Media release

HeroFest 2018: a new for gamers in Switzerland

Bern, 14 October 2018 – After three days of fun, fantasy and excitement, the results are clear: the first ever HeroFest in Bern is a success. More than 12,000 visitors from Switzerland and neighbouring countries made the dedicated trip to the BERNEXPO exhibition and trade centre to do some gaming themselves, watch the eSports professionals on stage and discover the most creative cosplayers.

HeroFest has achieved the goal it set for itself of taking the hearts of gamers, geeks and nerds by storm with its first edition. A broad programme for every taste, young and old, casual and professional gamers, evoked plenty of excitement on all three days. Highlights such as the SwitzerLAN with over 2000 gamers, the cosplay contests with lively participation and of course the final matches of the League of Legends Premier Tour were all enthusiastically received by the visitors.

Exhibitors and organisers fully satisfied Exhibition Director Anne Maria Schneider is delighted with the successful performance: “We are very happy about the excellent feedback from visitors and exhibitors. We could hardly have imagined a better outcome for our first run.” Olivier Vrieze, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer of BERNEXPO AG adds: “HeroFest has confirmed to us what reputed auditors have predicted about the eSports scene – the economic potential of the whole scene is boundless, and we have responded to this trend with this initial production of HeroFest, and we will continue to develop the event on this basis.” Cédric Schlosser, organiser MYI Entertainment, also sums up the situation in positive terms: “We are pleased that with HeroFest we have been able to show the whole diversity of the sector and overcome some prejudices. And of course we are proud to have initiated the biggest LAN party in the Germany/Austria/Switzerland region.” The response from exhibitors is also very good. Ladina von Allem, Brand Experience Manager of PostFinance Ltd says: “We are very satisfied with this first attendance of ours. We are proud to be a part of the gaming community with our new project. Our freshly assembled team had their first appearance at HeroFest, and promptly went on to win their debut game. The presentation was right and important for our positioning.” Gabriele Gundel, Senior Marketing Manager Events, Promotions & Exhibitions Nintendo D-A-CH (Germany/Austria/Switzerland), says: “Our attendance at the first HeroFest was a complete success. Over a period of three days, Nintendo presented a variety of games for Nintendo Switch at the trade , including previews of such keenly anticipated titles as Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Evoli! and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The positive feedback from visitors shows that Nintendo fits well into the colourful pop culture ambience of HeroFest.”

Adrenaline rush at the LoL finals The absolute highlight of HeroFest was the final of the League of Legends Premier Tour. The first stop of the world’s most popular eSports tournament here in Switzerland had already caused a sensation in the run-up to the event. On Sunday, SK Gaming and Euronics faced each other in the final match. In the exciting duel, Euronics finally prevailed in the battle for the prize money of EUR 25,000.

HeroFest will next be held from 11 to 13 October 2019.

BERNEXPO GROUPE Phone: +41 31 340 11 11 Mingerstrasse 6 Fax: +41 31 340 11 10 Postfach [email protected] 3000 Bern 22 www.herofest.ch

Press photographs Up-to date images are available for download at www.herofest.ch/medien.

Further information Adrian Erni, Media Spokesperson, +41 79 464 64 59, [email protected]

BERNEXPO AG Phone +41 31 340 11 11 Mingerstrasse 6 Fax +41 31 340 11 10 Postfach [email protected] www.bernexpo.ch 3000 Bern 22 www.bernexpo.ch