Leading voices from across the toy industry will share insights at next month’s Global Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference
People of Play (PoP), a division of The Toy Association, has revealed the speaker lineup and agenda for the 2025 Global Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference.
Taking place November 5 to 9 at the Embassy Suites in Rosemont, Illinois, the event unites inventors, students, designers, and industry leaders for four days of educational sessions, networking, and pitch opportunities.
“Whether you’re looking to break out in the industry or are a seasoned inventor, there is opportunity for everyone at the Global Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference,” said Mary Couzin, SVP and founder of People of Play. “All attendees will have the chance to pitch toy and game ideas directly to product acquisition executives, gain expert feedback, and explore licensing and partnership opportunities. And beyond the pitches and panels, this conference is about connection — building relationships, sharing insights, and being part of a creative community that lifts each other up.”
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: Dustin Cohn, chief marketing officer at OnePay and formerly with Goldman Sachs and PepsiCo, will share how successful brands build powerful emotional and rational connections with their audiences through purposeful storytelling.
- Expert Panels: Hear from leading voices in toy innovation, marketing, and design, including Azhelle Wade (The Toy Coach & conference emcee), Ross Thompson (Atomic Mass Games), Grant Lyon (Grant’s Game Recs), Dani Standring (game influencer), Joe Barron (Gray Matters Games), Amy Friedland (Carve Communications), Rachel Griffin (Playwise Partners), Tracy Dudkiewicz (TAP Marketing), Reid Huefner and Victoria Hanson (Irwin IP), Michael Gray (Nixon Peabody), and Severin Strehl (Piatnik, Austria).
- 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.
- 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), Robert Coleman (professional inventor), Tracy Dudkiewicz (TAP Marketing), Lisa Wuennemann (marketing professional), Robert Yusim (Product Counsel), Steve Rad (Abacus Brands), Donna Moore (Toys of Our Lives), Brian Turtle (Goliath Group), Martin Horstman (BitOGenius), Mark Rappaport (Marky Sparky), Lea Edwards (Irwin IP), Reid Huefner (Irwin IP), and Michael Gray (Nixon Peabody).
The event will also provide opportunities for networking and complimentary access to associated events, including the Chicago Toy and Game Fair and TAGIEs.
Click here to register today and explore the full conference agenda.
