ToyFest pauses in 2026 to reinvent in 2027
Given the current climate within the toy industry and the changes that have taken place since 2020, the Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association (WTHRA) Board of Directors has paused ToyFest for 2026.
The board emphasized that this is not a step away from serving the retailers and manufacturers that they have served for the last 65 years, but rather a “recognition that sometimes staying relevant means adapting to new needs and visions. It is also a commitment to creating something new and exciting for retailers in 2027.”
“Given the current market conditions, and feedback we have received from customers, sales representatives and vendors alike, I think the Board made a prudent decision to skip a year to reassess our show. WTHRA/ToyFest has shown the ability to pivot to stay relevant and beneficial for over six decades. I’m confident that WTHRA will again show its ability to host a meaningful and successful event in 2027,” said John Hansen, chairman of WTHRA.
WTHRA has been producing a toy show in some fashion since 1961. The toy show started as a “trunk show” with sales reps, but once the WTHRA board and officers formed in 1961, the toy show was held at the Hollywood Biltmore Hotel for several years before growing too large and was moved to Pasadena, California, in the 1970s. It was there where Paradice, the current show exhibitor services team started. Once the show outgrew Pasadena, it moved to the Pomona Fair Grounds and was known as the Pomona Toy Show until finding its home in Las Vegas for the past 12 years (with a brief three-year stint in Long Beach from 2010-2012).
The board said it is welcome to ideas from both retailers and manufacturers as to what sort of event would best serve their needs and encourages them to share with a board member or officer — or email the office at info@toyfestUS.com.
In the meantime, ToyFest will continue with Game Days on Monday, Aug. 25, in Portland, Oregon, and in Albany, California, on Wednesday, Aug. 27. Retailers can register before June 30 for an early bird discount.
“The ToyFest slate of officers and I can’t wait for 2027 as we transform ToyFest into is next best version of itself,” said Sandy Lepire, president of ToyFest.
