People of Play, the US organisation known for championing toy and game industry innovators around the world, has announced this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award and Industry Game Changer Honourees for the 17th Annual Toy & Game International Excellence Awards (The TAGIEs). Taking place on Friday November 8th with the theme “Toys Through Time”, the evening will honour Mary Danby and Dan Romanelli as the Lifetime Achievement recipients and Alan Dorfman as the Industry Game Changer.
“We’re excited to honour and celebrate the life-long contributions and accomplishments that Mary Danby and Dan Romanelli have made in the World of Play,” said John Barbour, Chairperson of the TAGIE Lifetime Achievement Committee. “Both, in their own unique ways, have played significant roles in the creative evolution of Play and they have had a positive impact in the lives of millions.”
Mary Danby is a renowned British toy inventor and game designer known for her innovative contributions to the toy industry. With a career spanning several decades, Danby has created popular board games, puzzles, and toys that have captivated the imaginations of children and adults alike. She’s particularly recognized for her “Mysteries of Old Peking” games, most recently developed as “Junior Detective”. Her creativity and ability to blend fun with a touch of mystery have made her a beloved figure in the world of toys and games.
“We are so excited to be able to honoUr these titans of the toy industry with Lifetime Achievement Awards as well as all of the TAGIE nominees and winners”
Dan Romanelli is a visionary leader and founder of Warner Bros. Consumer Products, where he played a pivotal role in transforming the studio’s licensing and merchandising division. Under his leadership, Romanelli spearheaded the global success of iconic franchises like Batman, Harry Potter, and Looney Tunes, turning them into cultural phenomena through innovative marketing and product licensing strategies. His work not only expanded the reach of Warner Bros. properties but also set new standards in the entertainment industry for brand management and consumer engagement. Romanelli’s legacy continues to influence the world of entertainment and licensing today.
Alan Dorfman is the co-founder/president of Super Impulse USA. Super Impulse is known for World’s Smallest, a toy line that miniaturizes fully functional, playable classic and contemporary toys, lifestyle, and entertainment brands to fit in the palm of your hand! Prior to Super Impulse, Alan was the founder and president of Basic Fun from 1991 to 2011, the company known for miniaturing popular brands onto keychains, starting the trend of displaying keychains on backpacks. A career of creating unique categories featuring nostalgia, play value, and fresh concepts has solidified his position as a dynamic and influential figure in the toy and licensing worlds.
Throughout the evening, nine awards will also be presented to the winners in the following categories: Toy Innovator of the Year, Game Innovator of the Year, Rising Star Innovator of the Year, Most Innovative PR and Marketing Team of the Year, Most Innovative Art and Design Visuals of the Year, Most Innovative Supplier of the Year, Most Innovative Retailer of the Year, Most Innovative License of the Year and Young Innovator of the Year (under 18 years old). Finalists will be announced in September.
The TAGIE Awards will be hosted by the talented Karri Bean, Senior Licensing Manager, Disney Parks Experiences & Products.
“We are so excited to be able to honour these titans of the toy industry with Lifetime Achievement Awards as well as all of the TAGIE nominees and winners,” said Mary Couzin, Senior Vice President, Founder/Leader of People of Play. “The toy and game industry is truly a family that celebrates and supports one another. We can’t wait to see you in Chicago on November 8 at this extraordinary event.” Tickets to the TAGIE Awards are available on the Chicago Toy and Game Fair website.
The TAGIEs are sponsored by Oxford Games, Mattel, The Michael Kohner Corporation, Hasbro and Nextoy.
