DVSI sharpens its profile

The DVSI is systematically developing its profile and financial base, strengthening its advocacy through new participation formats, member recruitment and cooperation, while continuing to pursue the “Value of Play” as the central social guiding principle of the toy industry.

The DVSI is an association of members, by members, for members, which desires and demands active participation and involvement. In addition to continuing work on traditional topics, the results of last year's member survey also showed in which direction the DVSI needs to develop in order to provide answers to the current challenges facing the toy industry. The focus is on further developing its profile – both internally and externally – as well as expanding its financial base.

Transparent opinion-forming

Based on the survey results, a five-member sounding board discussed measures and innovations in the spring of 2026 (many thanks to the board members from industry!). The path taken so far, with its five guiding principles, is generally considered correct and effective. Unsurprisingly, current strategic priorities include reducing bureaucracy and deregulation, harmonizing European regulations, as well as declining birth rates across Europe and the disregard for competition rules.

The repositioning aims, among other things, to pave the way for member recruitment and retention. Instruments in this context include trial and supporting memberships, as well as the "members recruit members" model. We will provide further information on this separately. Every successful referral strengthens the DVSI and also pays off for recruiters. "Even if it sounds obvious, maintaining and strengthening the financial and organizational health of the association provides the foundation for achieving its goals," says DVSI Managing Director Ulrich Brobeil. Strategic collaborations with other associations are also being expanded to pool resources and jointly contribute more effectively to political debates.

Better together – DVSI takes a new path

The DVSI remains the most important contact for policymakers, media, NGOs, and companies. There is still a consensus that lobbying is an absolute priority in order to make their voices heard. The DVSI's range of services received consistently positive feedback in the 2025 member survey. These services will be expanded gradually. As a first step, the DVSI is introducing the dialogue-oriented hybrid format ARENA, where, in addition to presentations on selected topics, DVSI members will be able to contribute their perspectives – thus benefiting from the expertise and collective intelligence of the entire community. Naturally, all compliance regulations will be observed. In the future, DVSI members will therefore benefit not only from regular webinars and in-person seminars, services, and the DVSI hotline, but also from quarterly exchanges on different viewpoints and perspectives. The first session, taking place in the fall, will focus on sustainability regulations. The content concept is currently being developed by the DVSI Sustainability Group in collaboration with the DVSI team.

Value of Play

The development of a strategy is fundamentally aimed at achieving a long-term goal. For the DVSI (German Toy Industry Association) and its members, this continues to include the Value of Play, which places the societal added value of games and toys at the heart of communication with policymakers and the public. Because playing means engaging in dialogue with the world, the Value of Play also presents an opportunity for the toy industry to engage in an exchange with society. The Value of Play represents our socio-political responsibility. As a qualitative goal, it remains an integral part of the DVSI strategy.

Your contact person at DVSI: Managing Director Ulrich Brobeil (T: 0911/477112-11; E: brobeil@dvsi.de )