03 – 05 September 2010
Assen Tattoo Convention 2010 – A Relaxed Dutch Gathering with International Flavor
On a crisp Sunday morning, the World Tattoo Events team set off on a short road trip to attend the 5th edition of the Assen Tattoo Convention—an event that continues to carve out its place within the Dutch tattoo scene.
Located in the northern region of the Netherlands, Assen is a small yet well-known town, internationally recognized for the legendary TT Circuit Assen—often referred to as “The Cathedral” of motorcycling. Beyond racing culture, however, the city is quietly establishing itself as a noteworthy destination for tattoo conventions, alongside larger hubs such as Amsterdam and Breda.
The 2010 edition took place from September 3rd to 5th at De Bonte Wever, a multifunctional venue that stands out as one of the more distinctive convention locations in Europe. The indoor setting is designed to resemble a romanticized South American village, complete with tropical vegetation, fountains, and café-style spaces. At its center lies a main arena, overlooked by an upper level of semi-open, Mexican-style balconies.
This architectural layout gave the convention a unique flow. While the ground floor was primarily dedicated to Dutch artists, the upper balconies hosted international guests and vendors, creating a layered exploration experience that felt both intimate and dynamic. Moving between levels added a sense of discovery rarely found in more traditional, flat exhibition halls.
Although Assen is not among the largest tattoo conventions, the event delivered a surprisingly strong lineup in terms of quality. As organizers Gideon Shory and René Bos explained, the convention is primarily designed for a local audience, with a focus on accessibility and family-friendly appeal. Despite this, the event successfully attracted several respected international names, particularly from the United States, including Horitaka, Tony Ciavarro, Jason Kundell, Chad Koeplinger, and Adam Ciferri, who showcased his renowned tattoo machines.
European and Asian talent was equally well represented, with artists such as Henning Jørgensen of Royal Tattoo (Denmark) and Takami (Horikoshi) from Japan contributing to the event’s international character.
On the domestic front, the Dutch scene was strongly present, featuring established names like Gerrit of Tattoo Mania, alongside emerging talents such as Rick from Veni Vidi Vici and Errol from Inkstitution—both studios gaining increasing recognition within the Netherlands.
Having attended numerous conventions across Europe, it becomes clear that each event carries its own identity. What sets Assen apart is its notably relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Over the years, the organizers have consciously shifted the entertainment program away from more explicit shows toward content suitable for a broader audience. While a touch of eccentricity remained—particularly during a rather unconventional Sunday afternoon performance—the overall tone leaned heavily toward inclusivity.
Ultimately, the Assen Tattoo Convention stands out as a genuinely family-friendly event, complete with dedicated spaces for children and an environment that encourages visitors to engage with tattooing in a comfortable and approachable setting. It is the kind of convention where both seasoned collectors and first-time visitors can feel at ease—whether getting tattooed or simply experiencing the culture up close.
Event Review by Alex Van Dutch
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