Advice from SDCC first-timers for first-timers

 18 JULY 2025

When I moved out West, one of my immediate goals was to hit up San Diego Comic-Con. I still remember clearly my first impressions (and oddly, the first person I spoke to was one of my favorite artists who remains a friend today.) But that was a long time ago and so much has changed! So in that sense, some of the best advice a first-timer can get will be from other first-timers - or second- or third-timers.

Here's one big difference for modern tenderfoots: when I lived in NY, my impressions of SDCC came from photos I saw in the back of comic books. Few non-nerds had heard of it and my expectations were minimal. In fact, I had to persuade my girlfriend of the time that it wasn't just stacks of back issues in a civic building basement. Today, the SDCC brand is massive and first-timers usually show up with many expectations. They also have a lot of rich and well-informed resources to prepare them.

Nevertheless, nothing teaches like personal experience. Here's a round-up of tips from first-timers.

Learn the basics and read the Toucan blog. 

A few years ago, I remotely mentored a friend's daughter. I tried not to be smothering but in retrospect, I wish I had been more hands-on with her - because she and her friends thought the Con was just walking around and looking at cosplayers. They had no idea they were supposed to go up and get their bag and books - or that CCI had a website with a helpful blog or that there was a huge SDCC online community.

I hate to criticize CCI but I do think their website-first comms approach is a little outdated. A lot of people these days, especially younger, expect information to be fed directly to their phones and socials. They don't always make the effort to proactively go to a website. You have to be where your audience is and for that reason - along with a surprising number of first-timers who don't follow CCI or SDCC influencers - I think they could massively elevate the attendee experience through more frequent email and SMS micro-campaigns and graphic-driven social campaigns. Today, for instance, I asked a first-timer if they'd seen CCI's helpful Hall H video and they were baffled. Yes, they should follow CCI but they don't and you don't know what you don't know - like how overwhelming SDCC is until you show up.

Okay, I'm done making unwanted suggestions. First-timers - look at CCI's website and check out their many resources on A) programming and B) the convention center. You don't have to memorize every room location but understanding the location of Hall H, Ballroom 20, Indigo Ballroom, and the Exhibit Hall and Marriott will go far in helping you understand where to go. Otherwise, it's easy to get turned around and frustrated.

Build your day around 1-3 must-haves.

Sometimes it might even just be 1 if you're chasing an SDCC white whale. It's adorable when first-timers fill up their schedule back-to-back with activities because they think it's a 3-minute walk between panels and locations. But you'll be walking long distances and the lines are ungodly. Just because Panel 1 ends at 1:00 and the next one doesn't start until 1:30 doesn't mean you'll get in. You might - but if it's a hot ticket panel, you might not.

Pick your top priorities and then forever hold your peace. If you try to be the ultimate SDCC achiever, you're setting yourself up for failure.

But don't be afraid to pivot.

This isn't a contradiction! Sometimes your dream panel turns out to be a dud; go ahead and seek greener pastures. Or sometimes someone opens the door to a better offsite or event. SDCC is volatile so don't be too rigid.

Learn how to navigate the convention center.

That includes A) going in the evening hours when it empties out B) choosing the bathrooms at the back, as they are often less crowded and C) using the lobby to make your way from one end to the other, rather than trying to push through the crowds. Also: don't clog the aisles! Keep it moving. Finally, if you see an item you want to return to, take a photo of the booth floor number.

Order groceries.

Now that we live in the glorious age of Insta-cart and Whole Foods delivery, it's really easy to fill up your room with things for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Not only will it save you money, it more importantly saves you oodles of time - the most valuable currency at Comic-Con.

Read the Panel Descriptions

One first-timer noted that a lot of great panels suffer from bad titles. This is true and I'll admit I am guilty of moving right past a boring panel title, only to be startled when my friends mention someone amazing I missed in the programming. 

Put yourself out there.

2 of the happiest first-timers I ever spoke to had a mindblowingly successful Con - all the right parties, incredible celebrity photos, generous swag. Their secret? Speaking up, asking questions, asking for advice, being friendly. Doing this opened a lot of doors for them. I'd be remiss if I didn't add that they were both gorgeous, which I suspect played a role in their good luck - but it's good advice to follow.

Follow line etiquette.

Study the Hall H rules and understand that while you can hold spots in line for a few people, you cannot be by yourself for hours and then have 9 people join you just as you're walking into the room.

Ultimately Comic-Con is what you make it - but preparation is your friend. Be open to adventure, be flexible enough to let go of whatever isn't working out, and make the most of what does happen. If you can do that, you'll have an incredible time.

The secrets of successful first-timers

22 JULY 2024

I used to tell people their first SDCC was a practice run. Not that their first time was worthless - first-timers still gloried in everything they experienced - but they simply could not have the skills and awareness needed to fully maximize their time there. I still think that's somewhat true, but today I see a lot of smart and prepared first-timers taking SDCC by the horns and mastering it.

Here are a few simple ways you can make your SDCC experience more efficient, energetic, and magical.

Make of a list of 3-5 priorities.

These should be your absolute can't-miss events, exclusives, panels, signings, photo shoots, etc. Document them on your phone, write them down, and schedule your Con around them. 

Everything else goes onto the B-list, where they'll happen if you have the extra time to make them happen. You might be thinking that I don't understand how organized and ruthless and effective you are. And maybe that's true - you got a badge, after all - but you don't understand how crowded, chaotic, and competitive the Con can be. 

If you show up with a wish list of 27 targets to conquer, you're setting yourself up for failure. There are just too many other people who want what you want, too many long lines, too many detours. Don't spend your time or energy on stuff that doesn't matter. Narrow your focus and you're more likely to get what you want and come home in a satisfied state.

Abandon any half-assed cosplay plans. 

So many attendees get inspired at the 11th hour to pull together a cosplay look, then drive themselves berserk trying to make it happen. If you aren't at the finish line yet, forget it. You won't look as convincing or finished as you want to, and it's just more unnecessary stress. There's bound to be another Con in your future where you can make it happen. 

Make backup plans.

A lot of your plans won't work out. Bless your heart if you've designed some tightly plotted schedule, but you should know that a lot of it will fall through. Your favorite actor will cancel, your character makeup will peel off in patches, the Funko will sell out when you're 2 places in line from buying. There are too many moving parts at SDCC for everything to be perfect, so make a Plan B and a Plan C. 

And be open to spontaneity. Sometimes you'll find your day evolving in unexpected directions, like deciding you need a nap or getting invited to a Hall H line effort. Flow with it. You can't be a perfectionist when it comes to Comic-Con. You can be organized and prepared, sure. But you don't want to aim for this impossible standard of everything going flawlessly because it won't.

Focus on making friends, not what people can do for you.

Comic-Con people are the best: generous, helpful, and interesting to talk to. Attendees are always sharing their wealth, from information to offsite tickets. 

But in recent years, there's been a rise in attendees who seem to view people solely as favor machines. They don't want to get to know anyone, they don't want to offer anything in return or even do the basic work of participating in a line or buying group; they just want someone else to hand it all to them. That's not how life works, and it's certainly not how Comic-Con works. Build a network, be appreciative of what people have to offer, and do your part in contributing. You'll be much likelier to tap into the community treasure chest. You'll also meet some great people.

Are you excited yet?

Advice from a 2023 first-timer

  8 JULY 2024

Last year, a first-timer was part of my larger friend group at SDCC - which of course put me into Jane Goodall mode for all 5 days. I love seeing the Con through fresh eyes, especially because I had few expectations when I first showed up years ago, whereas the now-massive SDCC brand bestows so many expectations on new attendees. It fascinates me to see how the reality confirms (or blows to smithereens) their Comic-Con dreams. Hence the round-up of first-timer experiences I publish every year.

The below first-timer, however, distinguished himself in one important way. He went to Comic Creator Connection as other friends have in the past - but where they came away unimpressed, he (artist) met a potential collaborator there (writer) who was already active in the business. Today they are writing a graphic novel together. Success story! (He also began working with me, for which I am very grateful, so it was a score for me too.)

Here's his insightful advice for you brand new attendees.

------------------------------------------------

As a new attendee to pretty much any large-scale comic/creator convention, I think it can be daunting pretty quickly. In this environment, the amount of stuff you want to do is pretty insane. My approach was to choose a thread that dictated the kinds of panels that I thought would be really valuable, but also was dealing with the subject matters that I knew to ask questions from people that had already done it. And then I wanted to get in some fun stuff as well.  

Last of all was networking, which was lower on my list because I just wasn’t sure how much time anyone had to really connect with so many people vying for attention.

 

 

Memorize the Major Building Locations

This just keeps you from getting turned around.  The best thing I think you can do is determine where your directions are so that when you see your next timeslot coming up you have a rough idea of which building at the very least it’s in.  Knowing where certain rooms are in relation to the showroom floor, or if it’s the North or South side, really shaves time off figuring out where to go.

 

Build a Quick List

Do this either on paper or as a separate note on your phone. Don’t use the con schedule as your guide. The loading times alone make it really difficult to effectively use and you’re stuck in your phone almost the whole time between panels.  

Personally, I’d suggest going through the schedule and make a pretty big list of everything you might possibly want to attend by day and by time. Then begin whittling down those down until you have 2-3 panels in each time slot you’re interested in going to.

 

Overlap Your Lists

Don’t just pick one thing that’s happening at a certain time or room. Choose several panels or workshops that might interest you that run congruently. You’ll invariably step into a room that within 5 minutes it’s clear that the content isn’t going to be helpful or what you thought it was going to be. Don’t feel bad for ducking out; you’re there for you and to learn things you’re interested in. Bailing out of a panel that isn’t any good to hit something else on your list that’s at the same time could end up being just what you wanted to know.

 

Read the Descriptions

I think a lot of great panels suffer from bad titles. Skim the descriptions to make sure you aren’t missing something you really wanted to learn about. <Editorial note: this is an accurate observation and valuable piece of advice.>

 

Pay Attention to the Panelists

Do a little research on panelists for learning opportunities based on their work.  I found a number of people I never heard of were doing things I was interested in, and through the discussion had really specific questions about what they did in their career I wouldn’t have known otherwise.  Research also helps you make sure you’re not wasting time on a panel.

 

Build in Some Fun

Don’t ignore what’s happening in the hotels around the venue. I missed quite a few cool events that were going on because I just was focused on what was happening in the main convention center. Making some padding to do events or workshops like tabletop gaming or whatever I think go a long way to make sure you aren’t just burned out by the end of the con.

 

Networking Events

Honestly, these can be exhausting. But I don’t regret doing them. I attended 2 of them and they were quite long, but I did make some good contacts out of it so it was definitely worth it. I’d suggest looking for a networking event that best matches what you want to do, or the kind of work you are interested in, and attend at least one.  If it turns out successful, maybe consider doing another one.

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So there it is. From the mouths of babes: his observations on panel titles and not being afraid to walk out of a bad panel are gold. (I always feel self-conscious and guilty walking out of a panel after a few minutes.)

If this is your first San Diego Comic-Con, you'll have your own agenda, of course. Maybe you're a creative too, or a gamer, or cosplayer, or someone's significant other getting dragged along, or some kind of hybrid. So your goals and destinations will be your own. But basic advice about studying the layout and making daily goals are applicable to everyone.

That said, we have far more checklists and fireside chats and shopping lists to get through in the next 2 weeks (!) - so I hope you're not sick of people giving you advice yet. Trust me, it really will make you more powerful once you're there. Study up!

First-timers: What to expect over the next 30 days

 24 JUNE 2024

30 days from tonight, we'll walk into the splendor and bombast of Preview Night. If you are a first timer, you might be wondering what to expect over the next month. Here's a quick summary of the announcements and updates to look out for.

Panels and programming

The big announcements: SDCC panels and programming are usually announced 2 weeks to the day before. So you'll get the programming for Thursday, July 25 on Thursday, July 11, etc.

The Exhibit Hall map

The Exhibit Hall is the nerve center of the convention center - a massive space full of vendor booths as far as the eye can see. It's crowded, it's chaotic, and the goods on sale range from tacky trinkets to rare nerd finds. Even if you are focused solely on parties and screenings, you'll want to take a spin through it.

Guest and celebrity announcements

CCI has already announced 7 rounds of special guests - but you'll hear about many more actors, directors, artists, writers, and creators who are confirmed to show up somewhere on the premises. I have never paid much attention to this but some fans/stalkers are tenacious about tracking down their targets.

Comic Creator Connection and Game Creator Connection

These vary slightly in methodology, but the basic premise is the same: networking and collaboration. I've heard people grouse about the lack of quality at Comic Creator Connection but a first-timer I know met someone there last year and they're now doing a graphic novel together. Basically, there's a hundred writers and very few good artists. I shudder to think of how many Chad GPTs who are neither will be there this year. 

Maybe an Ebay badge sale

Last year, CCI put badges on sale on Ebay. This tends to be a great option for someone who already has a badge but has a new boyfriend/girlfriend/best friend who really wants to go, or a group with one friend who didn't make the cut. Yes, it's much more expensive than a regular badge. 

Offsites

Some companies will make a big fuss on social about their offsite activations; however, the best ones tend to fly under the radar until the Con is underway. Your best source here is fellow attendees, whose recommendations are more trustworthy than a marketing campaign. Pay attention early on; as word of mouth grows, the best offsites will grow longer and longer lines each day.

Shuttle map

SDCC shuttles go hither and yon, and it's good to know how and where you can leverage that free transportation - especially late at night when you wind up in unexpected parts of town.

Official 2024 merchandise

CCI t-shirts, hats, and pins tend to be pretty popular and some items do sell out, so pay attention to this. This will give you a basic idea of what to expect, though this crop isn't for SDCC.

Lotteries and sign-ups

Photo ops, autographs, and exclusives aren't easy to get; the process is tweaked from time to time and people always have some kind of complaint about it. Pay attention and if you have any questions on the process or instructions, ask people before you take your shot. I've seen people waste lottery entries because they didn't realize their options.

Local events

These aren't official, sponsored events, but you'll see plenty of promotions for bar specials, club parties, and other businesses trying to capitalize on SDCC. My only advice here is find out how far they are and don't travel too far - it's usually not worth it.

557 SDCC Checklists

Every website in existence, including this one, will publish some kind of "12 things to bring to Comic-Con" list. These are helpful if repetitive. What really matters is making your own list and staying organized rather than throwing a bunch of stuff into a duffle bag on the night of July 23.

Amazon Prime Day

This is a great opportunity to get things like air mattresses, cameras, orthotic supports, sketchbooks, sunscreen, etc. 

Essentially - you'll want to devote time every day to follow SDCC announcements. A lot of information will flow your way, a lot of it trivial, some of it meaningful, and it's easy to miss something that would be personally relevant to you. SDCC prep is a project - but it's fun and it pays off once you're there. If you haven't yet, create some kind of system now where you document your wish list, schedule etc. and make sure it's accessible on your phone. CCI has an app but it won't cover everything you're tracking.

It only gets better from here!

What first-timers thought of SDCC

26 JULY 2023

                                              

For years it seemed San Diego Comic-Con attendees were a fixed group of people who steadily accumulated attendance years under their belt. We all belonged to buying groups, we all knew the tricks of the trade when it came to competing for tickets and exclusives and hotel rooms, and so there didn't seem much room for newcomers - though a few got in every year, of course.

It seems the pandemic reswizzled the mix, though. Special Edition obviously welcomed in many first-timers, SDCC 2022 attendees bought their badges in 2019 (yes, those are the right years) and ... then we had our current Con. Which brought a surprising number of first-timers to my door. Was that just me or did you notice that too?

A few weighed in:

Ava 

17 years old, Ava is a budding artist who had attended a small city Con before. Her impression was that Cons were largely about walking around and looking at cosplayers. And that's probably what SDCC would have been for her on a large scale had I not intervened. (Sorry to give myself credit, but it's just true in this case.) I know Ava's mother and so I hovered over Ava's SDCC journey like a slightly interfering angel, trying not to smother her while still making sure she got a good experience, and it gave me a great idea of where some first-timers get lost. 

In this case: really not grasping the basics. When I pointed out the CCI Toucan blog and other information, she and her friends had no idea there was anything to learn. They tried to park downtown, then drove back out and took the train in. Somehow they heard Jamie Lee Curtis was there, which they considered a big celebrity get (if they only knew) and then tried to use the Exhibit Hall Map to figure out where her room was. At this point, I realized first-timers can walk right into the convention center without even realizing they're supposed to go upstairs and get their bag and books. 

Their 2 days at the Con were thrilling and included a Great British Bakeoff encounter and some creative panels. Verdict: they returned home exhausted but ecstatic and plan on going back.

Victor and Luke

These two college students are from my area, and I actually hired one on the spot since he had a skill set I need. These guys found the Con underwhelming - crowded, yes, with a lot of choices in terms of panels and activities, but they found most of what they chose to be a little more humdrum than they expected. I think this might be because the two of them have different interests but felt they had to do everything together. I get why people do this but really, it helps to have the freedom to just pursue your dream Con and then meet up for dinner or something. 

What they did like were the Shatner and Star Trek panels. I know for Con veterans, Shatner might seem like he's been at every Con ever but for these two first-timers, it was a special experience. They also learned more about the Star Trek universe and found out what they hadn't seen/consumed; they were especially excited to buy an episode script. 

Their biggest complaint: the food. Too expensive and mediocre quality, and apparently that was across most of the places they went. They were bitter about how much they spent eating out and will be better prepared for next year.

Leah

Leah attended with her boyfriend at his request; going was his dream, not hers. But she said she found it "incredibly well organized" which is literally the first time I have ever heard someone say that. She was impressed by the sheer gargantuan size of the Con and how many different nerd interests were represented - gaming, anime, science fiction, comics, etc. 

Leah basically tagged along with her boyfriend all week, which led her to a bittersweet Sunday, when she realized there were many things there she might have enjoyed herself but missed out on. She never bothered to look up the programming, read the guide, or do any research, and wound up kicking herself.

But now she knows. I think there are a lot of people like Leah, who associate SDCC with hardcore nerddom and assume their own interests are too mainstream to show up there. Wrong! 

Unnamed

I met this guy in line for the Haunted Mansion. He came to SDCC by himself for... wait for it... the offsites. Now, I know attendees who prioritize offsites but they're still interested in the Con itself. I didn't realize SDCC offsites had gained such a prominent reputation that people would attend solely for them. And frankly, I don't really get dealing with the stress of a badge sale and the hotel lottery to stand around sweating in long lines for a fleeting promotional experience.

But this guy loved them! Especially Paramount! He was so pumped talking about them that even the tediously long Haunted Mansion line couldn't dim his enthusiasm. (We separated inside so I don't know what he thought of it.) He liked Jurassic Park and AMC Immortal Universe/Vampire and really just had a grand old time. I asked why he didn't just go to Universal Studios or Disneyland or whatnot but he felt SDCC was in a league of its own.

Also Unnamed

I met an older couple who had come to SDCC as a bucket list thing. Honestly, their feedback was a litany of complaints. I think they were a classic case of assuming SDCC was all glamorous red carpet parties and celebrities, which it isn't even on a good year - but this year was especially disappointing for those expectations. This couple was baffled that SDCC is as popular as it is. I told them it probably just wasn't their scene but they are determined to come back when SDCC is back in the Hollywood saddle.

Was this your first Comic-Con? What did you think?

Advice for SDCC first-timers

14 JULY 2023

In all the griping about SDCC programming this year, it's easy to forget that this will be some attendees' first Comic-Con ever. I know 6 first-timers, ranging from age 16 to 50something, and I vacillate between wishing they were walking into a better Con and thinking at least they won't know the difference. 

This year also seems to have brought back a lot of people who stopped going a decade+ ago. I'm guessing that's a delayed pandemic effect - maybe these people yearned for a big splashy event during lockdown and last fall was the first badge sale they could access.

If you're going to SDCC for the first time or the first time in a long time, here is some advice.

There will be plenty to do and see and buy.

Ignore all the dark mutterings about this Comic-Con. (Including mine.) You will experience an Exhibit Hall that seems jam packed with treasures, have your choice of screenings and tournaments and exhibits and panels and parties. Just let the experience take you.

But set priorities - and don't try to see everything.

It's really easy to get distracted at Comic-Con. Make a plan now that details your top panels, events, and exclusives, organize it by day, and then build each day around your top 2-3 things. First-timers often roll up ready to go gangbusters on SDCC, with full page checklists for each day - but that is setting yourself up for frustration. Rank your objectives and let go of the less important stuff.

If you want to change your hotel arrangements, you can - sort of.

You won't get your deposit back. But you can cancel the remaining nights. This might be an attractive option if you dislike your hotel and you're seeing rooms open up at closer hotels like Hilton Bayfront, Omni, Hilton Gaslamp, and Hyatt. 

When you check in, ask for a room on a lower floor if your priority is to quickly get in and out. The higher up you are, the longer your elevator rides are. And it's fine to try to upgrade your room at the desk and even ask about booking a room with no deposit for next summer. Will it work? Probably not but I'm surprised at how often the front desk people accommodate me.

Save your feet for when you need them.

Comic-Con is so active. There's no shame in popping open a chair when you're in line or taking a pedicab or even a Lyft across the Gaslamp. Save your foot power for getting around the convention center.

The Exhibit Hall is a battlefield, so armor up.

You'll want to:

• Approach "deals" with a healthy dose of cynicism. Check on your phone and you can often find the same thing cheaper online. That includes everything from "out of print" books to Funko Pops to trades. 
• Bring a lot of cash. Yes, most (not all) vendors take cards but sometimes it won't go through and a lot of vendors will drop their price a bit for cash.
• Barter politely but cunningly. I've seen attendees assume everything is up for negotiation and it's just not. Don't be abrasive, thinking you're showing the vendor how street smart you are. It's fine to ask about volume discounts (and if you pretend to hesitate between buying 2 or more items, often the vendor will propose one). Sunday is your best day for big markdowns.
• Visit toward closing hours if you hate crowds. Early hours used to be good, but now tend to get pretty busy. The middle of the day is an enochlophobe's nightmare, and an affront to olfactory senses everywhere.
• Keep it moving. When friend groups or families clog up the aisles to talk or take photos, they are bringing movement to a halt, which starts a backward domino effect. It's best to go by the restrooms for a conference, and to go out to the lobby and walk down from Lobby A to Lobby E.
• Ask if all the cute postcards and buttons and bookmarks on small press/artist tables are actually free. They're usually for sale - so don't just grab them! This is a complaint I hear from many artists.
• Because this year might be congested, I'd advise snatching up what you want when you see it. If you absolutely can't buy it at that moment, photograph the booth with number visible.
• Support artists and vendors if you can. The pandemic+ has been economically tough on creatives and this Con might be hard too. If you can afford it, ask for a commission or buy some nice framed art. There are so many wonderfully creative people at Comic-Con and while you won't like everything you'll see, you'll definitely like something. I skipped the early Halloween Bath and Body Works sale this morning precisely because I'd rather buy little gothic knickknacks that are actually unique and put revenue in the artist's pocket.

Take advantage of bag check and shipping. 

Your arms - and your hotel room - might fill up quickly with bags of heavy stuff, so use bag check in the convention center lobby (not overnight) and ship things home via the FedEx/UPS offices onsite, at the Marriott, and in the Gaslamp.

Stay connected.

Hopefully you bought a portable charger on Amazon Prime Day. Trying to charge at the convention center is a fool's dream, but if you must, head upstairs in the room 27 area or over to the Marriott hall past the Starbucks. It's usually easy to find a chair and an outlet there. But really, it's just easier to bring extra batteries and power packs.

Don't hurl yourself at celebrities.
Not that you'll see any this year, but you never know. The Hard Rock lobby will be a ghost town and the Gaslamp bars late at night will feel incomplete; but should you spot a famous face, it's fine to ask for a photo. Just respect their boundaries.

Don't spend your entire night in line.

We do that enough in the day, right? And the reality is that many parties will accept your "registration" and even send you a confirmation email, but will never let you in unless you're Someone. Just keep it moving.

Respect cosplayers.

Cosplayers get groped, harassed, sweated on, and generally invaded in a hundred different ways so be respectful of their space. They pose with a lot of people and it can get kind of gross for them to have stranger after stranger pressing up against them. Remember they're people, not props. That said, it is acceptable to address them by their character name. You'll often hear people calling "Catwoman! Leia! Facehugger!" to get someone's attention and the cosplayer will usually answer to that name.

Eat well and go outside the Gaslamp.

Attendees seem to promote the same mediocre places over and over out of... nostalgia maybe? Try to set aside time to eat proper meals (shouldn't be difficult this year) and look for real restaurants instead of the gimmicky places that offer a bunch of Con specials. You may pay a little more but you won't spend nearly as much time in line and you'll have a better meal.

Also stay hydrated and try to get at least 1-2 good nights' sleep.  There's nothing like finally getting into Hall H and sleeping through 2 panels. This year, you can probably afford to sleep in without missing anything, so there's that.

Make an effort to make friends.
As I alluded to in my post about going to SDCC alone, if you find yourself in line, you'll find yourself in conversations. "Friends for a reason, friends for a season, and friends for a lifetime" applies here - you can meet all 3 categories at SDCC. Generally speaking, talking to other attendees is a great way to find about things, swap tickets, get invites, and generally expand your Con consciousness.

As far as hooking up goes, I've never found SDCC to be the big nerd sexfest everyone thinks. For some people, obviously, it is. For most people - eh. In general, whether you're looking to make friends, join a new buying group, or meet your soulmate, my advice is the same - talk to people.

Check media coverage.

Even when you're in the thick of things, you'll still miss events and collectibles and surprise guests. Check your favorite sources every day to find out who's having a sudden concert, who got heat stroke and cancelled their panel, or what the hit exclusive is.

Follow panel etiquette.

This has really gone downhill in recent years, but here goes: 

• If you get up to the microphone at a panel, be succinct. Don't get lost in the moment and keep talking and talking - this happens a lot!
• Don't hold your iPad or camera above your head for a prolonged period, blocking the view of the person behind you. 
• Don't try to save an entire row of seats for your friends. Usually people are understanding about 1 or 2 seats with your bag/jacket on them.
• Most rooms will give out bathroom passes. If you don't want to negotiate that in the dark, locate the bathroom pass person before the lights go out. Note where people come in and go out because it's often on opposite sides of the room.

Make sure you're standing in the right line.

Last weekend, I was at a small horror Con with a really long line on my way out. I asked what it was for and multiple people said "the X signing/buying a ticket." Yes, two different lines had somehow merged into one, creating a longer wait for everyone. Always check that you're joining the proper line. 

Don't antagonize a security guard.

Security guards come in a variety of personality types and need to be handled strategically. Some are quite nice. Some are probably nice 99% of the time but are currently frustrated by their Con interactions and now they're about to snap. Others are on a major power trip. 

All you need to know is this: you will not win a confrontation with an SDCC security guard. If one is rude or controlling with you in a way you think is unfair, don't engage - just walk away and find another way to get what you want. Asking an attendee is often more helpful, given our encyclopedic knowledge of Comic-Con.

I don't entirely know what to expect next week, but I do feel safe making one prediction: that Comic-Con is mostly what you make it. You have the power to make connections, attend events, organize your Exhibit Hall hunting, and take the extra steps to enjoy those offerings just outside the convention center. Be open to adventure, be flexible enough to let go of whatever isn't working out, and make the most of what does happen. If you can do that, you'll have an incredible time.

Is this your first SDCC?

 19 JULY 2022

How many first-timers are going to San Diego Comic-Con this week? I suppose the Open Reg badge sale that took place in 2019 scooped up the same number of first-timers as is typical, but somehow it's difficult to imagine that someone finally gets a badge to SDCC and then has to wait 2 1/2 years to go. But those people must exist, right? - and this is for them. Or you, rather.

First of all, if you're new, you may have been told that "this year isn't going to be a full SDCC" or something similar. Don't listen to that. It's going to be a great year and you will have a great time. That said, here are a few things to know.

Hotels

If you arrive early enough that the your sky-high hotel is still fairly empty, ask for a room on a lower floor - you won't want long elevator waits or rides, and being able to take the stairs can be a blessing. Never mind the view. Also don't be afraid to inquire about upgrading your room. I've known people who went from a single bed to two beds, for instance, just by checking in on Tuesday and asking.

Power and Connectivity

Don't count on being able to charge at the convention center. (Your best chance of finding a free outlet in upstairs in the room 27 area - but not guaranteed because a lot of people sprawl around up there to hide from the chaos.) Bring power packs or extra batteries. If you're absolutely out of luck, head over to the Marriott next door and look for an outlet in the corridor with the Starbucks and couches.

Bag check and Shipping

There are different ways of managing all the loot you'll accumulate. In the convention center, take advantage of Bag Check so you can roam free and unencumbered. Just pick up your items by closing. You can also ship things home at any of the local hotel FedEx/UPS offices - so don't worry about buying too much for the plane trip home.

Walking and Riding

You'll have your choice of Lyft, Uber, cabs, pedicabs, buses and trolleys. You can also take the ferry to Coronado to get in some beach time. My advice is take transport whenever you can instead of trying to walk - because you want to save your foot power for getting around the convention center and Gaslamp. Also realize that the ferry isn't 24/7.

Celebrities
There's a firm law of Comic-Con that you will only run into the celebrities other people care about while they will run into your favorites. It's just how it is (with some exceptions.) The most likely places to see them: the lobby and halls of the Hard Rock, in hotel elevators, and in the Gaslamp very late at night. It should go without saying to be polite, non-creepy, and respect their wishes if they shun you.

Parties and Events
If you registered for a party online, have a "confirmation email," yet find yourself in a long line that hasn't moved in an hour - move on. It's a deplorable practice but some event organizers let literally everyone sign up while only letting VIPs in. Don't waste your night.

And on that note - if you really want to attend a certain event, show up on time. This isn't like a bar where you want to sashay in at a glamorously late hour. There's always the risk you may get edged out.

Cosplayers

You will see many cosplayers, some quite comely. Obviously you know better than to grope, harass, or whisper something creepy as they're smiling for the photo (right?) but what you might not be as conscious of is making physical contact. Cosplayers pose with a lot of people and it can get kind of gross for them to have sweaty stranger after stranger pressing up against them. Try to honor their personal space. 

Restaurants
The Gaslamp isn't the be all and end all of Comic-Con dining. Skip the lines and head for the Headquarters on the other side of the Hyatt, with restaurants that can usually seat people relatively quickly, or go to Little Italy or even Coronado Island.

Exhibit Hall

Bring cash. Lots of it.

Be cynical. The floor is not (in most cases) where you're going to find an amazing deal, unless it's Sunday, when vendors want to unload as much product as possible. You can often find the same stuff for a lower price online. Check your phone and see if that book is really "out of print" or if that toy is selling by the dozen on Ebay. What the floor can be good for is locating a long-lost back issue or rare artifact from your childhood, or discovering brand-new work.

Barter strategically. This is something you get a feel for over time. It's fine to ask about volume discounts (and if you pretend to hesitate between buying 2 or more items, often the vendor will propose one). You'll see lots of markdowns on Sunday, but go ahead and ask about getting a deal if you don't see anything advertised. Just be polite about it.

Also be gracious when someone steps on your feet, knocks your head with their cosplay, or swings their enormous bag into your ribs. It's just what happens in such a crowded space. You'll probably accidentally do the same to someone else.

If you find the item of your dreams but can't buy it at that moment, photograph the booth with number visible so you can remember where it was.

Don't clog up the aisles with long photograph sessions or multi-person conferences - take it out to the lobby or the back terraces. On that note, it's almost always faster to go out to the lobby and walk down to the part of the floor you're trying to reach, rather than move through a torpid floor crowd. 

Before you grab what looks like a free postcard or sticker off a table, ask if they're for sale. Some vendors make their income off those.

This year we have lounges on the floor - how crowded will they get? I don't know if they'll be like the husband chairs at the mall, where middle-aged men look disgruntled while their wives shop, or if they'll be hives of activity. Either way, it's probably best not to monopolize them for too long.

Meeting People
As I alluded to in my post about going to SDCC alone, you're going to make friends. They may be 2-hour friends that you talk to in line or turn into friendships that span years. Panels, MTG tournaments, cosplay photo shoots, offsites and parties tend to encourage friendly conversation. Now - hooking up is a different story. There's a common perception that SDCC is a big nerd sexfest but I haven't found that to be true. Obviously people do get together, but not as much as your partner back home worries. In general, whether you're looking to make friends, expand your SDCC circle, or meet your soulmate, my advice is the same - talk to people.

Media coverage

No mattter how well you've planned and prepped, you'll still want to check online coverage for events and collectibles and surprise guests you'd otherwise miss. If you're stalking a certain actor, TV show, or fandom, glue yourself to the right Twitter accounts. You may get lucky and hear about a surprise party or meet and greet.

Panels

If you get up to the microphone at a panel, be succinct. Fans can get lost in the moment and keep talking and talking. 

Don't hold your iPad or camera above your head for a prolonged period, blocking the view of the person behind you. 

Don't try to save an entire row of seats for your friends. Usually people are understanding about 1 or 2 seats with your bag/jacket on them.

Most rooms will give out bathroom passes. If you don't want to negotiate that in the dark, locate the bathroom pass person before the lights go out. Note where people come in and go out because it's often on opposite sides of the room.

Security guards and volunteers

You'll see a lot of people in uniforms walking around. Let's clarify: volunteers are usually trained for one specific task (though they often know more than that based on their attendee experience) and convention center staffers can tell you how to get where usually, but don't know programming specifics. Your best source of information is other attendees. We have encyclopedic knowledge of Comic-Con - not every aspect, but our own areas - and we share it generously. If you have a question, you can always ask someone wearing a badge.

Security guards have a variety of attitudes and need to be handled strategically. Some are quite nice. Some are probably nice 99% of the time, but are currently frustrated by their Con interactions and are about to snap. Others are on a major power trip. All you need to know is this: you will not win a confrontation with an SDCC security guard. If one is rude or controlling with you in a way you think is unfair, don't engage - just walk away and find another way to get what you want.


Expectations
Specifically - manage them. The Con will disappoint you in some ways. You will almost definitely fail to get something you really wanted. However, Comic-Con also has the capacity to surprise and captivate you. You're on an adventure - expect the unexpected, summon your inner Zen master, and make the most of what happens. There are some panels I really want to attend this year that I won't be able to make. I also got picked for a Funko exclusives session right during the Sandman panel. That's SDCC in a nutshell. Master the art of letting go, and be flexible enough to enjoy wherever you find yourself.

Good luck. You're going to have an incredible adventure.

The SDCC first-timers of 2019

4 AUGUST 2019

San Diego Comic-Con ended 2 weeks ago - and I'm just now posting a round-up of first-timer experiences. Is it me or did this year create a bigger SDCC hangover than usual? I'm just starting to emerge from the Comic-Con haze.

So. First-timers. I met quite a few of the little scamps this year, far more than I usually do. Some were euphoric. Some were underwhelmed. Most seemed to expect something different. For the ones I chatted with at the Con, I'd classify their dissatisfaction into 3 categories:

• Lines: Many first-timers came in expecting lines for panels and Hall H - but time and again I heard surprise over the lines to get into the convention center, pick up pre-ordered merch or get a signing they'd won in the lottery. That seemed to kill the mood for a lot of them. Some first-timers with Thursday/Sunday badges were indignant that they'd spent almost all of Thursday in 2 lines (to pick up t-shirts and exclusives) and felt cheated.
• Offsites: I wasn't aware that SDCC offsites had gained as legendary a reputation as Hall H but it seems they have, because time and again I heard "Mostly we came for the offsites." They didn't mean everything that literally was offsite, but the activations like Amazon and FX and NBC. There seemed to be an expectation that these were equivalent to a Disney World ride and well, they're not - even if the lines are.
• Communication: Broad category, but I kept hearing first-timers complain that they didn't know where to go or what there was to do. There was a feeling that some kind of critical knowledge had been withheld from them. I think part of this is underestimating the need to consult the available maps, guides and programming, and underestimating the size and complexity of SDCC. But I do agree that CCI could do a better job of communicating basic directions and status updates for some things.

Onto the ones who actually filed reports with me.

Antonio
He and his friends came for Marvel and got what they wanted. What was impressive is that they did a trial run for Hall H on Thursday to perfect their strategy. Those are smart attendees.

While they were "awestruck" by the Marvel panel and decided it was "worth it, totally" in terms of the time they put in - he admitted that Friday in Indigo Ballroom was more consistently fun and that his Hall H vigils sapped his energy. Will he go back next year? "Of course. But we'll go out more. We missed all the parties."

Jennifer
Speaking of parties. Those and offsites are why she and her sister-in-law went to SDCC. They also do Mardi Gras and other events, and seemed to expect similar levels of debauchery at Comic-Con - but alas, found that SDCC nightlife is actually pretty average! "Things shut down sooner than we thought and we did a lot of walking around, looking for places to go. I don't think we realized the real parties are invitation only, people don't tell you that."

They went into the convention center to get their bags but didn't do any panels and thought the Exhibit Hall was too crowded to deal with. Will they go back next year? "If we do, we'll bring a bigger group. It's pretty expensive for what you get."

Crystal
Every year I talk to someone who got dragged to SDCC by their friends or partner. Crystal is that person this year and - perhaps because she had limited expectations - had a smashing time. A big reason: books.

"I am a BIG reader. I thought Comicon would be just about comic books but there were authors I knew there and great publishers, so I was very happy. We also saw the Preview Night pilots, which I really enjoyed, and got to meet my boyfriend's favorite comic writer. It was crowded and I don't do well in crowds but I did okay. I would have liked to go to the Her Universe fashion show but maybe we can do that next year. I really enjoyed myself, more than I expected, and I hope to bring more of our friends next year." 

Michael
Michael is the kind of first-timer I never heard from a few years ago: completely prepared and educated on the convention center rooms, line strategies and other tips. One of his friends was on his 3rd Con and led them through what sounds like a fairly mapped-out plan to acquire signings, do Rick and Morty things, and go to Team Coco House to see Rory Scovel. But - and this happens to all of us at some point - hardly anything went their way.

"Comic-Con sucked at first. We got shut out of everything, guards yelled at us for sitting in the wrong place, someone who was supposed to trade tickets screwed us over, and we missed the Rick and Morty talk. We ended up drinking a lot and just kind of gave up and did whatever. After that, it got more fun. But it's too much hassle. You set yourself up for failure, essentially."

Will he go back? "Not sure yet."


Kelsie and Friend
I met these girls on Thursday. They were intimidated by the crowds, by rules, and were shocked by how sprawling Comic-Con is. I know this isn't a thing, but they are the kind of attendees who could have benefited from a paid SDCC sherpa. My advice to them was to be more assertive (something that came to seem ironic as the Con wore on and people became increasingly aggressive) and steer their own Con, as opposed to letting it wash over them. By Sunday, they reported having gone to a few good panels, running into some of the It Chapter 2 cast, and meeting other attendees at Prohibition who wound up taking them around the Gaslamp. "I would say all in all, it was an adventure. We're ready for next year. We'll know what we need to do next time."


Ash
Ash is from LA. He reached out to me after reading my post on going to SDCC alone, which is what he did for Thursday and Friday before helping out at a friend's booth on Saturday and Sunday.

"Comic-Con was about what I expected. I worked in a comic shop where everyone used to talk about these parties where they met this famous person or that and I didn't see anything like that. Comic-Con seems very vanilla to me. But I went to panels and bought a lot and that felt like I was finally seeing the real Comic-Con. Working the table was tiring but the people were easygoing and no one got out of line like you reported. We'd just eat and pass out later, so I missed whatever happened Saturday night. On Monday, the whole city felt different and I felt like I did miss something but I don't know what. I think I wouldn't work there again. It stops you from having the full experience."

Roger
I met Roger Thursday night at the Banana Splits screening, then checked back in with him. His report: he liked the offsites and found that while the lines were long, the people waiting with him were "fun and friendly" and he thought the offsites and freebies were worth the wait.



What he didn't like: "nothing can prepare you for the tidal wave of people at every turn. Especially on the exhibition hall floor, you could barely move, inching along at points, and you did so while running a gauntlet of backpacks that continually hammered you as people moved and turned, oblivious to these large extensions off of their bodies." He suggested that exclusives and artist signings be moved off the floor to allow more booth browsing and lessen the logjam.

Will he go back? He's not sure. "I'd definitely bring an umbrella to block the sun while in lines. I'd also like to do some things, like attend panels, that I didn't have time for because there was simply too much to do and too little time."

After reading through everyone's emails, I kept thinking about one of last year's first-timers who told me he wasn't going back this year. He actually did go back. What changed: he originally approached SDCC with the expectation that CCI and the vendors and offsites were all there to cater to attendees with some customer-centric experience that was all about winning our loyalty. That isn't how it goes, of course, inconveniences abound and no one really cares if you're impacted! He was offended by that, then came to accept it and went back this year with a different mindset.

I don't know if it worked for him or not. But it did make me realize that Comic-Con is an outlier in today's digital age where companies want to simplify and streamline their offerings for maximum appeal. At SDCC, no one's feverishly innovating to make you feel catered to. The Con is like a massive lumbering woolly mammoth who doesn't care if you get squashed under its paw or not - because 10 people will line up to take your place if you leave.

It's definitely not for everyone. And with so many specialized Cons multiplying across the landscape, I think the SDCC hegemony is dissolving as people realize they have choices beyond Massive Humid Pop Culture Convention and nothing at all.

Probably some of the first-timers I met are one and done, and that's just fine. But I would bet some of them were more captivated than they realize by the SDCC mystique and will be fighting alongside us in the Returning Registration badge sale a few months from now.

Last call for first-timer stories

28 JULY 2019

San Diego Comic-Con ended a week ago and yet I am still digging out of emails. My aggression post set off a small bomb and I've been deluged with stories (some rather startling) ever since. So bear with me for about 2 more days before I post for the last time on SDCC 2019.

That post being what first-timers thought! If this year was your first San Diego Comic-Con, tell me your Con secrets - what you bought, what you coveted, what pilots dazzled and which offsites did not, who you met, who you liked, who surprised you and who disappointed. Most importantly, tell me if you want to return. (Though this conviction may wax and wane over the coming months.)

I need your stories by Tuesday, 30 July. Send them to sdccguide@gmail.com.