Event recommendations for Oktober 2026
Update for toy experts
Exhibition opening: Let’s Play the Middle Ages
9 October 2026 – 31 October 2027 at the European Hanseatic Museum, Lübeck, Germany
From 9 October 2026, the European Hanseatic Museum will be transforming part of Lübeck’s Burgkloster into a walk-through medieval gaming world. The exhibition “Let’s play the Middle Ages” is a game in itself. Immerse yourself in history, create your own avatar, complete quests in the tournament arena, at festive banquets in the countryside or in the “Dragon’s Lair” and choose your own path through the narrative game world.
Organiser:European Hanseatic Museum
Annual APT International Conference
13–18 October 2026 in Minneapolis, USA
At the APT International Conference, the Association for Play Therapy (APT) brings together therapists from a wide range of practice areas. The following topics will be covered in workshops and presentations:
- Research and theories on play therapy
- Effective skills and methods for play therapy
- How play therapy strengthens the therapeutic relationship with children and families
- Keynote: Then, Now, and Next: A Multi-Generational Perspective on the Play Therapist, Play Therapy Practice, and the Field of Play Therapy
Then, Now, and Next: A multi-generational perspective on the play therapist, play therapy practice, and the field of play therapy
The accompanying exhibition showcases new and tried-and-tested resources and materials for working with children, young people and families.
Organiser: Association for Play Therapy (APT)
Webinar: Leverage AI to Protect Your Company and Employees — and Win at Retail
22 October 2026 (online)
The one-hour webinar, "Use AI to protect your business and your staff and succeed in the retail sector", is aimed at executives and professionals in the toy industry. It provides practical insights into how AI can be used strategically to position businesses for the future, empower staff and thrive in the retail sector of the new era.
Organiser: The Toy Association
Spiel Essen
22–25 October 2026 in Essen, Germany
SPIEL Essen 2026 is the world’s largest public board game fair, bringing passionate board game fans together with international exhibitors. Thousands of new releases await visitors in the exhibition halls, many of which will be on display and on sale for the very first time. At numerous tables, everyone can start playing straight away, whilst signing sessions and presentations offer the chance to meet publishers and game designers face to face. Four days full of discoveries for families, avid gamers and the curious.
Organiser: Merz Verlag
Children’s Week 2026 (Australia)
24 October – 1 November 2026 in Australia
Children’s Week 2026 in Australia is centred on the national theme relating to Article 30 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: "Children have the right to use their own language, celebrate their culture and practise their religion". As a nationwide initiative, over 1,000 organisations and educational institutions are organising the action week. Last year, they reached more than 60,000 children and their families, promoted participation and highlighted diversity.
Organisers: Children’s Week Council of Australia
