Vinyl Toy Network 5/4/08
By hana on Apr 18, 2008 in vinyl
The countdown is on - roughly two weeks left until the next Vinyl Toy Network. If you’re in the Southern California area, mark your calendars for Sunday, May 4th. Held at the Pasadena Convention Center, VTN is a convention floor filled with vendors, manufacturers, and artists. It’s like a small Comic-Con for vinyl toy enthusiasts.
Last year was the first time I went to VTN, and I was hit hard by the vinyl toy bug. My partner-in-crime and I were total newbies, and this is evidenced by the following thought process. The first 150 guests would receive a swag bag filled with goodies, and we were determined to get our paws on them.
Since the show started at 10am, we figured it would be safe to be in line by 9am. We assumed that designer toys were still a niche market, and most people would probably sleep in on a Sunday morning.
How foolish and naive we both were!! When we arrived around 9am, we saw the long line extending out of the convention center. We were told that the first 150 were already inside the convention center, and there were at least 150 already in line outside the doors. Humbled, we took our place in line and kissed our swag bags good-bye. No, I’m not still bitter.
The first time was an eye-opening experience, and we wandered the floor for a few hours. It was sensory overload, and we weren’t exactly sure where to begin. We spent way too much money, and we met Frank Kozik without realizing who he was. (I started collecting his stuff after I met him.) I met Dan Goodsell (Mr. Toast), and I saw Buff Monster from afar. It was a great rookie experience. Now that I know a little more about toys, I want to attend with a different perspective.
This year’s VTN will have raffles, exclusives, artist signings, and a panel. Confirmed artists include Amanda Visell, Sket, Brian Castleforte, Cameron Tiede, Christoper Lee, and Daniel Monahan. Details are still forthcoming, and I’ll keep you posted over the next weeks. I’m also going to preview some of the artist exclusives that will be available so stay tuned.
emcee astro bear | Apr 18, 2008 | Reply
Cameron Tiede was at the last VTN. I can’t wait to meet Ms. Visell this time.
Hopefully, Sir Buff Monster got a decent haircut. I think I’m going to invest in one of those camping chairs so I can camp out around…6am?
grrrace | Apr 18, 2008 | Reply
i’d be bitter, too. hehe.
at least you know better for this year! hehe.
hana | Apr 18, 2008 | Reply
grrrace: knowing is half the battle…that’s what someone once told me.
LisaRisa | Apr 18, 2008 | Reply
I like when you can meet the man (Frank Kozik) and not even realize it’s him!!
I’m conveniently ignoring the swag bag memory.. makes me all bitter for you…
leigh | Apr 18, 2008 | Reply
can’t wait to see some of the previews from the show! too bad i’m so far away.
Caprica | Apr 21, 2008 | Reply
I wonder how many “total newbies” go to the Vinyl Toy Network and are completely surprised at what they find?
hana | Apr 21, 2008 | Reply
leigh: i’ll keep you posted on the other stuff.
caprica: from what I remember, it seemed liked a lot of people were already into toys. i saw people racing around, buying stuff and then racing to get stuff signed. they seemed really efficient.