The international trade show and toy fair season is upon us, and ToyFest, the first national show of the year in the U.S., is back in action from February 19-21, 2025, at the World Market Center in Las Vegas. Presented by the Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association (WTHRA), ToyFest has grown in recent years and now enjoys a reputation as a must-attend event for independent toy store owners and retail buyers from across the specialty market. Plus, buyers get in free!
We caught up with Show Director Carrie Scanlan for an update on this year’s show and what to expect.
The Toy Book: Tell us about ToyFest 2025 and why retail buyers should plan to attend.
Carrie Scanlan: ToyFest is an off-market event that collaborates with the World Market Center Las Vegas (WMCLV). The permanent toy and gift showrooms open their doors one or two days before ToyFest opens in the Expo. Retailers should consider attending ToyFest because there are hundreds of thousands of products to view and order with the showrooms and The Expo open for shopping. ToyFest is also held in Las Vegas, which offers easy travel, beautiful weather, and a fun, social, community-driven atmosphere. ToyFest offers seminars, a craft and game event, and an Awards Party, and allows retailers to vote on their favorite picks of the year at Best of ToyFest.
TB: Did your post-show analysis from last year uncover anything you’d like to share?
CS: The post-show survey told us retailers enjoyed the ToyFest Hall of Fame Party and Game Night the most, so we will put extra effort into making those two events extra special.
TB: Can you share some of the product categories that will be on display at ToyFest?
CS: We have toys and games, gifts, infant and toddler items, education and books, STEM items, costumes, beauty and novelty items, and a wide range of items geared toward museums and hobby retailers. There is something for every retail buyer.
TB: How have you implemented technology into your show experience?
CS: New this year, an app called ToyFest exists in the Apple and Google Play stores. The app showcases sponsors and advertisers, the agenda, the floor plan, and the exhibitor list. Attendees can see show specials and get hotel info, and retailers can chat with other retailers or exhibitors once they sign up for an account.Â
TB: Do you have an online participation option?
CS: ToyFest is not offered virtually, but the app supports the show with all the latest news and announcements
TB: What special events are you featuring?
CS: On Wednesday, Feb 19, at 8:30 a.m. Morning Masterpieces kit session will kick off the show. That evening, at 6:00 p.m., will be the always anticipated Game Night sponsored by Czech Games
A seminar focusing on AI and how retailers can use this tool to their advantage will be held on Thursday, February 20, at 8:30 a.m. At 7:00 p.m., the ToyFest Party features Hall of Fame Recipients and, new for this year, live entertainment. Fun In Motion, MW Wholesale, and U.S. Toy Co. sponsor this event.
Friday, February 21, at 8:30 a.m., is the Best of ToyFest, which is voted on by the retailers and announced before the end of the show.
Of course, on all three days of the show, the Retailer Raffle will take place at 5:30 p.m. ToyFest will give away $800 per day plus donations from the vendors.
TB: What are your expectations for ToyFest 2025 and your plans moving forward?
CS: The ToyFest Slate of Officers expects the next show, a key place in the industry for order writing, to kick off in 2025. ToyFest plans to stay in Las Vegas for several years and serve the industry at the beginning of the year. ToyFest is fun, a great place to network, and full of new products and experiences.
Check out toyfestus.com to get your tickets today! There is also a limited amount of exhibition space still available, so companies looking to set up shop and meet with buyers still have a chance to get in on the action.
