Top 3 Reasons to Exhibit at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair
August 15, 2025 | Unlike any other toy industry event, the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG) brings kids, parents, inventors, and the media together during peak holiday season excitement to discover the toys and games that belong on every wishlist.
Presented by People of Play™, a division of The Toy Association™, and taking place November 8 to 9 in Rosemont, IL, CHITAG’s “Wishlist Weekend” is a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their hottest holiday products, spark buzz, and connect directly with their end-consumer. Here’s why you’ll want to be on the show floor this November:
1. Engage with Consumers During Wishlist Weekend
Exhibiting at CHITAG offers a rare opportunity to showcase and sell products directly to kids and families during the all-important holiday season. The timing couldn’t be better: “Wishlist Weekend" arrives just as Halloween costumes are packed away and holiday wishlists start taking shape. By exhibiting, you’ll see firsthand how children, parents, and grandparents respond to your products while building buzz that carries straight into the holiday rush.
2. Visibility with Media and Influencers
CHITAG attracts press, influencers, and content creators looking for the season’s biggest hits. Last year’s event generated more than 1.52 billion media impressions across major outlets, and past coverage has included Newsweek, the Hallmark Channel, TODAY, The Steve Harvey Show, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, WGN, Forbes, Huffington Post, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, parenting magazines, global toy trade media, and more. By exhibiting, your brand and products have the chance to be featured in holiday gift guides, TV segments, and social media posts, all in a setting full of energy and authentic play moments.
3. Strengthen Your Holiday Marketing & Grow Your Brand
While families are discovering new favorites during Wishlist Weekend, your brand benefits from a focus group that lets you in on how kids and families connect with your toys. Exhibitors regularly test new messaging strategies; capture authentic photos, videos, and testimonials for use in marketing materials; and gather immediate feedback that informs future campaigns. Best of all, exhibitors turn one weekend into a full-season boost — amplifying holiday sales and keeping their brand at the center of the holiday conversation.
“There’s no substitute for seeing kids discover a toy they immediately add to their holiday wishlists. That moment of joy translates into brand loyalty, authentic word-of-mouth, and a stronger connection with families who will return to your products year after year,” said Kimberly Carcone, executive vice president of global experiences at The Toy Association™. “Exhibiting at CHITAG puts your brand in the holiday spotlight, connecting you with families, media, and the industry in one unforgettable weekend.”
To secure your presence with exhibit space, sponsorships, or both, or for more information, reach out to Stacy Liebensohn, senior account executive at The Toy Association.
CHITAG is North America’s largest consumer toy and game event, taking place November 8 to 9 in Rosemont, IL. CHITAG is hosted by People of Play™, a division of The Toy Association™. Click here to learn more.