The Toy Industry Association (TIA) has announced that its 2007 Fall Toy Show will be hosted at the Dallas Market Center in Dallas, TX, from October 9-12, 2007. "We have listened to buyers and exhibitors alike and agreed that we can maximize the impact of this show by moving it to Dallas," said Daniel Grossman, association chairman and head of Wild Planet Entertainment, Inc.

"The TIA has been working on making this important show more efficient and convenient for all participants," he added. "We intend to bring the most vendors under one roof in an appealing environment at a favorable cost. We look forward to an outstanding trade show."

TIA's fall event is for trade vendors who sell product to long lead buyers, typically mass merchants that retail the highest volume of toys. It is by appointment only and has become an important preview of product under development for the following year's fall selling season.

The Association took pains to point out that this decision in no way affects the location of the annual Toy Fair hosted in February each year at the Javits Center in New York City. TIA has a contract with Javits to host that event through 2010.

"TIA has not taken this step lightly," TIA president, Carter Keithley explained. "This is not about what is good for TIA. This is a carefully considered decision based purely upon what will provide the most convenient and cost effective way for major toy buyers and vendors to come together to do business efficiently." Keithley said that TIA will be better able to contain costs for exhibitors in the new Dallas location. He said that TIA is committed to minimizing the financial burden of the fall show for both buyers and sellers.

The Dallas Market Center is located not far from the heart of the city with a variety of hotel options within reasonable walking distance. It offers private, enclosed showroom space for temporary rental during the event, as well as a large area for traditional exhibits.