COMICON Naples at the center of an international research
Il COMICON of Naples has recently been the subject of an in-depth study published in theInternational Journal of Event and Festival Management, one of the most authoritative academic journals in the field of cultural events. The research recognizes the Neapolitan festival's leading role internationally, analyzing how the experience lived by participants goes beyond traditional activities, transforming them into unique moments of socialization and sharing.
The study and methodology
The research was conducted during the 2024 edition of the festival, using group interviews and an approach based on constructivist grounded theoryThe selected sample of participants provided a close-up look at how simple everyday actions—buying a comic, attending a show, playing a game—radically change their meaning within the COMICON context. It's the context that makes the difference: the same activities take on a deeper meaning because they're enriched by social interaction and collective engagement.
The results of the research
According to the study, what distinguishes the COMICON Naples it is not the transformation of activities, but their intensificationSocialization becomes the central element of the experience, with the audience not remaining a simple spectator but becoming active part of the event. The fan convention, therefore, is not just a place for cultural consumption, but an environment where meanings multiply through sharing and a sense of belonging.
A model for international festivals
The research results place the COMICON Naples including international model for the design of events and festivals. Experience design, content selection, and spatial planning foster not only enjoyment, but above all interaction. Creating a context that fosters relationships is now considered a key element for the success of cultural and creative events. The concentration of motivated fans, combined with a program designed to foster participation, makes COMICON a model for the industry.
The impact on the territory
In addition to the academic recognition, the study also confirms the strong socio-economic impact that the festival has on the city of Naples. COMICON thus confirms itself not only as a cultural event of European importance, but also as a driving force for the local economy, capable of attracting visitors, promoting the city, and strengthening its image as the capital of international pop culture.