After 15+ years managing tech and logistics behind the scenes for massive conventions like Otafest and Anime Ottawa, I asked myself: How can I bring that big-event energy to our local community?

The answer is Karuta Alley Market .

I’m taking everything I’ve learned about large-scale operations to build a premium, smooth-running, and high-energy space where local creators and vendors can truly thrive. This is a total passion project, and we're just getting started! 

"Hey everyone, Derrick Ng here! Calgary-based strategist, organizer, and huge enthusiast of complex trading card games like Magic the Gathering (MTG) and Gundam TCG. Driven by a love for tactical gameplay and efficient organization, I bring that same structured analytical approach to both my hobbies and my daily life.

Gundam lives in my blood. From running Gundam content for Otafest for the past 6 years, to running and growing our gunpla community.

After years of building those communities, I asked myself: How can I use this experience to bring something new? After many late night conversations over way too much Chinese food, Gary and our third founder Kevin came up with Karuta Alley Market. 

This is an absolute passion project, built on a love and passion for bringing people together." 

Anime and pop culture have always been a huge part of my life, and I am thrilled to turn that passion into reality with a close group of friends. 

With a background in event and conference management, I have spent years developing the skills needed to organize memorable experiences and build strong communities. I am committed to creating welcoming spaces where fans can connect, share their interests, and celebrate the things they love together. 

Karuta Alley Market is just a beginning of a great journey. Follow us and let's see where the experience will take us. 

Visionary artist Strategic brand protector. Say hello to Alina (That's Me)! Wearing the hats of Artist, Brand Manager, and Social Media Manager, I am the one behind how we look, feel, and connect with you online! 

From the initial sketch of our mascot and logo to the final published post, I'm leaving my mark on Karuta's creative universe, ensuring every piece of content tells a cohesive story.Making art, building the brand, and running the feed. Handling everything from the creative design to the digital strategy that lands on your screen. 

We are a team after all! When Karuta's name was decided, all I did was draw over and over again until you see the logo and mascot we have now! I hope you will follow our journey as we hope to bring the most unforgettable experience to all of you! 

A long-time lover of gaming, pop culture, and TCG from a more casual angle. I am a dabbler in music, speedrunning, and deck-building. My favourite games are Balatro, Slay the Spire, and Bloodborne. My primary TCG of choice is Gundam, wiiiiith some fiddilng around in
Yu-Gi-Oh!

With 12 years of experience working in conventions, I have seen the importance of creating a quality show experience for attendees and vendors alike. I bring my experience managing Exhibition Halls for other events to Karuta to continue to provide a positive experience for everyone involved while working with my closest friends!