The Toy Association Schedules POP Week 2026 in Chicago

Event summary

  • The Toy Association's People of Play division has set POP Week 2026 for November 5–8 in Chicago.
  • The event generated 1.9 billion media impressions in 2025.
  • Key events include the Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference, TAGIE Awards, Chicago Toy & Game Fair, and Young Inventor Challenge.
  • The Toy Association represents 900 members driving a $42 billion U.S. domestic toy market.

The big picture

The Toy Association's POP Week 2026 underscores the industry's focus on innovation and connectivity in the toy and game sector. With a $42 billion U.S. domestic market and 900 members, the event serves as a critical platform for inventors, manufacturers, and retailers to collaborate and showcase new products. The growing media attention reflects the increasing importance of play in childhood development and the industry's commitment to safety and creativity.

What we're watching

Media Amplification
Whether the event can sustain or exceed its 1.9 billion media impressions from 2025.
Industry Collaboration
How the connection between inventors, companies, and families will evolve in 2026.
Innovation Showcase
The pace at which new toy and game innovations will be introduced and adopted.