Armageddon Auckland 2011 Event Review

Once again, Armageddon dominated the event weekend attracting aprox 42,000 attendees to a four day extravaganza.

Although this year’s expo had a number of challenges to overcome, primarily the move away from Labour Weekend (due to the RWC) and secondly the Christchurch earthquake (where we are based), The Auckland event overcame and was the feature event in NZ for the weekend.

This year’s expo featured a four day event, trying out a normal working day Friday and Monday. The Friday got off to a nice general start, with attendees browsing the event floor in small numbers, giving the exhibitor’s time to demonstrate products and really connect with customers.

Saturday and Sunday however, exploded all expectations, with record numbers through the door, packing every hall as well as outside in masses. The main stage has never been fuller with over 2,000 attendees inside for celebrity panels and events.

After the success of the Weekend, the Monday was the polar opposite, with a very quiet day for all, which, in the end, was a pleasant way to wind down the event (although we would have preferred more people).

Overall the 2011 event was amazing, with the best exhibits we have ever had. The gaming industry really embraced the event, with significant interactive displays from Microsoft and Playstation as well as Fiveight and Total Interactive. The Nerf stand was in constant demand as were many of the stands at the event, with steady crowds surrounding many exhibitors.

The celebrity guests once again proved popular, particularly Mark Sheppard and Amanda Tapping, but also the animation area with constant ques for autographs.

The Amusements outside had considerable activity, with attendees making the most of the fine weather and entertainment.

The move of some entertainment rides, wrestling and shooting, into Hall One worked well, with this now becoming the home for some of these events.

Plans are already well underway for the 2012 events, with Hamilton and Wellington in April, Christchurch in July and then Auckland again in Labour Weekend in October.

Plans for Auckland are to run the 2012 event Saturday to Monday on the long weekend, with the expo opening the Friday night from 6pm to 9pm, having the Burning Man and Masquerade Ball then to really move things along.

Exhibitor Packs for the April event will be sent out shortly. Guest and event details will be posted on the expo web site Mid-January, so stay tuned!