The Toy Association has cancelled New York Toy Fair as the pandemic continues to threaten attendee safety at in-person events.

The New York-based market usually takes place in February, and the Toy Association optimistically moved it to May as a hybrid live/digital networking event, but has now opted to forgo it altogether.

The industry org is shifting focus to Toy Fair Dallas, which is still set to run from October 5 to 7. It’s also planning for an in-person New York Toy Fair 2022 from February 19 to 22.

Since there’s now a gap in its events schedule, the Toy Association is collaborating with retailers to launch digital product preview events.

Despite this particular cancellation, event producers are committing to more live events this calendar year. Global Licensing Group outlined 2021 plans that include live/digital Licensing Expo (August 10 to 12) and Brand Licensing Europe (November 17 to 19). MIPTV will be virtual in April this year, but Reed Midem is planning on hosting a live MIPCOM in October with an accompanying digital component.