More from Maupie010, one of our two Ambassadors to The Netherlands
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!
