2025 Global Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference
Thousands of Toy/Game Ideas Licensed!
November 5th (evening) - 8th (the TAGIEs)
Connect, Pitch, Learn at Largest & Longest Running Premier Inventor Event
The POP Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference was my first introduction to the industry. If you believe in your toy or 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
"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
“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
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.
2025 Companies Attending and Want Your Toy & Game Ideas!
Azhelle Wade (On Brand with Jimmy Fallon)
Returning as Conference Emcee & AI Expert
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.
Dustin Cohn
Dustin Cohn is the Chief Marketing Officer at OnePay, a consumer fintech banking app. He previously led brand marketing for Goldman Sachs’ Consumer Savings and Loans business, where he developed and named the Marcus by Goldman Sachs brand. Before that, Dustin served as CMO of Jockey International and Optimer Brands, and spent eight years at PepsiCo, leading marketing for Gatorade and Propel. He has deep expertise in brand strategy, communications, advertising, content strategy, and social media engagement across industries. Dustin earned a BBA from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and completed the Executive Leadership Program at Harvard Business School.
2025 Conference Agenda
Wednesday Evening, November 5th, 6pm POP Week Kick-Off
Thursday, November 6th
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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 Keynote - Dustin Cohn, CMO 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.
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10:00am - 10:10am - Severin Strehl (Piatnik) shares book lauch of Guess Who? Invented POP It and over 200 other licensed playthings. Boaz Coster wrote this tribute to his parents Ora and Theo Coster, Theora Concepts, published by Piatnik, an Austrian games manufacturer. The Costers honored for Lifetime Achievement at the 2012 TAGIEs. Video.
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10:00am - 12pm - AI focused topics By Azhelle Wade and other expert speakers
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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 - From Trademarks to Trade Secrets: Safeguarding Brand Value in Collaborative Growth. Bring your questions! Reid Huefner and Victoria Hanson from Irwin IP and Michael W. Gray from Nixon Peabody. This session demystifies the fundamentals of intellectual property—trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets—and explains how each protects core brand assets when entering new markets and alliances. For new inventors and emerging brands, we’ll focus on building a durable IP portfolio—prioritizing filings, timing public disclosures, leveraging provisional patents, clearing and registering trademarks, protecting trade secrets with sound policies, managing open‑source and data rights, and avoiding common ownership, assignment, and joint‑development traps. Finally, we will outline the elements of a strong, business-ready NDA—including scope, definitions, residuals, exclusions, term, and remedies—so brands can share confidently, prevent leakage, and accelerate deal momentum without compromising their IP.
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3:00pm - 4:00pm - Ballroom - Working with Industry Influencers - Ross Thompson (moderator), Grant Lyon, Dani Standring, and Joe Barron Topics include: Working with and the Benefits to Publishers, Tips and Tricks with Influencers, How Much Creative Freedom to You Give an Influencer and Trends.
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4:00pm - 5:00pm - Ballroom - PR & Marketing - Making the Play - Amy Friedland (Carve Communications), Rachel Griffin (Playwise Partners), and Tracy Dudkiewicz (TAP Marketing).
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5:00 pm - Atrium - Attendee Group Photo!
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5:15pm - Atrium - Awards Presentation Sponsored by The Toy Coach, Azhelle Wade
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6:00pm - 7:30pm – Atrium - Evening Reception - complimentary drinks & appetizers (hosted by Embassy Suites).
Friday, November 7th
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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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Lunch is on your own. You can enjoy pizza hot from the brick oven in the hotel or there is a plethora of dining options minutes away!
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5:30pm - 7:00pm – Atrium - Evening Reception - complimentary drinks & appetizers (hosted by Embassy Suites).
Saturday, November 8th
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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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 Conference registration.
Sunday, November 9th
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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6:00 - 7:30pm – Atrium - Evening Reception - complimentary drinks and snacks (hosted by Embassy Suites)
Severin Strehl (Piatnik) shares their book lauch of Guess Who? Invented POP It and over 200 other licensed playthings
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Boaz Coster wrote this tribute to his parents Ora and Theo Coster, Theora Concepts, published by Piatnik, an Austrian games manufacturer. The Costers were honored for Lifetime Achievement at the 2012 TAGIEs. Video.
Dieter Strehl, "Theora is one of the grand international names in game and toy invention."
Attend the Conference and Be on the Banner for the Class of 2025!
A Dan Klitsner (KID) & Steve Rad (Abacus Brands, Backdrop.com), Class Gift! Below are 2024 Yearbook Banners...
Industry Experts for One-on-One Mentoring on Friday
In-person or Zoom for 15 Minutes
CEO, BitOGenius, part of... Abacus Brands Inc.
Victoria Hanson
Attorney
Irwin IP
Marketing Strategist | Brand Management Strategic Partnerships | Communications
Meet these Inventors at the Conference and
Keynote and Speaker Bios
Media Relations, Influencer Marketing, Toy Fair and More!
Executive Vice President at Carve Communications
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.
President, TAP Marketing
Experienced Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the industry of Play/Toys/Entertainment. Strong entrepreneurial professional skilled in Management, Strategic Planning, Influencer Marketing, Copywriting, Consumer Products, and Advertising.
From Trademarks to Trade Secrets: Safeguarding Brand Value in Collaborative Growth
Member at Irwin IP, a part of Miller Johnson, with extensive experience in intellectual property litigation, transactions, and counseling. He represents clients before federal and state courts, the ITC, the USPTO, and the PTAB, and provides IP support in mergers, acquisitions, and technology transactions. With a background in engineering and an MBA in finance, Reid brings a business-focused approach to protecting and leveraging intellectual property assets. Known for his strategic insight and creative problem-solving, he helps clients achieve practical, business-driven solutions to complex IP and technology challenges.
Associate at Irwin IP, a part of Miller Johnson, focusing on trademark prosecution and intellectual property litigation. She counsels clients on trademark clearance, registration, enforcement, and portfolio management, and advises on global branding strategies. Victoria represents clients across diverse industries, from technology to entertainment, in complex IP disputes. Recognized as an Illinois Rising Star by Super Lawyers and honored by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, she is known for her strategic precision, practical insight, and dedication to protecting her clients’ intellectual property rights.
Intellectual Property Attorney - Nixon Peabody
I’m an IP attorney with 20 years of experience helping brand owners develop and
protect valuable intellectual property rights. I’m also a mechanical engineer and a
veteran of the U.S. Navy nuclear power program. I served about the U.S.S. Enterprise
(CVN-65). My IP experience covers a broad variety of subject matter areas, including in
the toy industry.
I’m an avid world traveler, having been to four oceans, six continents, and about 50
countries so far. I enjoy scuba diving and love retro and new video games. I recently
moved to Chicago and have lived all over the US.
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 8th 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