More Than a Toy Show

Marketplace & Academy: More Than a Toy Show


It’s more than a toy show! ASTRA’s Marketplace & Academy brings the specialty toy industry together for a big toy family reunion featuring the best and brightest in products, ideas and connections. Gain new insights during education sessions, make valuable connections at networking and social events, and explore the trade show floor to discover the makers and their products that will delight your customers. ASTRA’s Marketplace & Academy 2021 will be held June 6-9, 2021 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, MN.

Marketplace & Academy is more than a toy show - while we could take up lots of internet space listing all of the reasons why you should attend, here are a few:






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Connect and Have Fun with Your Peers!

Make memories with more than 3,000 of your specialty toy industry colleagues. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to share stories, collaborate and overcome challenges with the best in the industry – all while having fun. You especially won’t want to miss out on the Welcome Reception – the thrilling venue announcement is coming soon!


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Learn from Industry Experts and Level Up Your Skills!

The speaker line-up is packed with sessions covering topics critical to business growth and led by industry experts who know what you need to know. Make sure you get a seat for the keynotes and select from more than 30 hours of Academy education sessions where you’ll come away inspired to level up your skills, boost your business and fuel your passion for play.




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Be the First to See the Newest Products and Meet the Makers!

With more than 500 vendors bringing their newest products, you’ll be sure to find the perfect selection of toys and children’s products to fill your fourth-quarter shelves – and save big dollars with show-only specials. Meet the makers behind the toys and gain insights on how to sell-through their products.






Remember Your Why!

It’s easy to get stuck in the day-to-day of doing what you do. Sometimes you need to step away from your day-to-day to remember your why. Marketplace & Academy is the perfect place to do just that. Whether you’re new to the industry or have seen it all, you’ll find numerous opportunities that remind you why you do what you do – and keep you inspired as you head into the fourth quarter.

Who Attends?

ASTRA’s Marketplace & Academy is a business-to-business event for the specialty toy industry. Connect with retailers (including store owners, managers, merchandisers and staff in the toy, gift, game, hobby, educational and museum retail spaces), sales reps, manufacturers, inventors, and industry partners. Attendee registration for Marketplace & Academy will open in early 2021.