ToyFest 2024 kicks off in early March
The Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association unveiled ToyFest 2024 plans, Hall of Fame recipients and its participation at The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas, March 3-5.
According to show executives, ToyFest 2023 was the most well-attended ToyFest show in the past two decades with buyers from across the U.S.
ToyFest aimed to exude old-school toy industry tradition with a Gala night that celebrates independent toy store owners, manufacturers and sales reps by inducting them into the Hall of Fame. This event is always packed with old friends reconnecting with industry pals they haven’t seen since the last gathering. The ToyFest Gala will take place at Resorts World’s, Lily Ballroom Sunday, March 3, at 7:00 p.m. The Gala will be restricted to the first 550 people registered. This year, The Dinosaur Farm in South Pasadena, California will be awarded Retailer of the Year. The Hall of Fame recipients are Jan and Ken Hatch, retired from The Erin Griffin Group, Tad Kato from Wildthings, Sandy Lepire & Andrea Peterson from Sunshine Sales, and Bruce Reynolds from Toyology.
In addition to the Gala, other events scheduled are Morning Masterpieces, found in The Play Room — The Expo South Hall Breakout Room, which offers buyers hands-on arts and crafts opportunities over breakfast Sunday, March 3, at 8:30 a.m. Buyers will have the opportunity to see, learn, and craft or play the newest and most creative kits and crafts on the market with thirteen vendors including Abacus Brands, Aqua Blocks, Bright Stripes, Crestar Ltd, DJECO, Eye Connect Crafts, Henry’s Toy Box, MW Wholesale, OOLY, Outset Media, Sky Castle Toys, TPG Creation, and U.S. Toy. The legendary ToyFest Game Night is a sold-out room on Monday, March 4, at 6:00 p.m. in the Play Room with eighteen vendors including Arcane Wonders, Bene World Toys, Blue Orange Games, Continuum Games, Czech Games Edition, Epoch Everlasting Play, Fun In Motion Toys, Funwares, Goliath, Hootenanny Games, Kids Table BG, Mukikim, Outset Media, Pallino, R&R Games, SD Toyz, Smart Toys and Games, and The Good Game Company. ToyFest offers dinner and drinks for anyone who attends and plays games.
ToyFest also offers educational seminars to retailers designed to help them grow their businesses. The first seminar is scheduled for Saturday, March 2, at 3:00 p.m. in the Play Room with a focus on “Toy Talk” with The Toy Man, Rick Derr. He will be present to discuss sales, trends, and the Future of Indie Toy Stores. There will be a selection of cookies and coffee served. The second seminar is scheduled for Monday, March 4, at 8:30 a.m. with Colleen Clifford Hendon in the Play Room where she will discuss the topic of “Tools Are Toys, Mom.” This Seminar aims to educate people on how to increase customer engagement and sales through product knowledge. A continental breakfast will be provided.
On Tuesday, March 5, at 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., show manager Carrie Scanlan will host Best of ToyFest, where buyers will vote for products in nine categories. Those registered are asked to come prepared to share their best findings. The list is organized, tallied and announced before the end of the show.
On Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, ToyFest offers a raffle, giving away $800 in cash each day as well as products donated by the vendors. Buyers will receive one raffle ticket for every order they place, giving them a chance to win each day, 30 minutes before the close of show. Buyers must be present to win.