Newsletters: Industry, Consumer and Media
The Bloom Report is weekly every Friday to smart and savvy industry insiders who want to stay on top of news, trends and more.
Play in Education (PIE) News quarterly to sent quarterly to educators, librarians, homeschooling families and parents who are interested in using play to aid learning.
POP News is sent quarterly to members of POP. Highlights members, newest content and events.
Young Inventor Challenge News - sent as news happens to our Young Inventor Challenge subscribers including past participants, teachers, and other organizations.
I.D.E.A News is sent quarterly to Inventors, Designers, Elves and Authors. Highlight inventors in the news, helpful advice from peers and upcoming events.
The Importance of Play News shares what's happening at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair and other fun consumer events and happenings throughout the year.
Media & Influencer Fun News Alerts goes to our media and influencer lists about what's happening at the Fair - all the immersive and interactive exhibits and events. Media and their families are welcomed as our guests.
POP Week November Events
POP Roast (since 2022). A savagely hilarious Roast of a Toy Industry Celeb (and Good Sport) by a bevy of their peers. The Toy Industry Takedown - a Family Feud Style Game
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.
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.
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!
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 the media and the general public. All entrants are required to submit online to receive feedback from industry executives and pro inventors as well as the opportunity to win prizes and even licensing agreements! In-person participation is not required and entrants do not need to be present at the Fair to win.
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.
PlayCHIC Fashion Show (since 2012) Fashion sells. The PlayCHIC Fashion Show celebrates dress-up by inspiring play through a new avenue - fashion.
POP Website Resources
Websites
The Toy Foundation™ Delivers Holiday Cheer to Children in Need
PEOPLE OF PLAY WELCOMES SHANNON SWINDLE
Nominations Now Open for The Toy Association Board of Directors (2025-2027)
Santa Claus - The Interview: Trends and More!
SKY CASTLE TOYS PARTNERS WITH JAZWARES TO EXPAND THE HUGELY SUCCESSFUL STICKI ROLLS™ BRAND IN NORTH AMERICA AND EUROPE
The Toy Association™ Engages with Influential Members of Congress to Drive Positive Change for Industry
Moose Toys’ Epic First Comic-Con with MrBeast Lab and xoxKweenie
POP News July 2024
POP Group of Brands
Game Review: Stomp Rocket Space Collection
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