Toy Business Forum 2027 to bring industry insights together
The Toy Business Forum at Spielwarenmesse is once again bringing together international expertise, current industry topics and networking opportunities. From February 2 to 6, 2027, more than 60 international experts will take the stage in Hall 3A, with over 50 sessions scheduled across the five trade fair days.
The programme will feature presentations, panel discussions, and live formats covering artificial intelligence, Kidults, licensing, and current retail and toy trends. The programme is aimed at all target groups of the trade fair, with topics relevant to both retail buyers and toy manufacturers.
Networking breaks, live music and the new After Hour are set to complement the professional programme and create opportunities for informal exchange. The first speakers have already been confirmed.
Presentations, panels and networking
The 2027 Toy Business Forum will address topics shaping the toy industry through a range of formats, including presentations, panel talks, live podcasts, and Exhibitors on Stage. Topics will include AI, Kidults, sustainability, current toy and retail trends, and licensing.
New to the programme are the LicenseTalks. Four experts will present insights into the licensing business on Tuesday and Thursday.
The Networking Breaks will turn the stage area into a meeting zone at midday, providing an opportunity for visitors to exchange ideas and discuss topics in a relaxed setting. Food trucks, live music, and DJ sets will accompany the breaks. On Tuesday and Wednesday, networking will continue after the programme with the new After Hour, extending the Networking Break until the end of the trade fair day.
Further programme highlights
The ToyPitch will open the Toy Business Forum on Tuesday. As part of PressDay, media professionals and content creators will also receive exclusive insights into selected new products during short sessions presented directly by exhibitors on Tuesday morning.
Wednesday will begin with the “Value of Play Conference”, which will examine the role and value of playing from different perspectives. Outstanding products will subsequently be recognised on stage with the ToyAward in various categories.
The first presentations confirmed for the 2027 programme include:
Collin Croome, keynote speaker and future expert, will present “From digital dream to real future”.
Carol Rapp and Sven Siemen from Merz Verlag GmbH & Co. KG/asap Brand Services will discuss “From San Diego to Tokyo – The most exciting Kidult stores worldwide”.
Jakob Ledermann of philoneos GmbH will present “Trends, Drivers, Transformation – understanding and shaping tomorrow’s world”.
Marilyn Repp of Marilyn Repp Retail Expert will speak on “More than selling – The new business models of stationary retail”.
Christoph Krauss of Prof. Roll & Pastuch will address “Temu, Price Pressure & Co. – Successfully defending margins”.
The complete programme will be available from mid-November on the Spielwarenmesse website. Presentations from the 2026 Toy Business Forum are already available on demand via Spielwarenmesse Digital.