Op-ed from Anne Carrihill, TOTY Chair: Join us in Dallas!

June 28, 2022 | As the chairperson of the Toy of the Year (TOTY) Committee, I am thrilled to share that we will be hosting a not-to-be-missed evening on September 20 at The Toy Foundation’s (TTF) Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards! A long-treasured event, the TOTY Awards were held virtually the last two years and we cannot wait to see the industry in-person at the Dallas Market Center.

Dallas will be the place to be in September as the industry kicks off an exciting Q4. In addition to celebrating the TOTY Awards, I will be there with my Amazon team at important meetings to preview 2023 lines from innovative exhibitors at The Toy Association’s three-day Preview & Holiday Market, taking place September 20 to 22, 2022. I can feel the excitement building as companies, retailers, distributors, marketers, and other play professionals make their fall travel plans to be there.

The TOTY Awards are the perfect kickoff to the Preview & Holiday Market, giving us a chance to celebrate the creativity of the toy & play community. It’s also a key fundraiser for The Toy Foundation, and the industry’s involvement is critical. During the evening, we will recognize the philanthropy of the industry that has allowed TTF to bring the power of play to children in crisis, hospital settings, and underserved communities, with further opportunities to donate and create a greater impact.

There are numerous ways to join your colleagues and support TTF at the TOTY Awards:

  • Nominate your products to any of the 17 TOTY categories. The nomination period is open now through July 8, and proceeds fund TTF’s charitable work. The highly anticipated winners will be announced in-person at the TOTY Awards, taking place just before the all-important holiday shopping season. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your products noticed by media and consumers in Q4.
  • Purchase tickets to attend the TOTY Awards & Opening Night Party. The event is an incredible opportunity for you and your colleagues reconnect and network with others in the industry, while supporting the philanthropic work of TTF.
  • Serve as a TTF sponsor. Three tiers of sponsorship packages and à la carte opportunities are available, giving your company in-person recognition during the TOTY Awards and on the trade show floor, as well as online and on social media.
  • Pledge a donation. Offer your support during the TOTY Awards, or at any point throughout the trade show, via an in-person or online donation. If you want to save yourself the hassle of packing and shipping products back home, consider donating them to TTF’s Toy Bank at the close of the show! The Toy Bank gratefully accepts all types of new toys that will be delivered to local Dallas children in need.

TTF will be adding more activities during the TOTY Awards and throughout the week focused on having fun, giving back, building meaningful relationships, and celebrating the industry. Be sure to stay tuned for updates.

I look forward to seeing everyone in Dallas this September!

To learn more about how to get involved and support TTF, reach out to Director of Development John Fistolera.

For more information about The Toy Association’s Preview & Holiday Market, visit ToyAssociation.org/PreviewMarket.

To learn about The Toy Foundation’s work to provide the power of play to children in need, visit ToyFoundation.org.

With appreciation for all that you do,

Anne Carrihill
Chairperson, Toy of the Year Committee
GM & Category Leader, Toys and Games, Amazon