ToyFest a big success in Las Vegas

ToyFest concluded its 63rd exhibition and 12th tradeshow in Las Vegas, held at the World Market Center. Toy & Gift Stores from across the US attended the Las Vegas Show including stores from 40 states and 13 international countries. “What a week! ToyFest 2025 had great energy and excitement, allowing everyone to enjoy all of ToyFest’s special events and products from so many vendors. The buyers that came were serious about order writing. I can’t wait for 2026 as we continue to make ToyFest the best it can be for all.” said Sandy Lepire, ToyFest President.

The WTHRA (Western Toy & Hobby Representatives Association) Board of Directors prides itself on keeping ToyFest affordable for the exhibitors and buyers, and the ToyFest Slate of Officers keeps the show fresh and appealing to the specialty retailer. Because of this, ToyFest was honored as one of 10 Times top ten tradeshows for Baby and Kids in 2024!

Morning Masterpieces Kit Session was sponsored by Connetix Tiles and filled with 14 different vendors, breakfast, and crafting to kick off the show for Buyers on Wednesday, Feb 19. Buyers had the opportunity to see and learn in a hands-on fashion the new and creative kits and crafts on the market from brands including Bright Stripes, Connetix Tiles, Djeco, EyeConnect Crafts, Fun in Motion Toys, Moto Sign and Media Corporation, OOLY, Orb Toys, Outset Media, Ravensburger, Safari Ltd, Schylling Inc., Thames and Kosmos, and TPG Creations. ToyFest gave out extra drink tickets for the ToyFest Party to those that stopped by each vendor table.

ToyFest Game Night was fast and furious as always with nearly 140 attendees who signed up and a sold-out room with eighteen Game Sponsors including Czech Games Edition who sponsored the event, Amigo Games, Bene World, Djeco, Epic Cat Games, Fat Brain, Fun In Motion Toys, Gamewright/Buffalo Games, Happy Camper LLC, Hootenanny Games, Kids Table BG, Mukikim, MW Wholesale, Ravensburger, SD Toyz, Smart Toys and Games, The Cactus Card Game, and The Op Games. ToyFest raffled $400 in cash to lucky buyers as an extra perk for attending. Dinner and drinks were served creating a fun filled night with some fantastic new games learned by all.

ToyFest focused one seminar dedicated to AI for Retailers. The speakers were Matt Jantz, owner of Craez Marketing and Tim Scanlan, owner of 3 brick and mortar retail skateboard stores, 3 skateboard online stores, and a distribution/3PL company, 7V Distribution. Thrive in 2025 with AI dealt with valuable information such as using AI to analyze customer data, optimize inventory, dynamic pricing, improve marketing campaigns, and more.

The ToyFest Party was held at Resorts World, Lily Ballroom on Thursday evening. Sandy Lepire and Bill St. John kicked off the awards portion of the night with an introduction of the volunteer WTHRA Board of Directors and ToyFest Slate of Officers. Industry peers who passed away in 2024 were recognized with a moment of silence including Mike Banducci from R&M Distributors, Marcy Fowler from Fedco and Levin & Schneider, and Karen Beels from Unicorn Gifts & Toys / Lolly & Co. The Individuals who were inducted into the Western Toy & Hobby Hall of Fame were Mike Banducci / R& M Distributors, Stew Rosenberg / Artist Point Giftwrap, and Mike Whitham with Golden Sales. Snapdoodle Toys & Games in Washington State took home Retailer of the Year. New this year were Dueling Pianos for entertainment that had patrons out of their seat dancing after the awards portion concluded. The Party was intimate, engaging, and the food was delicious. The toy industry enjoyed socializing with friends and collogues, creating a captivating evening.

Best of ToyFest showcased some new vendors Tuesday morning. The sit-down round table breakfast awarded the following manufactures to take home the Best in ToyFest in each of the categories below:

Arts & Crafts: Ooly with Kathleen Milne Collection

Building & Construction: Educa/Floral Art by Hansen Company with Golden Sales

Dolls / Action Figures: Joeydolls

Games & Puzzles: Tied between Happy Camper and The Cactus Card Game

Infant: PJM Distributions’ Cloud-b with Sunshine Sales

Novelty: Mushi with Sunshine Sales

Outdoor: Deep Shot Games

Pre-School: tonies

Science: Stem/Steam: Cra-Z-Art’s Dissect It with Sunshine Sales

ToyFest raffled off $2400 +product to buyers all three days in the ToyFest Daily Raffle. For every order written, buyers received a raffle ticket to win.

ToyFest appreciates the continued enthusiasm and looks forward to seeing everyone at the 2026 show. Dates will be announced in the coming months. Please stay tuned. John Hansen III, WTHRA’s incoming Chairman of the Board said, “ToyFest 2025 once again provided a great show for customers, reps and vendors in a relaxed and fun environment. WTHRA looks forward to providing everyone with another great show in 2026.”