special experience in store: with the induction ceremony into the Model Car Hall of FamehobbyDB, the world’s largest Diecast community, celebrates the pioneers of the model vehicle industry. Another target group will find what they are looking for in the West focus of the NCC: LicenseLounge, which focuses on the licensing industry as a powerful growth engine, and the LicenseTalks event series provides important market insights. On Friday, the Game Inventors Convention (NCC Mitte, level 1) will provide a platform for creative minds in the gaming scene – with 156 participants from 22 countries.
A celebrating industry
In addition to product diversity and knowledge transfer, networking is part of the DNA of Spielwarenmesse. Many formats create a space for discussion in a relaxed atmosphere. New this year is Let’s connect! – Toy Community Meetup in Hall 2. Spielwarenmesse participants have the opportunity to meet daily between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. during informal sessions around unifying themes. Exclusivity ToyNight the first day of the show brings together all exhibitors under the motto “Welcome to the future”. The 15 exhibitors present from the start will also be honored in this festive setting. On Thursday evening, the RedNight will create a lively party atmosphere with booth parties. ToyCity Nuremberg is also taking part in the anniversary celebrations: the illuminations of the Imperial Castle and the Frauentor Tower will underline the festive atmosphere.
‘For the 75th At that time, the Spielwarenmesse was the central meeting place for the industry: people from all over the world gathered in Nuremberg to discover trends, take advantage of business opportunities and experience the unique “Spirit of Play”. We look forward to celebrating this anniversary with all participants and look forward to a prosperous future with optimism,” summarizes Christian Ulrich.
SOURCE Spielwarenmesse for example
