The Toy & Game International Excellence (TAGIE) Awards, hosted annually by People of Play (POP), will take centre stage in a full hour-long special airing January 18 on CBS. As part of an episode of the “Toys of Our Lives” series — which spotlights the people and stories behind beloved playthings — the awards ceremony will broadcast in major markets, including New York, Boston, Detroit, Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, Tampa Bay, and more. Viewers can check their local listings for airtimes in their area.
Held on November 8 in Chicago with the theme of “Toys Through Time,” the 17th annual TAGIE Awards celebrated and honored the inventors, designers, and innovators behind some of the most beloved toys and games in the industry. Winners in nine categories were announced and three honorees were presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award, including:
- Mary Danby, British designer of many innovative toys and games
- Dan Romanelli, founder of Warner Bros. Consumer Products, who transformed the studio’s licensing and merchandising division
- Alan Dorfman, co-founder/president of Super Impulse USA — known for the world’s smallest, fully functional, playable toys and games
Viewers will also be entertained by host Karri Bean, senior manager of LEGO at Disney Consumer Products, along with the creative scriptwriting of Barry and Jason Entertainment — amplified by a time machine that transports the audience through decades of toy crazes.
Mary Couzin, senior vice president and founder/leader of People of Play at The Toy Association, said: “Today’s consumers want to feel a connection with the products they buy. The people behind our popular playthings are as fascinating, making this special a powerful way to engage audiences of all ages.”
Donna Drake, co-executive producer of “Toys of Our Lives, said: “Being on-site to film POP Week events for the premiere episode of ‘Toys of Our Lives’ and capturing the energy of the TAGIE Awards for this hour-long televised special was an unforgettable experience. We’re eager to share these inspiring stories with our CBS audience.”
The TAGIES ceremony was one of several events that took place during People of Play’s annual POP Week, including the Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference, Young Inventor Challenge, and Chicago Toy & Game Fair.
