Basic Event Information
Date: 18th – 20th of October 2019
Location: Vienna – City Hall
Organizer: MICE & Men Eventmarketing
Client: Gaming Industry
Event type: Gaming Convention
EVENT CATEGORY: CATEGORY B2C – Best Festivals
Event description and key objectives
13 years ago when the idea of the Game City was born, the world was hit with the horrific news of shootings at schools around the world, and the world blamed shooters games for this kind of violence. Instead of banning such games from the public, the city of Vienna decided to open up the City Hall invite young adults, kids and their families to a gaming event for free. The unique part is that this event is taking place in the heart of Vienna in the City Hall. Not only are the latest games being shown, but there is a section for families where parents and students can inform themselves on safer gaming etc. As well as a big international gaming conference with speakers from all over the world. Out event today caters to over eighty thousand people.
Key challenges
Logistically it is a challenge to have this event in the historic City Hall, but unthinkable to have it at any other place. Another challenge is getting enough companies to show case their products. It always depends on the market, and since we are a free to enter event we totally reply and depend on our exhibitors and sponsors. But one of the biggest challenges yet is that the location of our event is a political building, so anything can happen.
Creativity
The most beautiful part about the Game City is seeing literally all ages come together and celebrate games and entertainment. People always say that this is the place for everyone, everyone come together once a year and share their worlds with each other. Every year we come up with a theme for the event, this years theme is: Gaming Connects.
Innovation
We are always looking for new creative ideas, our exhibitors are companies that come up with new innovations and grab the chance to show case those at our event, with cool creative ideas, stands and entertainment for our visitors.
Execution
Preparation time usually takes all year, finding exhibitors coming up with new ideas, traveling to similar exhibitions all over world, going for the latest trends and companies in the industry. Insuring that we get all the rooms the City Hall, taking care of permissions around the location. Building a strong team of around 150 people. Interacting with out visitors on social media etc.
Measurable results
The Game City started out 13 years ago with around 25 000 visitors this number has since increased to 80 000 visitors. We started with a few exhibitors and have now reached the number of 100 exhibitors annually.
Communication
Its mostly word of mouth, social media, media exposure (TV, paper..), and campaigns around the event date.
The use of sustainable practices
We have already begun work on how to implement ways that we can make our event environmentally friendly and therefor sustainable. We work closely with the City of Vienna, as well as out exhibitors.
