2024 POP Week Events Were Super Successful!
Pitch Your Toy & Game Ideas at Largest Pitch Event in World!
Know a Creative Kid? Tell them about the Young Inventor Challenge®
Exhibit at The Chicago Toy & Game Fair!
Be a Sponsor!
"Really looking forward to POP this year! This will be my 8th year attending and wow what a difference it has made on my career!" - April Mitchell, 4A's Creations, LLC
INVENTOR PITCH & INNOVATION CONFERENCES
November 5th - 9th, 2025
Toy & Game Inventors & Designers, Product Acquisition Execs, Innovators, Marketers, Entrepreneurs and Newcomers!
YOUNG INVENTOR CHALLENGE®
November 8th, 2025
Show your game or toy idea to major toy companies, receive valuable feedback on your invention, and maybe even win prizes and have it considered for publishing!
TOY & GAME INT’L INNOVATION EXCELLENCE AWARDS
November 8th, 2025
Public, Social & Traditional Media, Toy & Game Trade Industry all Celebrating the People behind the most innovative products and companies of the year!
CHICAGO TOY & GAME FAIR® (Consumer Show)
November 8th-9th, 2025
Families & People of All Ages to Play, Young Inventor Challenge Entrants, Social & Traditional Media, Toy & Game, Trade, Toy & Game Fair Exhibitors
Join Our People of Play® (POP) Platform!!!
Do you want to find people/companies/products & do you want to them to find you? Get listed in the only database dedicated to the toy and game industry!
You can search and be found, gain access to premium content, enjoy the POP Pub for networking, get access to industry events to further your business, and more! Search companies, individuals and products by roles, skills, location, product, suppliers, awards, promotions and more! The POP Database is your access point to vital and immediate connections and information! There are already over 2,500 profiles and we're just getting started!
What are you waiting for? We've got the most powerful platform in our industry! Join here: www.peopleofplay.com
Why should you attend People of Play® Week?
“I look forward to the People of Play Inventor Conference & the TAGIEs every year! The toy & game community is an amazing group of people and Mary and this event have a way of amplifying all that is great about it. Where else can creators, inventors, manufacturers, retailers, and toy & game companies all come together for a few days in November to learn, share cool ideas and, if lucky, make that connection that leads to the next big thing? The energy is just so positive, and it reminds us of how lucky we are to do what we do. The POP inventor conference is not just about feeling good and celebrating our great industry though. It’s an essential component of Hasbro’s external innovation strategy.”
--Angus Walker, Head of Inventor Relations & External Innovationat Hasbro
"Our first time exhibiting at CHITAG Fair was a fantastic experience. We received wonderful feedback from both kids and parents alike. Mary and the team on the ground at the convention centre were incredibly helpful, answering all our questions and helped facilitate some excellent media opportunities. The CONNETIX team had a great time and we're already looking forward to attending again next year!“
-Lisa McCarthy, Connetix, Project Manager, Events, Australia
“We had such a great time at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair this year! It’s a wonderful family event that gets everyone excited and kicks-off the holiday season. We’ve exhibited the last few years and it’s great to see all the families come through and play with our toys.”
-Jordan Swenson, TOMY International, Marketing Communications Manager
“One of the first purchases we made as a new design studio was to sign up for a full POP Pro membership. The relationships we have made, the lessons learned and ultimately the deals we have signed as a result of our involvement with POP has paid for itself many many times over. It could cost 10x as much and still be a deal!” you, if interested or dealing in the toy, game and gift area, you check out POP."
--Jordan Goddard, Co-Founder, Indy Toy Lab
"Have you heard? There is a new place for all things toys and it is POP (People of Play). I have attended meetings virtually, have spoken at events and love the interaction participants have. Including new acquaintances, informed topic speakers and students looking for guidance. I strongly urge you, if interested or dealing in the toy, game and gift area, you check out POP."
-Rick Derr, Regional Manager and owner at Toy Retailer Learning Express Toys.
Also the President of the Franchise Advisory Council representing all LE stores.
"Thank YOU for creating the best & biggest sandbox out there and making it possible for all of us to play together, no matter where we live. You foster a community that is positive and supportive and for me that is EVERYTHING!!! "
- Elizabeth Werner, TV Host/Lifestyle Expert
The POP Inventor Pitch and Innovation Conference was my first introduction to the industry. If you believe in your toy/game, you simply must give yourself and your product a chance to fly. This is frankly the only convention I attend, and in a few short years I've licensed 7 games, most famously Blank Slate, which has sold nearly 2 million units to date.“ –Bob Kamp, Professional Inventor
"POP Week - It’s truly the most wonderful time of the year!.”
- Shannon Swindle, Inventor Relations Manager, Games at Moose Toys
"Amazing show! The caliber of people and inventions were simply outstanding. The location is perfect! So convenient and affordable! Well done!"
- Erik Quam, Vice President of New Product and Business Development at Smart Toys