The international trade show and toy show season is approaching, and ToyFest, the first national show of the year in the United States, will return to World Market Center in Las Vegas from February 19-21, 2025. ToyFest, hosted by the Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association (WTHRA), has grown in recent years to become a must-attend event for independent toy store owners and retail buyers from the specialty market. Plus, buyers get free admission!
We caught up with show director Carrie Scanlan to get the latest on what’s going on at this year’s show and what to expect.
The Toy Book: Tell us about Toy Day 2025 and why retail buyers should plan to attend.
Kelly Scanlon: ToyFest is an off-site event in partnership with World Market Center Las Vegas (WMCLV). The permanent toy and gift showroom opens a day or two before the Expo Toy Festival. Retailers should consider attending Toy Day, as showrooms and expos are open for shopping, with hundreds of thousands of products available to view and order. Toy Fest also takes place in Las Vegas, a city with easy access, great weather, and a fun, social, community-driven atmosphere. ToyFest hosts workshops, craft and play events, and awards evenings, and allows retailers to vote for their favorite products of the year at the Best of ToyFest.
TB: Did your post-show analysis last year reveal anything you’d like to share?
CS: Post-show surveys tell us retailers enjoy the Toy Days Hall of Fame Party and Game Night the most, so we’ll be putting in the extra effort to make both events even more special.
TB: Can you share some of the product categories that will be showcased at ToyFest?
CS: We offer toys and games, gifts, baby and toddler products, education and books, STEM merchandise, apparel, beauty and novelty merchandise, and a variety of merchandise for museums and hobby retailers. There’s something for every retail buyer.
TB: How do you incorporate technology into your performance experience?
CS: New this year is an app called toy festival Available on Apple and Google Play stores. The app showcases sponsors and advertisers, agenda, floor plan and exhibitor list. Attendees can see show specials and get hotel information, and retailers can chat with other retailers or exhibitors after signing up for an account.
TB: Do you have an online participation option?
CS: ToyFest is not virtual, but the app supports the show with all the latest news and announcements
TB: What special events do you have?
CS: The show will kick off with a morning Masterpiece Suite session on Wednesday, February 19 at 8:30am. That evening at 6:00 p.m. will be the much-anticipated game night sponsored by Czech Games
The seminar will be held on Thursday, February 20 at 8:30 am and 7:00 pm, focusing on artificial intelligence and how retailers can use this tool to their advantage, and the Toy Day Party will feature Hall of Fame honorees, new this year UP: Live entertainment. Fun In Motion, MW Wholesale and US Toy Co. sponsored the event.
Friday, February 21 at 8:30 a.m. is “Best Toy Day,” voted on by retailers and announced before the end of the show.
Of course, throughout the three days of the show, the retailer raffle will be held at 5:30 p.m. and ToyFest will be giving away $800 each day along with vendor donations.
TB: What are your expectations for Toy Day 2025 and what are your plans for the future?
CS: ToyFest officials expect the next show to kick off in 2025, and the show is a key venue for order writing in the industry. Toy Day is fun, a great place to network, and full of new products and experiences.
Visit toyfestus.com to purchase tickets now! Available exhibition space is still limited, so companies looking to set up shop and meet buyers still have the opportunity to participate.
