A significant boom has taken place in the fan events and collector promotions landscape with two industry bigwigs, Fanatics and Topps, each unveiling exciting updates. Both companies are throwing more fuel into the fandom fire, making the act of collecting even more enjoyable and fun-filled.
Getting the ball rolling, Fanatics is amplifying its nationwide line-up of events. Adding more locales and formats, Fanatics is set out to offer new dimensions of fandom, culture, sports, and of course, collecting. One of the major players planning to bat for the company is its upcoming FanaticsFest, which sits pretty on New York’s Javits Center calendar for August 16-18.
FanaticsFest promises a wholesome blend of the elements that define a fan’s lifestyle. This grand event aims to weave together strands of fandom, culture, and the art of collecting – an endeavor likely to emerge as a paradise for followers across the spectrum.
But the fervor doesn’t stop at the Big Apple! The company is also setting the stage in Orlando, FL from November 1-3. This time, it’s focusing more on the collectibles to satiate the cravings of sports memorabilia seekers. Not leaving out its devoted fans in Pittsburgh, Fanatics plans to host an intimately scaled gathering at the city’s PNC Park on September 28-29. Expected to feature autograph sessions with local sports personalities, this event sure comes with a touch of personalization!
However, Fanatics’ plans to woo its fans don’t stop there. It aims to host a blend of large-scale fests, regional shows, and venue-specific events at famed stadiums. Collaborations with different sports leagues during significant occasions such as drafts are also in the pipeline. While details on these events are still under wraps, the anticipation keeps mounting.
Meanwhile, at the Topps Industry Conference in Atlanta, the company shared its future plans on the promotions end. Topps has curated a range of engaging activities to keep the collector community hooked. The return of Trading Card Day on August 3 is on the cards, offering exclusive packs at hobby shops for free. The much-anticipated MVP Buyback program is also returning this fall, where collectors can trade cards of recent MLB MVPs for store credit.
Success leaves footprints, and last year’s Hobby Rip Night is proof. The event led to record sales for 18% of the 409 participating stores, a feat Topps plans to repeat with its second edition scheduled for September 14. Adding to its year-end celebrations, Topps is ready to roll out a fresh initiative – Hobby Break Night. This online event on the cards for December 14, will offer live case, box, and pack openings with guest appearances and giveaways.
In a nutshell, Fanatics and Topps are turning on the heat in the nationwide fan events and collector promotions landscape. While Fanatics broadens its horizon with various events ranging from fan fests to collector-focused gatherings, Topps endeavors to delight its collector base through renewed and innovative promotions. These committed efforts are focused on blending fandom with the art of collecting – providing an enriched and exciting platform for sports enthusiasts and collectors to revel in their passions. So keep your fan flags flying high, because the excitement is about to scale new heights!