Hi Ms. Janie
I don't think I'll ever recover from the excitement of attending
Toy Fair 2007 - I'll still be flying high, long after my plane
lands!
We started at the registration desk, which took about half an hour. 12 noon was approaching fast, but thankfully we made it to the Ty booth just before Ty's arrival. From the entrance we saw what we thought were 4 huge posters of "Who's That Girl" and 3 faces of the new Ty Girlz, but as we approached, realized they had actually painted the steps leading up to the 1st level and the Ty Booth. It was unbelievable, about 3 tiers of steps, dedicated to Ty.
Lots of retailers and reps were around the front of the booth near the huge TV screen. Ty Warner arrived with Scott Wehrs, and "live" Ty Girlz. Then the countdown began, 3, 2, 1, and up on the huge TV screen the announcement "Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls...and Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" music began playing, and as each of the 1st 6 Ty Girlz appeared on the screen, their live counterparts unveiled their doll that was in a revolving glass case. Then the music went to Pinks' "Get This Party Started" and more activity on the screen. It was very dramatic, and people cheered. Everyone was excited.
I have to say, Dorothy and I agree, that no photo either of us have ever seen of Ty, does him justice. He is much more handsome in person without a doubt. Everyone was so friendly, including Ty Warner, Scott Wehrs, Mark and Beverley Swallow from Ty UK, all the Ty Reps, and all the retailers. It was wonderful to be in such a warm and exciting atmosphere.
It's hard to put this report in order, because my head is still spinning! I keep remembering more and more things. Ty was probably there for at least an hour, mixing and chatting and posing for photos, just the perfect host. Even though there wasn't an official signing, he happily signed some personal items when asked.
I brought along a photograph of Ty taken by the famous photographer Annie Leibovitz, October 5th, 1998, in New York City for Vanity Fair, and was thrilled that I was able to get it signed. I will cherish it forever. Dorothy is a dolphin lover, and she brought along the new Classic Dipper, which he personally signed for her. No way will any of our signed items be up for sale EVER!
The Ty Reps were handing out small pink purses which had in them a business sized card of 1 of the new Girlz. One side of the card says in a bubble "Call Me!" and the other side says "Let's talk!" and it gives their Ty customer service 1-800 #. Dorothy is going to scan them for you.
Jenni in the UK has already given a great description of the Ty Girlz and the Ty press release, you shared, gives the details of the interactive website. The other new releases that will be introduced in March and April also got a great reception. Their displays were eye catching. Dorothy says that the display of the crab and fish were the first things she noticed. She rushed over to see what they were. I was drawn to Max and Ruby's display, because one of my favorite children's books was Max's Bunny Cakes which I'd read to YMCA preschoolers, and also my children's kindergarten classes, taking along 'earthworm cake" to eat (cool whip with crushed Oreo cookies, and gummy worms). They didn't have that actual book there, but had others. Dora the Explorer stand, had a cut out cardboard display around a TV screen and the TV had the television program playing. Another favorite of mine was the Baby Ty items, all around a baby's crib/cot, beautifully done. The whole Ty booth, which was one of the largest there, if not the largest, was so tastefully done. We can't forget the scaffolding around that had products displayed within it.
Now it's time to share
some photos. We will choose 20 of the 150 photos we have that
best reflect the Ty Experience!
Love: Karen & Dorothy live from New York!!
