People of Play‘s (POP) annual POP Week includes events and activities for industry members and their families to enjoy every year.
Known for presenting the Chicago Toy & Game Fair, POP is hosting a week of events for families to play, celebrate, discover, support, and promote the creation of toys and games. This year’s POP Week offers opportunities to network, highlight new products, and more. The event will be held from Nov. 6-10.
At our public Chicago Toy and Game Fair, attendees enjoy exclusive hands-on experience with the newest, hottest toys and games of the holiday season. Kids will also have the awesome opportunity to test brand new products from leading toy companies and meet inventors from all over the world who created them.
Mary Couzin, Founder and President, People of Play
POP Week events include:
- Inventor Pitch and Innovation Conferences (Nov. 7-9): This event highlights inventors across the industry, offering a chance to connect with others, pitch new toy ideas, and attend a number of panels.
- TAGIE Awards Gala (Nov. 8): The Toy and Game Innovation Excellence (TAGIE) Awards showcase innovators in the industry across the categories of Toy Designer, Game Designer, PR & Marketer, Retailer, Supplier, Licensor, Art & Design, Rising Star, Game Changer, and Young Inventor of the Year.
- Chicago Toy & Game Fair (Nov. 9-10): The 22nd annual Chicago Toy & Game Fair invites guests to see exciting new toys just in time for the holidays.
- PlayCHIC Fashion Show (Nov. 9): PlayCHIC is a fashion show inspired by toys. Brands bring runway looks inspired by toy and game favorites, such as a Twister dress or Settlers of Catan outfits.
- Play in Education (PIE) Conference (Nov. 9): The PIE Conference focuses on learning through play and opportunities in the classroom.
- Young Inventor Challenge (Nov. 9): This event invites kids ages 6-18 to submit their best ideas for toys and games, with a chance for feedback from industry professionals, a variety of prizes, and the opportunity to sell their product at retail locations.
- Super Power Sensory Hour (Nov. 9): Designed for families who have children with special needs, the fair will open an hour early and give kids the opportunity to experience the event for free before it gets crowded.
- Star Wars Character Lunch (Nov. 10): The Chicago Toy & Game Fair is relaunching the Star Wars Character Lunch, in partnership with a number of Star Wars clubs.
POP hosts a wide variety of events, giving families as well as industry members the chance to explore the newest offerings in the world of toys. This year’s POP Week will have a full schedule of events with something for everyone.
