2024 Global Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference
Thousands of Toy/Game Ideas Have Been Licensed!
November 6th - 9th
Connect, Pitch, Learn at Largest & Longest Running Premier Inventor Event
“The POP pitch event is the business opportunity you can’t miss. The opportunity to pitch to Mattel in person at POP was a game changer for me - they licensed a game and now it is in Walmart!" -Chrissy Fagerholt, EAP Toys and Games
"I look forward to the People of Play Inventor Conference and the TAGIEs every year, but I have to say that this year was the best one yet! The toy and 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, Hasbro
Four Tracks Tailored to Your Needs
No other event offers you so many fun and unique networking opportunities with such easy access to everyone and everything! The hotel suites surround an atrium that is an informal meeting space all day and night long. All suites have separate living rooms with a four-person dining table for meetings, mini-kitchens and more. You'll meet in these suites, at the Pitch Event or in the meeting space. It gets even better... 24-hr business center, complimentary made-to-order breakfast each morning and cocktails/snacks each evening - with your colleagues. The closeness to all transport and free shuttles to/from O'Hare airport (named one of most connected in world) and around Rosemont - no need for taxis/Lyfts/Ubers! Indoor pool/fitness center, fabulous restaurants all within walking distance and a new brick oven pizza kitchen in the hotel and they will deliver to your room!
On the Saturday and Sunday after the Conference and the TAGIE Awards, the Chicago Toy & Game Fair is literally across the street.
What are you waiting for? Register today! We sold out of hotel rooms last year, don't let that happen to you!
*New Inventor Track - experience unrivaled opportunities to pitch your ideas from your own table, network and learn straight from the pros! In addition to the Inventor Pitch and Conference Speakers and Mentors, tickets to the Toy & Game Innovation Excellence Awards (TAGIEs) and to the Chicago Toy & Game Fair are included in your registration. If you wish to exhibit at the Fair, you receive a discount on tables/booths. After you register, we will give you a discount code.
**If you are a Professional Inventor or Product Acquisition Exec and have not received an invitation, please apply HERE.
We Expect These Companies and More This Year!
These are just some of the past companies that participated in RECENT years- we expect them and more this year! Don't be left out! Register today! Deals are being made!
2024 Industry Mover and Shaker Keynotes!
Sharon has served as president and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop since 2013, where she has led the turning around and redefining of the multimillion-dollar company and beloved brand while navigating the “retail apocalypse”—and, more recently, a global pandemic—to deliver the most profitable year in the company’s history in 2022 following its previously most profitable year in 2021.
Before becoming the CEO of a publicly traded company, Sharon was a self-professed tomgirl from Tennessee. With sights beyond her small-town roots, Sharon embarked on a fascinating life journey of challenges and opportunities, including graduating from the University of Tennessee, working in the ad industry in New York City, earning an MBA from Columbia University, managing iconic kids’ brands at companies like Mattel and Hasbro and becoming known as a change agent, and eventually accepting the role of president of the Stride Rite Children’s Group, which led to Sharon taking the helm at Build-A-Bear.
Sharon also serves on the board of directors at Jack in the Box, and on the President of the Toy Industry Association board.
Director | GM / Category Leader | Toys & Entertainment at Amazon
Anne has been at Amazon for over 12 years in roles spanning vendor management, marketing, supply chain and operations.
Greg Ahearn - Moderator of Panel
CEO and President of the Toy Association
Industry Expert Conference Speakers
Tools of the Trade. Apps and more to save you time!
Dougal is the founder of EightyTwo, a Games entertainment company and consultancy. Having worked on the world's largest games brands at Hasbro and Spin Master, Dougal is now focused on new and original game IP and working with game creators globally.
Leah is a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience in project management, client services, and agency operations. She's been the driving force behind multi-million dollar programs for big names like YouTube, Kellogg’s and General Motors. As a fractional operations leader, Leah channels her expertise to help business leaders of small to mid-sized businesses grow faster, streamline operations, and create environments where teams can shine.
M.E.S.H. Mental-Emotional-Social-Health - We're in Mental Health Crisis...
The Toy & Game Industry Needs to be Part of the Solution
Rachele is the Head of Commercial for Crunch Labs. Just a few weeks ago she was Head of the ThinkFun Division of Ravensburger where they design activities and games that build kids skills with progressive challenges. She is passionate about play and creating products that make an impact on kids’ lives and focused on spreading the word that we can build kids resilience and MESH skills through play.
How AI Is Making Toy Innovation and Pitching Easier than EVER Before
The Toy Coach
In today's dynamic and ever-evolving world, the toy industry is experiencing a remarkable transformation thanks to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Join The Toy Coach for an engaging and insightful talk, "Unlocking Creativity: How AI Is Revolutionizing Toy Ideation and Pitching," where we'll delve into the fascinating realm of AI-driven innovation in the world of toys and games.
Imagine a world where the process of dreaming up new toys, refining their designs, and presenting them to the world has become faster, more efficient, and brimming with creative possibilities. During this enlightening session, we will demystify AI, explore tailored AI tools you can start using today, and experience a live AI demo.
Whether you're a toy designer, inventor, entrepreneur, or simply a curious individual interested in the intersection of technology and creativity, this talk promises to open your eyes to the exciting world of AI-driven toy innovation.
Prepare to be inspired, informed, and equipped with the knowledge to harness AI's potential in your own toy journey. The future of toy ideation and pitching promises to be easier and more exciting than ever before.
Media Relations, Influencer Marketing, Toy Fair and More!
Executive Vice President at Freeman Public Relations
Working with Media & Influencers: A Blueprint for New Product Launches
Amy knows the toy and game PR business. She’s worked with the industry’s biggest names and the smallest startups, helping them with brand awareness, new product launches, influencer campaigns and more. In a nutshell, she helps her clients successfully move the needle at retail. Amy has spearheaded numerous award-winning campaigns that have driven explosive consumer awareness. Influencer campaigns that she manages generate important “eyeballs” that help translate into sales. She loves brainstorming with her clients and has been known to color outside the lines of traditional PR with some off the wall ideas! Plus, she’s helped nominate and win more than a few TOTY and TAGIE’s for her clients over the years.
Co-Founder, Playwise Partners
Embodying the spirit of “work hard, play harder,” Rachel lives and breathes the business of play and boasts over two decades of children's entertainment PR and marketing experience. She is like a playtime ninja, stealthily launching oodles of toy brands and franchises for the giants of the industry including multiple Toy of the Year winners and nominees. And not only that, Rachel is an Advisory Board member for The Genius of Play and People of Play (formerly the Chicago Toy and Game Fair), a spokesperson for The Toy Association, a two-time Women In Toys: Wonder Woman of the Year Finalist, and a PRSA member, all of which showcase her genuine passion for all things play.
Along with PR, Rachel has a superpower for crafting mind-blowing promotions and campaigns that have increased brand awareness year over year. Whether it's dazzling media coverage or jaw-dropping events, Rachel is the maestro of all things to get brands noticed to drive sales.
The consequences of underprioritizing contracts, copyrights and trademarks in toys and entertainment. Discussion of potential legal scenarios, and how failing to conduct searches, delayed IP filings, and not having properly drafted contracts prior to engagement of creative services can cause unnecessary stress and expense.
Sr. Attorney at Irwin IP
As a member of Irwin IP LLC, in Chicago, my practice focuses on intellectual property litigation, transactional, and counseling work.
My litigation practice includes work on patent, trade secret, copyright, and trademark issues in a variety of forums and industries. I have appeared in state and federal district and appellate courts, the ITC, the Court of International Trade, and post-grant proceedings before the USPTO. Industries I have worked in include chemical and oil; pharmaceuticals, biologics, and nutraceuticals; consumer products; medical and dental products, both chemical and mechanical; HVAC equipment and mechanical devices; ANDA/Hatch-Waxman; silicon ingot manufacturing; computer software and hardware; and radio frequency identification (RFID), telecommunications, and wireless technologies.
I also serve my clients by providing counsel and legal advice relating to their various licensing, merger, acquisition, and other transactional activities.
Intellectual Property Attorney
Over 18 years of experience in intellectual property matters involving patent, copyright, trademarks, and trade secrets. I regularly represents clients seeking to enforce or monetize their intellectual property assets as well as defending clients against claims of infringement asserted by both competitors and non-practicing entities. I have assisted a number of gaming companies with their intellectual property matters, including assisting established companies such as Games Workshop in its copyright and trademark matters, as well individual artists in disputes about the proper scope of use of their artwork in sequels to popular card games. nnovative solutions are an integral part of my intellectual property philosophy. As part of that philosophy, I not only looks for opportunities to push the law i
2024 Conference Agenda
Wednesday Evening, November 6th, POP Week Kick-Off
Thursday, November 7th
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6:30am - 9:00am – Atrium - Breakfast at your leisure and a perfect opportunity to chat with someone in the industry.
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8:00 - 9:00am - Ballroom - Registration outside Ballroom/Conference room on first floor.
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9:00am Ballroom - Opening Keynotes - Sharon Price John, CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Anne Carrihil,
Director | GM / Category Leader | Toys & Entertainment at Amazon, and Geoffrey Greenberg, Geoffrey is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Just Play, LLC. The keynote panel is moderated by Greg Ahearn, President and CEO of the Toy Association. -
10:00am - Ballroom - Dougal Grimes and Leah Zalinski - Tools of the Trade. Apps and more to save you time!
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10:30am - Ballroom - Rachele Harmuth - M.E.S.H. - Mental - Emotional - Social - Health. How does our industry help, starting with inventors.
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11:00am - Ballroom - Azhelle Wade - How AI Is Making Toy Innovation and Pitching Easier than EVER before.
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12:00pm - 2:00pm – Ballroom - Lunch for everyone. New Inventor and Design Student Exhibition/Speed Pitch during lunch. Included in your registration is an exhibit table for the "Speed Meeting/Pitch" opportunity to pitch your toy, game or app prototypes, products, and ideas to dozens of companies for licensing and feedback. If a Product Acquisition Exec is interested in your idea, they will set a meeting with you for some time later that day or the next day.
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2:00pm - 3:00pm – Ballroom - PR & Marketing - Making the Play: Essential Role for Toys & Games in 2024 and Beyond.
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3:00pm - 5:00pm - Ballroom - Legal Panel - AI, contracts, copyrights and trademarks. Bring your questions!
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5pm - Group photo in the atrium!
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5:00pm - 6:300pm – Atrium - Evening Reception - two complimentary beers, wines, or premium spirits & appetizers.
Friday, November 8th
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6:30am - 9:30am – Atrium - Breakfast at your leisure and a perfect opportunity to chat with someone in the industry.
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10:00am - 10:30am – Mentoring with a Product Acquisition Executive (we will give you info and suite number)
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10:30am - 5:30pm – Atrium - Advice from Experts! Book a meeting for advice from experts in manufacturing, legal, design, shipping, retail, other shows, exhibiting, social media, marketing/pr, pitching, financial and more!
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12:00pm Lunch is on your own. You can enjoy pizza hot from the brick oven in the hotel (and other delish menu choices) or there is a plethora of dining options minutes away!
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6:00pm - The Toy & Game Int'l Innovation Excellence Awards - the TAGIEs! Joe's LIVE, a 5 min walk. Your admission to the TAGIEs are included in your registration
Saturday and Sunday November 9th and 10th
Chicago Toy & Game Fair - Your Conference badge will give you free admittance to Fair and you receive a discount on table or booth if you exhibit.
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7:30am - 10:30am – Atrium - Breakfast at your leisure. Great opp to have a chat with someone from industry.
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9:00 - 6pm The Chicago Toy & Game Fair right across the street at the Donald E Stephens Convention Center!
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5:30 - 7:00pm – Atrium - Evening Reception - two complimentary drinks - a variety of beer, wine, and premium spirits.
Industry Experts for One-on-One Mentoring on Friday and Saturday
In-person or via Zoom for 15 Minutes
President, McHale Design
The Toy Guy
The Toy Coach
Marketing Strategist | Brand Management Strategic Partnerships | Communications
EVP, Global Government & Regulatory Affairs, Toy Association
Intellectual Property Attorney
CEO of GennComm and Chief Ideator at GennComm ImaGENNationn
What Past Attendees Say...
POP Week - It’s truly the most wonderful time of the year! - Shannon Swindle, Moose Games
Amazing show! The caliber of people and inventions were simply outstanding. The location is perfect! So convenient and affordable! Well done! -Erik Quam, Smart Toys
POP Inventor Pitch/Conference is unique as the only industry show dedicated and specifically catering to game and toy inventors and the executives that influence the path of innovation for their respective companies. It’s also a terrific venue for networking as each year we emerge with new customers and stronger relationships. If you choose this vocation, it’s absolutely essential to attend. –Robert Fuhrer, NEXTOY
We met with 20 companies from a list over 4x the size. I carefully culled the list down to who fits the concepts I am showing. I pitched 4 of our new games and now have contracts for two of them. It is cool and convenient to meet in individual suites as it is casual and fun, but the best part is the networking. Meeting the IR execs face to face as well as getting tips from other inventors throughout the event is key. The events are fantastically fun and over the top including the TAGIE Awards night where you feel like you are at the Grammys." -Kenn Morton, KidKenn
Last November's POP Pitch set a record for licensing products for fun-damental . We licensed concepts in a variety of categories with existing clients as well as some new ones. I'll be back - Gary Pyper, Fun-damental invention UK
POP Pitch meetings and connections we made were so invaluable we got more done in 3 days than we have in the past 3 yrs! It reinvigorated our spirits and gave us the boost we needed. I really can’t thank you enough or reiterate sufficiently how valuable that was for us. I already can’t wait for next year! -Alex Mackey, Lethal Chicken Games
The Toy & Game Innovation Excellence Awards - The TAGIEs
Joe's Live - Super Hot Venue!
This is a celebratory event you do not want to miss! Mark November 8th for the TAGIEs - it is part of your ticket for the Conference and Pitch event! To reserve separately, click here.
Mentor/Judge at the Young Inventor Challenge November 9th at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (just across the street)
One of our most passionate and fun events! Make a difference in a child's life and encourage the next generation in our industry.
More information about mentoring, judging and sponsoring on this page!
What More Past Attendees Say...
"CHITAG/POP's Inventor Conferences are timed optimally.
There is no better time of year for inventors to pitch ideas to us!"
Ben Dermer, SVP Creative Development and Innovation.
Deputy Creative Officer, Spin Master Ltd.
“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!” -Jordan Goddard, Co-Founder, Indy Toy Lab
I highly recommend attending POP's Inventor Conferences. The knowledge, networking and access to decision makers is unmatched worldwide. I got my start the industry at these Conferences a few years ago and am now on track to hitting over a million games sold this summer of 2023! -Bob Kamp, Inventor of Blank Slate game (also a TV Game Show)
"The Innovation Conferences are a must for anyone - inventors or company people - in the toy and game industry. The information you'll learn, the pitching and the networking is incredible. Mary and her team are to be congratulated; there is nothing else like it in the world!" - Tanya Thompson, Hasbro
It’s an annual rite of passage for our industry. Keep doing a great job bringing the community together and promoting the spirit of play.” –John Bell, Director, Product Design & Development, Buffalo Games
"Mary, you and your team throw one heck of an innovation conference! It was a fantastic experience with a great group of people in the inventor community worldwide who are so clearly passionate about what they do and collaborative in spirit. Great keynotes/speakers, too!" -Patty Sullivan, Highlights
"POP Week’s Professional Inventors Track is not just fertile ground for making the connections necessary to do business, it’s the annual gathering of the inventor tribe. In the whole wide world, there’s not a better place for independent toy and game inventors to go to catch up with each other, build friendships and strategic alliances, and spend quality time engaged with others who truly understand the nuances of the toy and game invention industry and share the common goal of expanding and improving our business opportunities. No other convention compares in personal warmth, richness of content, generosity of information sharing, and glorious un-rushed bubbles of quiet time to meet in depth and set a well-considered course right before the show season swings into hyper-warp mode and calm clarity morphs into frazzle." - Peggy Brown of Peggy Brown Creative
"Thank you for putting on such an informative and comprehensive conference and show. ChiTAG is an excellent way to meet fellow inventors. Our company, 1015 Creative, grew out of it. Michael Adams and I met each other three years ago and within a year we were working together. In October of last year we formed 1015 Creative, LLC with Damon Brown, bringing together a combined history of over 25 licensed games and 80 years of experience in game design, illustration and product development. Our new company of successful inventors collaborating together debuted at the 2016 ChiTAG show. We owe our success to the event and environment you have created." -Eric Foster, Principal at 1015 Creative, LLC.
“We are not mere creators of trinkets and insignificant baubles and playthings. we are the toymakers, the shamans, the wizards, the blacksmiths, the court jesters and sometimes even the town fool, and what we do – the toys that we create, contribute to the ever-evolving ever-advancing forward motion of the civilized world.” –Bruce Lund
Thank You to our 2024 Conference Committee!
Angus Walker - Head of Inventor Relations & External Innovation at Hasbro – Committee Chairperson
Tara McGrath - Creative Director, Inventor Relations & Innovation at Mattel
Shannon Swindle - Inventor Relations Manager at Moose Games
Dan Klitsner - Founder, KID Group
Azhelle Wade - The Toy Coach
Thank You to our 2024 Conference Sponsors!
