SHARON PRICE JOHN, PRESIDENT OF BUILD-A-BEAR, OPENING KEYNOTE

November 7^th – 9^th, 2024

CHICAGO (July 24^th, 2024) - Get ready to learn, pitch and network your way to success with some of the most recognizable companies in the toy and game industry from around the world- registration for People of Play’s (POP) Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference is now open! Taking place during POP Week in Rosemont, Illinois, over 100 product acquisition executives looking for ideas are expected. No other event offers you so many fun and unique networking opportunities and is so easy for you to get to meetings!

POP is also excited to announce the Welcome Keynote Speaker is Sharon Price John, President and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop since 2013, where she has led the re-stuffing and re-building of the multimillion-dollar company. Sharon also serves on the board of directors at Jack in the Box, and as President of the Toy Association board.

This year’s conferences, sponsored by Mattel and other soon to be announced sponsors, will be held November 7^th through 9^th at the Embassy Suites in Rosemont.

Testimonials from the Conference include:

“I look forward to the People of Play Inventor Conference and the TAGIEs every year. It’s an essential component of Hasbro’s external innovation strategy.” - Angus Walker, Hasbro

“Pitches, great conversations, meeting new people – we look forward to it every year and it always delivers."  -Dave Harris, Mattel

“POP Inventor Pitch/Conference is unique as the only industry show dedicated and specifically catering to game and toy inventors and the executives that influence the path of innovation for their respective companies. It’s also a terrific venue for networking as each year we emerge with new customers and stronger relationships. If you choose this vocation, it’s absolutely essential to attend.”  –Robert Fuhrer, NEXTOY

Conference participants can choose from four tracks: 

• New Inventor/Innovation Track;
• Professional Inventor Track;
• Product Acquisition Executive;
• Design Student. 

Conference tickets also include tickets to The Toy & Game Innovation Awards (The TAGIEs) on November 8th at 6pm, Taking place at Joe’s LIVE, this gala celebrates the outstanding achievements by people in the toy and game industry.

Other POP Week events include a fun kickoff event on November 6^th, the TAGIEs on November 8^th, the Young Inventor Challenge and PlayCHIC on November 9^th and the Chicago Toy & Game Fair on November 9^th and 10^th.  

To register and view more details, visit this page https://www.chitag.com/2024-inventor-pitch-innovation-conference

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About People of Play

People of Play (POP) leads the global toy and game industry in promoting innovation, creativity, and connectivity. A one-stop source of community for industry professionals, aspiring inventors and people of all ages who love to play, People of Play hosts an play platform packed with resources and connection points as well as a wide range of events including the Chicago Toy & Game (CHITAG) Fair, the Toy & Game International Excellence (TAGIE) Awards, the Young Inventor Challenge, the Toy & Game Inventor Pitch and Innovation Conference, POP Roast, Toy Takedown and more.

Media Contacts: 

Amy Friedland (afriedland@freemanpr.com), Emily Potrzuski (epotrzuski@freemanpr.com), Susan O’Sullivan (susanos@freemanpr.com)  - 973-470-0400