CharaExpo vs STGCC vs GameStart: How the Toy and Gaming Cons Stack Up

CharaExpo, STGCC and GameStart are all happening in September. So many toy and gaming conventions, too little time.

CharaExpo and Singapore Toy Game and Comic Convention (STGCC) are happening this weekend (September 9 to 10), while GameStart takes place October 14-15. If you had to pick one convention to attend, which would you choose?

To help you make that decision, here’s a lowdown of each event. Despite being massive pop-culture gatherings, each con brings something different to the table.

For example, CharaExpo is focused mainly on anime, while STGCC centers more around toys, comic books, and action figures. As for GameStart, its main draw is video and board games.

Here are the highlights of each convention to learn more:

CharaExpo 2017

Date: September 9 to 10 (Saturday and Sunday)
Venue: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre Hall 404-406
Ticketing: S$6 (early bird price) and S$8 (at the door)
Highlights: Card game tournaments, J-pop performances, anime screenings, cosplay photo-taking, and autograph sessions.
Invited guests: Angela Lee (ONE Championship), Ely (Cosplayer), Hakken (Cosplayer), Sora Tokui (Voice actress), Emi Nitta (Voice actress and singer), Aina Aiba (Voice actress), Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask (New Japan Pro Wrestling)
Who should attend: Anime lovers, Japanese trading card game collectors, cosplayers, and fans of J-pop and anime music.

More information on CharaExpo here. 

STGCC 2017 

Date: September 9 to 10 (Saturday and Sunday)
Venue: Sands Expo & Convention Center, Level B2, Halls D, E & F
Ticketing: S$85 (VIP Pass), S$30 (2-Days All Access Pass), and S$21 (1-Day All Access Pass).
Highlights: Panel discussions, talent showcase, live drawing and painting sessions, cosplay competitions, J-pop performances, and esports tournaments.
Invited guests: Adi Granov (Marvel illustrator), David Mack (Comic artist), James C. Mulligan (Disney artist), Simone Legno (Creator of tokidoki), Kaori Hinata (Character designer), Leon Chiro (Cosplayer), Hiiragi Rio (J-Pop idol), kradness (DJ and singer), Dan Wong (Illustrator), and Derrick Chew (Illustrator)
Who should attend: Comic book fans, toy and action figure collectors, esports enthusiasts, aspiring artists and illustrators, and cosplayers.

More information on STGCC here.  

GameStart 2017

Date: October 14 to 15 (Saturday and Sunday)
Venue: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre Hall 401-403
Ticketing: S$70 (2-Day VIP Ticket), S$18 for Tabletop Gamer (1-Day Pass), and S$10 (Individual Day Pass)
Highlights: Fighting game tournaments, mobile game tournaments, board game tournaments, augmented reality demonstrations, and cosplay competitions.
Invited guests: Vera Chimera (Cosplayer), AstroKerrie (Cosplayer), more to announce soon.
Who should attend: Gamers, esports enthusiasts, manga collectors, and board game enthusiasts.

More information on GameStart 2017 here. 

Read more: Singapore Esports Teams Compete at STGCC 2017 ROG Masters Qualifiers