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NRHSA Expo 2024: Bigger, Better Than Ever! The 30th annual edition of the NRHSA Conference and Table Top Expo kicks off Sept. 15-18, 2024, at The Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas. Six educational tracks are scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 15, the opening day of the conference. At 1:00 pm-2:30 pm, Monday, Sept. 16, join Gary Barker from the Barker Institute for the NRHSA keynote address, Tools and Techniques For Influential Selling. Barker will share his game-changing approach that can unlock unprecedented success in today’s competitive marketplace. His transformative roadmap is backed by tried, tested and proven strategies and insights. It’s a paradigm-shifting approach that empowers you to connect, persuade and drive results with unparalleled efficacy. Don’t forget the popular demo sessions: Airplanes, Boats and Cars on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. You can get hands-on experience with new products and learn from the experts. The “Five Minutes to Wow Me” session is back by popular demand on Monday. Exhibitors present their wares in just five minutes to impress the audience of retailers. Last but certainly not least, the Table Top Expo opens Monday afternoon and runs through the end of the day Wednesday. Over 120 product exhibitors and product lines are set to be on display. Meet up with old friends and build new relationships. Many vendors offer show-only specials that make the trip worthwhile each year. For more details, see the schedule of events and projected exhibitor list in this issue. For more information, visit NRHSA.org. Be Careful With Information On Your Website It can also give cyber thieves a way to target you, your employees, the store and perhaps other organizations. With names and smiling photos of employees, and maybe a fun fact or two, cyber thieves can get enough information to get payment or other sensitive information with a phone call. Testimonials on your site or comments on social media pages could expose customers as well. Called “social engineering,” the cyber thieves can call with enough personal information to trick whoever answers the phone. They may impersonate a customer or a vendor. The caller might say they are with an organization calling to renew your membership or a subscription for software. Kevin Wade, CEO of cybersecurity consulting company Wade recommends companies review the amount of information they put on their sites, particularly about company leadership and employees, as well as customers and their projects. MRID Moves Annual Breakfast And Awards To Amherst year, the Model Railroad Industry Division (MRID) of the Hobby Manufacturers Association has decided to move the MRID annual breakfast meeting and the presentation of the Bobbye Hall Award and Hall of Fame Award to the Amherst Railroad Hobby Show in January 2025. The 2024 recipients of the Bobbye Hall Award and Hall of Fame Award will be presented at the annual MRID meeting. John Sacerdote, show director, is excited to host the Hall of Fame display and welcomes the MRID to the Amherst show in January 2025. New Tracks Modeling Presents Scholarships Mentoring Scholarships to three winners on a Zoom show on July 31. Bob Davidson, chairman of the New Tracks Modeling Mentoring Scholarship Committee, presented $2,000 scholarships to college students Robert Winter, Ethan Bernstein and Brock Durham. The 501c(3) Florida Corporation raised sufficient donated funds from the model railroad community in 2023 to offer three $2,000 scholarships this year, one of which is provided in conjunction with the Pacific Coast Region of the NMRA. The goal of the New Track Modeling Mentoring Scholarships (NTMMS) is to help high school graduate model railroaders pursue their higher education in a STEAM discipline. The scholarships are paid to the student’s school and can be used for any fee owed to the school including room, board, or other school fees (such as supplies bought at the school’s bookstore). Homewood Toy & Hobby Celebrates 70 Years The store opened in 1950 and has been family owned for three generations. They specialize in a diverse range of toys, from classic wooden treasures to the latest trends for all ages. According to owner Tricia McCain, their knowledgeable staff and a commitment to quality customer service are what set them apart from competitors.
With the largest selection of surface and air RC vehicles in town, Homewood Toy & Hobby also offers enthusiasts in-store repairs on hobby brand vehicles. Moreover, their free gift-wrapping service, available with a $12 minimum purchase, adds a touch of convenience and charm. The store carries a diverse set of brands, including RC vehicles, model kits, puzzles, building blocks and more. Model Railroad Opens In Botanical Gardens Recently, the attraction has added a delightful new attraction that is captivating visitors of all ages: the Descanso Miniature Railroad. At the Descanso Railroad, seven little trains run on overhead tracks and past train stations made out of natural materials, said Descanso Gardens Communications Director Jennifer Errico. “You’ll see Grand Central Station, L.A., and then the middle America stations around the country.”
The Descanso Mini Railroad is more than just a new attraction; it pays homage to Descanso Gardens’ rich history. The original Descanso Train has given rides to visitors since it opened as a seasonal attraction in the 1980s. Passengers straddle cars pulled by a 1/8 scale model of a diesel engine. The train ride has reopened after a 2023 renovation including an upgrade to be completely electric. Riders take a 4-mph train trip that loops through a seasonal display that lasts six minutes.
“The toy industry remains heavily influenced by pop culture, so demand for related toys, such as action figures, dolls, and playsets, is fueled by popular franchises like Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars,” said Gauri Garale, research head for Market Decipher. “There are many toy lines devoted to movies, TV series, and video games that profit on their popularity.” Market factors fueling growth include e-commerce and online shopping trends accelerated by the availability of various products and affordable prices. Growing awareness of environmental issues drives consumer demand for eco-friendly toys made from sustainable materials such as wood, bamboo, and recycled plastics.
Recent activity in the market includes Spin Master Corp’s June 2024 acquisition of Melissa & Doug for $950 million. In May 2024, The LEGO Group has launched the latest additions to its LEGO Islands collection—a series of kid- and family-friendly LEGO-themed experiences designed by the brand within Fortnite. To host a Young Inventor Challenge, select a date before Oct. 18, 2024. Then, sign up on the website: www.chitag.com/yic. Sign-up includes access to planning and marketing materials and one complimentary registration to the Young Inventor Challenge International Championship.
Finally, start planning and promoting your Young Inventor Challenge! Use these tags on social media: #PeopleofPlay |
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