ToyFest pauses 2026 event

The Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association plans to offer an exciting event for retailers in 2027.

The Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association board of directors has decided to pause the 2026 ToyFest event in order to reassess how to best serve the toy industry given the current climate of the toy industry and given the changes that have been taking place since 2020. The show most recently took place Feb. 19-21 at World Market Center in Las Vegas for its 63rd exhibition and 12th trade show.

WTHRA says it is committed to creating a new and exciting event 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 show in 2027,” says WTHRA Chairman John Hansen.

WTHRA has been producing various toy trade shows since 1961. The organization’s toy show started as a “trunk show” with sales reps and grew over the years. Initially held at the Hollywood Biltmore Hotel for several years, the show expanded and moved to Pasadena, California, in the 1970s. After outgrowing Pasadena, it moved to the Pomona Fair Grounds and became 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, California, from 2010 to 2012).

As the organization pauses its 2026 show, WTHRA says it is open to ideas from both retailers and manufacturers as to what sort of trade show or event would best serve their needs. Retailers and manufacturers can share ideas with WTHRA by emailing info@toyfestUS.com.

ToyFest plans to continue with its Game Days event on Monday, Aug. 25 in Portland, Oregon, and on Wednesday, Aug. 27 in Albany, California. Retailers can register for Game Days now and will receive an early bird discount if they register by June 30.

The WTHRA board plans to share more news on upcoming ToyFest events in the coming months. Sandy Lepire, ToyFest president, says, “The ToyFest slate of officers and I can’t wait for 2027 as we transform ToyFest into its next best version of itself.”