ToyFest West is in Full Swing Prep Mode for 2016's Largest Toy Show in the West

The people in the toy industry experience the holiday season like no other. Giving a gift to a child is more than a kind gesture. It is the opportunity to create magic. And it is that chance to make an eight year old believe that a sleigh full of toys circles the whole world with something perfect just for them that drives our industry.

There is no better place to see, touch hold, learn, experience and plan than the aisles of ToyFest West. While 2015 is winding down, plans for WTHRA's 2016 show are in full swing. As with new toys being offered, the show will be innovative and include improvements on the classic set up.

Taking place in Las Vegas from March 6 – 8 at the South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, the show will include WTHRA's Sunday night Gala on March 6th, celebrating industry leaders from all aspects of the industry. This year's Retailer of the Year is Cheeky Monkey from Menlo Park, CA. The 2016 Hall of Fame inductees include Bernice Baird, John Hansen Jr., John Hansen, Mark Philips, and Dennis Daniello. The Gala will be longer than in previous years with dancing added at the end of the evening. It will be a very celebratory night. Game Night will take place on Monday, March 7th, 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Participants will enjoy pizza and beer while learning some of the new games on the market.

This year the show is offering attendees a special opportunity to make the most of their travels to Las Vegas. The EDexpo show will be taking place at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center, beginning on March 9. Buyers who attend ToyFest West will receive free entrance to the EDexpo Show on Opening Day, March 9.

ToyFest West Continues to Show A Winning Hand at the South Point Casino Hotel & Spa

Extending its winning streak, Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association (WTHRA) is preparing for its third toy and hobby trade show, ToyFest West, at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas. Held Sunday, March 8 through Wednesday, March 11, 2015, the toy show continues to gain popularity. A unique show designed and produced by local representatives and attended by factory personnel, ToyFest West gives retailers the opportunity to work with their local reps while getting valued input from worldwide manufacturers. With nearly 700 vendors unveiling their new products for 2015, this West Coast venue provides all the opportunities of New York Toy Fair in a comfortable and affordable work, stay, play atmosphere.

ToyFest West provides a professional atmosphere for colleagues to gather both on the show floor and at special networking events. On Sunday, March 8, this year's Gala Event will be hosted by WTHRA and will celebrate industry leaders. The 2015 Retailer of the year, Over the Rainbow Toys of Anchorage, Ala., will be honored. Game Night will be held Monday, March 9, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. WTHRA will also offer free shuttles to and from the Strip on the Monday and Tuesday night of the show, providing attendees an easy way to experience the heart of Las Vegas. When buyers attend ToyFest West, they receive a great experience from the show floor as well as the relaxing accommodations. Everything is under one roof—a premium hotel with amenities to suit a variety of interests. Buyers, reps, and manufacturers can enjoy one of many world-class restaurants housed in the hotel, the South Point casino, the luxurious spa, movie theater, bowling alley, shopping and more.

This year's ToyFest West let it ride in Las Vegas at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa

Building on the enthusiasm for the new locale, this year's ToyFest West show was a win-win in all the categories –attendance, number of products, vendors being shown and ultimately, the number of dollars being written at the show. All of the lines were written, and reps were successful in sharing new products, as well as lines recently picked up in New York. Sales increased significantly for a multitude of companies. Having not attended the show in years, Teri Soelter of Teri's Toybox in Edmonds, WA, was excited about the move to Las Vegas and is considering the idea of skipping New York in the future in order to attend ToyFest West annually. "It is easy to get to from Seattle, not having to worry about bad weather flying in and out. I saw product that I missed in New York, and dealing with my local rep groups was a real plus."

One of the things that set this show apart from any other toy show in the country is camaraderie, especially at the annual Gala and Game Night. Many business owners say they appreciate the built in social events and getting to spend time with a variety of industry people. "It is a great way to learn how the industry is changing and growing, hear about product successes at other stores, and really just enjoy all the great people. And Game Night is the perfect way for me to learn about the games I will be selling in my store this year. The information I received is what my customers want to know," says Dana Chavez, owner of The Wonder Emporium in La Habra, CA.