Large crowd-pullers with as many as 40,000 expected visitors, confidently choose Jaarbeurs. According to organiser Boet Havenaar, Heroes Dutch Comic Con has grown from successful to very successful in Jaarbeurs , especially in recent years.
The venue and its location offer us opportunities; logistically, it’s also feasible and, last but not least, there’s a team at Jaarbeurs who work with us professionally to find solutions.Boet Havenaar, organiser of Heroes Dutch Comic Con
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Where does the success of Heroes Dutch Comic Con come from?
“Popular series such as Game of Thrones and The 100 are fuelling even greater enthusiasm for events like Heroes Dutch Comic Con. Fantasy and science fiction are more popular than ever, and the media are also devoting increasing attention to them. This year’s film *Avengers: Endgame* was the highest-grossing film of all time after *Avatar* (2009). That says it all about what people want and why it’s so popular. We don’t need to worry about interest. We’re the biggest comic con in the Netherlands.”
Previous editions were already completely sold out on Saturday, but now we are heading towards a completely sold-out event already in presale. We hope this trend will continue in future editions."
What can visitors expect during the event?
“It all comes together at Heroes Dutch Comic Con. There’s a varied programme covering films, TV series, comics, cosplay, games, superheroes, fantasy, science fiction and anime. There are workshops, Q&As with well-known actors, a cinema, live competitions in the Game Area, and all the major brands are present in the dealer hall.”
Can you tell us more about the décor?
“The layout of the event at Jaarbeurs is, time and again, ‘a work of art in its own right, or rather: a spectacular challenge’.”
"The winter edition of Heroes Dutch Comic Con will take place in five halls of the Event & Exhibition Centre with a whopping 44,655 m2 of all things pop-culture. And: each hall has a different theme involving numerous partners. A good and professional cooperation between fair organiser and Jaarbeurs is then crucial."
What are your ambitions for the future?
“We’d like to involve the city of Utrecht more. In the run-up to the event, we’d like to organise themed parties, have restaurants offering a Comic Con menu, and have comic characters walking around the city. The venue and its location offer us opportunities; logistically, it’s also feasible; and, last but not least, there’s a team at Jaarbeurs who work with us professionally to come up with ideas.”
Creating more support in the city is expected to increase the reach and popularity even more. Following the American example, ensuring that our event is used as a platform to launch new and exclusive content, which we can offer fans first. We are really not at our limits yet with Heroes Dutch Comic Con."
Text: by the entrepreneur / Photos: Heroes Dutch Comic Con and Michiel Ton
