Global Toy News Insight
CHITAG Fair continues to position itself as more than a two-day consumer event by giving exhibitors access to months of integrated marketing opportunities before the show floor even opens. Through media outreach, influencer campaigns, and holiday gift guide placements, participating brands can build awareness ahead of the critical fourth-quarter selling season, extending the value of their investment beyond booth traffic alone.
For toy companies, this reflects an important shift in the trade show landscape: success is increasingly measured by year-round visibility rather than on-site interactions. By connecting exhibitors with media, content creators, and consumers before, during, and after the event, CHITAG and People of Play are creating a marketing ecosystem that can generate sustained exposure, support retail conversations, and help brands maximize ROI as they head into the holiday season.
Maximize Your CHITAG Fair Investment Before the Show Begins
Build excitement before the CHITAG Fair 2026 begins!
As planning ramps up for the 2026 Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG), taking place November 7 to 8 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, companies interested in exhibiting can still participate in promotional opportunities designed to put products in front of media, influencers, and consumers in the months leading up to the Fair.
As an exhibitor, your company can take advantage of these opportunities that help generate excitement leading into POP Week and the holiday shopping season, including:
- Media pitching through CHITAG Fair’s partnership with Carve PR
- Influencer box submissions, with product due for mailing by September 15
- Wishlist Weekend™ Holiday Guide inclusion, connecting products with engaged holiday shoppers
Why exhibit? Last year’s event generated exposure for exhibiting brands, including:
- 1.98 billion media impressions nationwide
- 100+ media outlets and influencers covering POP Week and CHITAG Fair
- 28,000+ consumers engagements during Wishlist Weekend™ in the month leading up to the event
See what’s possible by viewing the 2025 Media Recap to learn how exhibiting companies reached audiences across broadcast, print, digital, and social media.
Companies with questions about exhibiting at the Fair are encouraged to reach out to Mary Couzin, senior vice president & founder/leader of People of Play at The Toy Association.
