The rebranded group has also detailed its upcoming week of virtual programming.
The Chicago Toy & Game Group, the organisation which champions toy and game innovators around the world and celebrates their achievements at industry events, including CHITAG Week and the Young Inventor Challenge, is re-branding under the name People of Play (POP).
Led by Mary Couzin, who founded the Chicago Toy & Game Group in 2003, People of Play will continue the mission of promoting innovation, creativity and connectivity in the toy and game industry.
“While Chicago continues to be our homebase, we believe the name People of Play better describes the vast reach of our organisation,” commented Mary. “Over the last two decades, CHITAG has grown to connect tens of thousands of incredible inventors, brands, distributors, retailers, PR agencies, suppliers, media and influencers from all over the world. We believe community is at the heart of this organization and People of Play will continue to be a leader in fostering an environment of support and collaboration.”
The organisation’s inaugural event, CHITAG Presents People of Play Week, kicks off on Monday, November 16th with a virtual line-up of workshops, awards and entertainment.
The schedule of events is as follows:
- Toy & Game International Innovation Summit – Monday 16th November – Friday 20th November. Over five days, everyone is invited to participate in workshops, networking and pitching ideas.
- Toy & Game International Excellence Awards (TAGIES) – 20th November (evening). The 13th annual TAGIE Awards, which recognize outstanding achievement in the toy and game industry.
- New for the year is POP’s Got Talent – Friday 20th November (late evening). Hosted by brothers Robert and David Fuhrer of Nextoy, LLC and BlueSquare Innovations respectively, the After-POP Party features an eclectic group of talent from the toy and game industry.
- Chicago Toy & Game Fair – Saturday 21st November 21st and Sunday, 22nd November. Spanning three virtual stages; stage one features the Young Inventor Challenge, stage two is for pre-schoolers and stage three is for the whole family to enjoy.
Tickets for CHITAG Presents People of Play Week go on sale Monday 24th August. Click here for more information.
