With Astra Marketplace & Academy 2026 just weeks away, registration continues for the specialty toy trade show and educational conference, taking place June 5-8, 2026.

Astra Marketplace & Academy offers more than a trade show, bringing together industry leaders, retailers, and top brands for four days of education, networking, and discovery to support the specialty retail community. The four-day event features hundreds of exhibitors, hands-on product demonstrations, and more than 30 hours of expert-led educational programming designed to support retail success and industry collaboration. Highlights include:

• Thursday, June 4th: Meet & Greet Reception
• Friday, June 5th: Opening Session with Keynote Speaker, Astronomer and former Assistant Director for Science Communication at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Dr. Michelle Thaller.
• Friday, June 5th: Opening Party and Astra’s Got Talent
• Saturday, June 6th: Astra Star Awards Gala

As Astra approaches its 35th anniversary, Marketplace & Academy 2026 will begin spotlighting the organization’s legacy and future, including a feature on the television talk show, Toys of Our Lives, celebrating the products and moments that have shaped the specialty toy industry. In addition, Astra will debut the all-new Astra Toy App this year, available on iOS and Android, giving members instant access to the live floor plan, agenda, exhibitor profiles, and more. The app will also introduce new onsite engagement opportunities, including the debut of the Digital Raffle, where members can earn entries for a chance to win a full ride to next year’s Marketplace & Academy through activities including Astra Quest, a new exhibitor scavenger hunt.

Continuing for 2026, Astra will highlight the Play Awards winners at this year’s Star Awards Gala, honoring standout toys and games that spark creativity, learning, and fun across all age groups. This year’s finalists, available at astratoy.org, represent exceptional products across a wide range of play categories, including Active Play, Arts & Crafts, Card Games, Family Games, and more. Winners will be revealed during the Gala on Saturday, June 6. Attendees can anche look forward to special honors recognizing the Hall of Fame inductee, Retailer of the Year, and additional industry achievements.

The Astra Play Awards will also power a brand-new way to play in The Astra Experience. Designed to inspire creativity, this immersive space brings play to life right on the show floor, showcasing each Play Award finalist and allowing attendees to touch, feel, and play with each item. Following the Astra Star Awards Gala, the finalists will also be displayed and honored within the space. Hands-on play and content creation in The Astra Experience is encouraged, making it a dynamic environment for discovery, engagement, and storytelling.

For more information on Astra, Marketplace & Academy, and the Astra Play Awards visit astratoy.org.