Trade Show Ventures, led by Christine and Alan Blumberg, is bringing the North East Toy & Gift Show (NETS) back for its second year — this time with a new fall date. Following a successful debut in February 2024, this year’s NETS takes place Sept. 7-9, 2025, at the MassMutual Convention Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Created to fill the void for an East Coast specialty trade show, NETS connects manufacturers, retailers, and now gift vendors, attracting buyers from multiple channels. Executive Director Lea Culliton — former HABA USA President and ABC Kids Expo Chairperson — continues in her role at NETS.
Organizers say NETS is within a three-hour drive of more specialty retailers than any other U.S. trade show. “This means that retailers can bring their staff, which is a big plus at our Game and Kit Night,” says Alan Blumberg. “When the staff knows about the product, it is a better experience for the consumer, and the product sells quickly off the shelves.”
While the fall timing runs up against the LA Fall Toy Previews, there are benefits.
“Many of our North East buyers cannot make it to the West Coast shows; this transition to the September time frame is perfect for holiday buying and for brands to do soft previews of their 2026 new releases,” Culliton says. “NETS offers a simple, cost-effective solution to bring the industry together in the Northeastern region.”
This year’s show promises a mix of established and emerging brands, including Schylling, Ravensburger, Buffalo Games/Gamewright,/Ceaco, The Toy Network, U.S. Toy Company, Schleich, Thin Air Brands, Fun in Motion, Wigglitz by ZB Designs, Kandico, Lifelines, Tree Town Toys, and more.
Attendees can also grab a copy of The Toy Book‘s 2025 Fall Toy Preview issue, while supplies last!
More information is available at NEToyShow.com, and you can follow on LinkedIn for updates.
