Being a K-Pop fan is an experience that goes beyond listening to music. Our enjoyment is not confined to concerts or events organized by music labels or entertainment agencies. We have taken matters into our own hands and found every possible way to celebrate the artists we love, and one particular staple that caught on like wildfire is the cupsleeve.

Is it an item? Is it an event? It’s both. And we’re here to give you every vantage point that makes cupsleeve events what they are: from attendees, to the hosts/organizers, the vendors, and the cafes where the magic happens.

We had the honor and privilege to count on the wisdom and experience of two STELLAR South and Central Florida hosts: Zero, who runs @skzinflorida as well as a multi-stan K-Pop merch site over on @99limes_, and Jackie who started hosting events last year and is now a solidified Stray Kids flagship organizer in South Florida. Thank you Zero and Jackie for your collaboration for this episode!

Listen here:

What are cupsleeves?

First of all, it’s important to know that you’ll probably hear the word used interchangeably about the event itself as well as about the item that the event revolves around. For example:

1. I’m going to the cupsleeve tomorrow at 2, at what time will you be there? 
2. This is the cupsleeve design we’re going with, hope you guys like it!

Here’s a little more clarity:

• The item: a cupsleeve is a sleeve that goes around a cup, much like the ones you see at a Starbucks. The difference is that the one at Starbucks is used to shield fingers and hands from the heat of hot beverages inside the cup, while the cupsleeve we’re talking about is a staple of the K-Pop fan experience and it’s purely for decorative and collectible purposes. 

• The event: a cupsleeve event has the purpose of bringing fans together in one place to celebrate an important milestone for a K-Pop idol or group, like a birthday, an anniversary, a concert tour stop, or the release of an album. They mostly happen on weekends and the majority take place at boba tea places, cafes, bakeries, or tea shops.

Who puts on cupsleeves? What do they entail?

Anyone can plan a cupsleeve event, promote it, and host it. 

• What do you need?
  • A cupsleeve (design, print)
  • A cafe willing to let you host the cupsleeve event 
• Those are the bare necessities. You may also find:
  • Vendors 
  • Photo opp stations 
  • Games 
  • Custom drinks or food items for the event 
  • Lots of fellow K-Poppies or stans you can befriend
• How do you get the cupsleeve? It depends on the host.
  • At most cupsleeve events, the cupsleeve is free with the purchase of a drink. You may find the cupsleeve at the register or at a separate “main” table where the hosts are seated.
  • At some cupsleeve events, the cupsleeve is sold separately.
  • At other cupsleeve events, the cupsleeve is part of a “tier” which is basically different levels of packages you can buy that include merch related to the event (stickers, keychains, lomo cards, raffle tickets, phone grips, etc).

Talking to the experts!

After going on many detailed rants during our standard talk between ourselves, it was time to bring in our guests and get all their insights on hosting cupsleeves all over Florida, with a few guest stints in other states. Please help us give a warm welcome to Zero from @skzinflorida and Jackie! Here are some of the questions we asked, but you know we went on a few tangents and got way more info out of them!

1. Is there a number of elements required to call a cupsleeve event a cupsleeve event aside from the cupsleeve? (What are the key components to a successful cupsleeve event)
2. What made you want to host a cupsleeve event? How did you figure out the logistics for your first one? 
3. Logistics questions:
   1. How far in advance do you need to start planning a cupsleeve to get all things in order (secure the store’s commitment, get the cupsleeves delivered, and promote)
   2. How much of an investment at a base level do you think is necessary on average to start? (cupsleeves, freebies, raffles, decor, etc.) 
   3. How do you approach stores to collaborate? What do they expect? What do they offer? 
   4. Tiers & donations vs. free cupsleeves. What’s your take?
4. You’ve hosted cupsleeve events now across the state of FL. Is there a noticeable difference in the fandom/attendees in each city? 
5. What’s the hardest part about hosting a cupsleeve event? 
6. What’s the best part that makes it all worth it?
7. Will you continue hosting cupsleeve events?

The best way to experience this episode is without a doubt with the video component so you can appreciate the full show and tell!