Toy trade organizations offer a slew of opportunities to put your business in position to receive positive recognition and increase sales. In addition to the members of the toys council who work within the industry in some capacity, you will have opportunities to meet and get to know other toys association members, including those who support the toy trade association.

Affiliation with a toys group provides lobbying and networking opportunities that can be immensely helpful to your own business interests, while you support the industry. Membership in an association for toys often means access to information and contacts that can be important to your own company. Regional toy and game organizations offer even more opportunities to network with local business leaders in your community. Try a variety of methods to best utilize your membership in councils for toys.

1. Expand your network through toy trade organizations

2. Support the industry by participating in a toys group

3. Stay informed with toy trade association publications

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Develop business contacts in toy and game organizations

Toy trade organizations hold regular meetings, seminars and conventions for members and interested parties. At toys association events, as well as through various committees in which you can participate, you will have many occasions to socialize and network with other business people who support and work within toy organizations. The business leaders you meet could offer a number of trade opportunities for you and your company.

I recommend: ASTRA is a toys association that serves everyone from consumers to manufacturers and retailers. ASTRA stands for the American Specialty Toy Retailers Association. The Craft and Hobby Association serves the craft and hobby end of the toy industry.

Demonstrate your interest by joining toy organizations

If you want to do business with toy industry professionals and those who serve the industry, you will want to show your support while building relationships with national and local leaders in the industry. You often can do this best by participating in toy trade organizations with both your presence and your financial support.

I recommend: The Junior Products Manufacturers Association is dedicated to promoting the industry through lobbying efforts, networking and involvement in safety issues. The International Council of Toy Industries will keep you in touch with toy industry groups around the world.

Keep your company in the loop with publications from toy and game organizations

While you may not have time to participate in a trade group or volunteer on a committee, you can take advantage of membership in a toys association through the myriad publications they put out. By keeping up with the reports and news in the industry, you can pick and choose which events will be most beneficial for you to attend while keeping updated on changes or news that could affect a toy organization.

I recommend: In addition to events and educational opportunities, you’ll find archives of research topics and newsletters at the Toy Industry Association. The Toy Shippers Association is a toy organization with a number of resources for industry news and regulations that can help you keep up with the industry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Join committees on a toys council to develop closer relationships with others who could provide sources of business for your company.