Astra announces open registration for 2026 Marketplace & Academy Event
The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (Astra) has announced that registration is now open for the 2026 Marketplace & Academy, taking place Friday, June 5 through Monday, June 8, 2026, at The Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Astra’s Marketplace & Academy is a trade-only event designed exclusively for retailers, manufacturers, sales representatives, and other professionals in the specialty toy industry. The four-day event features educational sessions led by industry thought leaders, valuable networking opportunities, a dynamic exhibit hall showcasing the latest specialty toys and products, and the highly anticipated Astra Star Awards Gala.
Exceptional programming
Bringing together independent retailers, manufacturers, sales representatives, and industry professionals from across the United States and beyond, Astra’s Marketplace & Academy 2026 is the place to be for specialty, offering a dynamic combination of trade show business opportunities and educational resources. Attendees can expect exceptional programming including a keynote speech from Astronomer and former Assistant Director for Science Communication at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Michelle Thaller, hands-on product demonstrations, and educational insights from industry experts on some of the most topical conversations shaping small businesses and specialty toy retailers today.
Accepting nominations until February 20th
The Astra Play Awards, which is currently accepting nominations through February 20th, will announce the 2026 winners during the Star Awards Gala, shining a spotlight on exemplary products across a wide range of categories. Throughout the show, Astra Play Award finalists will be featured on the show floor in the all-new Astra Experience, a content creation hub for influencers and exhibitors.
Visit MarketplaceAndAcademy.com for more information.