Two toy industry event operators are joining forces, with People of Play (POP) merging into The Toy Association (TTA) effective immediately. 

As a result of the move, TTA—which represents US businesses involved in manufacturing and distributing toys and youth entertainment products—is adding all of POP’s programs to its portfolio, including the Chicago Toy and Game Fair, The Toy and Game Innovation Excellence Awards, People of Play Holiday Guide and Toy & Game Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference. They will slide into TTA’s existing events calendar, which features Toy Fair New York, the LA Fall Previews and the Toy of the Year Awards. 

People of Play founder Mary Couzin (pictured) is taking on a senior leadership role (title TBD) with TTA and will guide the future growth of its trade show business. She has already earmarked the Chicago Toy and Game Fair as an expansion priority. The 22nd annual edition of the show will return to Rosemont, Illinois this year (November 9 to 10), featuring interactive exhibits, play zones and product demos designed to showcase a wide range of products launching in time for the holiday shopping season. 

“Mary (a toy industry Hall of Famer) has built an amazing community with some of the most unique events, consumer engagement moments, compelling content and industry resources, and we are excited to have her and People of Play as part of The Toy Association. With People of Play and The Toy Association working together, the possibilities are endless,” says Greg Ahearn, TTA’s president and chief executive.