Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair 2013: Four Major International Trade Fairs Open

More than 2,700 exhibitors from around the world are participating in four international trade fairs that opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

The HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, Asia's largest, the HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and the Hong Kong International Stationery Fair continue through 10 January. The HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show, the largest of its kind in the region, runs until 9 January.

Hong Kong SAR Government Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology) Susie Ho was guest of honour at this morning's joint opening ceremony for the toy, baby products and licensing events, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). The Stationery Fair is jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.

Fun for All Ages

A wide range of innovative products is being showcased at the 39th Toys & Games Fair, including an augmented-reality toy gun with game app and a battle tank remote-controlled by mobile devices. The fair features about 1,900 exhibitors from 41 countries and regions, including first-time participants from Iran. There are six country and group pavilions: the Chinese mainland, Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand and World of Toys.

Fair highlights include Brand Name Gallery with 76 exhibitors, and the new Kidult World zone, which spotlights adult toys and games from 85 exhibitors. A series of seminars opened today with one on kidult product development and opportunities. The Hong Kong Toys Industry Conference, 9 January, will spotlight global chemical safety requirements and issues, with speakers from the European Commission, the United States Toy Industry Association and Hong Kong-based Jetta Company.

Growing Attractions

The fourth Hong Kong Baby Products Fair hosts nearly 420 exhibitors, up 10 per cent over last year. They come from 27 countries and regions, including first-time exhibitors from Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Macau and Switzerland. Among numerous creative offerings are a potty that play parents' pre-recorded messages to encourage toddlers to use the product, and a cot that transforms into a desk.

Brand Name Gallery is back with 36 exhibitors, 10 more than the fair's previous edition. The new World of Strollers and Gear zone showcases over 110 exhibitors at the Expo Drive Hall, and Baby Fashion Avenue spotlights more than 30 exhibitors. A seminar on the retail outlook for baby-care products on the mainland and in Europe was held today.

Stationery Selections

The 13th Hong Kong International Stationery Fair welcomes about 220 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions, including three group pavilions: Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. On offer is a great variety of trend-setting products, including a folding, adjustable laptop stand and a school bag that minimises back stress.

New this year are three product zones: Artist Supplies, Writing Equipment, and Computer Peripherals & Related Accessories. Returning are Children's Stationery & School Supplies, Gift Stationery, Office Supplies, and Paper & Printing Products. Green stationery products are featured at the Product Display Showcase, located at the Harbour Road Entrance of the HKCEC. There is also a series of informative seminars, including two taking place today on stationery market trends in Europe and the US and colour trends in the coming year. The fourth Hong Kong Stationery Award-Winning Products Presentation will take place on the afternoon of 9 January.

The Toys & Games Fair, Baby Products Fair and International Stationery Fair feature a Small-Order Zone, allowing buyers to source quality products in small quantities.

Winning pieces of the Hong Kong Toys and Baby Products Award and entries for the fourth Hong Kong Stationery Award are on display at the Hall 3FG concourse and Hall 1D concourse respectively. For the Stationery Award, visitors are welcome to join the œThe Most Popular Award on-site voting game with a chance to win a prize.

Licensing Leaders

Many of the world's leading brand names and top licensing professionals are taking part in the 11th HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show, which welcomes more than 200 exhibitors from 18 countries, a 21 per cent increase in exhibitor numbers on last year. Australia, Colombia, India, Italy and Malaysia are participating for the first time.

The show features more than 600 brands and properties, including, Barbie, Batman, Forever Friends, Looney Tunes, Miffy and Friends, Angry Birds, adidas, Land Rover, Dunlop and Jaguar.

At the Asian Licensing Conference, licensing professionals from such companies as the Coca-Cola Company, Warner Bros Consumer Products, adidas Italy Spa and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) will share their insight on industry trends and developments.

Fair Websites

HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair: http://www.hktdc.com/hktoyfair

HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair: http://www.hktdc.com/hkbabyfair

Hong Kong International Stationery Fair: http://www.hkstationeryfair.com

HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show: http://www.hktdc.com/hklicensingshow

Media Enquiries

Please contact the HKTDC's Corporate Communication Department:

Joe Kainz

Tel: (852) 2584 4216

Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org

About the HKTDC

A statutory body established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and service providers . With more than 40 global offices, including 11 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and throughout Asia. The HKTDC also organises trade fairs and business missions to connect companies with opportunities in Hong Kong and on the mainland, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and online. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com.