The Toy Association™ Supports Next-Gen Creatives at ChiTAG’s Young Inventor Challenge

October 26, 2023 | As part of its commitment to supporting the toy inventor community, The Toy Association™ has announced that it will sponsor the Young Inventor Challenge at the Chicago Toy & Game Week (ChiTAG).

The Young Inventor Challenge, taking place November 4, provides a platform for kids ages 6 to 18 to pitch their original inventions to major toy and game companies and industry professionals. It is the only young inventor program with sponsorship and mentoring participation from top toy and game manufacturers globally. With professional critiques from industry experts, winning inventions often find a place on store shelves.

“Supporting the Young Inventor Challenge at ChiTAG as a Gold Sponsor exemplifies The Toy Association’s enduring belief in championing creativity by guiding young inventors and watching them evolve into entrepreneurs who will ultimately make an impact on the future of toys and play,” said Kimberly Carcone, executive vice president of global market events at The Toy Association.

• Hosting Creative Factor, which provides inventors, designers, artists, art directors, illustrators, and other creatives with educational and networking opportunities throughout Toy Fair® in New York City.
• Hosting a 2024 Pitch Event on March 4, 2024, a virtual opportunity to connect the creative community with top toy acquisition executives seeking new toy and game ideas. More details on this event are forthcoming.
• Serving on the United Inventors Association (UIA) Advisory Board and collaborating with the UIA Toy Hub to publish a new edition of the Toy Inventor & Designer Guide, which features important tips for successfully bringing a toy to market.
• Partnering with Mojo Nation, a valuable resource for the inventor and designer community that helps facilitate crucial connections with many Association member companies.
• Supporting the toy design departments at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, providing students with scholarship grants and Toy Association membership.

“As we root for young inventors at ChiTAG, we look forward to witnessing their journeys unfold, inspired by the belief that all great ideas get their start from a spark of imagination,” Carcone continued. “Through our involvement at ChiTAG and our year-round work to support inventors and designers, we not only celebrate innovative minds but also hope to contribute to the development of future leaders in the toy and game industry.”

To learn more about the many Toy Association resources for creative professionals, contact Bernadette Boyle, senior director of member services.