25th Anniversary Toy Fair® POP Pub Event Benefits the Young Inventor Challenge®

February 25, 2025 | Chicago, IL – People of Play™ (POP) will host its 25th annual Toy Fair® POP Pub event on March 3, taking place at Connolly’s Pub (121 W 45th St.) at 6 p.m., bringing together the toy and game industry for an evening of networking, celebration, and philanthropy. In honor of the 20th anniversary of the Young Inventor Challenge® (YIC), all ticket sales will directly benefit the program that inspires and empowers young toy and game innovators.

Tickets are available for $20 each, a special price reflecting the YIC’s two decades of fostering creativity in the next generation of toy and game designers. Those who are unable to attend POP Pub during Toy Fair can still support the YIC by making a donation and helping ensure that more kids get the opportunity to develop their ideas and gain valuable industry experience.

“The POP Pub event has always been about bringing the industry together, and this year, we’re excited to use that energy to support our young inventors,” said Mary Couzin, senior vice president and founder/leader of People of Play at The Toy Association™. “Whether you celebrate with us in person or are able to donate toward the cause, your contribution helps spark the imagination of the next generation of creators.”

The YIC, which takes place annually in November as part of “POP Week,” provides kids ages 6 to 18 with a platform to help develop and pitch their original toy and game ideas to industry professionals, opening doors for future opportunities in the toy industry. Through mentorship, feedback, and competition, the program nurtures creativity, confidence, and real-world product development skills.

All industry professionals are invited to join the POP community for a memorable night of connection and celebration at the POP Pub event. Click here for more information, to secure your ticket, or to donate.

About People of Play™  peopleofplay.com
People of Play (POP), a division of The Toy Association™, supports 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 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, and more.

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