People of Play’s Annual Fall Events Will Bring Together Inventors, Influencers, Consumers, Media, and Industry Leaders from Around the World
Industry professionals are now invited to register for POP Week 2026, a four-day series of events dedicated to the inventors, fans, and leaders shaping the toy and game industry. Presented by People of Play™ (POP), a division of The Toy Association™, the events will run from November 5 to 8 in Rosemont, IL, featuring professional opportunities designed to bring the global play community together in the spirit of innovation and play.
“POP Week is where connections turn into collaborations and ideas become reality,” said Mary Couzin, senior vice president and founder/leader of People of Play at The Toy Association. “We’ve seen incredible stories unfold here, from new inventors stepping into the spotlight to bold ideas winning the attention of global companies and lasting partnerships born from chance conversations. The energy of POP Week is contagious, and it truly shows the power of our industry when people come together to support and celebrate play.”
From lively social gatherings to career-making pitch meetings, POP Week 2026 highlights include:
- Global Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference (November 5 to 7, Embassy Suites Chicago O’Hare Rosemont)
- Inventor Opportunities: New inventors can pitch ideas, attend educational sessions, and receive mentorship from product development, licensing, and marketing experts. Professional inventors can pitch one-on-one to product acquisition executive teams for licensing and partnership opportunities.
- Keynotes & Mentoring: Hear from industry leaders on emerging trends, strategies behind successful product launches, and more.
- Networking Receptions: Build relationships with toy and game industry executives and dealmakers in casual evening settings.
- A ticket to the TAGIE Awards is included with conference registration.
- Toy & Game Innovation Excellence Awards (TAGIEs) (November 6, Joe’s Live Concert Venue) – Celebrate the best and brightest in toy and game innovation at the prestigious TAGIE Awards, which honors the inventors, marketers, retailers, and rising stars behind the most impactful products in the industry.
- Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG) (November 7 to 8, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont) — North America’s largest consumer toy and game event returns this year to bring brings kids, parents, inventors, influencers, and the media together during peak holiday season excitement to discover the toys and games that belong on every wishlist. CHITAG’s “Wishlist Weekend®” is a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their hottest holiday products, spark buzz, and connect directly with their end-consumer. Click here for more information on exhibiting at the fair.
Whether you’re looking to learn, pitch, partner, launch, or interact with consumers and influencers, POP Week 2026 is your gateway to the toy and game industry. Learn more at chitag.com and follow along on social media using #chitag, #chitag2026, &#peopleofplay.
