PARTNER-
EVENTS
PARTNER-
EVENTS
Board game events are at the heart of our vibrant and growing scene. They are far more than just opportunities to try out new games or hunt for bargains. These events serve as central meeting points where players, game designers, illustrators, publishers, and retailers come together. This is where new friendships are formed, innovative ideas are born, and a shared passion for the tabletop gaming experience is celebrated.
That's why SPIEL Essen works with many events worldwide to connect the world of games at all levels, promote the international community and advance gaming in general. Every board game event helps to keep the scene alive and to spread the fascination of playing together. They are indispensable building blocks for the growth and networking of the global board game community.

Dokomi
DoKomi is one of the largest and most popular events for fans of Japanese pop culture in Germany. It takes place annually in the Düsseldorf exhibition halls and attracts almost 200.000 visitors who share a passion for anime, manga, cosplay, video games, music and the diverse Japanese culture.
DoKomi offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Japanese pop culture, meet like-minded people and experience an unforgettable weekend with a huge dealer area, cosplay, a great artist alley, a varied stage programme, and a gaming area. It is a celebration of creativity, community and shared passion.




Gen Con
Gen Con is North America's largest and longest-running annual event devoted to tabletop gaming culture. The convention, which began in 1968 in Lake Geneva, WI, takes place each summer in Indianapolis, IN. During the convention, attendees shop and demo games from hundreds of exhibiting companies and choose from thousands of ticketed events representing a wide array of board games, card games, roleplaying games, seminars, entertainment events, and more.




Tokyo Game Market
The Tokyo Game Market is a biannual fair in Tokyo, Japan, that focuses on analogue games of all kinds. Here, independent game developers, hobbyists, and publishers present and sell their latest creations - from board games and card games to role-playing games, tabletop miniatures and much more. It is a unique event that celebrates the creativity and innovation of the Japanese game development community.
The Tokyo Game Market is more than just a fair - it is a meeting place for everyone who loves the world of analogue games and appreciates the unconventional and innovative ideas of independent developers. It is an inspiring event that constantly redefines the boundaries of gaming.




PAX Unplugged
PAX conventions have celebrated all types of gaming since 2004, with events spanning Seattle, Boston, and Philadelphia in the USA, as well as Melbourne, Australia. In 2017, PAX Unplugged debuted as the second-largest tabletop gaming event in North America, re-imagining PAX as a tabletop-only event.
Unique to PAX is its focus on community, its professional stage shows, and the opportunity to experience the newest games from around the world. From board games, RPGs, and miniatures to puzzles, jubensha, and retro classics – PAX has something for every tabletop gamer.




UK Games Expo
UK Games Expo (UKGE) is the largest tabletop games convention in the United Kingdom, held annually at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and Hilton Metropole in Birmingham (UK). Running since 2007, it has grown into a key event in the global calendar, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. UKGE offers a central point for board games, role-playing games, card games, miniatures, and more, with a mix of major publishers and independent creators showcasing their latest titles.
The expo offers a wide range of attractions, including massive exhibitor halls, dedicated open gaming spaces, live demos, and a packed schedule of tournaments, events and live entertainment. Visitors can try out new games, meet designers, see amazing cosplayers and reenactors, and enjoy feature zones. There are also workshops, podcasts and panels with industry experts, and family-friendly zones so families can relax and play games.
UKGE is a celebration of community, with an aim to bring everyone together in a shared passion for tabletop gaming.




Serious Play Conference
The Serious Play Conference Europe 2026 is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the transformative power of games and play. Featuring more than 35 leading speakers, the program spans topics from game development to education, and from healthcare to cultural heritage. Whether you’re aiming to sharpen your professional skills, connect with experts, or simply enjoy the experience, there’s something for everyone. Join us for hands-on workshops, panels, talks, networking opportunities, and the chance to play cutting-edge games across XR, VR, and AR.
It will take place on June 18 and 19 at the KUZ Kulturzentrum in Mainz.


