Yes, it's too late if you don't have a Member ID

16 FEBRUARY 2015



In the SDCC version of Groundhog Day, something happened this weekend that happens every single year: the online buzz about Open Registration caught the eye of interested but naïve people, who rushed to get in the game. And of course, they discovered they were too late. And so I just returned from a weekend away to find multiple emails all saying help!

If you don't have a Member ID already, I can't help you. No one can.

I know it sucks, but going to SDCC really does require massive advance planning and careful attention. In your case - I'm speaking to you people who tried in vain to sign up for a Member ID this weekend - advance planning of a year and a half. Because unless you win a contest, 2016 is the best you can shoot for.

Probably that sounds unfair, but it's best to get used to it now. There's nothing easy, smooth or guaranteed about going to San Diego Comic-Con. (Well, frustration is almost guaranteed.) Sign up now for a new Member ID and you'll get an email about a year from now informing you of Open Reg for 2016. Another thing you can do: put yourself on the Volunteer Interest List for 2016. That will open up in late summer or fall, and you'll be notified over the winter of when Volunteer Registration is.

If you're very serious about walking through those doors next summer, read this blog and other Con blogs for tips on what to do and what to expect. There's a learning curve in terms of getting hotel rooms, allocating your time wisely, and seeing the panels and attending the events you want to experience. It's kind of like Disney World - you can just show up and wing it, but then you'll probably waste a lot of time in long lines and miss some good rides. But if you go into it with some strategy, you'll make smart choices and enjoy yourself more.

Sorry I don't have better news for you. As always, I'll suggest you look into other Cons to console yourself with - Salt Lake, Dragon*Con, NYCC (it's bigger than SDCC now), Denver, Phoenix, Toronto and others, depending on where you live. Emerald City still has some day badges available for next month.

Everyone else, I'll post my specific advice on Open Reg in a day or two.

7 comments:

  1. Yep, we just lived this yesterday. A friend of ours has been saying that he has wanted to go for awhile, so last year we told him to set up a Member ID account. He did, and has had one for months. But this past weekend, when we were giving him information on how to actually buy the badge, we figured out that he didn't get a Member ID for his girlfriend, and he refuses to go without her. So now it's 2016 for him, and his girlfriend.

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    1. Augh, that happens way too often. My thinking is - they should still go. They could do Nerd HQ and outside events together and still have fun, even if she can't get into the Con proper.

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  2. So I have a valid ID and we just got my wife and daughter member IDs, but not valid for open Reg. Can't I still buy them badges if I get picked?

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    1. You can try. But the system knows who's eligible and who's not, and will probably reject them. That said - you should still try because you wouldn't be the first person to find and exploit a loophole in the system. Good luck.

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  3. I am in the same situation. I registered for a member ID at least 6 months ago. I read at the time that I would be able to purchase badges for up to 3 people so thought I was clear. I didn't realize until I got the email for Saturday that my teenaged children would need their own Member ID's and now it's too late. We want to go anyways. Are there other related events going on in the area? Are people out and around in public in their character dress? Our hotel is right by the convention center. We want to dress up damn it!!!! Lol

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    1. Yes, you should still go - especially since you have a hotel. There will be lots of promotional attractions around the convention center, the Petco Park parking lot, the Gaslamp, etc. And your cosplay will definitely be appreciated. If I were you, I'd try for a badge anyhow. You can always share it with your kids if they're girls and you feel comfortable sending them into the Con by themselves - or you might make a friend who's willing to loan out a badge for a bit. Good luck!

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  4. I am in the same disappointing situation. :-/ registered last fall for a member ID and read that I would be able to purchase tickets for up to 3 people and thought I was clear. I didn't realize until I got the email for Saturdays sale that my 2 teenagers needed their own Member ID's. We want to go anyways. Our hotel (and flight) was booked a while ago and is very close to the convention center. Are there other things going on down near the convention? Are people out in their costumes? We want to still dress up damn it.

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