Core Insights - The rapid growth of the comic and animation exhibition (manga convention) market in China is driven by an increasing number of events and a growing fanbase, with major events like BW and CP31 seeing significant attendance and revenue [1][2][11] - The market is experiencing saturation, leading to intense competition among organizers, with many struggling to achieve profitability despite high ticket sales [6][9][10] - The involvement of internet platforms like Weibo and Xiaohongshu is reshaping the landscape, as they leverage their user bases to host events, creating a divide between major and smaller conventions [11][14] Group 1 - The BW manga convention in Shanghai attracted nearly 900,000 ticket buyers, with tickets selling out in seconds [1] - The Hangzhou CP31 convention generated approximately 24 million yuan in ticket sales and 1.44 million yuan from booth fees, showcasing the financial potential of large-scale events [2] - Over 1,000 manga-related events were held nationwide during the "May Day" holiday, indicating a significant increase in the number of conventions compared to previous years [1] Group 2 - The average revenue for large conventions can reach millions, with costs primarily associated with venue and staffing, making it accessible for new organizers [2][5] - The rise of "Only exhibitions," focused on specific IPs, is noted as the fastest-growing segment, allowing fans to organize events with minimal investment [3] - Many established conventions are now facing challenges due to oversaturation, with some cities hosting multiple events weekly, leading to fierce competition [5][10] Group 3 - The cost of inviting popular guests, such as well-known cosplayers, has surged, with fees reaching up to 1 million yuan for top-tier talent [6][8] - The market is characterized by a lack of a clear industry chain, with many conventions struggling to differentiate themselves in a crowded space [8][10] - The influx of capital and interest from non-industry players is driving the growth of the market, but also leading to a potential oversupply of events [2][11] Group 4 - The disparity in success between major conventions and smaller ones is becoming more pronounced, with larger events benefiting from economies of scale and brand recognition [14] - Many organizers are now investing heavily in marketing to attract attendees, shortening promotional cycles and increasing advertising budgets [10] - The future of the manga convention industry may see a significant reshaping, with a potential consolidation of smaller events and a focus on innovation to sustain long-term growth [14]

Core Insights - The commercial anime and manga exhibition market in non-first-tier cities is facing challenges such as rising costs, increased competition, and a singular profit model, leading to unstable revenue streams [2][29] - Ticket sales are the primary revenue source for most exhibitions, accounting for up to 90% of total income in many non-first-tier cities, making ticket sales critical for survival [4][29] - The rising costs of inviting guests, which have increased significantly post-pandemic, are straining the profitability of exhibitions, with guest fees rising four to five times compared to pre-pandemic levels [16][19] Group 1: Market Dynamics - The number of exhibitions has doubled in some areas, but the audience growth has only increased by 1.2 times, leading to decreased average attendance per event [5][19] - The lowering of entry barriers has resulted in an oversupply of smaller exhibitions, which compete for the same audience, further diluting attendance [7][19] - Major exhibitions like Bilibili World and ComicUp can secure significant sponsorship and ticket sales, while smaller events struggle to attract similar levels of interest and revenue [4][19] Group 2: Cost Structure - The cost structure of a commercial exhibition typically allocates 40% to venue and guest fees each, with the remaining 20% covering miscellaneous expenses and team salaries [10][19] - Venue operators benefit significantly from the exhibition business, often having little negotiation power over rental costs, which can further squeeze the margins of exhibition organizers [20][29] - Ticketing platforms also profit from the exhibitions, taking a commission from ticket sales, which adds to the overall cost burden on organizers [23][29] Group 3: Audience and Consumer Behavior - The primary audience for exhibitions has shifted to younger demographics, particularly middle and high school students, who have limited disposable income and are sensitive to ticket prices [8][29] - The evolution of audience preferences has led to a decline in the novelty of exhibitions, as frequent events and similar content contribute to audience fatigue [5][29] - The reliance on guest interactions, such as signings, has become a new revenue stream, but the effectiveness of this model varies and can lead to uncertain financial outcomes [17][29] Group 4: Regulatory Environment - The pandemic has led to stricter regulations for large gatherings, impacting the ability of organizers to host events and increasing compliance costs [26][28] - Government support for the anime and manga industry has not translated into tangible benefits for smaller exhibition organizers, who often face challenges in accessing subsidies [25][29] - The balance between promoting local cultural events and ensuring safety and compliance has created a complex environment for exhibition organizers [26][29]

Group 1 - The "May Day" holiday in Shandong has seen a rise in personalized cultural and tourism consumption trends, shifting from mere sightseeing to fulfilling personal "wish lists" during travel [2][3] - The Taishan scenic area experienced a peak in visitor numbers, with 76,000 tourists entering on May 1 alone, highlighting the growing interest in immersive experiences [2] - The Le Ling Film City catered to visitors' desires for immersive experiences by allowing them to participate in film production activities, attracting 46,800 visitors on the first day of the holiday [2] Group 2 - Various cities in Shandong hosted comic exhibitions, which attracted many enthusiasts and stimulated local tourism and hospitality sectors [3] - Family-oriented travelers showed a preference for relaxing vacations, with 45% of visitors to Jiuru Mountain being families, an increase of 10 percentage points from previous years [3] - The Jiuru Mountain scenic area introduced themed activities that engaged families, with an average daily participation of over 3,000 in flower art and chocolate-making workshops [3] Group 3 - Historical towns like Qingzhou Ancient City and Tai'erzhuang Ancient City saw increased visitor engagement through innovative cultural experiences, such as immersive performances and interactive activities [4] - The holiday also marked a peak in inbound tourism, with significant numbers of South Korean tourists arriving at ports like Yantai and Weihai, facilitated by relaxed visa policies [4] - The ease of travel between China and South Korea has encouraged business collaborations, as noted by a South Korean visitor planning to strengthen ties with local enterprises [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the resurgence and evolution of comic conventions (漫展) in China, highlighting their growing popularity in both first-tier and lower-tier cities, driven by cultural shifts and changing consumer demographics [3][5][6]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Comic conventions have shifted from being community-driven events to commercially viable platforms, with ticket sales increasingly influenced by guest lineups and event formats [5][6]. - The audience's mindset has evolved, with a notable increase in female attendees, who now make up to 70% of the audience at some events, reflecting a shift in the demographic landscape [10][12]. - The entry of non-professionals into the convention space has lowered barriers to entry, allowing for a proliferation of smaller events in third and fourth-tier cities [17][20]. Group 2: Economic Aspects - The cost of organizing a basic convention in lower-tier cities can be as low as 5,000 yuan for venue rental, making it accessible for many [17][20]. - In smaller cities, organizers can earn around 100,000 yuan annually by hosting multiple events, indicating a lucrative opportunity despite the competitive landscape [20][23]. - The ticket prices for these smaller conventions are comparable to cinema tickets, typically around 40 yuan, which enhances their appeal as social and entertainment options [23][27]. Group 3: Content and Engagement - The content of conventions has evolved, with a focus on guest interactions and fan engagement, moving away from traditional community activities [12][13]. - Organizers are increasingly aware of the need for fresh and engaging content to attract attendees, with many conventions now incorporating interactive elements and diverse programming [15][27]. - The rise of "Only" conventions, which focus on specific IPs or themes, has become popular in lower-tier cities, allowing for frequent events that cater to niche audiences [20][22].