The Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association (WTHRA) has announced the return of ToyFest to The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas, February 27 – March 3, 2023. This newly opened, purpose-built tradeshow facility in downtown Las Vegas served quite well for the 2022 show. As an added benefit, ToyFest attendees have access to cross-over gift and accessory lines presented at the World Market Center’s permanent showrooms. Sandy Lepire, ToyFest President said, “ToyFest 2022 was filled with lots of excitement, buyers from all over the country, and manufacturers showing amazing new products! With the dates of ToyFest now set for 2023, We can’t wait to start planning. Our goal is to make this a great show for all to come play and learn.”
One change for the 2023 toy trade show is its name. Moving forward, the first full toy show of the year will be rebranding as ToyFest, a national Toy Show. With Toy & Gift Stores from across the US attending the Las Vegas Show, including stores from 39 states, Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Guam, Mexico, and the UK, WTHRA’s Chairman of the Board, Bill St. John said “ToyFest is now considered to be a national show rather than a regional show by toy industry members.”
Plans will continue at the combined WTHRA Board of Director’s and ToyFest’s Slate of Officer’s meeting this coming May. There are many proven aspects that work well for ToyFest and will continue, such as the Morning Masterpieces Craft Fair to open the show, the fabulous ToyFest Game Night, a toy business related educational seminar, exclusive show specials, the wildly popular “ToyFest Cash and Product Raffles”, and of course the legendary welcoming Gala where brilliant toy industry individuals are inducted into the WTHRA Hall of Fame and collectively honor the “Retailer of the Year”.
WTHRA will be holding a membership drive in June for the manufacturers and sales reps in the toy industry. Perks for joining as a loyal member will include lead retrieval at ToyFest, name and company information on the ToyFest website for one year, contact info listed on the member page in the show directory, reduced rates for the NW & CA Game Days and of course the coveted post show attendee list. “Some members have returned year after year dating back to the early 80’s to show their support, said Board Director and past WTHRA President, Lawrence Nissen.
Attendee and Exhibitor Registration will open this summer. Early bird discounts will be offered as early as June during the ASTRA Marketplace where ToyFest will have a booth set up and be available to answer questions.
More details about the show will be made available as plans are finalized such as the 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees, Retailer of the Year, Seminar Speaker(s), Game Night and Morning Masterpieces, Show Sponsors and Hotel Reservations. At this time, the Directors and Officers invite you to mark your calendars for an exciting and productive show at ToyFest 2023.
Dates and times for ToyFest 2023 are:
Monday, February 27, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm – Showrooms Only
Tuesday, February 28, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm – Expo & Showrooms
Wednesday, March 1, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm `– Expo & Showrooms
Thursday, March 2, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm – Expo & Showrooms
Friday, March 3, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm – Showrooms Only