Navigating POP TOY SHOW SINGAPORE 2023
Besides the exclusive POP MART toy releases and participating artists, here is what else you need to know about the inaugural POP TOY SHOW SINGAPORE, (based on my rudimentary experience at Day One), with two more days to go at Basement 2 Halls D & E of Marina Bay Sands Convention Center (the venue for past Singapore Comic Cons). 11am to 8pm.
Ticketed Entry is priced at SG$32 per day, SG$57 for 2 days.
Tickets could be purchased in the door in MBS itself, BUT if you purchase them online here, you could evoke participating artists' code (Check their Instas and socials for dedicated codes assigned to said artists, which helps them offset the cost of their booths), to receive a "25% off", which in turn helps contribute a few to your overall purchasing attempts, but frankly not much LOL
There are scheduled activities on the main stage (above), as well as scheduled signing sessions (below). Here's what's happening for Saturday and Sunday.
I've seen massive queues for dedicated Pop Mart releases, from designated booths housing Skullpanda, Dimooworld, Molly etc. And I've heard (from other attendees) of shoving and heated arguments in queues, which reminded me immediately of the McDonald's X Hello Kitty Plush drama in the early 2000s LOL
Nothing associated with PTS, but I designed the set for the TVC for said plush, back in 1999 LOL
There's a dedicated "focus" on the aesthetics of collectible toys to be had at PTS, which might not be wholly accurate, as there are multiple vendors/artists who showcases and offers up "alternative" designs, including AMAZ by LOKAIANNO, MONSTER TAIPEI, and of course individual creators in the ARTIST EDEN Zone (what might be recognised as "Artist Alley"), you just need to do the rounds, but don't dilly-dally too long, as goodies get snatched up the quickness!
One clear aspect of this show, is that it is (primarily) dedicated to TOYS, and if you have a clear(er) focus, the hunt might prove fruitful, with no other "distractions" beyond toys, at least until the next toy show, one example being Taipei Toy Festival, while Singapore Comic Con happens in December.
instagram.com/poptoyshowsg
facebook.com/poptoyshowsg
CASH is king, although unsure if dedicated POP MART booths have other forms of (electronic or credit) payment.
There is a Food Alley, with counter tables and with no seating. Food at elevated prices is to be expected, no different from previous likewise events held at MBS. I stopped cracking my head for cheaper alternatives, and plonked down $20 for a late lunch, including a Bento rice X 3 dishes ($14), mineral water ($2) and a additional dessert mousse ($4) which turned out to be the best taste of the day. Yes, $20 could get you a blind box, so you can bring bread instead, I will not judge you.
Have fun and Happy Toy Hunting, people!
Cheers,
Andy TOYSREVIL
