Sessions at PoP’s Global Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference 2026 will cover AI, legal and IP, marketing, influencer collabs and much more
People of Play has revealed the speaker lineup and agenda for the 2026 Global Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference.
Taking place November 5-7 at the Embassy Suites in Rosemont, Illinois, the event unites inventors, students, designers, and industry leaders for three days of educational sessions, networking, and pitch opportunities.
Product acquisition executives from around the world attend the conference in search of new ideas to license. This year, more than 80 industry executives representing 60 companies are expected to attend, including Mattel, Hasbro, Goliath, Asmodee, Abacus, Moose Toys, Gray Matter Games, Jumbo Group, Thames & Kosmos, Basic Fun!, The Op, Tomy, Jazwares, Amigo, Ravensburger, and many more.
“Inventing can often feel like a solitary pursuit, but this conference reminds creators that they are part of an incredibly supportive and collaborative global community,” said Mary Couzin, senior vice president and founder/leader of People of Play at The Toy Association. “For three days, inventors at every stage of their careers can share ideas, learn from one another, meet the people who can help move their concepts forward, and make connections that can last well beyond the conference.”
Attendees will also benefit from programming featuring sessions on artificial intelligence, legal and intellectual property insights, marketing strategies, and influencer collaboration.
Conference highlights include:
• Keynote Address: Chris Gollaher, director of product design and development at Disney Consumer Products, along with representatives from Lucasfilm and Hasbro, will present the keynote address, “From Galaxy to Toy Aisle: How Disney & Hasbro Bring Star Wars Toys to Life!”
• Speed Pitching: New inventors will have exhibit tables during the popular Speed Meeting/Pitch sessions, offering direct access to dozens of companies for feedback and potential licensing deals.
• Expert Panels: Hear from leading voices in toy innovation, marketing, and design, including Azhelle Wade (The Toy Coach & conference emcee), Yanira Wells (Duracell), Arta Alagheband (Jazwares), Elana Woldenberg Ruffman (hand2mind & Learning Resources), Michael Gray (Nixon Peabody), Matt Nuccio (Design Edge), Amy Friedland (Carve Communications), Rachel Griffin (Playwise Partners), Tracy Dudkiewicz (TAP Marketing), Steve Rad (Abacus/Radical Games), and Jackie Brooks (Loudr Agency).
• Mentoring Opportunities: Attendees can book one-on-one meetings for guidance in manufacturing, design, legal, retail, PR, social media, and more. This year’s mentors include Amy Friedland (Carve Communications), Rachel Griffin (Playwise Partners), Peggy Brown (Brown Creative), Robert Coleman (professional inventor), Tracy Dudkiewicz (TAP Marketing), Lisa Wuennemann (marketing professional), Robert Yusim (Product Counsel), Steve Rad (Abacus Brands/Radical Games), Donna Moore (Toys of Our Lives), Brian Turtle (Goliath Group), Martin Horstman (BitOGenius), Mark Rappaport (Marky Sparky), Victoria Hanson (Irwin IP), Reid Huefner (Irwin IP), and Michael Gray (Nixon Peabody).
• Networking Receptions: Evening receptions provide relaxed, social settings to connect with toy and game executives and dealmakers.
• Complimentary Access: Conference registration includes admission to the Toy & Game International Innovation Excellence Awards (TAGIEs) on November 6 at Joe’s Live Concert Venue and the Chicago Toy & Game Fair from November 7 to 8 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
Click here to register today and explore the full conference agenda.
