Remember the time, one of our major pop culture event was called STGCC or Singapore Toy, Game and Comic Convention? And then, somehow, after a couple of years, both the “T” and the “G” segments became more and more non-existent? Even after the show was renamed, the gaming aspect came to almost zilch except for table top games. And last year, Hot Toys - who was usually a major exhibitor - did not even have a booth there.
This provided a lucrative opportunity for someone else to fill the niche regarding designer toys in the local scene. Enter POP MART, a leading China toy company that champions for collectible designer toys, coupled with their innovative marketing strategy. They have taken advantage of the popularity of the blind box culture amongst the younger crowd, and have sunk their roots in Red Dot Island with a flagship store at Funan mall, plus a few other shops spread around the island.
To expand their reach to pop-culture enthusiasts and toy collectors even further, POP MART Singapore has launched its inaugural POP TOY SHOW - the company's first festival held outside of China. POP TOY SHOW opens its doors this weekend from 8 to 10 September 2023 at Sands Expo & Convention Centre.
Other than getting your hands on more cute DIMOO, MOLLY and PUCKY blindboxes and figurines (there is no such thing as not enough space for a hardcore collector! hahaha!), what else can you expect from POP MART'S mega showcase festival? Well, based on their social media announcement, the event is looking up to a be a designer toy collector's haven.
Firstly, the artists of the popular POP MART toy figures - Agee & Yap, Ayan Deng, Kenny Wong, Lang, Pucky, and Skullpanda - will be attending the show. Joining them are a few internationally reknowned designer toy artists will be making their way to POP TOY SHOW, armed with their exclusive artwork and collectibles. So far, the list names local hot favourite Simone Legno of Tokidoki, Alex Solis, Jon-Paul Kaiser, Luke Chueh, Punk Drunkers and Quiccs. Phew! This is a great chance for you to get your precious stuff signed at the show! Do check out the guest signing schedule on their website.
Next, POP TOY SHOW has lined up a series of interesting events for each day's stage programme, including presentation by studios like Smobler and Chiko Roko, live drawings by Jon-Paul Kaiser, Lesdoublewood, Luke Chueh and more, and even an auction of WETWORKS' exclusive figure. There are also key panels about toys on Friday and Sunday, but the one that Red Dot Diva says is worth a shoutout is Women In Toy Art moderated by Jessica Emmett and featuring speakers Erika Tay, Klaris, Sarah Isabel Tan, Steffi and Yang Ovo. Go to this link to see what other segments might interest you for the day(s) that you are attending - https://poptoyshow.sg/pages/stage-programme
The directory of exhibitors who will be at the upcoming POP TOY SHOW is pretty impressive. And well, guess what? Hot Toys will be exhibiting at the event too! So will BE@RBRICK - now with extra notoriety cred due to the recent billion-dollar money laundering bust here. Locally-based toy designers like Daniel Yu, Jessica Emmett, Sarah Isabel Tan and Ziqi Wu will make their presence felt at the show as well. These names are just the tip of the iceberg. You can check out the exhibitor roll at POP TOY SHOW'S website.
This has been a long time coming for ardent designer toy collectors and creatives in the toy design field. Grab your tickets and join the party at the POP TOY SHOW this weekend!
POP TOY SHOW (SGCC) 2023
Where: Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Halls D & E
Date: 8 to 10 September 2023 (Fri, Sat and Sun)
Admission: SGD 32.00 per person for 1-day access. Various other multi-day and group options available. Please check the ticketing link.
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