The eighth edition of Gardacon, the fair dedicated to comics, games, and pop culture, concluded with great success, attracting an enthusiastic audience of over 23,000 visitors to the Montichiari Exhibition Center. This event, which has seen a steady increase in attendance and participation since 2019, has established itself as a benchmark for enthusiasts in the sector, solidifying its role as a national showcase for the nerd and pop world.
Gardacon 2024: An Unprecedented Success in the Pop Scene
Gardacon has emerged as one of the most significant events in Italy dedicated to pop culture, attracting fans and families from all over Northern Italy. This edition saw a 15% increase in the number of exhibitors, contributing to a program rich in activities and prominent guests, making the event even more appealing to the audience. In addition to meeting the expectations of enthusiasts, Gardacon has innovated with new proposals that enriched the overall experience.
Steady Growth: Record Numbers for the Event
This edition was marked by record numbers, leading to significant participation from fans of all ages. The program encompassed every aspect of pop culture, from comics to video games, not forgetting cosplay events and musical performances. Every corner of the fair offered an engaging experience suitable for diverse audiences, from the youngest to adults.
International Guests: Attractions That Captivate the Audience
Among the most anticipated attractions, the international super guests captured the attention of visitors. John Noble, known for his role in “The Lord of the Rings,” and Daniel Portman, the famous Podrick Payne from “Game of Thrones,” met fans for photo and autograph sessions. Additionally, the reunion of the iconic Italian voices from “Sailor Moon” thrilled the audience, featuring artists like Elisabetta Spinelli and Deborah Morese, further enriching the weekend’s program.
Activities and Entertainment: A Rich and Varied Program
The event offered numerous activities, including an area dedicated to retro gaming, where visitors had access to over 100 original arcade machines from the ’80s and ’90s. The new pinball area attracted even more enthusiasts, while the Gamers Arena showcased the latest video game releases, satisfying fans of modern games like “Fortnite” and “EA Sports FC24.”
The Gaming Culture: Retro and New Attractions That Fascinate
The section dedicated to LEGO bricks continued to attract visitors with spectacular artistic creations, while the artist alley served as a stage for renowned illustrators and emerging talents, offering a diverse panorama of the comic world. Live music moments were not lacking, with performances by the king of animated theme songs, Giorgio Vanni, and punk rock bands Spork and Trick or Treat, further enlivening the atmosphere of the event.
Future Prospects: Gardacon Prepares for 2025
Ezio Zorzi, Director of the Montichiari Exhibition Center, commented on the excellent outcome: “This edition of Gardacon has marked the beginning of a new chapter for our event in the national landscape.” The success achieved, coupled with audience appreciation, represents a solid foundation for building upon, with the intent to further enrich the offerings for 2025. With new surprises and an increasingly extraordinary program on the way, the organizers are already hard at work to ensure the best for upcoming events.
