We are the Chicago Toy & Game Group dba People of Play or POP!. Founded by Mary Couzin in 2003, we produce POP Week, a series of events promoting and celebrating play and innovation that welcomes industry, consumers and traditional and social media kicking off the fourth quarter holidays. Our main events include:

• Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG) (since 2003). The first and largest public toy and game fair in North America targeting families with immersive and interactive activities for all ages. Toy companies can interact with consumers directly, gain product insights and create shareable experiences all while promoting toys, games, entertainment with media, trade and the public at the start of the holidays! 

• Inventor Pitch and Innovation Conferences (since 2006) The largest gathering of professional inventors, new inventors, student inventors and product acquisition executives in the world. Attendees come from approximately 25 countries to pitch ideas, network, learn and celebrate the toy and game inventor community. 

• POP Roast (since 2022). A savagely hilarious Roast of a Toy Industry Celeb (and Good Sport) by a bevy of their peers.

• Play in Education (PIE) Conference - (Since 2006) Studies show a focus on play means better performance in academics and social competence. This conference discusses strategies for bringing play into the classroom and provides CE credits.

• Toy & Game International Excellence Awards (TAGIEs) (since 2008). The TAGIEs are an elegant and playful evening gala that brings together industry leaders from inventors to manufacturers to retailers as well as the public for a celebratory evening of the people behind excellence in innovation worldwide.

• Young Inventor Challenge (YIC) (since 2006). The YIC provides an opportunity for children ages 6 to 18 to showcase their original toy and game inventions to industry professionals, members of media and the general public. All entrants receive feedback from industry executives and pro inventors as well as the opportunity to win prizes and even licensing agreements! 

• Girl Scout and Boy Scout Events during the Chicago Toy & Game Fair 

• Media Influencer Event (since 2009) Traditional media and social media influencers bring their families for lunch, entertainment and a day of fun at the Fair. 

• PlayCHIC Fashion Show (since 2012) Fashion sells. The PlayCHIC Fashion Show celebrates dress-up by inspiring play through a new avenue - fashion.

In 2020 we launched People of Play, POP! People of Play is the toy industry’s most comprehensive networking and resource hub; a social platform and industry portal where toy industry veterans, newbies, inventors, buyers, job seekers, recruiters, consumers, and others come connect. Get up-to-the-minute toy industry, event, and product news; participate in live online educational and networking events; browse a vast library of expert resources; and peruse and post to the industry’s only dedicated social feed.

Year round we send monthly newsletters to over 225,000 industry, consumers, social media influencers and educators covering many aspects of play for different audiences. What differentiates us, is our focus on the people. We tell the compelling stories behind the playthings we love creating a deeper and more authentic bond between consumers and toys and games. We also host industry get-togethers around the world to connect in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.