The past few weeks marked an amazing conclusion to a year filled with conventions and connections. I want to take you along on the extraordinary journey we’ve recently embarked on, where we celebrated the very best of Funko with our community. As an ambassador, enthusiast, collector, and regular guest at conventions, my goal is to put Funko in the spotlight and share this passion with as many people as possible.

From Rotterdam to Ghent, and from Egmond aan Zee to Utrecht, every event brought something unique. Let’s look back on this unforgettable period together!

Sneakerness Rotterdam: A Home Game

We kicked things off at Sneakerness in Rotterdam on October 26 and 27. For me, this felt like a home game: close to home and filled with energy.

Although this event is primarily focused on sneakers and streetwear, we managed to inspire many sneaker enthusiasts with our Funko Pops. It was special to introduce new people to the world of Funko.

FACTS Ghent: A Highlight for the Community

A week later, on November 2nd and 3rd, we traveled to Belgium for FACTS in Ghent, one of the largest and most thrilling pop culture conventions in the region. With over 60,000 attendees, this event is a must-visit for fans of all things geek. FACTS is a visually stunning experience, featuring creative decorations and well-thought-out themes that transport visitors into a world of imagination and excitement.

Our stand quickly became a hotspot for Belgian Funko collectors, and we were overwhelmed by the warm welcome we received. Familiar faces from the community stopped by, while we also had the pleasure of introducing new fans to the magic of Funko. Conversations flowed as we shared collecting Pops, showcased exclusive Pops, and bonded over our shared passion for this unique hobby.

What truly sets FACTS apart is the incredible effort the organizers put into making it an immersive and engaging event. From vibrant cosplay competitions to a wide variety of activities and attractions, there’s always something exciting to see and do. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your Funko journey, FACTS offers an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves pop culture.

Collect-a-Con Egmond: Small but Mighty

The weekend of November 9th and 10th brought us to Collect-a-Con in Egmond aan Zee, a smaller but wonderfully unique convention held in a cozy hotel setting. Originally focused on Pokémon cards, this event has grown to embrace a wider variety of collectibles, including Funko Pops.

The intimate atmosphere allowed for deeper, more personal interactions with attendees. We had time to chat with collectors about their favorite pieces, give advice on protecting their Pops, and share the joy of hunting for that one perfect addition to a collection. It’s conventions like this that remind us how diverse and passionate the community is.

Geek Village Genk: A Warm Belgian Welcome

On November 17th, we returned to Belgium for Geek Village in Genk, held in the beautiful Thor Central. While this was a smaller event compared to FACTS, its charm lay in its intimacy and the opportunity to connect one-on-one with attendees.

It was a pleasure to meet new Belgian collectors while catching up with familiar faces. The personal, relaxed vibe of Geek Village made it feel more like a gathering of friends than a formal convention. Events like these highlight the close-knit nature of the Funko community, and it’s always heartwarming to see how far the love for collectibles extends.

Heroes Dutch Comic Con: The Grand Finale

We wrapped up our convention marathon with a bang at Heroes Dutch Comic Con Winter Edition in Utrecht on November 24th and 25th. As the largest pop culture event in the Netherlands, drawing more than 50,000 visitors, it was the perfect way to close out this whirlwind period.

Our stand was buzzing with activity (see our selfie), attracting fans from across Europe who came to chat, shop, and celebrate their love of Funko. The energy was electric, fueled by vibrant cosplay, lively performances, and the sheer excitement of the crowd. Meeting so many fans and collectors, sharing stories, and helping them find new treasures for their collections was a highlight of the entire year.

For a vibe of the event check out the video  –

Crowned as the Best Funko Shop

During this awesome period, we received incredible news: we were named the Best Funko Collectors Shop in the Netherlands by the Funko community in both the Netherlands and Belgium! This recognition is an immense honor and a wonderful result of all our hard work at conventions and on social media. Thanks to our Instagram (@p._pops) and Facebook group (P.Pops Funko Pops), we’ve built a strong connection with collectors, and we are incredibly proud of that.

Grateful for the Community

What made this journey so special was the interaction with the community. Meeting Discord members, Instagram followers, Facebook followers, and the many people we see regularly at conventions gave us an indescribable energy. Your enthusiasm and support make all of this possible, and we are so grateful for that.

As we look back on this incredible journey, one thing becomes clear: it’s not just about the Pops, it’s about the people. The conversations, the laughter, and the shared passion are what make these experiences unforgettable.

I’d like to end with a quote that perfectly captures what this adventure means to me:

    “Collecting Funko, Creating Memories.”

Here’s to many more memories in the making!

The post An Incredible Convention Journey: Our Tour Through the Netherlands and Belgium appeared first on Pop Price Guide.

Orrin Fordjour is a veteran collector and connoisseur of all things Funko, as well as hobbyDB’s Co-Ambassador to The Netherlands. Orrin, aka Funkovader, shares with us his dream journey to the 2024 New York City Comic Con. Make sure to give the Funkovader YouTube channel a watch!

As a kid, I always dreamed of visiting New York City.

The idea of the city captivated me, probably because of movies, sports, and the city’s energy. Once I started collecting collectibles, I saw three well-known collectors (P. Pops: Jeroen, Pascal, and Maupie010) make a trip to the San Diego Comic Con. It looked amazing! I knew then that I had to go, and as soon as possible.

I heard from other content creators that they would be attending New York Comic Con (NYCC), and the chance to meet them in person for the first time made the adventure even more exciting. I was ready to make this dream come true!

The Big Question

The hardest part was asking my wife if I could take a weeklong trip to New York City for NYCC. She gave me her blessing to pursue my dream, and that felt incredible. It’s no small thing, as we have two young kids, and I knew it would mean leaving her with a full schedule and all the childcare. But her support meant the world to me, and with her encouragement, I was able to start the trip with peace of mind.

The Journey

The week before my departure, I could hardly sleep – maybe three hours a night! I was beyond excited and could barely believe that I was really going to New York. How would the city look in real life? Are the people as friendly as I’ve heard? And how good is the food, really?

At 8 a.m., I woke up, got ready, and headed to Schiphol Airport with my family, where I met my travel buddy, Sanie. At 10 a.m., we checked in for our flight, and after an emotional goodbye with my family, we were finally on our way. The eight-hour flight to JFK flew by with some movies and a bit of sleep.

Finally Arrived

After eight hours of flying, we landed at JFK Airport and picked up our luggage. Right away, I felt the New York vibe: the crowds, yellow taxis, everything! We took the shuttle to the taxi stand (which says something about how massive JFK is) and called an Uber to our Airbnb in Brooklyn. Around 8 p.m., we arrived and decided to grab something to eat. Thankfully, there was a chicken shop around the corner. For $50, we got a huge order of chicken, which ended up lasting us two days. After eating, we went to bed to get ready for the next day.

From Brooklyn to Manhattan

The next morning, we set out to explore Brooklyn. Our first stop was a shop known for its bean pies, but it was unfortunately closed. In the meantime, Sanie showed me around the neighborhood. Brooklyn was impressive; it was clear that the city is actively being redeveloped. I couldn’t resist taking some photos, especially of the iconic view through the long streets that create a tunnel of buildings and cars.

After an hour, we returned to the shop, but it was still closed. So, we decided to walk to the Brooklyn Bridge, where we had an incredible view of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and even the Statue of Liberty in the distance. The bridge itself was striking, with locks everywhere, left by couples as a symbol of their love.

We continued walking into Manhattan. My jaw dropped at the sight of the enormous buildings. My neck still hurts from looking up! In Manhattan, we visited the Westfield Mall, Pop Mart, the NBA Store (where I bought a Lakers jersey with LeBron James’ embroidered signature), and of course, Times Square with its dizzying lights and screens. In the evening, we picked up our NYCC badges at the Javits Center before heading back to the Airbnb.

Funko Hunting in New York City

On day two, we decided to go on a Funko hunt, visiting stores known for selling exclusive Funko Pops. We started at a shopping center nearby, with stores like Hot Topic, 5 Below, and Target. 5 Below and Target didn’t have any Funko exclusives, but we found a nice collection at Hot Topic.

Next, we went to Infinite Collectibles, a store that reminded me of the famous line “Get out of my store!” from the owner, Omar. He was busy packing up for NYCC, so we didn’t chat for long, but the shop was a treasure trove of rare Funko Pops and collectibles. We also visited Marshall’s, where we found some Black Panther die-casts and Funko sodas, and GameStop, which had a few exclusives.

Our last stop was Toy Tokyo, known for its exclusive items and unique layout. I brought some Dutch stickers with me and was allowed to put them inside and outside, leaving a little piece of myself in the U.S., haha!

New York Comic Con

NYCC was an unforgettable experience and my first convention in America. I’m used to cons in the Netherlands and Belgium, but NYCC is on a whole different level. Everything was well-organized and clearly marked. The main hall was massive – I think all the stands from HDCC in Utrecht could fit in there!

The selection was varied: Funko Pops, t-shirts, comics, jewelry, and so much more. Brands like Funko, Nickelodeon, Marvel, One Piece, Dragon Ball, and Warhammer had huge booths.

One thing that really stood out was the cosplay – it was truly next level. Almost everyone was dressed up, and some people looked so much like the actual characters! Cosplay at NYCC is a whole different experience, and it was amazing to see so much creativity.

I went for some autographs from notable people like Gary Vaynerchuk, Brian (former Funko CEO), Colleen (voice of Luffy), and Chris (voice of Zoro, Vegeta, and many others). I also joined two TCG games, Union Arena and Dragon Ball, and received promo cards and a starter deck as a reward.

I attended three panels: Dragon Ball Daima, One Piece with the English voice actors, and Bleach with the Japanese voice actors performing a live scene. It was incredible to witness! Even in four days, I didn’t see everything, but that only made it better.

The best part was meeting people. Many of them I already knew from social media (like TopPop & Mama Toppops, Misa, Batman Sidekick, Ink Lord Pop, Funko James, Chris & Heather from Gastlecast, Jason from Seven Bucks a Pop, SnailFunko, Lydia from FugitiveToys, Jersey Jorge, and Flipnxtvictim). It was amazing to finally talk and spend time together in real life, with no time zone differences.

I even brought a Funko Pop with me and had everyone sign it as a special memory. I also brought gifts from the Netherlands, including a Traveling Freddy, the “roaming Funko,” which I returned to its home in America.

-Funko Booth

From photos and videos, I’d always seen glimpses of the Funko booth, but seeing it in person was something else. The lines were packed—wow, just wow. I walked by several times just for the fun of it. I had the chance to chat with a few Funko staff members, and I can tell you, they were all super friendly and welcoming. I’d sneak a peek around the corner here and there to see what was going on inside the booth—it was hard to resist!

-New Player in the Collectible World: THRILLYJOY

I was pleasantly surprised by the Thrilljoy booth, a brand new entry in the collectible market, designed by Funko’s former CEO, Brian Mariotti. The booth itself looked like a castle, complete with a massive throne that reminded me of something out of Game of Thrones.

Right at the entrance was their adorable mascot, BLOO. Surrounding the booth were giant cutouts resembling the figure boxes, and everywhere you looked, there were vibrant figurines and displays of their high-quality merchandise.

They showcased their core collection, The Pix, packaged in an impressive, magnetized box that felt premium and sturdy. Inside each box, you find a character card with figure details, the figure itself held securely, and a wall mount option—perfect for display! Plus, the figures can be stacked. Thrilljoy really thought of everything!

One of my personal favorites was the Mega Pix, a 12-inch figure featuring their mascot Bloo, dressed in various outfits. The exclusive NYCC Bloo was especially cute, wearing a Thrilljoy onesie and holding a mini Pix figure, limited to only 1,000 pieces with a stamped box to match. Every Thrilljoy item, including their apparel, is limited-edition. Some items have runs as small as 10, which I believe applies to their prototype—spotted by a lucky fan who won it!

Thrilljoy even offers a “chase” variant. The Mega Pix figure includes interchangeable hands, and I believe the hands can be swapped out with others as well—a great detail! They also introduced their new clothing line, Threads, including hats, bucket hats, t-shirts, hoodies, and even a onesie, each piece limited to just 200 items!

The quality across their range is top-notch, and I could definitely see myself adding some Thrilljoy pieces to my collection one day. Sadly, they don’t yet ship outside the USA, but it may only be a few months away. Congratulations to Brian and the entire Thrilljoy team—I can’t wait to see what the future holds for both you and us collectors!

-The Amazing Mighty Jaxx Booth

Naturally, I had to swing by the Mighty Jaxx booth and see my friends there. They had a special guest this year: Jason Freeny, who did a few signing sessions. I couldn’t pass up the chance to have my own figures signed by him! It was also so exciting to see the giant Luffy Gear 5 in front of their booth, along with an incredible Transformer figure. Mighty Jaxx, well done! I’m looking forward to seeing you all again soon!

Visiting an OG Funko Collector

After four days at NYCC, I had the chance to visit an OG Funko collector. Many may know her from Instagram as brooklyn_pop_world. I’d promised to bring her some Dutch cookies to try, along with a few stickers, and I got the incredible opportunity to see her Funko room.

I could hardly believe my eyes – it was absolutely amazing! Proto’s, Soda Freddys, 4-inch Freddy Funkos, and some of the rarest older pieces. There was one Freddy in particular that really caught my eye: a massive display Freddy. I couldn’t resist taking a photo with it (though secretly, I wanted to bring it home, haha).

Besides admiring her impressive collection, we had a great chat, and she even shared some helpful collecting tips. Meeting brooklyn_pop_world was an awesome experience, and it gave me even more appreciation for the Funko community.

Conclusion

This trip to New York City and NYCC was an unforgettable experience. From the excitement of following my dream to the incredible moments at the con – every part of it was worth it. Exploring New York and meeting friends I’ve known online for years brought so many memories that I’ll cherish forever. Not only did I get to see the city of my dreams, but I also felt truly connected to the Funko community.

A huge thank you to my buddy Sanie and my friends from P. Pops for encouraging me to make this trip. And above all, my deepest gratitude goes to my amazing wife, who gave me the full support to chase this dream – even with everything she had to manage at home.

Feeling inspired to plan your own trip to New York City and NYCC? Don’t hesitate! Start saving and make your dream a reality. If you have any questions or just want to chat about your plans, feel free to reach out – I’d be happy to help! One thing’s for sure: if possible, I’ll be back next year to relive this incredible adventure!

The post Funkovader: My Dream Trip to New York City and 2024 NYCC appeared first on Pop Price Guide.

We began with MR.splinter, our man in Israel, before introducing the Netherlands co-Ambassadors Orrin (read more on him here) and Maurice van der Nagel, aka Maupie010, the latter which we chat with today about his journey collecting Funko Pop!s.

Ambassadors help to promote PPG across local events and area online groups. Read more about the program here, including how you can get involved and represent your country.

Over to you, Maupie010!!

A few years ago, I was introduced to Funko Pop!s through my son, who had taken an interest in them. The more I saw them, the more I started to like them, and in early 2018, I bought my very first Funko Pop! I quickly realized how much was out there, so I decided to start collecting more selectively. This led me to focus on Pennywise Pop!s, Conan O’Brien Pop!s, Freddy Funko’s, and for the past three years, I’ve become obsessed with prototypes—I now own around 40!

Wanting to be a true know-it-all in the world of Funko, I spent countless hours, days, and weeks researching and connecting with collectors worldwide. Along the way, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge and met amazing fellow collectors from all over the world, both online and in real life.

All the knowledge I’ve gathered, I now share with the global Funko community. In the Netherlands, and even in the U.S., I’m recognized as a dedicated Dutch Funko collector, and I love sharing what I know with others.

I mainly do this on Instagram (@funco010), in large Facebook groups in the Netherlands, Belgium, and the U.S., and through my own Funko Collectors Discord group, where Dutch and Belgian fans can find literally all the info they need. This year, together with some hardcore Dutch Funko Fanatics, we organized our first Dutch Funko Fans Day Out, and we’re already planning the next one for early 2025!

On these platforms, both beginners and advanced collectors can find all the information they need about Funko. My motto is simple: we all share the same passion, and we can’t thrive in this hobby without each other. We’re one big Funko family!

These days, I also help friends at conventions, bringing exclusive Pop!s to collectors in the Netherlands and Belgium so they can enjoy these amazing collectibles too. We put the “fun” in Funko!

If you ever have any questions or just want to chat about Funko, feel free to reach out! I love meeting new people who share the same passion for Funko Pop!s, and I can’t wait to connect with more like-minded collectors!

The post Pop Price Guide Ambassador: Meet the Netherland’s Co-Ambassador and Funko Pop! Expert Maupie010 appeared first on Pop Price Guide.