Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
Armageddon Expo is New Zealand's most exciting Science Fiction and Entertainment Expo, showcasing the best in pop culture, comics, movies, television, animation, and gaming. This event highlights collectibles, merchandise, and gaming from both industry leaders and fans.
Attendees can enjoy amazing costumes, props, art, and impressive cosplay, along with innovative customer interactions. Armageddon Expo takes place in Auckland, New Zealand.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Armageddon Expo runs from October 23 to 26, 2026, at ASB Showgrounds, Auckland, New Zealand.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is New Zealand's largest annual entertainment expo, featuring pop culture, gaming, and collectibles.
- 3Organiser: The event is managed by Beyond Reality Media Premier Event Management Ltd and Kohika Creative.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include fans of comics, movies, TV shows, gaming, and cosplay.
- 5Entry / Access: Tickets are available online through iTicket, with various pricing options for families and individuals.
Why visit
Armageddon Expo offers a unique opportunity to meet international media stars, voice actors, and comic creators. Attendees can participate in interactive gaming, cosplay contests, and enjoy a wide range of merchandise. It's a must-visit for fans of all ages looking to immerse themselves in pop culture.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at Armageddon Expo provides access to a diverse audience of pop culture enthusiasts. It's an excellent platform for brands to showcase new products, engage with fans, and generate leads. Exhibitors can benefit from high visibility and the chance to connect with potential customers.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Cosplayers and costume makers sourcing wigs, foam, resin props, contacts and commission work
Anime and manga fans buying figures, art books, Blu-rays and manga volumes
Comic readers and collectors hunting back issues, graphic novels and artist alley prints
Video game and esports players testing new titles, hardware and tournament play
Tabletop and trading card game players joining demos, drafts and booster box sales
Toy and collectible hunters chasing show exclusives, blind boxes and graded items
Film, TV and streaming fans booking guest panels, autograph and photo-op sessions
Families with children aged 5-12 using child and family tickets for a day out
Content creators, photographers and streamers covering cosplay builds and guest appearances
Auckland locals plus domestic visitors from Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton turning the four-day run into a Labour Weekend city break
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Comic publishers, distributors and independent creators taking artist alley and small-press tables
Anime licensors and home video distributors promoting streaming slates and Blu-ray releases
Collectible figure and toy brands selling scale figures, blind boxes and convention exclusives
Trading card game and tabletop publishers running learn-to-play demos, drafts and tournaments
Video game publishers, hardware brands and esports organisers with playable demo stations
Apparel, streetwear and accessory sellers printing on site and selling fandom ranges in NZD
Cosplay supply vendors selling wigs, foam, resin, prop kits and commission services
Guest agencies, photo-op operators and media partners managing autograph queues and panel schedules
Food, beverage and showbag vendors serving the four-day crowd across the halls
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Comics, graphic novels and small-press zines
Manga, anime Blu-rays, art books and streaming promotions
Collectible figures, statues, model kits and blind-box vinyl
Trading card games, board games and tabletop role-playing titles
Video games, consoles, peripherals and esports hardware
Cosplay wigs, foam armour, resin props and commission services
Apparel, streetwear, bags and fandom accessories
Artist alley prints, sketches, zines and original art
Film and TV merchandise, posters and replica props
Toys, die-cast models and retro collectibles
Enamel pins, jewellery and small handmade goods
Food, drink and showbags
Location & Facilities
Venue
ASB Showgrounds
217 Greenlane Road West, Greenlane, Auckland 1051
Facilities
Parking
ASB Showgrounds in Auckland typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: ASB Showgrounds in Auckland typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at ASB Showgrounds for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
General admission
Adult (13 and above) - Single day entry
32General admission
Child (5-12) - Single day entry
10General admission
Family (2 adults and 3 children) - Single day entry
75General admission
Adult (13 and above) - Three-day Pass (Sat/Sun/Mon only)
80General admission
Child (5-12) - Three-day Pass (Sat/Sun/Mon only)
23General admission
Adult (13 and above) - Four-day Pass
95General admission
Child (5-12) - Four-day Pass
28
Who runs the show
Organisers
Beyond Reality Media Premier Event Management Ltd
Kohika Creative
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Auckland, New Zealand
Why it matters
On 2026-10-23 to 2026-10-26, Armageddon Expo in Auckland gives technology buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Auckland Airport is the international gateway for the show, with the domestic terminal alongside for same-day connections from Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. Taxi and rideshare ranks sit outside both terminals; confirm the fare estimate before you travel
TBA
to venue
Approx. 19-25 minutes to ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, depending on traffic
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Novotel Auckland Ellerslie
4-star
EllerslieBreakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), air conditioning, fitness center, bar, restaurant, room service.
ibis Auckland Ellerslie
4-star (per Google Hotels listing)
EllerslieBreakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, parking, air conditioning, fitness center, bar, restaurant, room service.
Ramada by Wyndham Newmarket Auckland
4-star
NewmarketBreakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), air conditioning, full-service laundry, accessible, kid-friendly.
La Quinta by Wyndham Ellerslie Auckland
4-star
EllerslieBreakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), air conditioning, fitness center, kitchen in some rooms, full-service laundry, accessible.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Bus, train and ferry (Auckland Transport network)
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forAuckland Transport event-transport page for Auckland Showgrounds and its Journey Planner
Auckland Transport lists buses, trains and ferries; Moovit covers how to reach Auckland Showgrounds in One Tree Hill Central.
Taxi / rideshare from Auckland Airport
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from AKL to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forAuckland Airport (AKL) to ASB Showgrounds
Taxi fare estimators list this airport-to-venue route; drive time about 19 minutes from Auckland Domestic Airport per distancesfrom.com.
Private car / parking
Estimated costVaries by lot; confirm on the venue transport-parking page
Best forAuckland Showgrounds, 217 Green Lane West
The venue publishes a transport and parking page at aucklandshowgrounds.co.nz; Parkopedia lists Auckland parking lots and street meter spots.
Weather
Late October falls in Auckland spring: expect changeable days with passing showers, so bring a light waterproof layer and comfortable walking shoes for moving between halls at Auckland Showgrounds.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to New Zealand.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Getting there
The venue district is Greenlane/Ellerslie; Auckland Transport's Journey Planner is the quickest way to line up bus or train times around show hours.
Parking and arrival
Auckland Showgrounds publishes its own transport and parking guidance; book airport transfers or parking ahead on busy show mornings.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: AKL
Sample Google Flights searches used a 23 Oct 2026 outbound and 27 Oct 2026 return in economy, with prices including taxes and required fees for one adult; optional bag fees apply. Google Flights flagged the Sydney route as currently high priced and noted booking earlier (up to about five months before takeoff) usually costs less.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Auckland Airport (AKL): Approx. 19-25 minutes to ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, depending on traffic. Allow road or rail time to ASB Showgrounds; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near ASB Showgrounds: Ellerslie: Novotel Auckland Ellerslie; Ellerslie: ibis Auckland Ellerslie; Newmarket: Ramada by Wyndham Newmarket Auckland.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Auckland; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Auckland Transport runs the bus, train and ferry network serving Auckland Showgrounds and publishes a dedicated event-transport page plus a Journey Planner at at.govt.nz. Moovit provides step-by-step routes to Auckland Showgrounds in One Tree Hill Central.
Parking: On-site parking is available at ASB Showgrounds; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Seasonality: Spring in Auckland brings frequent short showers; keep a compact umbrella or rain jacket in your day bag.
Packing: Pack layers for mild spring days, a waterproof shell for showers, and comfortable shoes for walking the Auckland Showgrounds halls and parking areas.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Armageddon Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 14-12
Lock the four-day October run at ASB Showgrounds into your calendar and decide between a single-day, three-day (Sat/Sun/Mon) or four-day pass, since the listed prices differ.
Day 11-10
Book flights into Auckland Airport (AKL) and a refundable room in Ellerslie or Newmarket within a short bus or rideshare hop of the Green Lane West gates.
Day 9
Read the guest and panel announcements on armageddonexpo.com and note the timeslots for any autograph or photo-op session you want to queue for.
Day 8
Start or finish the cosplay build now: order wigs, foam, resin or props early enough for a full test wear before the show.
Day 7
Map your daily route on the Auckland Transport Journey Planner and check the event-transport page for Auckland Showgrounds for extra services on show days.
Day 6
Set a budget for artist alley prints, exclusive figures, TCG boxes and guest photo fees, and confirm with your bank whether your card works contactlessly in New Zealand.
Day 5
Check the venue's bag and prop rules and decide what size of replica prop you will carry, so nothing is left at the security desk.
Day 4
Reserve any Saturday dinner or airport transfer you want; Labour Weekend fills central Auckland restaurants and hotel rooms quickly.
Day 3
Pack layers and a light rain jacket for Auckland spring weather plus comfortable shoes for long hours on concrete showground floors.
Day 2
Charge power banks, download your tickets and screenshot the hall map, panel schedule and guest list in case mobile data stalls inside the halls.
Day 1
Recheck your airline schedule and the organiser's social channels for gate, queue or door-time changes before heading to Greenlane.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at ASB Showgrounds
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Armageddon Expo registration concourse
ASB Showgrounds
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
ASB Showgrounds
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$190.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 32 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 32 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Armageddon Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Armageddon Expo, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Entertainment solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Armageddon Expo in Auckland.
Min. budget
$545.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Entertainment products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,452.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Auckland show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- Pop culture expo
- A ticketed consumer show that mixes film and TV, anime, comics, gaming, toys and cosplay under one roof, as Armageddon Expo does across the halls of ASB Showgrounds.
- Artist Alley
- The zone where independent illustrators, comic makers and crafters sell prints, zines and sketch commissions directly to visitors, usually at lower price points than licensed retail stands.
- Cosplay
- Costume play: visitors and competitors dressing as characters from anime, comics, games and film, supported by a craft community around wig styling, foam armour, sewing and resin work.
- Cosplay competition
- A staged contest where cosplayers present finished builds to judges and an audience, normally split into craft and performance categories.
- Autograph session
- A scheduled slot where a listed guest signs merchandise or photos, commonly priced separately from show entry and managed by queue staff at the guest table.
- Photo op
- A photograph with a listed guest, taken at the guest table or a dedicated booth, usually ticketed separately from admission.
- Voice actor panel
- A stage Q&A with actors who voice anime, animation or game characters, often paired with clips and audience questions.
- Anime and manga
- Japanese animation and its print counterpart; at Armageddon this covers manga volumes, art books, figures, Blu-ray releases and streaming promotions.
- TCG and tabletop
- Trading card games and tabletop titles, sold and demonstrated across the show floor with tournaments, drafts and learn-to-play sessions.
- Blind box
- A sealed single-figure box where the character inside is randomised, sold singly or by the case and popular with collectors chasing rare pulls.
- Convention exclusive
- Merchandise produced in limited numbers for the show or for a specific guest, typically sold only at the stand or guest table during the run.
- Prop replica
- A non-firing, display-oriented copy of a weapon or item from film, TV or games, usually subject to venue safety checks at the door.
- Main stage panel
- Scheduled talks, screenings, announcements and cosplay showcases hosted on stage across the four show days.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Armageddon Expo 2026
- Armageddon Expo Auckland 2026
- Armageddon Expo Auckland tickets
- Armageddon Expo ASB Showgrounds
- Auckland comic con 2026
- New Zealand pop culture expo
- Armageddon Expo cosplay competition
- Armageddon Expo guest announcements
- Auckland anime convention October 2026
- Armageddon Expo four day pass
4 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.