| | | Pomona, CA – All the leaves are green, and the sky is blue – just in
time for some good ol’ western fun at the 47th Annual Western States Toy
& Hobby Show, presented by the Western Toy & Hobby Representatives
Association. More than 900 manufacturers
and manufacturer’s representatives are expected to showcase the latest, coolest
toys and hobbies at the annual WTHRA
trade show, which is the nation’s second largest toy and hobby trade show, just
behind the New York International Toy Fair. The
2008 Western States Toy & Hobby Show
is scheduled to take place March 8-11, 2008 at the LA County Fairplex in beautiful, warm and sunny Southern
California This year, WTHRA is pulling out all the stops with
a western-themed show, “Blaze a Trail,” sure to make the attendees and exhibitors
have a golden time! The show features a
wide selection of manufacturers and representatives, combining both established
and new resources for retailers. | | | | |
| | | | “With its convenient
location, beautiful scenery and warm weather, it’s a perfect setting for blazing
into Pomona,”
explains Betsy Harney, president of WTHRA.
“The show features a wide range of toy manufactures sure to please everyone’s
toy taste!” WTHRA will host its 6th
annual “Tons of Toys” giveaway, with
a chance for retailers to win free goods donated by participating vendors – and
it won’t be delivered by the Pony Express. Every order written at the show gives retailers an opportunity
to win the loot! The ever-popular Casino
Night will take place Saturday, March 8th along with the 14th
annual awards dinner Sunday March 9th and this year’s theme is California Dreamin! It will have a laid back and relaxed SoCal atmosphere and select toy industry veterans will be
honored! The honorees inducted this year
are Jane Naisbitt, Sid Strand, Doug Cason, and Bart
Raymond. Chosen as the Retailer of the
Year is Puzzle Zoo from Santa Monica,
CA. Sunday and Monday
morning will also include free seminars for retailers by industry experts. Presented by Mort Haas OTB Retail Systems, How Much Should I Buy? will detail the
need, benefits and workings of the "open-to-buy" process. ASTRA will also be presenting Share the Fair to discuss and better educate
retailers on what toys are hot and why. Game Night,
for retailers
only, is on Monday March 10th and is a great place to meet the manufacturers,
ask questions and learn how to play their games. Complimentary drinks and food will be provided
while participants play hard to win cash prizes! Booth space for qualifying
manufacturers, wholesalers, importers, and representatives is still available
to exhibit toy, juvenile, juvenile sporting goods, games, hobby or related items.
Visit www.wthra.com or call 951-277-1598 for more information
or to request a contract and exhibitor pricing. Registration to attend
the 47th Annual Western States
Toy & Hobby Show is also currently open to retailers and trade guests
online at www.wthra.com. About WTHRA: Following the WTHRA philosophy to develop, manage and
nurture its trade show while mentoring and educating its members and the toy industry.
The non-profit Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association
was formed more than 45 years ago and has organized the Western States Toy & Hobby Show ever
since. Over the years, the Western Toy & Hobby Show has grown
to become both the second oldest and second largest toy trade show in the United States. The show grows in attendance every year, drawing
from not only the west but also from all over the US and Mexico. The increase in attendees has boosted exhibitors,
offering an opportunity to expose new products to a varied group of retailers.
Held at the Fariplex in Pomona,
CA, the Western Toy & Hobby Show continues to flourish and grow enabling
exciting opportunities participants! For
more information about WTHRA or to
attend or exhibit at the Western Toy &
Hobby Show, please visit www.wthra.com
or call 951-277-1598. | | | |
