Tokyo, Jan 06, 2014 (Menafn - ACN Newswire via COMTEX) --Nearly 2,900 exhibitors from around the world are displaying the latest products and services in four international trade fairs that opened this morning 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 9 January. The HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show, the largest of its kind in Asia, runs until 8 January, while the Asian Licensing Conference opened today and continues through tomorrow.
40 Years Young
The Toy Fair turns 40 with a special display area, at Hall 3E concourse, dedicated to Hong Kong toys over the past decades; an exhibition of vintage toy-fair photographs has also been arranged.
Nearly 2,000 exhibitors from 39 countries and regions are on hand for the show. These include new participants from Belarus, the Philippines and Portugal. Indonesia has organised a group pavilion for the first time, alongside the Chinese mainland, Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand and World of Toys.
Smart-Tech Toys
Fair highlights include the new Smart-Tech Toys zone, presenting toys and games that combine traditional design with smart devices and apps for children, as well as teenagers and adults. They include augmented-reality story books, soft toys with handheld games and an app for keeping virtual pet rabbits. Also new, the Therapy Toys area showcases products to help children and the elderly with their coordination and other challenges.
Kidult World, launched last year, is back with more than 80 exhibitors displaying toys designed for grown-ups, including hobby goods, magic items, model vehicles, mechanical toys and collectible action figures. Brand Name Gallery has also returned, featuring nearly 80 exhibitors. These include Eastcolight, Hape, Intex, Moulin Roty, Plan Creations and Vtech. Other theme zones include Candy Toys, Educational Toys, Electronic & Remote Control Toys, Festive & Party Items, Toy Parts & Accessories, Outdoor & Sporting, Paper Products & Toy Packaging, Soft Toys & Dolls, Testing, Inspection & Certification, and Video Games.
The fair's seminar series begins this afternoon with "Therapy Toys for Kids." Other seminars include tomorrow morning's spotlight on mainland distribution channels, as well as an afternoon session on the future of play. The Hong Kong Toy Industry Conference runs Wednesday morning under the theme of "Global Challenges & Opportunities."
Growing Baby
The fifth Baby Products Fair has attracted a record 462 exhibitors from 29 countries and regions, including first-time exhibitors from New Zealand, the Philippines and Sweden.
The Baby Food and Healthcare Products zone is new this year, joining the popular Brand Name Gallery and its nearly 40 exhibitors. Other featured zones include Baby Fashion Avenue, Baby Toys and Activity, Feeding, Nursery & Maternity Products, and Strollers and Gear. Topical seminars range from this afternoon's product trends to tomorrow's buyer forum on emerging market opportunities. Winners of the Hong Kong Toys & Baby Products Awards will be announced this evening, with the winning entries displayed at Hall 3FG concourse throughout the fair period. Winners will showcase their creations during presentation sessions on 7 January.
Stationery Spotlight
More than 220 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions are taking part in the 14th Hong Kong International Stationery Fair, organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. Korea, Taiwan and Thailand feature group pavilions. Other fair highlights include the newly launched DIY Supplies zone, which joins Gift Stationery, Kids & School, Pen & Paper and Smart Office. Industry intelligence offerings include this afternoon's symposium on stationery design and product packaging. A green stationery seminar is on tomorrow, with an Exhibitor Forum and a Buyer Forum set for 8 January.
Licensing the Future
At the Licensing Show, more than 700 brands and properties are being showcased by over 230 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions. Featured displays include the Lifestyle Pavilion, with its heritage and luxury brands, as well as sports brands ranging from Arsenal FC to Spalding and the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. The show also spotlights art licensing, with brands specialising in art-related merchandise from the Van Gogh Museum and the National Palace Museum, while the Hong Kong Creative Gallery highlights more than 40 local characters and designs.
Licensing Conference
The third Asian Licensing Conference, the largest of its kind in the region, focuses on opportunities in Asia, particularly the Chinese mainland. More than 30 speakers from 10 countries and regions are taking part in the two-day event.
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About 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 12 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. Follow us on Google, Twitter @hktdc, LinkedIn.