The Masterminds Behind the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (ChiTAG) Give Us a Sneak Peek! by Donna John
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The Chicago Toy & Game Fair (ChiTAG) is coming to town! At this week’s #30Seconds Twitter chat, we got an insider's look at the largest non-hobby toy and game fair open to the public in North America, ChiTAG!
Q: Tell us what the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (ChiTAG) is all about.
Founder Mary Couzin created ChiTAG to inspire everyone of all ages to play every day. We also celebrate toy and game inventors. As much as we love playing toys and games, we rarely think about who invented the product inspiring so much fun in our life. Did you know Chicago is the toy and game capital of the world? Radio Flyer, Ants in the Pants, Operation, Catch Phrase, Yahtzee, Uno, Lite Brite, Beanie Babies and Cards Against Humanity. All those toys and games were created in Chicago! ChiTAG is one of the only events that connects inventors with consumers!
We’ve been playing #ShipofTreasures all week! So fun and I love that it was created by kids for kids! And now I love it even more! #30Seconds
— Kim Kusiciel (@KimKusiciel) November 9, 2017
That's what they want you to believeRT @procm2 @ChiTAGWeek What Chicago toy capital of the world no way!!! #30seconds I thought New York was
— IndyWithKids (@indywithkids) November 9, 2017
ChiTAG celebrates 15 years and the Young Inventor Challenge is in its 11th year! We’re extremely proud of the ChiTAG Young Inventor Challenge and the opportunities it provides for aspiring young inventors. Last year’s winners were two 11-year-old girls. Olivia and Brynna. from Chicagoland. Their game, Ship of Treasures, was licensed by Pressman Toy and is currently selling Target. Not only were they creative and hardworking, they are giving a percentage of their royalties to Lurie Children’s in memory of a classmate. Can't wait to see the creative entries on November 18! Everyone can come out to see all the inspiring kids, too! The 2017 Young Inventor’s Contest is sponsored by Pressman, PlayMonster, Mattel, Spinmaster, LEGO and Target.
OMG ya gotta watch the cutest YIC video submission! @CJAllDressedUp’s son is only 6! https://t.co/PB97FkD8pQ #30seconds
— Alison R (@SoChicLife) November 9, 2017
Q: What can we expect at this year’s ChiTAG?
Where to begin? Every year there are so many cool things happening! Our theme this year is Play for Peace. We’ll be featuring a musical fountain designed by game designer turned sculptor Jeffrey Breslow titled Play for Peace. So many amazing inventors to meet from like Soggy Doggy, Ship of Treasures, Utter Nonsense, Groovy Blocks and more. Enter the U.S. National Rummikub Championship on Sunday. Grandparents get in FREE that day. Did ya hear? Spin Master is coming with the life-sized Soggy Doggy! We’ve got Ultra Dash Game Race, Yo-Yo Championship and Princess Etch! Get the full list here.
Life-sized #SoggyDoggy is coming to #ChiTAG! My kids are going to freak out! #30seconds
— Alison R (@SoChicLife) November 9, 2017
Parents can shop for the hottest new and classic toys for the holidays and get that shopping done! Back by popular demand, we are proud to offer the Super Power Sensory Hour with Neighborhood Parents Network (NPN) sponsored by Playfoam. Doors open 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday (one hour early) for families with children of special needs on behalf of Playfoam. Learn more about ChiTAG Super Sensory Power Hour with NPN, sponsored Playfoam from 9 to 10 a.m., here. Be sure to follow @ChiTAGWeek and #Chitag for playful updates as we get closer!
Calling all #Grandparents! Share your love of games @ChiTAGWeek 11/19 and get in FREE! https://t.co/KYORYGdeoA #chitag #30Seconds
— dadsAdventuredaycare (@procm2) November 9, 2017
Q: Tell us some of the hottest trends in toys for the 2017 holiday season!
Messy games are all kinds of fun and SpinMaster’s Soggy Doggy is just the right amount of messy. Kids are going to love this! LEGO is unveiling their newest LEGO playsets at ChiTAG for the first time! These always fly off the shelves for the holidays! Sensory activities, like Playfoam, are another kid favorite this year! Great for all ages and they, too, will be at ChiTAG. Going green is huge right now, which is why Green Toys is popular with parents and kids – 100-percent recycled, safe, organic and encourages imagination! Leading toy company, Mattel, always comes out with the hottest holiday toys! They’re demoing their newest games at ChiTAG, too! Stop by Goliath Games’ booth! Play fun games, check out the giant Build or Boom, and win cool prizes!
Have you seen life-sized #SoggyDoggy in action? This is going to be epic https://t.co/ZDQdGZjVxz #30seconds
— Alison R (@SoChicLife) November 9, 2017
Q: How can people attend ChiTAG?
Grab your tickets for ChiTAG here. But hurry! Time is running out! Special offer! Get 50 percent off when you use the code CHITAGPLAY. Tickets include fun for the ENTIRE family! Interactive exhibits, test new products before they hit the shelves and so many giant games! Thanks to our panel of play Influencers who help us spread the word about ChiTAG plus our mission, play every day.
A4: Grab your tickets for #ChiTAG here >> https://t.co/YlRHxMBGvf But hurry! Time is running out! #30seconds
— ChiTAG Week (@ChiTAGWeek) November 9, 2017
Q: Let’s talk about why play is so important for all ages! What are you doing in your daily life to #playeveryday?
We are passionate about spreading the word and encouraging play every day. Research shows play is very important in youth development, resulting in a stronger sense of creativity and inquisitiveness. We also believe play is for ALL AGES. It develops and strengthens leadership, critical thinking and resolution skills.
Love your mission @ChiTAGWeek !!!! I #playeveryday with my dancers and my own kids! It fills my soul! ❤😊 #ChiTAG #30Seconds https://t.co/wUh8fbnQv7
— Pam McCormick (@dancinmoma) November 9, 2017
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ the #toy manufacturer of my childhood! The name @Mattel makes me warm and fuzzy ! #ChiTAGWeek #30seconds
— Chefgigi (@chefgigi) November 9, 2017
Be sure to follow @ChiTAGWeek and visit ChiTAG.com!
ChiTAG is HOSTED BY:
- @30Seconds
- @ChiTAGWeek
- Alison Ray from @SoChicLife
- Corri McFadden from @glitterbubblexo
- Katie Mann from @indywithkids
ChiTAG is SPONSORED BY:
30Second Mobile, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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