The annual event will this year merge with the famous Inventor Night NY, with ticket sales supporting POP’s Young Inventor Challenge
People of Play (POP) will host its 26th annual Toy Fair POP Pub Party during New York Toy Fair next week, bringing together the toy and game industry for an evening of networking, celebration, and philanthropy.
The annual event will this year take place on Monday, February 16, at Connolly’s Pub (121 W 45th St.) from 6 pm, and will merge with Inventor Night NY, a longtime Toy Fair tradition founded by Mark Setteducati and co-hosted with Mark Mitton and Robert and Alex Fuhrer, which brings together inventors, puzzlers, artists, and magicians.
The night will support of POP’s Young Inventor Challenge (YIC). Every $20 ticket sold directly benefits the YIC, helping nurture the ideas, confidence, and creativity of young inventors around the world. The evening is sponsored by Eastar Game Manufacturing.
“The POP Pub Party has always been where the toy and game community comes together to connect, celebrate, and spark ideas,” said Mary Couzin, senior vice president and founder/leader of People of Play at The Toy Association. “In 2026, we’re proud to turn that collective energy into meaningful support for young inventors so the next generation of creators has the encouragement and opportunity to bring their ideas to life.”
Tickets are available for $20 each. Those unable to attend POP Pub during Toy Fair can still support the Young Inventor Challenge by making a donation and helping ensure more kids have the opportunity to develop their toy and game projects and gain valuable industry experience.
The Young Inventor Challenge, held annually in November as part of POP Week, provides kids ages 6 to 18 with a platform to help develop and pitch their original toy and game ideas to industry professionals. Through mentorship and feedback, the program nurtures creativity, confidence, and real-world product development skills.
