THE 16TH ANNUAL TOY & GAME INTERNATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS (THE TAGIES) PRESENTED BY PEOPLE OF PLAY IS AT A NEW VENUE WITH AN INCREDIBLE LINEUP OF HONOREES, SURPRISES AND ENTERTAINMENT

CHICAGO (October 17, 2023) - People of Play, the organization known for championing toy and game innovators around the world, will honor outstanding achievements at the 16th Annual Toy & Game Int'l Innovation Excellence Awards (The TAGIEs) on November 3, 2023. With the theme “Heroes of Play” and sponsored by Disney, Oxford Games, Mattel, The Michael Kohner Corporation, Hasbro, The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), Longshore and Nextoy, the evening’s festivities kick-off at 6:00pm with a preview of the PlayCHIC toy inspired looks that will be on the runway the next day at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair.

In a year of Barbie everything and everywhere, this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award will go to two people that changed the trajectory of Barbie to new heights years ago:  Jill Barad, Consultant and former CEO and Chairman of Mattel, and Rouben Terzian, Founder of Terzian Enterprizes and Co-Founder of BMT – Big Monster Toy.  

“We are so excited to be able to honor these titans of the toy industry with Lifetime Achievement Awards as well as all of the TAGIE nominees and winners,” said Mary Couzin, President of People of Play. “The toy and game industry is truly a family that celebrates and supports one another. We can’t wait to see you in Chicago on November 3 at this extraordinary event.”

Other highlights include a Welcome by JoAnn McLaughlin, EVP Merchandising - Hard lines at Marvel Entertainment, and the evening Keynote by Tim Kilpin, President, Toys, Licensing & Entertainment at Hasbro. Being honored for Game Changers – Unsung Heroes are Tara McGrath, Creative Director, Inventor Relations and Innovations, Mattel, and Michael Gramelspacher, Jon Harter, & SG Labs for Club Organizers for St Clare School Innovator Club.

Throughout the evening, nine awards will be presented to the winners in the following categories: Toy Innovator of the Year, Game Innovator of the Year, Rising Star Innovator of the Year, Most Innovative PR and Marketing Team of the Year, Most Innovative Art and Design Visuals of the Year, Most Innovative Supplier of the Year, Most Innovative Retailer of the Year, Most Innovative License of the Year and Young Innovator of the Year (under 18 years old). Voting at the TAGIE Awards Voting Page is open until midnight October 20th.

Entertainment will be provided by:

• Mark Setteducati, inventor of magic, illusions, games and puzzles.
• Barry McLaughlin and Jason Lautenschleger of Barry and Jason Entertainment
• Skip Towne and the Greyhounds, Chicago’s #1 Blues Band and part of the TAGIEs for over 10 years!

The TAGIE Awards will be hosted by the talented Karri Bean, Senior Licensing Manager, Disney Parks Experiences & Products. Tickets to the TAGIE Awards are still available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-toy-game-international-innovation-awards-the-tagies-tickets-715227674227?aff=oddtdtcreator

Media Contacts:

Amy Friedland, Freeman PR, 973-470-0400, ext. 25 afriedland@freemanpr.com

Emily Potrzuski, Freeman PR, 973-470-0400, ext. 15 epotrzuski@freemanpr.com

Julia Amiano, Freeman PR, 908-377-2825, jamiano@freemanpr.com

###

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 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 International Summit, POP-pedia and the People of Play Foundation.

About the TAGIEs

Founded in 2008, the Toy & Game International Excellence Awards (TAGIEs) celebrate the outstanding achievements of toy and game industry leaders from around the world, by honoring masters of innovation and invention. The annual event also pays homage to industry professionals who differentiate themselves with their spirit for fun, philanthropy, inventor advocacy, creativity and humanitarianism. Inventors, designers, manufacturers, retailers, media and the general public come together for this prestigious annual gala event. The TAGIEs are hosted in the fall in conjunction with POP Week. For more information, visit https://www.chitag.com/2023-tagie-awards 

Social Media Handles:

Instagram @peopleofplay

Twitter @peopleofplay

Facebook @chicagotoyandgameweek

YouTube ChicagoToyandGame