The Toy Association is hedging its bets for 2021, pushing New York Toy Fair from February to May to try and outrun the ongoing pandemic. The event is now scheduled to take place May 1 to 4 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City.

“While none of us can be certain what the nation and world will look like some seven months in the distance, we all need the promise of a future for the toy and play industry, a return to a degree of business normalcy, and to reclaim some aspects of our collective pre-COVID-19 lives,” said Toy Association president Steve Pasierb in a press release.

The live event is working with US federal, New York State and City officials to ensure the health and safety of its attendees.

The TA team is also planning several digital engagement opportunities under the banner Toy Fair Everywhere. This will include year-round online content and a private preview program with key retailers.

Pasierb says that the Toy Association can still cancel the event at any time, rolling over all ticketholder and sponsor spend to 2022.