by People Of Play | 23 Jul 2024
Press Release
SHARON PRICE JOHN, PRESIDENT OF BUILD-A-BEAR, OPENING KEYNOTE
November 7th – 9th, 2024
CHICAGO (July 24th, 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 7th through 9th 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:
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 6th, the TAGIEs on November 8th, the Young Inventor Challenge and PlayCHIC on November 9th and the Chicago Toy & Game Fair on November 9th and 10th.
To register and view more details, visit this page https://www.chitag.com/2024-inventor-pitch-innovation-conference
###
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
Toy Foundation Auction is Now Open for Your Bids
Bracelets, Stickers, and Viral Fame: The Story Behind Sky Castle Toys’ Sticki Rolls
Chrissy Fagerholt: Luck is when Preparation Meets Opportunity!
The Toy Association™ Advocates for SHOP SAFE Act Passage at USPTO Seminars
2024 Lifetime Achievement and Industry Game Changer Honorees Announced for the 17TH ANNUAL TOY & GAME INTERNATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS PRESENTED BY PEOPLE OF PLAY
Book Review: Storm: Dawn of a Goddess by Tiffany D. Jackson
Book Review: Erno Rubik and his Magic Cube by Kerry Aradhya
Game Review: Trip Chaser
Learning Express Toys Hosts 25th Annual Convention & Toy Expo at JW Marriott Tucson
Submit Your LA Showroom Details for 2025 Toy Previews
Randy Klimpert Shares his Ukulele Collection
Steve Casino Peanut Art
Everyone's Talking about POP!
Princess Etch - a Multi-Talented Etch A Sketch Artist
Joseph Herscher of Joseph' s Machines.
Connie Vogelmann designed Apiary & Wyrmspan!
Bob Fuhrer... Is THE Crocodile Dentist!
Tom Dusenberry... Bought Atari, Wizards of the Coast, and Avalon Hill!
Matt Leacock created Pandemic... the game!
Scott Brown and Tim Swindle... are Launching a New Sport!
POPDuo: Richard Dickson, Mattel’s President & COO, and Kedar Narayan, Young Inventor Challenge AMB
POPDuo: Will Shortz and Josh Wardle
POP Duo: Elan Lee, Co-Founder, Exploding Kittens.and Jeff Probst, Host and Exec Producer, Survivor
POP Duo: David Fuhrer, MNG Director, Blue Sq Innovations & Shawn Green, past Dodgers & Mets MLB Star
POP Duo: Bob Fuhrer, Founder, Nextoy and Tom Fazio, Golf Course Designer