#30SecondMom In-Depth: Celebrating the Power of Play With ChiTAG! by Donna John
During this week's #30SecondMom Twitter chat, we talked with the masterminds behind the Chicago Toy & Game Fair! ChiTAG, as it's commonly referred, is the largest toy and game fair in the U.S. open to the public. This year, ChiTAG will be held on November 19-20 at Navy Pier in Chicago.
Q: Tell us what ChiTAG is all about!
Play is an important part of everyday life. Research has shown play has a pivotal role in cognitive development and maintaining a stable life. We created ChiTAG so people of all ages could come celebrate and promote the importance of play with us! The Chicago Toy & Game Fair (aka ChiTAG) was founded in 2003. Last year we broke our attendance record with over 30,000! This is the 14th year of ChiTAG and we are the largest non-hobby toy and game fair open to the public in North America!
Our Young Inventor Challenge is extremely popular for children ages 6-18. It’s exciting to see so many kids present their own original inventions to the toy and game industry. Young Inventor Challenge sponsors this year are Target and Pressman Toy! This year we added the Young Tech Challenge (ages 8-22) to showcase their tech idea. Registration closes November 14! The Young Tech challenge is sponsored by Spin Master and Tech Trep. Spin Master and Tech Trep are giving away some amazing products. (Learn more here!)
Have you been to #ChiTAG Fair? 3 tips to help you rock it! #ChiTAG @ChiTAGWeek #30SecondMom #parenting https://t.co/rHd5SOmhzL
— Alison R (@SoChicLife) November 10, 2016
Q: What can we expect at this year’s ChiTAG?
The Fair continues to grow each year and we’ve added more playful events over the years. Walk inside the largest Pom Pom Wow installation over 20-feet high! We're attempting to break a Guinness World Record! Come meet toy and game inventors from around the world including the inventor of Twister!
Parents can shop for the hottest new and classic toys for the holidays and get that shopping done! Razor is thrilled to showcase the Chicago Toy & Game Fair with new family rides: A5 Air plus t3 scooters and Crazy Cart Shift! Doors open one hour early for special access to families with children of special needs. Learn more about ChiTAG Lekotek Sensory Power Hour from 9-10 a.m. here!
If you or a loved one is a Star Wars fan, enjoy our themed luncheon with Storm Troopers and Darth Vader! (Learn more here!) As always, toy and game companies welcome you to play with their newest and hottest toys, games and apps. Be sure to follow @ChiTAGWeek and #chitag for playful updates as we get closer!
Love @JENGA? Enter our giveaway to have dinner with inventor Leslie Scott 11/18! Details here: https://t.co/CHQoje7RqZ #chicago #30secondmom
— Alison R (@SoChicLife) November 10, 2016
Q: Tell us some of the hottest trends in toys for the 2016 holiday season.
- Razor’s Crazy Cart SHIFTs into gear with newest addition to the family. Come test ride at booth 601!
- PlayMonster is calling all lil' gardeners! My Fairy Garden Magical Cottage is an adorbs toy and real-life garden, too!
- Snap pieces together and switch on your imagination with Roominate’s Cotton Candy Carnival, a fun wired building set from Play Monster!
- Take wooden cars to the next level with Play Monster Automoblox with mix-and-match parts – fun for kids and adults!
- All the kiddos are going crazy for Orbeez and Pom Pom Wow!
Use @mypompomwow to bring art, painting, craft to life! Make artwork 3D by just adding #PomPomWow! https://t.co/aq1lP3gGoa #30secondmom
— ChiTAG Week (@ChiTAGWeek) November 10, 2016
What do u get when you pour a $1M ORBEEZ in a convertible 🚗? Watch the @OrbeezGirls challenge https://t.co/kxEAFtzsHu #30secondmom
— ChiTAG Week (@ChiTAGWeek) November 10, 2016
Q: How can people attend?
You can get your tix here. But hurry! Time is running out! Tickets include fun for the ENTIRE family! Interactive exhibits, test new products before they hit the shelves and a Yo-Yo Championship! Not to mention the Young Inventor & Tech Challenge, Ben’s Giant Bubble Show, Giveaways, Stage Events, Magic Shows and more! Check out our Social Media at Play Track on November 18 at Navy Pier. It’s free plus open to anyone interested in learning about social media. We are so excited to announce our Keynote is Julie Cole, co-founder of Mabel's Labels! (Sign up here!) Thank you to our panel of Play Influencers who help us spread the word about ChiTAG plus our mission to play every day.
Can’t wait to see my friend @juliecole speak @ChiTAGWeek! She's the keynote for Social Media @ Play panel. Come join us! #30secondmom
— Alison R (@SoChicLife) November 10, 2016
Q5: Let’s talk about why play is so important for all ages! What are you doing in your daily life to play every day?
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.
Visit www.ChiTAG.com/fair to learn more about the event! Grab your $3 off ChiTAG tickets by registering online using the promo code CHITAG3 here! Find discounted parking using Spot Hero! Extra $5 off with promo code CHITAG at checkout! Get a FREE ride with Lyft to the fair here! And be sure to follow @SoChicLife, @ToyQueen, @therockfather, @ChiTAGWeek, @RazorWorldWide, @PlayMonsterFun, @themayagroup and @mypompomwow!
RSVP Holly Guski