North East Toy Show - NETS 2026
Event Date
August 30 – September 1, 2026
Location
Springfield, MA
Expected Exhibitors
200
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe North East Toy Show (NETS) is a business-to-business specialty toy, gift and game trade show held at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. Created by a group of specialty toy veterans, NETS was launched in 2024 as an economical way for specialty retailers to review full lines of products and interact directly with vendors, without the expense of traveling to New York or Atlanta.
The show is built around three principles — Convenience, Community and Commerce. It features national brands across all toy categories, including games, dolls, puzzles, arts and crafts, construction, novelty and books, giving buyers a chance to unbox new items, review new products and network with fellow retailers. Because of the central location in Springfield, retailers can also bring their staff, and a more knowledgeable staff relates to higher sales in stores.
NETS is the largest specialty toy and gift trade show in New England and sits a short drive from more retailers than any other specialty show in the country. Timed at the start of the 4th quarter, the show is scheduled so that retailers are ready to buy and vendors are ready to ship.
Show Highlights
Key features of the show include:
- Over 200 booths, new product introductions and show specials, all in support of a local, neighbor-feel atmosphere.
- Manufacturers featuring quarterly specials and deals for attending buyers.
- A broad exhibitor lineup of national and specialty brands, including Ravensburger, LEGO, Melissa & Doug, Spin Master, Schleich, Haba, Fat Brain Toys, Playmobil, Ty, University Games and many more.
- Free WiFi provided to all attendees throughout the show.
- On-site food, with concession stands inside the exhibit hall plus several unique, local food trucks in the common area near the entrance.
- A logistics advantage for vendors, who can arrange shipments of merchandise and display material between the ASTRA show in Milwaukee, NETS in Springfield, and the Toy Preview Show in Los Angeles through the NETS general service contractor.
Registration
Attendees register through the show's official website via the Attendee Registration page at netoyshow.com. Included in the attendee badge purchase are two $10 lunch vouchers that can be used at the concession stands inside the exhibit hall and at the specialty stands in the common areas.
Children are allowed on the show floor during show hours as long as they are accompanied by an adult at all times, but children under 18 are not permitted during exhibitor setup and tear down. Businesses interested in exhibiting can apply for a booth through the show's Exhibitor Info page.
History
The first New England Game & Kit Day in 2022 was so well received that specialty toy and gift stores asked whether a larger event was possible. In response, the North East Toy and Gift Show (NETS) was created in 2024 as an economical way for specialty retailers to review full product lines and interact directly with vendors without traveling to New York or Atlanta, with a central Springfield location that also lets retailers bring their staff. The show has since positioned itself as the largest specialty toy and gift trade show in New England.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Last updated: July 21, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 North East Toy Show held?
NETS runs Sunday, August 30 through Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. Exhibit hall hours are 9 AM to 5 PM on August 30 and 31, and 9 AM to 1 PM on September 1.
Who should attend NETS?
NETS is a B2B show created for specialty toy and gift retailers, vendors and sales representatives, particularly those serving the New England and Mid-Atlantic region. It lets retailers review full product lines, place orders and network, and it is central enough that stores can bring their staff.
How do I register to attend?
Attendees register through the Attendee Registration page on the official website, netoyshow.com. Each attendee badge purchase includes two $10 lunch vouchers usable at concession and specialty stands inside the venue.
Where should I park and how much does it cost?
The MGM Casino offers free parking a 5-minute walk from the MassMutual Center, and a garage across the street on Bruce Landon Way charges $10 for event parking. The Marriott Springfield Downtown host hotel offers a discounted $10 parking rate.
What makes NETS worth attending?
NETS is New England's largest specialty toy and gift trade show, featuring over 200 booths, new product introductions and manufacturer show specials. Held at the start of the fourth quarter, it is timed so retailers are ready to buy and vendors are ready to ship.
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