SPRINGFIELDMass. — It takes a team of seasoned industry professionals to turn an idea into a successful trade show, and that’s exactly what’s happening in Massachusetts this February. Christine and Alan Blumberg of Trade Show Ventures have teamed up with industry veteran Lea Culliton, former president of toy retailer HABA and president of ABC Kids Expo, to create theNorth East Toy Fair (NETS), scheduled for February 11-13, 2024, at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Organizers are expecting 1,200 attendees for their first show, which will be a combination of a traditional toy and gift fair with an emphasis on board games.
“We will have a dedicated exhibit space in the games lobby, which will be open for extended hours on Monday night’s games night,” said Culliton, NETS executive director. “In the common area outside the halls, additional gaming tables will be available for brands exhibiting in the main halls.”
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The event will replicate the successful event they held in October of 2022, when they were exploited as a resource by the American specialty toy Retail trade Association (ASTRA) created a Games and Kits Day. It attracted 37 vendors, eight rep groups and over 100 store owners and employees representing 58 retail locations, and it was so successful that retailers and brands asked if they would continue to do it every year. They chose February as the month meet a need specifically requested by owners of specialty toy and gift stores in the Northeast region in this winter time slot.
“February is a pivotal time for brands to meet with buyers, and many don’t have the time or staff to travel west. NETS will provide a simple solution and bring the industry together after such a long separation,” said Culliton, who is coming out of retirement to lead the show. “Plus, on a personal level, working on the show allows me to get back into an industry I have a great passion for.”
Registration for the NETS program will open this spring. For more information, visit:http://www.NEToyShow.com.
Contact Lea Culliton at lea@netoyshow.com