Upcoming Gaming Trade Fairs The Complete list
Introduction to Must-Attend Gaming Trade Fairs
Participating in gaming trade fairs can be beneficial for the gaming industry. It can aid members in completing various goals, including gaining recognition. Yet, determining which event is worth attending can be challenging. There are several means of reducing the challenging aspect. Among them is learning about the available fairs. Here are some upcoming trade fairs worth attending and brief information about them.
Gamescon in Germany
Gamescon is one of the central trade fairs for the video game industry. It is an annual event held in August. The event frequently receives more than 370,000 participants from six continents, which often sets high expectations. This applies to the upcoming gamescon 2022. Attendees can learn about the latest video games from leading exhibitors like Google, Microsoft, and Epic Games International. This includes attending lectures held by leading creators responsible for games like Skyrim.
Image: Gamescom
Kind + Jugend in Germany
Another must-attend trade fair related to the gaming industry is Kind + Jugend. It is an annual trade show that places a prime focus on babies, toddlers, and children. Kind + Jugend presents wares such as fashion, toys, care products and safety. It is held in September at Messe Cologne and receives over 20,000 participants. Of particular interest should be Electronic & acoustic toys and games for children/multimedia. The Outdoor toys and accessories, Dolls, and Wooden Toys segments should likewise be considered. These are the categories where participants can meet lead exhibitors, such as ABC Design, Doudou et Compagnie, and Motorola.
Image: Kind + Jugend
SPIEL in Germany
SPIEL is an annual event that takes place every October at Messe Essen. It is a must-attend for professionals and companies that present digital games, card games, adults, and board games. It is an international event that receives over 1,200 exhibitors and 200,000 visitors. This includes leading markets such as Asia, North America, Europe, and others. It is the location for presenting new releases ranging from ATIWA and Dreamquest to Scotland Yard - Sherlock Holmes Edition. These are presented by various lead exhibitors, such as Ravensburger, Space Cow, and Lookout Spiele.
Image: SPIEL
China Toy Expo in China
The China Toy Expo in Shanghai is Asia's largest trade show for education products, baby products and toys. It has turnouts of over 66,000 participants. Held annually in Shanghai in October, the event attracts diverse participants. Such include OBM/OEM/ODM manufacturers. This features leading exhibitors, such as Longxiang Toys Industry and Yuxin Toys.
BABY EXPO in Austria
Baby Expo is the largest baby-oriented trade fair in Austria and a must-attend for professionals such as retailers and distributors. They present products such as toys, games, and sporting accessories. It is held annually in Vienna for three days during various hosting months, such as May, June, or October. Baby Expo often features over 20,000 participants. These include lead exhibitors such as HOFER, BabyOne, Gutwein, ÖAMTC, and Positive Birth.
Image: Baby Expo
KIDEXPO in France
KIDEXPO is a leading trade fair for France's entertainment, sports, leisure, education, and health sectors. It is an annual event held for four days in Paris, with turnouts exceeding 20,000 participants. It is the location for presenting wares, such as board games, toys, and creative game activities. These are presented by exhibitors such as the Lego Group and MAGIC MAKER.
MCM London Comic Con in the UK
The MCM London Comic Con is among the UK’s leading speculative function conventions. It takes place twice a year in London and is a central meeting fair for various celebrities, cosplayers, and industry representatives. This results in a participant turnover of over 133,000 participants, who examine a vast assortment of wares. These include toys, gaming devices, games, collectables, gadgets, merchandise, and other products. These are presented by exhibitors ranging from Edalie to Beyond the Bunker.
Image: MCM London Comic Con
IAAPA Attractions Expo in the USA
IAAPA Attractions Expo is one of the must-attend events for the gaming industry. In particular, it is essential for the sectors related to theme parks and arcade centres. This is due to the event presenting the latest video/skill games and arcade machines. The event takes place once per year in Orlando, the USA. It attracts over 31,000 participants and features exhibitors, such as Event Hawk Marketing and VR360 ACTION.
Image: IAAPA Attractions Expo
HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair in Hong Kong
The HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair is an annual event hosted in Hong Kong. The event features sections such as children’s toys, kidult toys, and merchandise. These are displayed by leading exhibitors, such as Amazing Toys Limited. Due to its importance, the event features over 47,000 participants.
The TOY FAIR in the UK
The TOY FAIR is an annual event held in London and the UK's largest game, toy, and hobby trade fair. It showcases the latest innovations in toys, hobbies, and games. Toy Fair attracts various participants, which results in editions exceeding 2,000 attendants. These include buyers, designers, licensors, retailers, and media. They can examine wares such as dolls, plush animals, electronic toys, and party games. Among the leading exhibitors of the annual event is Brainstorm.
Nuremberg Toy Fair / Spielwarenmesse in Germany
The Nuremberg Toy Fair or Spielwarenmesse is the leading trade fair for the global toy and gaming industry. It is an annual trade show held in Nuremberg for four to five days. It presents around one million wares, including over 120,000 premiere innovation debuts. These are presented by leading exhibitors, such as The Smurfs, Magic Light Pictures, Pokémon, WWE, Crunchyroll, and Asterix. Nuremberg Toy Fair receives over 63,500 participants from over 70 countries. This includes attendants, such as manufacturers, toy retailers, wholesalers, and hobby or craft shops.
ICE Totally Gaming in the UK
ICE London or ICE Totally Gaming is the central trade fair and platform for the betting and gaming technology sector. It is an annual trade show hosted in London for three days that attracts over 38,500 participants from 150 countries, including C-Suite executives. ICE London presents the latest innovations for slots, card games, roulette, sports betting, e-sports, and others. These are presented by exhibitors such as Digitain and GiG.
Image: ICE Totally Gaming
ENADA in Italy
ENADA or ENADA Primavera is a leading trade fair for Italy's games and entertainment sectors. It is an annual trade show that takes place during various months, most frequently in March, for three days in Rimini. It presents the latest innovations and advancements for i-gaming, slot machines, and bingo. The event often exceeds 25,000 participants, including lead exhibitors such as Alberici and NET srl. This includes various experts, buyers, and company representatives.
Game Developers Conference in the USA
The Game Developers Conference or GDC is one of the leading trade fairs and expos for the gaming industry. The event is held once per year in a different city in the USA. It is a must-attend for over 29,000 participants from around the world. This includes programmers, producers, artists, designers, professionals, and business leaders. They attend to examine the latest innovations and business opportunities in various sectors. This includes meeting with leading exhibitors such as Epic, Amazon, Intel, Google, Nvidia, Sony, Nvidia, and Oculus.
Birmingham Games in the UK
The Birmingham Games are an annual event. It is hosted for three days in Birmingham and is the leading hobby game convention in the country. It receives over 45,000 participants, including gaming enthusiasts, publishers, content creators, and artists. Leading exhibitors such as Absolute Dice, Adversity Games, and Aeon Games Publishing also attend. They present products ranging from board games to mega and card games.
Attending the various trade fairs that can aid gaming industry experts can be beneficial. Yet, there is more to ensuring the success of a trade show visit. This includes selecting suitable hotel accommodation at reasonable prices.
