Difference Between Concerts, Fan Meetings, Fan Signs, and Fancons

If you often check the concert and event schedules on the TRAC website, you’ve probably seen terms like fan meetings and fan signs. But did you know concerts, fan meetings, fan signs, and fancons are all different?

For fans of KPop and KDrama, these terms might be familiar. But what exactly sets them apart? Let’s break it down. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between concerts, fan meetings, fan signs, and fancons:

Concert

A concert is a performance by a musician in front of thousands of people. These events are often held in open fields or large halls to accommodate many attendees. The term “concert” in the world of KPop is similar to its use in other music genres.

Typically, a concert refers to a solo performance by a musician, band, or idol group. However, sometimes musicians invite guests or even perform together.

So, what’s the difference between a concert and a music festival? It’s simple: music festivals usually feature a large lineup of artists, sometimes across multiple stages.

Fan Meeting

As the name suggests, a fan meeting is an event where idols (actors or singers) and their fans come together to interact and have fun. These events are designed to create closer, more personal moments between the idols and their fans.

A typical fan meeting is divided into several segments, such as games, inviting lucky fans to interact directly on stage, a question-and-answer session, and performances that may include singing, dancing, or playing musical instruments.

Fan meetings generally have a smaller venue and fewer spectators than concerts, creating a more intimate and exclusive atmosphere. To enhance the experience, fan meetings often include several special benefits.

These benefits usually include group photos with the artist, signed posters or albums, and a “hi-bye” session where fans get to say goodbye to the artist one-on-one at the end of the event.

The distribution of these benefits depends on the rules set by the promoter or artist management. Different categories often receive varying types or amounts of benefits. Additionally, some concerts, especially KPop concerts, offer benefits similar to those provided at fan meetings.

Fansign

Fansigns are events typically held to promote new albums, and tickets for these are not sold. To attend a fansign, fans must buy the album being promoted.

There are usually two ways to get selected: a random drawing of purchase receipts or a top spender system. In the top spender system, the fans who buy the most albums (for example, the top 30) win and get to attend the fansign. Often, top spenders buy hundreds of copies.

Fansign events are exclusive and limited. Fans get to meet their idols up close, usually across a table, and receive autographs on the albums they bought.

There’s also a short chat session with each fan. These interactions typically last around 2-5 minutes per member (if it’s a group) or longer for solo artists.

Showcase

A showcase is a mini concert held by a singer or idol group to debut or promote a new album. During the event, they perform several new songs from the album. The event is hosted by an MC and attended by media personnel, and sometimes a limited number of fans.

In addition to the performances, showcases typically include a question-and-answer session about the album. These events are shorter than full concerts, usually lasting about an hour, and are generally held only in the artist’s home country.

For KPop artists, this means showcases are typically held in South Korea, unlike concerts that are often part of a tour.

Fancon

A fancon combines elements of a fan meeting and a concert, usually hosted by KPop artists. It’s smaller than a full concert, making it more intimate and friendly like a fan meeting.

During a fancon, the artist or idol typically performs around 8-10 songs, which is more than at a fan meeting but fewer than at a full concert.

In between performances, there are fun and interactive sessions with fans, much like a fan meeting. These include question-and-answer sessions, games, and direct interactions with lucky fans on stage. Fancons also often provide similar benefits to those found at fan meetings.

How to Stay Comfortable at a Concert, Fan Meeting, or Fancon

• Dress Comfortably: Wear clothes that are breathable and won’t make you too hot since you’ll be moving around a lot. Check if there’s a dress code; fans often wear colors that match the artist’s fandom or favorite color.
• Have a Good Meal: Eat a good meal before the event. You’ll need plenty of energy to stand, shout, sing, and jump. You don’t want to feel weak or faint during the event.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before the concert starts. Don’t skip drinking just because you’re worried about needing a bathroom break. Staying hydrated will keep you feeling good throughout the event.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Choose shoes that are supportive and won’t hurt your feet, especially if you’ll be standing a lot. You’ll likely be walking, standing, or queuing for long periods, so comfortable footwear is essential.
• Plan Your Ride Home: Make sure you have a safe and reliable way to get home. Concerts, fan meetings, and fancons often end late, so have your travel plans sorted out. Consider using a car rental service to avoid the hassle of public transportation or unpredictable taxi fares.

For comfort and convenience when attending concerts, fan meetings, and fansigns, using a car rental from TRAC is the way to go. No more long waits for rideshares or walking long distances outside the stadium.

TRAC offers daily car rentals complete with a driver, making your concert or fan meeting experience even more comfortable. You just need to show up and enjoy the event; the driver will handle the rest.

With TRAC, you won’t have to worry about finding parking, driving yourself home with sore feet, or waiting for hours to get a ride. You’re guaranteed a safe and very comfortable ride home.

For those who prefer flexibility, TRAC also offers self-drive car rentals. This option allows you to make stops for late-night snacks after the event or just hanging out with colleagues.

You can easily book a TRAC rental on the homepage of the TRAC website or through the TRACtoGo app. Download TRACtoGo from Google Play Store or Apple App Store to avoid any transportation hassles when attending a concert or fan meeting.

Don’t forget to follow TRAC on social media for the latest promotions and updates. Follow us on Instagram @trac_astra, TRAC-Astra Rent a Car on Facebook, or Twitter (X) @TRACastra.

Whatever the track, just use TRAC!