The North East Toy and Gift Show (NETS) returns for its third annual event Aug. 30-Sept. 1 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, continuing its focus on supporting specialty retailers and manufacturers across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Founded by toy industry veterans Christine and Alan Blumberg, the show was created to address what organizers describe as a lack of specialty trade events and centralized showroom space for toy retailers on the East Coast. The show’s timing, which shifted to a late-summer schedule, is intended to support fourth-quarter buying and to allow brands to preview products planned for 2027.
“This show is exactly what we need,” says Brigitte Drew of Henry Bears Park, a nine-store specialty toy store chain based in Arlington, Massachusetts. “Because the show is centrally located in the Northeastern region, we will be able to bring our staff, which will help us create a better shopping experience for our clientele.”
Organizers say the location provides easier access for retailers and buyers unable to travel to West Coast events, while also creating an opportunity for manufacturers, sales representatives, and specialty retailers to meet in a regional setting ahead of the holiday season.
“Many of the buyers in the Northeast cannot make it to the West Coast shows, so this transition to the fall time frame is perfect for holiday buying,” says Tim McGuinness, Executive Director of NETS. “NETS offers a simple, cost-effective solution to bring the industry together in the Northeastern region.”
Special programming will again include the Game & Kit Night, an event designed to familiarize retailers and store staff with new games and craft kits through hands-on demonstrations. According to organizers, the format helps specialty retailers improve product knowledge among employees, supporting in-store recommendations and sales.
The Blumbergs held a Game & Kit Day for Astra in 2022, with 37 vendors, eight rep groups, and 58 retailers. The show’s organizers, operating under Trade Show Ventures, trace the NETS origins to the 2022 event.
Support for the show includes participation from companies such as Ravensburger and specialty retailers. “We, at Ravensburger, will be supporting this show based on the resounding requests from our customers in New England and the Mid-Atlantic,” says Tracy Jojokian, Vice President of Sales, Ravensburger.
Exhibitor and attendee registration for the 2026 event is now open. Learn more at netoyshow.com.
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