A Bigger Industry, A Smaller Distance: Our Experience at Toy Fair 2026 | By: David Gibbens

There’s something strange about walking the floor of New York Toy Fair.

On one hand, it reminds you just how big this industry really is.

Massive booths. Global brands. Decades of history behind names like Hasbro, Mattel, Bandai, and more. It’s easy to feel like you’re stepping into a world that’s already been built — one dominated by companies that have been doing this for generations.

But at the same time…

It makes everything feel closer.

More human.

More possible.

A Smaller World Than You Think

When you’re actually there — shaking hands, having conversations, talking through products and plans — the industry doesn’t feel so distant anymore.

It starts to feel… reachable.

The walls between “big company” and “small business” aren’t as solid as they seem from the outside.

You realize that this entire space — from major brands to independent creators — is built on relationships, ideas, and people who care deeply about what they’re making.

And suddenly, you’re not just watching it from the outside.

You’re part of it.

Making Our Place in It

This year, more than ever, it felt like New Meta wasn’t just attending — we were starting to make a splash.

Conversations are turning into opportunities.

Opportunities are turning into partnerships.

And in 2026, that’s going to take a big step forward.

We’re actively working toward going direct with more companies, including:

• Bandai

• NECA

• Trick or Treat Studios

• Yolopark

• And more

Going direct means better access, stronger relationships, and the ability to bring in products in a way that aligns with how we want to serve our customers.

At the same time, we’re doubling down on something that’s always been core to New Meta:

Supporting independent and emerging brands.

You’ll see more indie lines, more unique products, and more opportunities to discover something you didn’t even know you were looking for.

Growing Faster Than Expected

If we’re being honest…

The business is growing faster than we can comfortably handle.

And that’s both exciting — and a challenge.

2026 is shaping up to be a year of big decisions, including:

• Expanding into a physical warehouse here in Kansas

• Bringing on new team members

• Investing more heavily into branding and content

• Expanding influencer and creator collaborations

We’re moving from a growing online store…

To something much bigger.

Looking Beyond Retail

At Toy Fair, one thing became clear:

This industry isn’t just about selling products.

It’s about building worlds, telling stories, and creating experiences that people connect with.

And that’s where we’re heading.

Under the New Meta umbrella, we’re starting to explore what comes next:

• New target markets beyond traditional collectibles

• Original storytelling and comics

• The possibility of developing our own toy line

• Emerging technology ideas built specifically for collectors

These aren’t overnight moves.

But they are on the horizon.

A Shift in Perspective

Toy Fair has a way of changing how you see things.

It shows you just how big the industry is…

But also how much room there still is to grow, build, and create something meaningful.

It’s not just a handful of big companies at the top.

It’s a network of people, brands, and businesses — all contributing in their own way.

And for the first time, it really feels like:

New Meta isn’t just part of the audience anymore. We’re part of the conversation.

Big Things Ahead

2026 is going to be a defining year for us.

More products.
More partnerships.
More growth.
More ideas coming to life.

We’re still early in the journey.

But if Toy Fair confirmed anything…

It’s that we’re heading in the right direction.

And the best is still ahead.