People of Play, a division of The Toy Association, has announced the speaker lineup and agenda for the 2025 Global Inventor Pitch and Innovation Conference, taking place Nov. 5-9 at the Embassy Suites in Rosemont, Illinois. The event brings together inventors, students, designers, and toy industry leaders for four days of panels, mentoring, networking, and pitch sessions.
This year’s programming features a keynote from Dustin Cohn, Chief Marketing Officer at OnePay, on building emotional and rational connections with audiences through purposeful storytelling. Expert panels feature industry voices such as Azhelle Wade, Ross Thompson, Grant Lyon, Dani Standring, Joe Barron, Amy Friedland, and Rachel Griffin, covering innovation, design, marketing, and influencer collaboration.
The conference also offers speed-pitching sessions where new inventors can present ideas to multiple companies, one-on-one mentoring in manufacturing, legal, retail, and marketing, and evening networking receptions. Attendees receive complimentary access to the Toy and Game International Innovation Excellence Awards and the Chicago Toy and Game Fair.
“Whether you’re looking to break out in the industry or are a seasoned inventor, there is opportunity for everyone at the Global Inventor Pitch and Innovation Conference,” says Mary Couzin, Senior Vice President and Founder of People of Play at The Toy Association. “All attendees will have the chance to pitch toy and game ideas directly to product acquisition executives, gain expert feedback, and explore licensing and partnership opportunities. And beyond the pitches and panels, this conference is about connection — building relationships, sharing insights, and being part of a creative community that lifts each other up.”
Founded in 2006, the Inventor Pitch and Innovation Conference is the largest gathering of toy and game inventors and product acquisition executives worldwide, drawing attendees from roughly 25 countries each year.
The 2025 event is sponsored by Longshore Limited, The Michael Kohner Corporation, Eastar Game Manufacturing, Backdrop.com, Nextoy, Brown Creative, and The Game Aisle.
To learn more and register, visit chitag.com.
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