POP will host its 26th annual Toy Fair POP Pub Party

People of Play will host its 26th annual Toy Fair POP Pub Party on Monday, February 16, at Connolly’s Pub (121 W 45th St.) beginning at 6 p.m., bringing together the toy and game industry for an evening of networking, celebration, and philanthropy. 

Iventor Night NY

This year’s POP Pub Party proudly merges with “Inventor Night NY,” a longtime Toy Fair tradition that brings together the industry’s creative community, all in support of POP’s Young Inventor Challenge (YIC). Every $20 ticket sold directly benefits the YIC, helping nurture the ideas, confidence, and creativity of young inventors around the world. The evening is sponsored by Eastar Game Manufacturing.

“The POP Pub Party has always been where the toy and game community comes together to connect, celebrate, and spark ideas,” said Mary Couzin, senior vice president and founder/leader of People of Play at The Toy Association. “In 2026, we’re proud to turn that collective energy into meaningful support for young inventors so the next generation of creators has the encouragement and opportunity to bring their ideas to life.”

Helping kids to develop their projects

Tickets are available for $20 each. Those unable to attend POP Pub during Toy Fair can still support the Young Inventor Challenge by making a donation and helping ensure more kids have the opportunity to develop their toy and game projects and gain valuable industry experience. 

The Young Inventor Challenge, held annually in November as part of POP Week, provides kids ages 6 to 18 with a platform to help develop and pitch their original toy and game ideas to industry professionals. Through mentorship and feedback, the program nurtures creativity, confidence, and real-world product development skills. 

Tradition finds a new home

For more than 50 years, Inventor Night NY — founded by Mark Setteducati and co-hosted with Mark Mitton and Robert and Alex Fuhrer — has brought together inventors, puzzlers, artists, and magicians during Toy Fair week. This year, that tradition finds a new home with the POP Pub Party, adding to the creative energy of the evening while maintaining POP Pub as the industry’s central Monday night destination. 

All industry professionals are invited to join the POP community for a memorable night of connection and celebration at the POP Pub event. Click here for more information, to secure your ticket, or to donate.

Source: Press Release The Toy Association