Welcome to T&GCon
The International Toy & Game Inventor and Industry Conference
TWO DAYS THAT WILL CHANGE THE WAY YOU PLAY!
The toy industry's original, preeminent, most comprehensive conference available to
toy and game inventors and seasoned industry professionals from around the world
The toy industry's original, preeminent, most comprehensive conference available to
toy and game inventors and seasoned industry professionals from around the world
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
T&GCon is for new and established Inventors, Designers, Innovators, and Mobile-Based Gaming Developers; Retailers, Manufacturers / Manufacturer Reps / Wholesalers / Distributors; Inventor Relations Executives, Licensing Agents, Marketing and PR Representatives, as well as Consultants from related professional services fields such as Printing, Graphic Design, Attorneys, and Toy Testing, whether from the U.S. or abroad. In short, anyone in the world who wishes to do business with the toy and game industry.
Since 2006, T&GCon has been a forum for advocating, educating and bringing together people in the toy and game industry; with unrivaled opportunities for private / confidential meetings, knowledge sharing, learning about new trends, pooling resources and generating new business, this is the conference to attend.
Customize your Conference!
We are dedicated to creating a unique framework for success for each attendee.
Toy Industry Professionals
Come to discover new toy and game concepts, share and explore industry invention and innovation, and be the first to pick up the products / ideas that work for you! This is a unique opportunity for all professionals with interest in the industry to build relationships in a relaxed, but idea-charged atmosphere! In addition, our agenda offers priceless insights from industry-leading practitioners on how to improve and increase your business.
Toy & Game Inventors
You've invented the 'next big' toy or game idea - Congratulations! Now turn your idea into reality. This is your opportunity to present your ideas directly to top toy and game experts and inventor relations executives for licensing and/or for advice on moving forward with design, manufacturing, outsourcing, packaging, distribution and marketing. We have assembled the most knowledgeable experts in the toy and game industry to give you advice and feedback. This is the one-time in the year that many of these inventor relations executives will look at outside submissions from inventors who are not represented by agents.
New International Content
Due to demand, we've added new international sessions. Learn how to do business in Europe, Asia, and South America from experts on manufacturing, selling and accessing international markets. Learn how to break into the US market from experts on common US business practices including toy testing, customs, shipping, and more. Globalization is more important now than ever!
Social Media @ Play (SMAPCon)
Today's digital world has changed the way we play. These engaging power-packed sessions feature expert practitioners in social media, as well as toy industry professionals who’ve achieved success with their social media marketing strategies. You'll learn the tools, techniques and trends of social media, from integration to engagement to measurement, and how to make them work for your toy or game brands. The Social Media @ Play (SMAPCon) sessions are held on Friday only, and are available as a separate registration for anyone wishing to attend just the one day of conference sessions on Friday. Click Here to Register for SMAPCon only.
Click Here to Register for T&GCon
Peggy Brown - Owner of of Peggy Brown Creative Consulting
Peggy is a multi-million selling toy and game inventor whose passion for playful silliness, creative thinking and natural curiosity for all things fun and quirky make a rare and winning combination. In addition to creating hundreds of products and working with companies like Hasbro, Mattel, Fisher Price, Disney, Warner Bros., Sesame Street, McDonalds, Nickelodeon and more, Peggy has authored numerous books including The Golden Book of Family Fun, soon to be released from Random House. As a regular guest on the Rachael Ray Show, she shared her passion with viewers through segments about play, crafts and fun activities for kids of all ages. A 2009 TAGIE Award winner for Game Inventor of the Year, Peggy's on a mission to inspire creativity and unleash the playful spirit in all of us!
Bob Wann - CEO of Patch Products, Inc.
Bob has over 35 years of extensive, impressive experience in the toy industry as well as Fortune 500 and Entrepreneurial/Start-up companies in the U.S. and International Markets. Through his expertise in strategic brand and product development, and as CEO, VP and Chief Marketing Officer with companies such as Hasbro's Milton Bradley and Parker Brothers, Playskool, Fisher Price and American Greetings, Bob has overseen the successful introduction, development and growth of many industry recognized brands such as Care Bears, Strawberry Shortcake, Mr. Potato Head, Monopoly, Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, Pictionary, Fisher Price, Playskool and Nerf. A member of the Toy Industry Association's Board of Directors, Bob is widely recognized as a natural born creative leader and marketer.
Bob Wann - CEO of Patch Products, Inc.
Click Here to read more about the Social Media @ Play Session Speakers
For Sponsorship Opportunities, please click here
TGCon Sponsor Packet (440 KB)
Here's What Past T&GCon Attendees and Speakers Had To Say:
"For anyone interested in entering the wonderful toy and game business, either as an inventor or an entrepreneur, there is absolutely no better way to gather information and network with industry pros than to spend two days at T&GCon in Chicago in November." - Mike Hirtle, Head of Global Product Acquisition and Inventor Relations at Hasbro
"T&GCon was a great place to meet industry professionals and to meet some new inventors. The panels were well done and we were able to learn from some of the best out there." - Lindsay Gaskins, President/CEO, Marbles the Brain Store
"I don't think I have learned more about the Toy Biz since?... ever. I didn't want it to end".
- Carle Wunderlich, President, Best of Best Toys, Inc. - Toy Sales Rep / Distributor
"2010 was my fourth year speaking at T&GCon and I wouldn’t miss it – it is as valuable a networking event to me, as it is to the inventors attending! Mary and her team assemble some of the most talented people in the industry. It is like no other toy conference available. I am sure some the industry’s best, new ideas are being discussed and created throughout the conference events – we will just have to watch the toy shelves to see!"
- Tracy Dudkiewicz, TAP Marketing
"T&GCon was an amazing experience. It was energizing and informative, and not only did I learn a lot, but now have several projects being considered for licensing. What a fantastic event! Honestly, I loved the whole thing. I'd give top marks across the board."
- Patrick Matthews, Live Oak GamesT&GCon is a must for anyone - inventors or company people - in the toy and game industry. The information you'll learn and the networking is incredible. Mary Couzin is to be congratulated; there is nothing else like it in the world! As a relative newcomer to the toy and game industry, T&GCon was invaluable to me.
- Tanya Thompson, Inventor Relations, ThinkFun
- Tanya Thompson, Inventor Relations, ThinkFun
"Thank you for putting on such a wonderful conference. It definitely exceeded my expectations! As someone who is interested in getting started in the game industry, I found this conference invaluable. The great variety of session topics and quality of presenters helped me gain a better understanding of the industry as a whole. I would recommend it to anyone who thinks toy or game design is something they want to do."
- John Berube
"This was a great experience and chance to meet some of the brightest inventors. We always come away with some new business and new friends. Things run smoothly and the atmosphere is very laid back. This event has always been a positive part of our marketing plans." - Juan Mendez, Ludo Fact GmbH.
T&GCon was amazing and I highly recommend that any and all budding toy and game inventors invest in this opportunity to learn every aspect of the toy and game industry! Not only do you get to network with the top experts in the industry, but you can get a one-on-one meeting to discuss "your" toy or game with them! It's a rare and golden opportunity for toy and game inventors! - Barbara Jenkins, J Links Enterprise
"This was a great experience and chance to meet some of the brightest inventors. We always come away with some new business and new friends. Things run smoothly and the atmosphere is very laid back. This event has always been a positive part of our marketing plans." - Juan Mendez, Ludo Fact GmbH.
T&GCon was amazing and I highly recommend that any and all budding toy and game inventors invest in this opportunity to learn every aspect of the toy and game industry! Not only do you get to network with the top experts in the industry, but you can get a one-on-one meeting to discuss "your" toy or game with them! It's a rare and golden opportunity for toy and game inventors! - Barbara Jenkins, J Links Enterprise
"Thanks for making my first official inventors experience an awesome one. I could not have asked for a more productive use of time or better group of industry experts to learn from and meet."
- Marc Cooper, Imagination Brands, LLC
