Category Archives: Features

Features, PiercingKen Says

Piercing Ken’s Scenes from Toy Fair 2025: Part One

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Last week, the Toy Association’s Toy Fair took over the Javits Center for its massive industry trade show and I attended the event as one of the accredited media as I’ve been doing since first taking the plunge back in 2011. For years I’ve done this for the PiercingMetal outlet based on my focus on all of the Kidult collectibles and assorted offerings. Now it’s time to expand the findings with some posts for “The Chronicles of Piercing Ken”.

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While I’ve been posting over on PiercingMetal for the better part of a week, there are aspects of the Toy Fair that don’t really fit into the context of a Heavy Metal and Geek Culture website. There’s a ribbon cutting and statements and even a fun character parade with a live band. All of that is perfect content for “The Chronicles” so let’s begin with some of the parade and the ribbon cutting.

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Features, PiercingKen Says

B&H Announces “Bild Expo” 2025 This Coming June

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The Press Release:
After the overwhelming success of the inaugural Bild Expo in 2023, B&H Photo is pleased to announce Bild Expo 2025, a two-day celebration of creativity, content creation, and community. This year’s event will be bigger and better, featuring more speakers, more brand exhibitors, and more opportunities for learning and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re a content creator, photographer, or filmmaker, Bild Expo 2025 will be the can’t miss event of the year—and it’s absolutely free to attend! Bild will take place at New York City’s Javits Center on June 17-18, 2025.

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Bild Expo is more than just an event—it’s an energetic gathering of like-minded creatives from all corners of the content world,” said Jeff Gerstel, Chief Marketing Officer at B&H Photo. “We’re beyond excited to create this special opportunity for content creators, photographers, videographers, podcasters, and filmmakers at all levels to learn, connect, and be inspired by the leaders of our industry and the latest gear.
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Features, PiercingKen Says

BroadwayCon 2025 Briefly Takes Over The Piercing Ken Instagram

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As previously reported, “The Chronicles of Piercing Ken” was on point at the always entertaining BroadwayCon for 2025. This time around it was being held at the New York Marriott Marquis and it was a bit out of the blue from its original location of the New York Hilton Midtown but things happen I guess. So since I’ve mentioned that this was a comic con set to the Broadway score I will leave it at that and now I am here to let you know that since I took so many photos across the two days that I was in attendance that I will once again being doing my now time-honored “Instagram Takeover” practices. I began doing these with the New York Comic Con and Anime NYC and figured that when I do a trade show or convention that this kind of social media feature will be something the readers can easily enjoy. Once again it will mostly be cosplayers but I will also add in a number of exhibitors since I talk to so many of them during the event. Since I shared the badge images and announcing that I was just arriving I’ve decided to begin this takeover with a visual of their onstage marquee. Remember to click the hearts and chime in if you have something topical to add to the mix since it helps the engagement and I also enjoy responding to the real supporters.


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Features, PiercingKen Says

Organizers Offer Up NY NOW Winter Market 2025 Post-Show Recap

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The Press Release:
The NY NOW 2025 Winter Market, held from February 2 – 4, 2025 at the Jacob Javits Center, concluded with remarkable success and showcased a modern blend of programming, activations, and panels. Bringing together iconic brands, emerging designers, and influential buyers from around the globe, the event solidified its longstanding reputation as the premier wholesale trade show for gift, home, and accessories.

This year’s Winter Market introduced a reimagined three-day format that included an extraordinary lineup of exhibitors as well as dynamic discussions and engaging activations. From immersive tours to insightful fireside chats and panels, attendees participated in empowering educational sessions and hands-on opportunities to network, connect, and learn.

“NY NOW’s 2025 Winter Market showcased the innovation and creativity that are driving today’s retail industry,” said Matthew Mathiasen, Show Director of NY NOW. “With a charismatic mix of established and emerging exhibitors, engaging discussions, and networking sessions, the market was truly a destination for discovery, connection, and business growth, setting the stage for the future of retail.”
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Features, PiercingKen Says

Today: BroadwayCon 2025 Begins @ New York Marriott Marquis

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Hey Friends, I’m just taking a moment out of the day to let you know that the BroadwayCon for 2023 is beginning today and I’m just about ready to head out to it. Historically speaking I usually try to attend for two of its three days because there is a lot to do in these summer months and the content doesn’t create itself. I like this convention and have been going to it since around 2018 I think. It’s a lot of fun and can best be viewed as the comic convention for theatre geeks. There are panels, professional Broadway actors, a massive Marketplace with things all theatre in scope and lots of cosplay with fans dressed as characters from their favorite plays. My plan is to snap a lot of photos of these cosplayers and maybe even do some interviews since those can be fun. Now I have to apologize for not having a graphic of my press badge but they don’t send this to you in advance and instead I will secure mine when I arrive at the hotel where they are hosting the convention. That’s the New York Marriott Marquis in case you didn’t know. I do like showing off the press badge and lining out the plans but this time I am just going to go in and have fun and get as much as I can in the time that I am wandering the rooms.


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