Lesser-Known LEGO Minifigs:  Introduction to the Manager Conference Series (Part 2)

Lesser-Known LEGO Minifigs: Introduction to the Manager Conference Series (Part 2)

Hello everyone, this is Darth Vader 崔卓然. In the last article, I introduced the first two minifigures from the LEGO Manager Conference series—the 2015 Zombie Salesman and the 2016 Crazy ZACK. Due to the length of the article, I split it into two parts. In this second installment, I’ll walk you through the remaining two minifigures as well as the four exclusive mini sets released under this same series, spanning from 2017 to 2023. Let’s continue in chronological order:

 

2017 – The Magician

 

This figure is unique from the get-go—LEGO has rarely released magician-themed minifigs. This one is particularly well-made both in terms of print and accessories. Like the previous figures, this one features a LEGO logo printed somewhere on the body. Interestingly, only ZACK’s logo appears on the back (to reflect his look in the original MV), while the other three, including the Magician, have the logo printed on the front.

 

The torso features a detailed name badge, marking him as a LEGO employee—talk about dedication to the theme. The open black suit with a red bow tie clearly identifies him as a magician: stylish and mysterious. The leg print also uses dual-molded legs, matching the figure’s overall color scheme. The facial expression is less commonly used as well, adding to the figure’s distinctiveness.

 

As for accessories, while there are no unique molds exclusive to this figure, the selection still shows a lot of thought. It includes a swappable blond hairpiece to replace the magician’s top hat, plus a white rabbit and a playing card featuring a printed Ace of Spades—both rare pieces in official sets. The rabbit even fits into the hat, making for the classic “rabbit-out-of-a-hat” trick. Overall, both print and accessories maintain the high standard of the Manager Conference series.

 

A detail I missed in the last article: the cardboard backing of these figures differs from SDCC exclusives. SDCC cards are made from thick, hardboard-like paper that’s difficult to bend but hard to recover if creased. Manager Conference cards are thinner—flimsier than A4 paper—but easier to flatten out if bent, and creases are less noticeable.

 

The card design matches the magician’s stage show perfectly—curtains, checkered flooring, and a red-and-black color scheme that enhances the mysterious vibe. The lower-right corner features a printed top hat and Ace card, echoing the included accessories. The upper text reads "APPEARING ONE NIGHT ONLY", emphasizing its rarity and exclusive distribution. Beneath the decorative white border is the year and name of the event, followed by the location: Atlanta, Georgia.

 

This figure comes with a mini set called "Rabbit in Hat", a small 121-piece build that beautifully complements the minifig. The detail and theming are spot-on—it’s yet another display of LEGO’s meticulous design, with every element thoughtfully connected.

 

As with the other three figures, the Magician goes for around ¥10,000–¥13,000 CNY (~$1400–$1800 USD) ungraded. AFA-graded "Gold Label" versions are priced around ¥16,000–¥21,000 CNY. Occasionally, you’ll see figures listed far above that—sometimes sitting unsold for months or even years—so I personally wouldn’t recommend paying a premium beyond that range. Remember: saving ¥1,000 per figure means you’re that much closer to affording the Titanic set.

 

 

2018 – The Camper

 

This is hands-down my favorite among the four figures. Released in 2018, the Camper is the last of the Manager Conference minifigs. Both the printing and accessories show tremendous care and originality.

 

The torso and leg prints are unique to this figure, and although I’m not 100% sure about the head print, I’ve never seen it elsewhere. Even if it’s not exclusive, it’s definitely rare. The torso continues the same aesthetic as the other figures—unzipped jacket and a LEGO logo on the chest—with accessories that complement the outfit.

 

A brown backpack strap runs across the shoulder, matching the actual brown backpack included. The attention to detail is amazing: fabric creases, jacket zipper, and even the belt’s safety clip are all rendered clearly. The only minor flaw is the lack of arm printing—it would’ve taken this figure to the next level. The leg design is simpler but complements the torso’s yellow tones.

 

The facial print is especially sharp: orange gradient sunglasses with visible eyes behind them, and a vibrant, expressive face. But the best part? The exclusive 2x2 printed tile included with the figure—a custom map.

 

Collectors know how valuable exclusive printed elements can be. Some even focus specifically on collecting printed pieces. The map design is clever: the LEGO logo in the upper right marks the current event location, while a red line leads to a plane icon and the word “ATLANTA”—referencing the previous year’s venue. There’s even a compass in the bottom right corner. The symbolism here—moving from one location to the next—ties perfectly into the Camper’s theme. The map represents a journey, and the figure is on it. A beautiful touch.

 

The backer card matches the theme as always: CLAYTON, GA, the 2018 conference site, not far from the previous year’s in Atlanta. The card art features a LEGO figure rowing a canoe and a tent pitched on the shore. It fits the Camper motif perfectly.

 

 

Unlike the previous three figures, there appears to be no matching mini build for the Camper. I couldn’t find any mention of one in my research or from any sellers. It seems the figure was released solo, which is a bit of a shame. Still, the figure alone is incredibly well done.

 

Same as before: ¥10,000–¥13,000 CNY ungraded, ¥16,000–¥21,000 CNY for AFA Gold Label versions.

Let me wrap up the minifigures by sharing a bit of personal history. I first learned about these figures about three years ago and fell in love, especially with the Camper. I dreamed of owning one and getting a LEGO photographer to shoot a full photo set, which I’d use as my profile pic across all social platforms.

 

At first, I couldn’t even find where to buy them—only knew they were expensive. A domestic seller once offered a Zombie Salesman for ¥12,500, which was already considered a good deal. But I still couldn’t bring myself to do it. The issue wasn’t with the figure—it was with me.

 

About a year ago, with the help of a LEGO collector in the U.S., I met a former LEGO employee who owned the full set, plus a signed poster from the Zombie Salesman’s designer—a gem I didn’t even know existed. He offered the full set plus poster for ¥40,000, a steal compared to other listings. I almost bought it with a friend (we’d split two figures each), but we couldn’t agree on who got what, and it fell through.

 

 

I thought that was the end of the road… but fate had other plans.

 

In November 2024, someone on eBay listed the full set, including all accessories and even an extra Zombie body—essentially two Zombies in one! The only problem? No backer cards or boxes. I hesitated again. Without the back cards, it just didn’t feel complete to me. Plus, the auction ended in the middle of the night in China. I didn’t bid. The full set ended up selling for only ¥25,000, with Camper going for just over ¥3,000—a once-in-a-lifetime deal.

 

 

And then, just a month ago—after publishing part one of this article—I struck gold. Someone on eBay listed the Magician, Camper, and ZACK—all with backer cards—for just ¥5,000 each. No mini builds, but that didn’t bother me. I instantly bought all three.

 

Even better, the seller gave me a small discount and waived part of the shipping. I kept the Magician and Camper, and helped a friend buy the ZACK—win-win for both of us. The minifigs came from Australia, and now they’re finally in my hands. That dream I mentioned? It’s finally coming true.

 

 

Next up, I’ll introduce the four official mini sets from the Manager Conference series. Stay tuned!

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