Episode #144: Don’t Miss The First-Of-Its-Kind Toy Trade Show On A Boat
Listen Now
Tap Play Below or Listen On Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
Searching for a unique way to promote your toy product or toy brand? The ASTRA Toy Boat may be it! On February 20th, 2023 the first ever toy trade show on a boat will depart from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and make its way to the Bahamas. In just a few days you’ll have the opportunity to exhibit your latest products, promote your services, or find the next hit toy to fill your store. The ASTRA Toy Boat is designed for retailers, manufacturers, and inventors to come together for a networking event unlike any you’ve ever experienced.
In today’s episode, I answer all of your questions about the upcoming toy trade show on a boat. Including who is putting it on, what events will be happening aboard, the cost of attending, and the details of activities to do on board when you’re done working. If you’ve been waiting for a full report on what to expect from the ASTRA Toy Boat, this is it.
-
This episode is brought to you by www.thetoycoach.com
Visit ASTRA’s website and page all about the Toy Boat clicking here.
To see pictures of cabin categories click here.
To watch the video walkthrough of the boat click here.
-
[00:00:00] Azhelle Wade: You are listening to making it in the toy industry episode number 144.
[00:00:05] Hey there toy people Azhelle Wade here. And welcome back to another episode of the Toy Coach podcast, Making It In The Toy Industry. This is a weekly podcast brought to you by thetoycoach.com. Toy people I am thrilled to talk to you about today's podcast episode, because today I get to share insights and details of something you've likely, never heard of before. It's a, one of a kind toy event that is happening next year, February, 2023. And it's a one of a kind toy trade show. The Astra toy boat.
[00:00:55] And I'm not just sharing this info so you can possibly join the boat in the future. Nope. At the time that this episode airs, you can still register to join the Astro toy boat and experience the very first toy trade show ever to be held on a cruise ship. And I want you there. If you're a manufacturer, if you're a retailer, if you're an inventor, this trade show is for you. If you're new to the toy industry, this may be the first time you've ever heard of a show like this, but if you're an experienced toy person, you've likely heard of the show, but have been waiting for a detailed report on what to expect on the toy
[00:01:37] Well, whichever situation best describes you, whether you're a toy newbie or an industry vet, I've got all the toy boat details for you here today. By the end of today's episode, you will know everything you need and want to know about the very first ever toy trade show that's taken place. On a cruise we'll cover when and where this toy show will be held. Why this is an important event you don't want to miss and why the Astro board was totally onboard when the concept of the toy boat was floated by us.
[00:02:13] I know, I know how many puns can she fit into one sentence. Aside from the what, when and why of the toy boat. We're also going to cover how to register what toy biz opportunities are available for those that join the toy boat. And finally, I'll share the who's who currently attending to be on the toy boat. Whew. We're going to cover a lot here today, so I hope you're ready. Let's dive in. First up the why, what, when and where of the toy boat. All right, let's start. Why now people have asked me time and time again. Why is Astra doing a toy trade show on a cruise ship?
[00:02:53] it's important to note that trade shows being held on cruise ships. Isn't a new thing. This concept didn't come out of nowhere. There are other industries that also hold their trade shows on cruise ships. And the benefit of having your trade show on the cruise ship is because it creates this hyper-focused few days where you're focused on your industry and the activities provided by the organization, putting it on as a well, as the fun and free activities available as part of a cruise ship. Now, second, the goal of the ASTRA board was to create a unique experience for our members and this option really fit the bill.
[00:03:35] It's not just another trade show. It's fun. There's play there's education. There's networking. All while cruising the Caribbean. Something that you may not know, this isn't a cruise to nowhere. We're cruising making toy deals and heading to The Bahamas. So I've got to say unique experience. Check, not just another trade show. Check fun in the sun tax deductible event for your toy business check, check, check. Now let's dive into the what. I can't tell you about what the toy boat is without first telling you who created this first of its kind trade show.
[00:04:11] So the organization that's putting on this event is the nonprofit organization ASTRA which is the guiding star of the specialty play industry. So, if you aren't already a member of ASTRA, If you don't know about ASTRA, but if you're involved in the specialty plate industry in any way, I really want to advise you to consider getting an Astra membership. This is a free toy coaching here. Often when people go on my site on the toy coach.com and book a consultation with me after getting to know them, their product, where they're at with it. One of the things that I recommend, depending on where they are in their journey is joining the ASTRA organization
[00:04:53] And then taking advantage of some of the specific benefits offered within the organization. Now ASTRA focuses on engaging their members with virtual and in-person events. They want to elevate their members by sharing knowledge and expertise and helping to promote members by building up our industry and increasing member visibility with cool events like the toy boat. Now this first of a kind toy boat looks to bring together all members of the specialty toy industry for a sun filled.
[00:05:29] Fun-filled networking event. So let's dive into the when. The toy boat sales at 4:30 PM on February 20th, but boarding starts two to three hours before that sale time. So if you are a person who is Just pretend. I didn't say that. Pretend it starts at 2:30 PM. On February 20th. Now the cruise leaves Fort Lauderdale on February 20th. And then arrives at a private island and Coco Cay Bahamas on February 21st travels one day at sea on February 22nd and arrives at Nassau Bahamas on February 23rd and then arrives back at Fort Lauderdale at 6:00 AM on February 24th.
[00:06:12] Now, where is this happening? What is this vessel will be a board? It's going to be the Royal Caribbean Liberty of the seas departing from Fort Lauderdale. And if you want to learn more about the cruise ship, because the cruise ship itself is if you've ever been on you know, the cruise ship itself is what you really need to know about Will there be waterslides will there be rock climbing? All of those good details I'm going to leave a link in the show notes of today's episode. So go to thetoycoach.com/144 scroll down. And in the area that says mentioned in this episode, I'm going to leave a link so you can learn more about the cruise ship that you'll be aboard and the ASTRA Toy Boat.
[00:06:56] So let's talk about what's included if you've never been on a cruise before. Well, let me tell you the best part of cruises. The hair, whole inclusive, the total costs per person includes beverages. The total cost per person includes food beverages, wifi, gratuity, taxes, and fees. So let's talk about what that amount is. What do you pay? Let's talk about the rooms. So there are interior rooms that sleep up to two people. And the rate of that for the entire cruise, all inclusive is 1843 for the two people. And if you want to be a little bit more fancy, you want to upgrade to the grand suite, two bedroom rooms. You could do that for just under 6,000 and there are many other prices in between.
[00:07:44] So if you're not so fancy for the grand suite, but you do want to treat yourself a little bit. You can actually book yourself a room with a balcony, but just fair warning. Some rooms are already sold out. But just fair warning some rooms are already sold out so if you want to get the room that you want i recommend you get yourself booked asap. There are about 10 different room options in total. So you do have a lot of options between that around 1800 range and that $6,000 range, which again, covers four days of an all inclusive cruise experience will you'll be traveling to The Bahamas while making toy deals.
[00:08:21] Now. Remember, this all includes four days of food, drink and activities on that epic cruise ship. Now, aside from the events organized by Astra, which we'll get to soon, the ship itself has a rock climbing wall and ice skating rink, a surf simulator. There are a dozen bars and lounges I counted and for complimentary dining restaurants aboard the ship. There's also an outdoor movie screen three. Three pools, a theater casino, boutique shops. Art galleries, conference centers. A spa fitness center. And if you've bringing your kids, there is a Royal babies service and a tots nursery. There's a teens disco. There's also an adventure ocean play area.
[00:09:10] So you can check out pictures and even do a virtual walkthrough of all of the available rooms and activities on the ship. And I'm going to provide a link in the show notes of today's episode. So you can do just that. So again, head over to thetoycoach.com/1 44 to check it out. There's also a video walkthrough of the boat. I'm telling you this boat is huge. Waterslides performances, fine dining. So much more. Okay, let's talk how to register. After you check out the deck plan, you've got to choose your ideal room category.
[00:09:45] Once you have an idea of what room you'd like, you will hold your spot by calling Michael at (312) 283-4255. Or you can call Sue Warfield at 312 238 9393 to hold. Once you're all confirmed on the phone. You'll get invoiced 30% of the total room cost, which you'll pay on receipt. Final payment will be due November 15th, 2022. Now there are no refunds for your deposit, but ASTRA has purchased inability to attend insurance at no extra cost to you. This insurance protects you against specific circumstances like illness, injury, adverse weather, and more.
[00:10:34] So again, head over to thetoycoach.com/144 for the link to read more about this policy. So you might be wondering what is my deadline to register? The deadline to register is December 10th. But if I were you to make sure you get the room that you want on the ship, I would register ASAP. Now you might be wondering why, why a toy boat. Well, the idea behind the ASTRA Toy Boat is to have a networking event, toy, trade show, and vacation all in one. This is the perfect opportunity to bring your family along for an industry event and connect with your colleagues, make some deals while also having fun in the sun.
[00:11:16] Now, if you've never been on a cruise ship before, it's important that you find out if you're prone to getting seasick before you go, but there's this non-drowsy over the counter medication that is amazing for seasickness called Dramamine. And honestly, even though I don't get seasick, I do prefer to bring some Dramamine mean on a boat. Whenever I go, just in case. Let's dive into the business aspect of the Toy Boat. Because up until now, I've been talking a lot about the fun in the sun, but we haven't talked about the toy trade show aspect. What's going to be the benefits and the opportunities for retailers, manufacturers, and inventors?
[00:11:54] Well, the ASTRA Toy Boat is going to be a hot spot for retailers to find new product exciting, innovative, great new product. It's going to be a great place for manufacturers and inventors to present that product as well. The ASTRA Toy Boat will have a space for exhibitors to showcase their products, as well as gaming kit events, where your product can be tested and a toy sync battle, as well as conference rooms available to be booked as needed for meetings. So let's talk about those things in detail.
[00:12:29] A great thing about the toy boat is how affordable the table options to exhibit your product or innovations is manufacturers, inventors, affiliates, and reps may all choose to pay for a table to display their new products or services. It's recommended to bring your new products in suitcases on the Now the prices of tables range from $200 for a 40 inch round table to $500 for a 63 inch round. The tables will be open and on display from the 22nd and the 23rd during this entire trip. Now, as for the other events, the game and kid event, for example, it will be held on two of the three nights of this cruise.
[00:13:17] So one night will be exclusive to ASTRA members. So primarily retailers will be coming to test out your product and see if it's a good fit for their store. And the other night we'll be open to the public. Now, this is a great opportunity for inventors or manufacturers who want to get their product tested by kids, or just general public to see if it's really working. Now, if you've been to ASTRA's other trade show event, the ASTRA marketplace and academy. Then you already know how fun these game and kit events are. They're really a chance to bring your products.
[00:13:53] And have it play tested by buyers who are looking for product at their store, but now there's an extra layer of also being able to have it tested by the public. So, not only is this a great event for placing orders. But also testing your newest product and getting real time feedback from the public. Another can't-miss event on the Toy Boat will be the toys sync battle. ASTRA trade shows are known for this event where members of the ASTRA community compete to have the most entertaining lip-sync performances to some of your favorite songs.
[00:14:28] And they go all out dancing costumes. One ASTRA member named Cassidy is very well known for his performances during the toy sync battle. If you've attended a toy sync battle before, you know, this event is going to be pretty epic. So you might be wondering who's coming on the toy boat. Well, we've got over a dozen retailers and over a dozen manufacturers that are going to be aboard the boat, including Learning Express Houston, Villa Villa Kula Toys, Cars Zoodles, USA Opoly, Thin Air Brands, E Block Hoppy. We've got affiliates, like Stress Smart Kid Stuff PR, People of Play and so many more.
[00:15:12] Before we dive into our summary of today's episode. I'd like to take a quick break and give a shout out to the hardworking staff at ASTRA. So we've got to give a shout out to Michael who's the special projects and events manager. Working hard on this toy boat event of course. Brianna White communications and marketing coordinator, shout out to you. Jenna Sterling membership specialist, shout out to you. And Ashley Cammack administrative assistant, shout out to you. And Katie Cooley the education coordinator. Thank you.
[00:15:47] Whether it's at a toy boat, the ASTRA market place and academy neighborhood toy store days. All of the things in between. Thank you for your work and effort for the ASTRA community. Okay. Let's dive into our conclusion. We got highlight points of what we learned about the ASTRA toy boat today. One, the ASTRA Toy Boat is a can't miss. The ASTRA Toy Boat is the can't miss toy show of 2023. It's the first of its kind, all inclusive toys show on a cruise ship. And it's your opportunity to combine your vacation with your toy business.
[00:16:24] Did someone say tax deduction? First of all. It's the first of its kind, all inclusive toys show on a cruise ship. And it's your opportunity to combine your vacation with your toy business. Did someone say tax deduction? First up. The deadline to register for the toy boat December 10th, 2022. This year. Don't forget it. Don't miss that deadline. And how you register is contacting Michael or Sue Warfield. Okay. The toy boat sets sale February 20th at 4:30 PM from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but you're going to arrive two hours before that.
[00:17:00] Rooms range from $1,800 to 6,000 and our all inclusive with drinks, food, and activities. There are tables available for manufacturers and affiliates to promote and sell their goods and services during the two day show aspect of the toy boat. And if you want opportunities to test your products and showed off to buyers or the public, there are two game and kit events happening aboard this cruise ship. The toy boat is going to be fun. Let's not forget about the fun. Most of the promotion I've seen around the toy has focused on how this is the first ever toy trade show on a boat.
[00:17:37] And yes, while it is a hundred percent a trade show, let's not forget the fun aspect. This is a toy cruise people, and it's going to The Bahamas. So toy inventors, manufacturers and retailers that are looking to kick off 2023 with new relationships in the industry, you should seriously consider attending this one of a kind toy event and be among the. The first to pitcher toys on water. Now let's talk about your action item to do for next week. I want you to register for the toy boat. Of course.
[00:18:11] Now, if you're interested as I said earlier, the deadline is December 10th and you, my friend can pick up the phone right now and call Michael one of the amazing ASTRA staff members at 312 283 4255. Or you can give Sue a call at (312) 238-9393. As always, thank you so much for spending this time with me today. I know your time is valuable and that there are a ton of podcasts out there. So it truly means the world to me that you keep tuning into this one. Until next week. I'll see you later toy people.
-
🎓Learn more about how you can develop and pitch your toy idea with Toy Creators Academy® by clicking here to visit toycreatorsacademy.com and join the waitlist.
Not ready for the Toy Creators Academy online course? Start by connecting with fellow toy creators inside our online community. Click here to join.