Cybertron Con 2016 announced for China in July

[griffin]

The next Hasbro Asia Transformers convention/exhibition under the name of Cybertron Con, has been announced (http://news.tfw2005.com/2016/06/28/cybertron-con-2016-china-318067) for July 29th to 31st, in Shanghai, China.

Main website in Chinese (http://www.cybertroncon.cn/home/) - in English (http://www.cybertroncon.cn/en/home/) (some parts missing)

It's a shame that they don't ever give much notice for the Cybertron Cons, as they already have a nice list of guests (http://www.cybertroncon.cn/zh-cn/Guests/)... some of which are English or Japanese speaking guests who might be a little ignored in a Chinese convention (as opposed to a Hong Kong convention or even a Japanese convention, where there is a greater proportion of people who speak or understand English). They don't yet have any Chinese guests, and maybe one of those listed so far might be able to speak Chinese, making it harder for them to interact with guests or talk on panels without several interpreters.

The guests noted so far, with three spots left to be revealed - Peter Cullen (Optimus), Alex Milne (comics), James Raiz(comics), Shogo Hasui (designer), Sara Pitre-Durocher (comics), and Hisashi Yuki (designer).

That guest list would be pretty good for an American or Japanese Convention, and it might get a lot of people to travel to attend (if they had announced this months ago), but I am thinking that a majority of the locals in Shanghai might focus more on the events than the American and Japanese guests.

The events noted so far are...

History
We will share the history of Transformers using an array of multi-media, from its creation and development, to its positive influence on global pop culture. Come and get a detailed introduction to this legendary body of work.

Toy Exhibition
Transformers were first introduced to the world as toys and we will display an abundant number of them. The exhibition covers each era and each storyline of Transformers to give fans an unparalleled viewing experience.

Statue
For this exhibition we have commissioned a life-sized statue to give visitors the chance to personally feel the shock of coming face to face with a giant robot.

Product Display and Sales
This exhibition will present visitors with official Transformers toys and a wide array of licensed products. There will be opportunities to purchase products, including valuable limited editions and exhibition exclusives.

Transformers Gaming Area
This exhibition will present visitors with the latest Transformers games. Visitors will be able to experience the excitement of controlling Transformers characters for themselves on all kinds of new devices.
We will also have a children’s interactive experience zone to introduce our younger fans to the Transformers universe.

Fan Art
We will display high quality fan art including paintings, models, repainted toys and more. Visitors will have the opportunity to see unique and varied interpretations of the Transformers universe made by some of its biggest and most creative fans.

Fan Art Competition (graphic and non-graphic categories)
The event is supported by Hasbro Inc. and IDW Publishing. Competitors would not only have the chance to win prizes, but might also have the chance to get involved in a future official Transformers artwork production.

Screenings
In the exhibition screening room we will be showing the complete back catalogue of all Transformers film and television works. Fans can stop by to catch their favorite movie or episode.

Panels and parties
Interactivity is an indispensable part of a convention, we are preparing a wide array of panels for attendees, including official announcements, product releases, and fan question time. We will also be holding a Transformers fan party for everyone to listen to music and have a good time.

[Bladestorm]

I REALLY want to go to this but finding information on how to get tickets for the guest autograph/panel/meet and greet is so hard! It's only a short flight from HK but the language is a huge barrier and I have no idea how these Chinese con's work.

If anyone has any insights please let me know as I'm trying to convince my hubs for us to go and for him to come with me (since he speaks some Mandarin).

[griffin]

Very little ends up getting known about these Cybertron Cons (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Cybertron_Con) in Western countries, and so little was known about the last one, that it was cancelled without much notice (or even being missed by people).

The second one in Singapore in 2012 was probably the best known one (with that special Movie Optimus toy in wonderful packaging), hosted at the Universal Studios Sentosa complex, but the first (2010) and third (2013) ones had limited coverage, before and during (at least for the one that wasn't cancelled).

[Trent]

That is a great guest list. I'd love to attend a con with that line up. Yuki and Hasui especially.

[griffin]

I'd go too if this had been announced 6 months ago... to save up and organise travel, as it would be a good excuse to check out China, and maybe stop off at HK on the way.

[valkyrie_76]

I would have thought about it too if it was in HK or Singapore.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

DAng, I'm not that far away, but with only a month's notice.... I'm already booked....

Unimpressed

[Tober]

The guests noted so far, with three spots left to be revealed - Peter Cullen (Optimus), Alex Milne (comics), James Raiz(comics), Shogo Hasui (designer), Sara Pitre-Durocher (comics), and Hisashi Yuki (designer).

Statue
For this exhibition we have commissioned a life-sized statue to give visitors the chance to personally feel the shock of coming face to face with a giant robot.


If it was up to me I would have comissioned a life size statues of that guest list. ;)

If anyone here is going, can you tell Shogo to return to the Masterpiece line where he belongs. Thanks.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I went to the one in Singapore back in 2012, I honestly can't remember how i found out about it.

It wasn't a buyers fair, more displays and presentations than anything else. There seemed to be one main (crowded) store; I did pick up the OP convention exclusive.

[GoktimusPrime]

It's not uncommon for international guests to speak with audience members, even during Q&A panels with interpreters. Australian anime conventions like Smash! do the same thing with Japanese guests.

[Bladestorm]

I'm happy to say my daughter and I are going! Cathay has a sale on for HK -> Shanghai and I found a great deal on a hotel close by for the weekend so now we just have to figure out how to get tickets to meet Peter Cullen.

I know it is unlikely but if anyone else is going and wants to meet up please let me know as the more the merrier. :)

[griffin]

Hasbro's press release (http://news.tfw2005.com/2016/07/12/cybertron-con-2016-details-hasbro-318616), which pretty much says what is on the website.

[Bladestorm]

Here are the flyers you find at Toy Stores in Shanghai advertising the event:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8707/28350099456_caaebfe246_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KccESd)
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8686/28279356952_a819e53b50_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/K5X6zS)

Unfortunately looks like a major spelling error got through all the media publications as it was on all the posters we saw as well!
I suppose it could have been worse...
I'm sure the Americans will have a field day ripping into this poor con because of it.

[philby]

some pics posted at tfw2005 of the setup for the convention show 2 giant fort max being built, one including children slides. haha awesome:

http://news.tfw2005.com/2016/07/27/cybertroncon-setup-pics-320362

[Bladestorm]

We're all packed and ready to head up to Shanghai first thing tomorrow morning.

My son saw the pics of the Fort Max slides and is pretty upset he can't come with us. Meanwhile my daughter is worried she'll be too tall to have a go herself. LOL

Nice to see them encouraging the young'uns as well as catering to the older generation. Can't wait to see it irl. I'm just a little scared by how large potential crowds might be...

If anyone is interested in following our adventure at Cybertroncon we'll try our best to post some real time pics on instagram (titzkiwi) and twitter (@lisamareec) which Ozformers are welcome to use or post here as I won't have direct access to the boards. :)

[doublespy]

some pics posted at tfw2005 of the setup for the convention show 2 giant fort max being built, one including children slides. haha awesome:

http://news.tfw2005.com/2016/07/27/cybertroncon-setup-pics-320362
The slide look awesome, but the real plus here I think is the two TakTom designers are getting their own booths with their well known designs advertised all over. Don't think Hasui got this treatment when he went to BotCon. These Takara designers imho should receive the highest respect from fans. They make our wet dreams come true:D



We're all packed and ready to head up to Shanghai first thing tomorrow morning.

My son saw the pics of the Fort Max slides and is pretty upset he can't come with us. Meanwhile my daughter is worried she'll be too tall to have a go herself. LOL

Nice to see them encouraging the young'uns as well as catering to the older generation. Can't wait to see it irl. I'm just a little scared by how large potential crowds might be...

If anyone is interested in following our adventure at Cybertroncon we'll try our best to post some real time pics on instagram (titzkiwi) and twitter (@lisamareec) which Ozformers are welcome to use or post here as I won't have direct access to the boards. :)

Crowd is part of fun of any con really:D Think about the things you'll get to see. TR Sixshot and MP Cheetor might be on display.


My friends are going and they'll get an MP Bumblebee signed by Hasui for me:cool:

[DELTAprime]

Is this con official or not? The images from today of the new Generations figures all have "Leaked from Cybertron" on them and it doesn't look like a watermark, not sure if it's Engrish or if this is an unofficial event and they are getting their information by non-legitimate means.

[Ralph Wiggum]

It's official, I went to the one in Singapore.

http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Cybertron_Con

[griffin]

Is this con official or not? The images from today of the new Generations figures all have "Leaked from Cybertron" on them and it doesn't look like a watermark, not sure if it's Engrish or if this is an unofficial event and they are getting their information by non-legitimate means.

It's a publicity thing... to hype it up to the fans. These are toys that won't come out for at least another 6 months, so are really advance images... and calling them "leaked" is just a creative touch to make it seem even more exciting.

[Bladestorm]

Is this con official or not? The images from today of the new Generations figures all have "Leaked from Cybertron" on them and it doesn't look like a watermark, not sure if it's Engrish or if this is an unofficial event and they are getting their information by non-legitimate means.

It was definitely an official con.
They actually stopped people from getting non official merchandise signed by celebs and non official merchandise was nowhere to be see on the vendor floor. Hasbro staff were EVERYWHERE. They also stopped someone in front of me from giving Peter an unlicensed Optimus soft toy (she returned the next day with a Panda soft toy for him).

I got back last night and it was awesome. I got to meet Peter Cullen (twice). Got to see both his panels, plus several other panels including the live Michael Bay one (which was a bit of a joke to be honest). Met John Barber, Alex Milne and kept bumping into one of the toy designers both at the con and around the hotels (con guests were in the hotel literally next door to our hotel). The toy designers had MASSIVE queues with people wanting their figures, boxes and even unopened cases signed the whole time I was there.

The con wasn't as large as I expected. For those who went to the Macau TF Expo back in 2014 - about the same size as that. It also wasn't as crowded as I expected. I turned up an hour before opening on the Saturday and we were 40th in line. Everyone in line was there to make sure they got Peter Cullen tickets (like ourselves)... he was VERY popular indeed with the locals!

I videoed both Peter's panels as well as part of the Combiner wars cartoon panel and the art influence for RID panel so hopefully if those come out ok I'll get around to posting them up in the coming week or so.

I'll do a proper write up in a day or two... I've just finished walking around HK ACG today as well so it has been a full on few days and I'm exhausted! I also dread to think how many photos I'm going to have to sort through! ;)

[griffin]

I've been a bit busy over the weekend, so am still catching up on posting up news from all the conventions this past week.

At least all the good stuff has already been posted on the other various News topics.

A new commercial for Titans Return was shown, with someone's recording of it here (http://news.tfw2005.com/2016/07/30/new-titans-return-commercial-shown-cybertron-con-2016-320781).

One other news item though is another China only online game for Transformers, this time simply called "Transformers: Online"... and as expected, it was being promoted at the Cybertron Con in China, with some images and videos here (http://news.tfw2005.com/2016/07/30/transformers-online-gameplay-footage-character-class-trailer-cybertron-con-2016-320839).


If anyone is interested in following our adventure at Cybertroncon we'll try our best to post some real time pics on instagram (titzkiwi) and twitter (@lisamareec) which Ozformers are welcome to use or post here as I won't have direct access to the boards. :)

Just adding in the links to all your drool-worthy photos for others - instagram (https://www.instagram.com/titzkiwi/) & twitter (https://twitter.com/lisamareec).

[Trent]

Glad you had a great time Bladestorm! I look forward to your write-up :)

[Bladestorm]

I've been a bit busy over the weekend, so am still catching up on posting up news from all the conventions this past week.

At least all the good stuff has already been posted on the other various News topics.

One other news item though is another China only online game for Transformers, this time simply called "Transformers: Online"... and as expected, it was being promoted at the Cybertron Con in China, with some images and videos here (http://news.tfw2005.com/2016/07/30/transformers-online-gameplay-footage-character-class-trailer-cybertron-con-2016-320839).


They had a whole area set up for this game. It's a first person shoot-em-up and it looks AWESOME. Unfortunately it looks like it might be a China only thing - not even those of us in HK seem to have access to it. I do have some photos on my camera from the gaming zone which I hope came out to share in the coming week. :)

[CHILENO20]

You got to meet Peter Cullen! Soooooo jelly!!!!!! Glad you had an awesome time Stormy! :)

[griffin]

I'm so happy that you had a great time and got to meet Peter Cullen, twice.


The con wasn't as large as I expected. For those who went to the Macau TF Expo back in 2014 - about the same size as that. It also wasn't as crowded as I expected. I turned up an hour before opening on the Saturday and we were 40th in line.

I think it was probably smaller than it should have been due to the last minute nature of its announcement, and being almost impossible for non-Chinese to get tickets to it.

I find it amusing that you were 40th in line an hour before opening... if you were at BotCon and lined up an hour before opening, you'd be about 500th.
It just goes to show how small it was, and how much wasted potential Hasbro had with this one. Here's hoping that this isn't what they are likely to do with their new American Transformers conventions.

[Bladestorm]

First of my videos from the event: Walk around of Fortress Maximus (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGTTJNvFs5I)

Please don't be too harsh - it's my first outing on YouTube and my daughter insisted it come under her channel and that she be allowed to do the ad-hoc commentary. I also apologise in advance for the shakiness in the videos, it can't be helped.

More to come as I process photos and videos.

[UltraMarginal]

Glad you and your Daughter and a great time Bladestorm. I'm going to check out your videos when I'm not at work:o

[Bladestorm]

Today we have a few photos of Peter Cullen and the goodies I got signed by him.

I know some of you will find me eccentric but he was totally worth the expense of the trip (and much cheaper than trying to get to OZ or the US).

Saturday:
Peter first came out on stage as part of the "live feed" to Michael Bay on the Saturday morning. He didn't talk, just hyped up the crowd by being there.

https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8589/28735339615_7e241cbfb7.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KMf8kV)
Peter talking with his MC/translator.
He then returned later on for a 1/2 hour panel and was gobsmacked by the crowd I think. It literally swelled into aisle and out into surrounding areas with everyone cheering him on.
https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8222/28703104146_30df360c55.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KJoURY)
https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8879/28117676604_fb3c1bba9f.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JQErDE)
He was also somewhat awed by the way the translator was able to take what he said and quickly and concisely explain to the audience in Mandarin. It was a little odd though that some of his jokes had a "delayed" reaction.

https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8724/28122014214_c044aa4102.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JR3F53)

At his panels he gave many of the stories we've heard before, particularly about Larry and the audition process. He talked about Frank Welker and his antics in the recording studio. He talked about the differences between voicing film, tv and games and his preference for TV. He talked about a show called Mighty Man and Yukk - the first show he ever did with Frank. He talked about the challenges of voicing Optimus and Ironhide at the same time and gave a fabulous dialogue between the two. He also explained that Optimus never laughs and did a number of his iconic Prime lines. On the Sunday he talked about languages and how amazing it was that he was in China where he didn't think most people understood him and yet everyone was there to support him and said "I love you guys" in Mandarin. :)

https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8588/28662325241_2b83600e9b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KEMUHp)

On the Saturday they initially opened the floor for questions. One woman asked a question but the MC was a bit horrified, reluctantly translated for Peter and Peter seemed just as horrified and they decided no more questions from the floor and moved on to something else.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8560/28634257272_16a35764f4.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KCj45U)
https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8649/28455318170_f8c72d71cc.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KmuWHY)
Saturday also saw Peter presented with a birthday cake and we sung Happy Birthday to him in English and then Mandarin. He was very humbled and taken aback.
https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7725/28703089426_fc966e62ef.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KJoQub)
Here we are meeting Peter. It was simply awesome.
https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8803/28629940532_15ffea3b9a.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KBVVSm)
https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8722/28629943532_ac5e60caf4.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KBVWL5)
Peter signed MP Ironhide for my daughter and 2002 NY Optimus for me. And yes - before anyone freaks out his signature is upside down on Optimus and I LOVE it.

I've written a blog post about meeting Peter on the Saturday (https://lisamaree.wordpress.com/2016/08/03/meeting-a-living-legend-peter-cullen-at-cybertroncon-shanghai-part-1/) if people want to read more on it.

Sunday:
We had pre-booked tickets so had to use them up. We took a more relaxed approach and arrived about an hour after the con had started. We discovered Peter was giving another panel and decided to stay and watch it.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8821/28703104816_fa422aed48.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KJoV4w)
https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7602/28703102736_24be9bf307.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KJoUrE)

Whilst he covered a fair bit of what he had said the day before (the MC was under the assumption most people in the audience were not there on the Saturday but then realised about 1/3 the crowd had returned to see Peter again) there were some slightly different things said.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8717/28629947992_9f24f2cbee.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KBVY5Y)
"Hold on to your dreams..."

Now, our plan was to wander through the con one more time and head back to the hotel to go out to the airport HOWEVER I noticed the line for Peter Cullen was only about 20 people long. I went to the ticket counter to ask and apparently they'd released extra tickets for the Sunday as he'd gone through so many people on the Saturday. I (maybe crazily) decided to get another ticket and meet him one more time. This time I got a Cybertroncon Optimus poster for him to sign.
In the line we were told he would not put names on anything, just his autograph.
https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8862/28629939812_bbe16d8fe1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KBVVDW)
In the background that is just ONE of his security team and as you can probably tell they weren't messing around with ANYONE. ;) He had a swath of security where ever he went.

Being the cheeky kiwi girl I am I said "I know you're not supposed to but could you PLEASE put 'To Lisa' on this one?" He laughed, smiled and did it while saying "But don't tell anyone else in the line I did that for you" in a joking manner.
https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8843/28117656284_0833c925e6.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JQEkBj)
As there were fewer people in the line he wasn't quite as rushed and I got to talk to him a bit more until his translator cut us off with "times up!" and ushered me out while he was still talking to me.
https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8841/28629940212_212ce51214.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KBVVLQ)
I'm going to frame the poster to hang somewhere around my Prime Shrine. :)

I've got his panel videos but they're going to take me some time to process as they're 25 minutes long each and mighty large files but I will post them up at some point for those interested.

[MEEEGGGAAATTTRRROOONNN!!!]

Interesting interview summaries (via Planet Iacon).

Shogo Hasui summary (https://www.facebook.com/Planetiacon.stfu/photos/a.193516854047596.45210.190726147660000/1115418785190727/?type=3&theater):


1) The process of designing Transformers:

a) Discuss with Hasbro to decide on which characters
b) Deciding on the parts of the figure, weight, packaging etc.
c) Discuss with Hasbro on transformation details.
d) Developing the characters' alternate mode and robot mode.
e) 3D modeling and designs.
f) Keep on rectifying the product, from data to physical prototype.
g) Rectify some parts and put on colour.
The most important part will be the design plan

2) Personal favourite self designed products:

1st Combiner Wars/Unite Warrior Devastator
2nd Masterpiece MP-17 Autobot Prowl
3rd Masterpiece MP-10 Convoy/Optimus Prime

3) Currently our design team mainly focus on Titan Returns series, also known as LG series in Japan. Shogo is one who designed the Sixshot.

4) The scale of MP: Make reference to some the official information and animation

5) Shogo mentioned the Masterpiece design team are considering to work on Masterpiece combiners. There is no plans for Masterpiece Metroplex

6) Every year there are discussions on Masterpiece Megatron version 2 or Galvatron. We do consider these two characters. However i am not in the Masterpiece design team, i cannot provide further information.

7) Shogo wasn't sure when he will be returning to Transformer Masterpiece design team. He appreciated for your support.

We want to thank the Transformers fans and collectors for their support in our Masterpiece products.

We will keep producing more popular characters in the MP series, Stay tuned.

Yuki Hisashi summary (https://www.facebook.com/Planetiacon.stfu/photos/a.193516854047596.45210.190726147660000/1115389258527013/?type=3&theater):


1) Currently developing TF5 toys

2) Product quality will not like before (poor quality & too complicated in transformation), at least on the surface won't have reduction in quality

3) We do not have enough development funding, we try to overcome through other ideas.

4) We have not started to develop MP Victory Leo

5) Nemesis Star Saber and Victory Leo are not in the plan at the moment

6) I hope to develop MP Super Ginrai, however there is no plan at the moment

7) Currently Kobayashi Hironon is leading the design of Masterpiece

8) Transformers are design by Japanese and American teams. We design products that are suitable for our market. Hasbro designers design products for worldwide markets, so please don't compare our design capabilities

9) There are no 3rd parties in Japan. I am not sure 3rd Parties are beneficial for the brand

10) If funding allow, we would like to design a better TF 4 AOE Optimus Prime. However sometimes we are restricted by many factors

11) We design MP based on 3 factors: a) whether the vehicle need to get license approval b) develop products in the same series c) listen to collectors opinions

12) Beast Wars Masterpiece will depend on the popularity. If are doing well, we may develop other characters

13) Currently we focus on developing G1 and Beast Wars characters for the Masterpiece. Other series may consider in the future

14) we don't feel masterpiece qualities are deteriorating

15) we really keen to do masterpiece combiners. However we are still not sure whether we can make it to acceptable quality at the moment

16) Hasbro is handling China Transformers market. Takara Tomy mainly focus on Japanese market. We hope Chinese collectors support our products, and through Hasbro, feedback to us your opinions in order we can make better products

[griffin]

Very nice Bladestorm. :D

What did the woman ask that was so horrific to the translator and Peter?

[Paulbot]

Today we have a few photos of Peter Cullen and the goodies I got signed by him.

*snip*

Awesome :)

[doublespy]

Interesting interview summaries (via Planet Iacon).


Read the original interviews which were done by a Chinese weblog called 52toys.

Some more points of interest:

- There's currently 10 TF designers in TakTom. On average each designer designs 20 products a year.

- Yuki commented that bacause Hasui grew up as fan, he thinks from a fan's perspective when working a project.

- Hasui's comments on "what the best qualities are for a professional toy designer": being able to finish the design according to company's requirements, deadline and budget.

[Bladestorm]

Very nice Bladestorm. :D

What did the woman ask that was so horrific to the translator and Peter?

I wish I knew. I didn't hear her nor did most of the crowd but I'd love to know too.
Maybe if I can get the sound quality better on the recording we might hear something, although I doubt it as we were pretty far back in the seated crowd on the Saturday unfortunately.

[Bladestorm]

Slowly processing more photos.
Leading on from Megatron and doublespy's translation here are some pictures from the Takara panel.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8135/28663887001_171a79134b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KEVUYi)
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8284/28636002832_27e1fc522d.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KCsZYL)
I couldn't understand the panel at all as it was only in Mandarin and Japanese so didn't stay around to watch it. As a side I kept bumping into Hasashi both in the con and around the hotels unintentionally. LOL

Here is the Transformers 5 Cybertroncon postcard:
https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8693/28636002222_0cf7c0520e.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KCsZNf)
It was handed out at the Michael Bay live stream but they were also available from various places around the con.

The Transformers Online gaming zone:
https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8876/28663896921_9c636890b3.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KEVXVk)
https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8789/28663897941_10dd990f44.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KEVYdV)
This is the game Griffin mentioned earlier in this thread. Looked VERY cool.

[Bladestorm]

Titan's Return toys:
Now I know these are probably all old news now (especially since figures like that individual Brainstorm have already been released and some of you had Astrotrain in hand way back in Feb) but I figure I'll put the pictures up here and if you do see anything worthwhile in them you can just copy them into the relevant conversational threads.

Optimus Prime Triple Changer:
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8135/28636007472_6e8e92ce25.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KCt2mL)
https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8811/28636006812_68c374268f.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KCt2ao)
https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8814/28636005772_c05edc9b40.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KCt1Rs)
https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8734/28663892971_8387d1a2c1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KEVWKe)

Megatron Triple Changer:
https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8259/28663890511_49d57f2ca8.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KEVW1P)
https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8694/28709717996_b02190d869.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KJYNVS)
I normally don't collect Megatron but the plane mode looked so nice I think I might have to pick this one up for my son so I can play with it. ;)

Bumblebee:
https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8286/28636010422_0808a259fd.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KCt3eC)
https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8875/28636009742_af825d0f30.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KCt32U)

Brainstorm:
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8657/28636010952_535e3130ba.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KCt3oL)

Alpha Trion:
https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8619/28663898871_b45fcafe3f.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KEVYuX)

Gnaw:
https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8562/28124048254_383cc3fb27.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JRe6HG)
https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8752/28709700166_e68e3af5df.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KJYHCs)
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8745/28636005032_281bc3f35b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KCt1CG)

Hot Rod:
https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7703/28663894171_0feb145a5b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KEVX6V)
https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8709/28663891811_4beb538006.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KEVWpe)

Sixshot:
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8627/28709735576_a442566a80.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KJYU9Y)
https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7650/28126311063_03023111a6.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JRqGnD)

Misc characters:
https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7793/28636007982_0dd247e57d.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KCt2vy)
https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8393/28663895251_db63623a68.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KEVXqx)
https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8598/28663899861_fefeec2b85.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KEVYN2)
https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7519/28123998674_be6e51a4a0.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JRdQYS)

Unicron:
https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8743/28709738726_b885c3ff48.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KJYV6h)
I do not think this is the actual toy that will be the Platinum release. I think it is an older version used to complete the movie characters for the display. What do others think?

Do you guys want me to post photos from the displays of the 1984-current toys they had out for people to look at? Many of you probably already have most of the figures that were on display in your own collections... but if someone is interested I will post some pics of those too.

[griffin]

Display and collection photos are always nice to look at but since it is not news only post up what you want... don't go to too much trouble or try to get everything done straight away (look at how long it takes me to post up my botcon stuff). You've already posted up heaps. If you have other photos hosted somewhere else like flickr or instagram just post up a link.

[philby]

First of my videos from the event: Walk around of Fortress Maximus (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGTTJNvFs5I)

Please don't be too harsh - it's my first outing on YouTube and my daughter insisted it come under her channel and that she be allowed to do the ad-hoc commentary. I also apologise in advance for the shakiness in the videos, it can't be helped.

More to come as I process photos and videos.

i like the music for the intro hehe :D

[GoktimusPrime]

Do you guys want me to post photos from the displays of the 1984-current toys they had out for people to look at? Many of you probably already have most of the figures that were on display in your own collections... but if someone is interested I will post some pics of those too.
Yes please. I probably do have most of those figures, but I'd still like to see the display. ;)

[Initial_G]

Thanks for the great coverage Bladestorm, how cool that you got to meet and take pics with Peter. Very jealous!

[Bladestorm]

More photos. As you might be able to tell I took a rather large number so they are taking a while to sort through. he he

Alex Milne:
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8653/28729899816_f43cb7c025.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KLLfhh)
https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8888/28761270695_0bef7f7408.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KPx2Kv)
https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7726/28684638701_b784661ea3.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KGLgJe)
Nice guy and quite popular. He let us buy one of his sketchbooks and autographed it for us. My daughter hasn't put it down as she likes to draw and is quite inspired by his style.

Optimus Prime statue:
https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8827/28477255010_12d8a2fa04.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KornMm)
https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8891/28477256230_1ecd29ece2.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Koro9o)
It was stunning. Set up right next to Peter Cullen's booth intentionally it shadowed over him as he signed autographs. I would have loved to taken this beauty home with me. :)

Machmania:
https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8040/28477251670_237ac3da7b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KormML)
https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8740/28684192711_493351c5f3.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KGHZ9K)
https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8613/28477250830_4b554be724.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Kormxh)
There was a panel to launch Machmania Combiner Wars in conjunction with a Chinese online provider. The Machmania team was presented with a cube (?) to commemorate the occasion. Not sure what a cube from the movie-verse has to do with the series but ah-well.
Personally I and several people in the crowd didn't like the clips shown. The animation looks quite nice on a huge screen but the voices grate even more... It was painful to sit through.

Michael Bay:
https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8623/28761275245_c7b09e86c2.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KPx46X)
Josh Feldman represented Michael Bay and set up the live feed which was broadcast on screen.
https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8658/28729928266_3ac7cb3d10.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KLLoJN)
As I mentioned previously Bay and the footage was sideways almost the entire time as you can see here. Peter Cullen was watching on and had a rather bewildered and amused look on his face. ;)
https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8659/28729930006_e69a532b4b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KLLpfN)
Here is the crowd waiting to watch Michael Bay.

Within the 'con:
https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8839/28477265860_634b3572fa.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Korr1q)
This is the queue to meet the toy designers. It never got much shorter than this. They were IMMENSELY popular.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8819/28477253680_166879cd40.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Kornoq)
People were literally stripping the shelves of toys at the 2 Hasbro toy booths.
They couldn't fill them quick enough and had a sign keeping a tally of how many Fort Max's were left for sale. However as you might notice BUmblebee was forever shelf-warming.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8778/28477259920_30d4920424.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Korpf1)
I grabbed the last one of each of these Optimus and Grimlock off the shelves as I had tried to find them on my last trip but they had been sold out at Toys'R'Us and knew I'd never find them again... and the price was pretty good.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8633/28477253120_e6f7fea4f2.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KorndL)
This was the crowd when Peter Cullen walked out on stage un-announced. :)
https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8720/28729910266_83d9054ffd.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KLLios)
This cool looking booth was selling REALLY expensive sneakers and backpacks. Think AU$200 minimum for their "basic model" backpack!
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8717/28477252320_56a5b8d7d8.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KormYY)
This booth had Transformers suitcases the smallest starting at around AU$80! Their t-shirts weren't cheap either. :/ I couldn't get over how EXPENSIVE Transformers merch is in China. Maybe I've been living in HK too long and am spoilt.

[Bladestorm]

But wait, there's MORE:

https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8859/28145151754_427bed359e.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JT6g49)
Hisashi was cool to watch. Every time someone would meet him with their opened figure he would take it, correctly transform it, test it's limbs or whatever with a loving look in his face before signing it. :)

https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8745/28684193751_4d53c86289.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KGHZsF)
https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8120/28657755202_2456933ff8.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KEoucC)
Megatron was on display in the Titans Return area near the "new and coming soon" toy display.

https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8614/28477267140_7ecb0b2f83.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Korrou)
Bumblebee was at the front entrance of the 'con.
https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8591/28731308826_5b543fbd87.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KLTt8y)
Megatron was also in slightly smaller than life-size tank mode.

https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8474/28145149454_502d18b585.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JT6fnu)
Arcee was representing the gals.

https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8183/28731305166_19ac965b60.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KLTs3s)
https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8430/28732088466_80347400e9.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KLXsTC)
https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8596/28658429842_ca02267ac1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KErWKm)
The wall art around the display area of the con was amazing.


https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8669/28477266870_607dfed6ea.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KorriQ)
Crowds around some of the displays. This was the G1 1984 - 1986 area.
https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8640/28477266700_d8c0286ae9.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KorrfU)
Beast Wars got a lot of love.
https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8071/28477266180_95ed4fb781.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Korr6W)
Movie toys also had a fair few cabinets.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8631/28477258480_6038786606.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KoroPb)
They didn't allow any KO's/3P but they did have a small display of customised figures.
Don't worry Gok - I will post some close up pics of shelves in cabinets tomorrow for ya so you can all see what types of figures were on display.

https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8295/28477265580_156c25f3ce.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KorqVA)
A company copying the BAPE style with their licensed Transformers wear. Around AU$50 for a t-shirt.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8713/28729916496_c3ba258caf.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KLLkeS)
An Optimus night light. They had a few odd things on sale. But this next one took the cake!
https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8068/28684642951_a0a2d9b85e.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KGLhZv)
Look carefully folks... ;) and that's OFFICIALLY licensed merch I might add!

There was a fan art competition and these were some of the entries:

https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8464/28729902396_4abeb02546.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KLLg3L)
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7711/28761274225_3665b4a601.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KPx3Nn)
https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8825/28761274845_5f2dfc0097.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KPx3Z4)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8025/28729904256_9d606a4af4.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KLLgAQ)
I met John Barber. I stupidly left the comic I was going to get him to sign in HK.

https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7648/28477263020_28abc2bfc1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Korqas)
https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8673/28477264290_6e1e305389.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Korqxm)
I also met Walter Gatus and Josh Feldman.
Walter is responsible for all the character designs in RID, especially the Decepticons. At his panel he talked about one of the Decepticons in the new season who was originally based on a Rhino but ended up being based on an Ankylosaurus so they could give Grimlock his long awaited back story.
Josh Feldman runs all of Transformers media from Movies through to cartoons. I would have loved to have some more time talking to Josh although I did tell him how much my kids hate the current RID Bumblebee and love the animalistic Decepticon designs. He wanted to talk too but the line waiting to meet him was just too long.

https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8724/28477262500_3567e37aa3.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Korq1u)
Official sticker sets for the event. They cost RMB5 per sheet.
https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8562/28477262250_2160e0ac42.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KorpWb)
Another official sticker set. This one cost RMB20.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8821/28477265200_ff9bf9f2fd.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KorqP3)
Official poster set (8). It cost RMB80.

Tomorrow time permitting I will post pictures from some of the toy displays.
Videos will take a little longer I'm afraid so may not be till later next week.

[Megatran]

Awesome Bladestorm. Thanks for sharing.

I need to get my hands on that giant Optimus statue ... and that Flash-Dick.

[Trent]

Lol at Hot Rod's Wolverine impersonation.

Thanks for sharing Bladestorm's! Sounds like you and your daughter had a great time.

[Bladestorm]

Sorry for the delay. As promised here are photos of the toy collection on display. I'll only post a couple here but I have put many more up in my Cybertroncon album (https://www.flickr.com/photos/kiwiinoz/albums/72157671115730361) you are welcome to look at. The transformers toy display photos are on page 2.

https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8717/28891400645_3e6d24f3bc.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/L22YRk)
https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8887/28811805461_4ccdfded17.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KU12Yz)
https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8798/28811805811_f1a83494da.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KU135B)

Additionally, I've finally got a second video made which is basically a walk around of the recently released and upcoming Titans Returns figures (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQ6n1OneeOs) and the 1986 platinum sets.

As I get time I will slowly add more videos.

[Bladestorm]

First Peter Cullen video is finally up (https://youtu.be/KzxUn4VA2es).

This video is of the panel that took place on Saturday the 29th July 2016.
If anyone can translate what the woman asks in Mandarin at the 21:54 mark that stops the open floor questions I would LOVE to know what was said.

At this panel as you'll see Peter was also presented with a birthday cake. :)

More still to come as time permits...

[UltraMarginal]

Awesome, thanks for sharing Bladestorm, much appreciated. you got some quality time with Mr Cullen there, quite jealous:cool:

[Paulbot]

https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8562/28477262250_2160e0ac42.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KorpWb)
Another official sticker set. This one cost RMB20.

I would have snapped up a couple of those sticker sets. 1984's Autobot box art is still a favourite thing (but how did two 1985 bots sneak on there ;))

[Bladestorm]

I've finally had time to upload Peter Cullen's Sunday panel (https://youtu.be/zEpGKXznEzg) from cybertroncon. Apologies for taking so long with these but it's a bit busy here atm.

We were much closer for this panel so much easier to hear Peter talk although I once again apologise for my shakey hands. I know next time to take a tripod with me. ;)