The Chicago Toy & Game Group announced keynote speakers and conference tracks for its Innovation Conference, kicking off the Chicago Toy and Game Week (ChiTAG). The conference brings together toy and game inventors with retailers, heads of acquisition, and other members of the industry to create, collaborate, and connect.
The 2017 ChiTAG Innovation Conferences Keynote Speakers are Richard Barry, EVP, global chief merchandising officer at Toys “R” Us; Brent Bushnell, CEO of Two Bit Circus; Tom Kalinske, chairman, Gazillion Entertainment and executive chairman, Global Education Learning; Rich Mazel, senior director, Global Product Acquisition, Hasbro; and Gary Swisher, SVP of inventor relations and head of gaming, Mattel.
The Innovation Conferences include a full agenda of industry basics as well as professional development sessions that hone in on areas including licensing, self-publishing, retailer relations, social media marketing, and more. Participating companies this year include Hasbro, Spin Master, Mattel, Play Monster, Fat Brain Toys, Identity Games, Buffalo Games, Jazwares, LEGO, Yvolution, and more.
The conferences are held on Nov. 17 and 18 Navy Pier. Both days kick off with breakfast at 7 a.m. with speakers and sessions beginning at 8 a.m.
