Legit Reviews

NEW YORK -- Feb. 17, 2008 It's only February, but it's beginning to look a lot like the holiday season this week at the 105th American International Toy Fair(R) in New York as toy manufacturers from around the globe unveil the toys and games that will be on kids' wish lists this year. The annual event, which is owned and operated by the Toy Industry Association (TIA), features more than 1,200 exhibitors showing their newest, most exciting toy products for 2008 to more than 15,000 registered buyers and 21,000 toy industry professionals from 94 countries. Toy Fair runs February 17-20, 2008, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and at additional showroom locations in New York City.

With "Inspiring Growth" as its theme, Toy Fair brings to life the excitement, innovation and inspiration behind the $22 billion global youth entertainment industry.

"Toy Fair is the North American showcase for the most creative and innovative toys that kids are absolutely going to want to have in 2008," said Carter Keithley, president of the TIA. "Toys are all about fun and imagination and playfulness, and toy retailers will find the creative new toys at Toy Fair that will make their cash registers ring throughout the year, especially when we head into the holiday season."

The Toy Industry Association (TIA), which owns and operates Toy Fair, is the national trade association for more than 500 North American producers and importers of toys, games and children's entertainment products, which account for 85 percent of industry sales.

New Exhibits at 2008 Toy Fair

Recognizing the importance of how exciting new game ideas are conceived, Toy Fair is proud to showcase as many as 20 new toy inventions in The Inventor Center, a brand new exhibit at this year's Toy Fair, featuring an array of new toy and game ideas created by hopeful inventors trying to break into the industry.

Also new this year is Fundamentals, an exhibit area which features the world of educational toys and games, and demonstrates how learning and play work together.

TOTY (Toy Of The Year) Awards/Toy Industry Hall of Fame

An exciting kick-off to Toy Fair began on February 16th as Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, a third generation of the LEGO family and former CEO of LEGO Group, was inducted into the 2008 Toy Industry Hall of Fame. The Toy Industry Hall of Fame, created in 1984, honors individuals who have made a significant mark on the American toy industry.

The TOTY Awards honor the best toys developed by the international toy industry for consumers in North America. The awards include eleven industry award categories, and one overall "Toy of the Year" recognition. The awards program is designed to showcase the best in toys and children's entertainment, as well as outstanding individuals, companies and team achievements.

About the American International Toy Fair(R)

The American International Toy Fair is the largest toy trade show in the Western Hemisphere. More than 1,200 manufacturers, distributors, importers and sales agents from over 94 countries showcase their toy and entertainment products. From classic toys to interactive entertainment and everything in between, we have it all! Products include: action figures and dolls, games and puzzles, bicycles, tricycles and ride-ons, radio-controlled vehicles, infant and preschool toys, cars, trucks, and trains, puppets and plush, audio and video cassettes, computer software and video games, playground and sporting equipment, Halloween, Christmas, books, stationery, party supplies, and much more

For free video content of Toy Fair from the Toy Industry Association, please log on to http://www.thenewsmarket.com/toys to preview and request video. You can receive broadcast-standard video digitally or by tape from this site. Registration and video is free to the media.