Learning Express Toys & Gifts held its 25th Annual Convention and Toy Expo at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa in Tucson, Arizona from June 23-26. The event brought together store owners and toy vendors from across the country to network and celebrate the toy industry.
The event also offers an opportunity for both vendors and store owners to collaborate on best practices to promote new toys while exploring the current industry trends. Highlights from the convention include vendor showcases, motivational and informational seminars, activities and events designed to foster networking relationships between vendors, business owners, and other industry people, and an awards ceremony honoring the achievements and innovations of the community.
The Banquet Award winners include Douglas Co. and Hot Focus for Spotlight; Fat Brain Toys’ AirToobz for Toy of the Year; Thames & Kosmos for Vendor of the Year; and Ninja Silent Basketball from Flashsales for Innovation.
Winners of the Sales Awards include Jazwares for first place, LEGO for second, and Epoch Everlasting Play for third, followed by the Increase Awards winners: Kawaii, U.S. Toy Co., Mavi Bandz, Douglas Co., and Epoch Everlasting Play.
For Best Marketing Programs, the winners of the Spring Craft Sale Vendors were OOLY, Faber Castell, Make it Real, and U.S. Toy Co. Honorable mentions were awarded to U.S. Toy Co.’s Bunny Buffet Bucket Promotion and Schylling for its Buy Two Get One Free Needoh Promotion. The Direct Deal Program awards were awarded to All Sports Marketing, Dm Merchandising, Mavi, iPlay, iLearn, iScream, and Salus Brands.
Product Awards winners include:
- Make it Real’s Mini Pottery Studio (Arts & Crafts)
- Schylling’s Needoh Nice Cube (Party Favors)
- Jazwares’ Squishmallows (Plush)
- Fat Brain Toys’ Air Toobz (Preschool)
- Thames and Kosmos’ Hydraulic Boxing Bots and Night Vision Goggles (Science)
- HST’s Dino Stunt Car (Transit)
- iScream’s Icee Machine (Tween 7+)
- Speks’ Magnet Balls (Teen 13+)
- Peter Pauper Press’ Color by Sticker Books (Books)
- Thin Air Brands’ Trampoline Pong (Action/Skill Sports)
- Epoch Everlasting Play’s Fun Time Tractor (Toddler)
- Leading Edge’s Fast Push Game (Games)
- Smart Noggin’s Light Up Noggin Stick (Infant)
- Smart Toys & Games’ Smart Max Exclusive Set (Construction)
“This event underscores the strength and dedication of our franchise community,” says Lauren Derse, CEO of Learning Express Toys & Gifts. “It was a time to come together, learn from each other, and continue to inspire the joy of play in children and families everywhere.”
