In 1997, the first International Toy, Hobby and Leisure Fair to be held at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), brought some iconic toys to Australia.
Toys that are now household names were new and exciting back then. Nintendo 64, Tamagotchi, Tickle Me Elmo, Gameboy and Work Out Barbie were the big hits of the 33rd International Toy, Hobby and Leisure Fair.
Opened by Felicity Kennett, partner of the then Premier of Victoria, Jeff Kennett, the fair covered 10 bays of the year-old Exhibition Centre, with 180 exhibitors. A giant Banana in Pyjamas at the entrance welcomed more than 6,000 attendees over five days from 16-20 March.
Since that first fair, toys and hobbies have returned to MCEC every year (except 2006 due to the Commonwealth Games using the space), making it our longest continuous international event.
According to Alice Sanderson, Executive Manager, Australian Toy Association, the Fair returns to MCEC each year because it has everything they need. “MCEC is a world-class venue that offers us a fantastic pillarless space, great loading dock, hospitality suites and organiser’s office. The central location gives us easy access to accommodation and to the restaurants, cafes and shops of South Wharf, Southbank and the CBD”, she said.
“And of course, the people bring us back. We have a great partnership with MCEC and the people we work with are always outstanding. It never ceases to amaze how they turn an empty space into an amazing event in just three days.”
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