Time is running out to nominate toy industry trailblazers for the 2026 Toy & Game Innovation Excellence (TAGIE) Awards, presented by People of Play™ (POP), a division of The Toy Association™. Anyone in the industry may submit a nomination by July 31, 2026.
Taking place November 6 at Joe’s LIVE Concert Venue as part of POP Week, this year’s event marks the TAGIEs’ 19th year honoring the best and brightest innovators, designers, retailers, suppliers, PR professionals, and marketers who drive creativity and success across the global toy and game industry.
This year’s categories include:
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Toy Innovator of the Year - Ages 0 - 13
- Toy Innovator of the Year - Ages 13+
- Game Innovator of the Year - Ages 0 - 13
- Game Innovator of the Year - Ages 13+
- Licensed Product Innovator of the Year
- Young Innovator of the Year
- Most Innovative Designer of the Year - Art & Visuals
- Most Innovative PR & Marketing Team of the Year
- Sales Innovator of the Year
- Most Innovative Partner of the Year
- Toy Industry Game Changer
- Lifetime Achievement Award
Finalists will be notified in mid-September, at which time voting will open to the general public, media, and industry. The Game Changer and Lifetime Achievement awards are selected exclusively by the TAGIE Awards Committee and the Lifetime Achievement Committee.
The TAGIEs are one of several events held during People of Play’s annual POP Week — taking place November 5 to 8 in Rosemont, IL — including the Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference, Young Inventor Challenge, and Chicago Toy & Game Fair.