Hello Gaming Library Family!
CMON EXPO 2024 in Bangkok Thailand just concluded last Nov 2&3 in MCC Hall, The Mall Lifestore Bangkae. It is the closest big board game convention for us here in the Philippines. I talked to a good friend of mine, Abi, who attended the CMON EXPO for the first time.
Our Experience at CMON Expo Bangkok
Attending the CMON Expo in Bangkok was an absolute blast! It was our first time at this event, and we were blown away. The atmosphere was exhilarating as board game enthusiasts from around the world gathered to celebrate tabletop gaming, snap up CMON mystery boxes, and check out the latest releases—including my fiancé and me, haha!
Here are my Highlights:
- New Releases and Previews: Getting a sneak peek at upcoming games was a major draw! CMON showcased some exciting new titles, and it was thrilling to be among the first to try them out.
- Meeting Designers and Board Game Personalities: Meeting game designers from Indonesia, India, Japan, China, and beyond added a whole new layer of appreciation for their craft. They shared insights into their design processes, making the experience interactive and inspiring. We even met the one and only Tom Vassel of Dice Tower and David Waybright of Man vs. Meeples—they were incredibly friendly and approachable.
- Community Gaming Sessions and Demos: The free-play areas were buzzing with activity, as players from all over exchanged strategies and discovered new favorites. We tried out countless demos before deciding on our buys, and we have a solid list of notable games to keep an eye on in the coming months.
- Event Freebies: The exclusive CMON trolley was a hit with collectors! It’s always fun to come away with unique items that hold memories of the event, especially when it’s a full trolley’s worth. And don’t forget the teal dice they gave away—my friends and I even asked for extra, and the staff was kind enough to give us a few after the event (shhh 🤫).
- Lucky Draws: I never win raffles, but this time was different! I was hanging out at the front, hoping, and then they actually called my number. I was ecstatic! I scored a free Nyakuza and a super limited edition Massive Darkness table leg card for a future release. Overall, it was a blast, especially when someone’s number got called and no one responded, leading everyone to chant, “REDRAW, REDRAW!” There was even a moment when the host had to count super fast because it took so many tries to get a winner.
📷 Abi and Emman with David Waybright of Man vs. Meeples
Overall, we left feeling more inspired and passionate than ever about the world of board games. Bringing an experience like this to the Philippines could be an incredible way to grow our local community and show just how vibrant it is!
Wow! Abi and Emman truly made the most of their first CMON Expo experience! It’s fantastic seeing our community members getting to dive into an international board game convention, especially one so close to home here in the Philippines. Want to know more about Abi, Emman, and their board game reviews? Check them out at Mochis and Meeples on Youtube:
