People of Play’s annual POP Week celebration will return to Chicago this year Nov. 5-8. The four-day event brings together the global play community for a citywide showcase of creativity and innovation.
The 2026 event features a variety of experiences for inventors, designers, manufacturers, retailers, media, educators, families, and toy fans of all ages. A full event schedule is still to come, but People of Play and The Toy Association have confirmed the return of their signature programs, including the Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference, the TAGIE Awards, the Chicago Toy & Game (CHITAG) Fair, and the Young Inventor Challenge.
POP Week is all about connection — between inventors, companies, and families. We look forward to seeing the industry and the public come together again in 2026 for another remarkable celebration of play!
“We are thrilled to officially share the dates for POP Week 2026 and welcome the play community back to Chicago,” said Mary Couzin, SVP and Founder of People of Play at The Toy Association. “Each year builds on the last, and 2026 will continue our mission to champion creativity, innovation, and the joy of play on a global stage.”
More details, including registration information and a full event schedule, will be announced as November draws nearer. For the latest information, visit chitag.com.
