Paris is the city where it all began: the inaugural Playtime Paris expo took place in 2007 and has been held twice a year ever since, revolutionizing the kids’ fashion and lifestyle universe. Playtime New York (known as Playtime & Kids Hub New York since 2021) was launched in 2010, and Playtime Shanghai is the latest addition to the Playtime family – it has been held since 2019. All events are organized by Picaflor Sarl, a French event planning company that has plenty of experience in running trade fairs.
Playtime is primarily targeted at industry professionals such as manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, designers, and journalists from all over the world. Its main goal is to provide a deep insight into children’s fashion and lifestyle trends, and keep industry professionals informed about the latest and most innovative products through a series of exclusive seminars held during the fair. However, parents with kids are also welcome: there’s plenty for them to see and do at the event as well.
Playtime offers its visitors an opportunity to discover national and international brands of children’s clothes and shoes, accessories, toys, furniture, decorative items, and gifts for children and expectant others. Exhibitors, in turn, are given an opportunity to present their latest collections for the upcoming season, meet potential customers, market and sell their products directly to the audience, and foster new long-term business relationships.
One of the most distinctive features of Playtime is its focus on art and design. While planning each edition of the event, the organizers invite renowned and emerging artists to create special graphics and installations to decorate the premises. Thanks to their artistic touch, each edition of Playtime has a unique atmosphere that highlights the expo’s status as an industry trendsetter.
Since its inception, Playtime has established itself as one of the most inspiring trade shows in the industry. It introduces its visitors to new and award-winning, established brands, helps industry professionals and parents keep up with the hottest trends through its curated trend spaces and exclusive seminars, and showcases the work of aspiring and renowned graphic designers, illustrators and artists.
Each of the Playtime events takes place in a perfectly suited venue. For example, Playtime Paris is held at the Parc floral de Paris, a famous public park and botanical garden in the 12th arrondissement. The park is known for its natural beauty and idyllic atmosphere, making it a perfect location for the event.
Playtime & Kid’s Hub New York City takes place at the Metropolitan Pavilion, a spacious and versatile exhibition venue in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan that has been host to multiple high-profile events. It provides the perfect setting for showcasing diverse kids’ products and services. Finally, the venue of Playtime Shanghai is 1933 Old Millfun, an iconic complex in Shanghai’s Hongkou district known for its unique industrial aura.
Photo: iloveplaytime.com
