The Gathering (TG), Norway’s largest computer party, has been held in Vikingskipet, Hamar every easter since 1996. TG has around 5000 participants and attracts growing interest, both nationally and internationally. TG is organized by the non-profit organization KANDU (Kreativ Aktiv Norsk DataUngdom/Creative Active Norwegian Computer Youth).

The first party named “The Gathering” was held by the demo group Crusaders in 1992. Having complained at another computer party, they were challenged to organize a better party themselves. After about a year of planning 1100 people gathered in Skedsmohallen in Lillestrøm, Skedsmo. The hosts were expecting around 500.

Over the next few years TG continued to grow, reaching 1400 participants in 1993 and 1800 in 1994.

In 1995 a party called ”Gathering 1995” (G95) was held in Stavanger. This party, however, was not hosted by Crusaders.

As the number of participants was steadily increasing the organizers had to look for a new venue. The choice fell upon Vikingskipet, Hamar, which was considered an excellent venue with lots of space and a good infrastructure; plenty of power and parking, etc.

TG has been organized by KANDU since 1996. At the time, the computer party had around 2500 participants and the number has kept growing. Since 1997 the event has been sold out every year!

See numbers and facts for further details.

Entertainment

The demoscene.
A ”demo” is a non-interactive multimedia presentation made to showcase the creators’ skills in programming, graphics, 3D-modelling and music. The sole reason for developing such a program is to show it and enjoy the following fame among other artists. Being able to make high quality electronic art also attracts the attention of companies within the gaming, music and graphics industries, who are constantly on the lookout for new talent.  The “Creative Lounge” is a designated area for the most eager where they may exchange ideas, work on creative entries, make new contacts, go to interesting lectures and performances and participate in competitions.

Games
Annual game competitions attract many participants who compete in several game genres. Every year there are competitions in both computer and console games with valuable prizes.

Shows and lectures. 
TG being a hub for aspiring geniuses with a broad spectrum of hobbies and interests, the organizers work hard to be able to offer the participants an equally broad spectrum of entertainment, shows and lectures.

Facts

• The average participant is a male student between 16 and 20 years old.
• In 1999 20 per cent of the participants were girls!

TG venues
1992–1993: Skedsmohallen
1994: Rykkinnhallen
1995: Stavanger
1996–2012: Vikingskipet