2 more weeks! What to do if it's your first SDCC

 8 JULY 2026

2 weeks from tonight, the convention center doors will open to San Diego Comic-Con Preview Night. We'll experience it all - the crowds, the waits, the splendor, the booths, the bombast - and it's going to feel magnificent. Because it always does.

But between then and now, we have a few tasks set before us. If you're a wide-eyed first-timer, this goes double for you. Because if there's one thing I've learned about SDCC first-timers, it's that even the most diligent students often miss important things. Nothing will top a few years ago when 3 teenagers - who I'd been coaching - showed up, milled around the Exhibit Hall, and left. They didn't know there was anything else and they'd ignored every resource and recommendation I'd sent. Ah, youth.

Here's a quick summary of the updates to look out for between now and SDCC.

Panels and programming

Tomorrow kicks off 4 of the most exciting days of summer (for me) - the panel and programming announcements. This always feels like a gun firing at a race; everything gets so incredibly focused and real at that point. 

First-timers, here's what this means. Tomorrow, Thursday the 9th,  CCI will publish the programming for Thursday, July 23, on Friday they will publish the programming for Friday the 24th, and so on. 

The volume of panels will likely stun you a little. This is not a small-city Con where there are 2 panel rooms and hence 2 panels on the hour. You will have many, many options - educational and creative workshops, big Hollywood panels, screenings, nostalgic visits to shows of yesterday, intense discussions of gaming and comic characters, trivia contests, and a dozen other formats. It's a lot - and most of us miss things until we go through it a second and third time. 

What you need to do: come up with a system. CCI has an app. You can use an AI like Notion or build an agent. You can manage things manually. Just start your process now so you don't have to catch up later.

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 merchandise on sale ranges from tacky trinkets to rare nerd treasures. 

What you need to do: study it. Even if you are focused solely on parties and screenings. CCI just published this and I will devote a post to it.

Guest and celebrity announcements

CCI has already announced rounds of special guests - but you'll hear about more actors, artists, writers, and creators who are confirmed to show up somewhere on the premises. Some will announce themselves on their socials, others barely acknowledge the Con until suddenly they walk onto a stage in front of you.

What you need to do: watch the socials of anyone you care about - especially smaller creators or exhibitors. Many of them will announce what they're bringing, invite you to enter a lottery for certain exclusives, take pre-orders and commissions, and generally offer useful information. It is devastating for an attendee to show up at a favorite artist's booth and learn that every item has already been allocated by lottery - so do your research.

Offsites

We've heard about the Lodge and a few others, but more will be announced. Almost always, the best ones are a surprise or fly under the radar, such as the Blade Runner activation or the Dungeons and Dragons one from a few years ago. Then everyone posts photos and they blow up. Fellow attendees are more trustworthy than a marketing campaign so join a group if you can. Pay attention early on; as word of mouth grows, the best offsites will grow longer and longer lines each day.

What you need to do: Follow the pages and socials of your favorite brands, and join their Reddit, Discord, and Facebook and IG groups. That's where tickets and lotteries get announced first in most cases. 

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.

What you need to do: look up the shuttle for your hotel but also for any bars, clubs, or attractions you plan on visiting. 

Lotteries and sign-ups

The exclusives portal is now open - but don't rush. Wait and see what else becomes available before you submit your picks. Be aware that photo ops, autographs, and exclusives aren't always easy to get but often people shoot themselves in the foot by not understanding how the process works. 

What you need to do: Study up on the process before you take your shot. 

SDCC Checklists

Every website in existence, including this one, will publish some kind of "17 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 21.

What you need to do: figure out now what to bring and steadily make your stockpile. Think about things like cosplay repair kits, comfortable shoes, portable stools. I'll post more about this later this week but the best wardrobe advice I can give you now is 1) Most people don't cosplay, they dress for comfort and 2) Some people pack their best sex kitten stilettos but quickly realize they want to dress for comfort. So... pack for comfort.

The last, remaining hotel rooms

Your hotel room is almost certainly settled by this point - right? I wound up canceling a Pali room no one wanted and I was given a 2-bed room at Hilton Bayfront no one wanted. That was a first. So I think most everyone has their accommodations locked down - but if you're looking, we will see a few people cancel or shorten their trips over the next few weeks. Sometimes Sunday panels are a snoozer and people decide to leave Saturday, or they trim off a night to use that $$$ on the floor. Some people will get ill or have a crisis at work. This means a few A-list hotel rooms will flicker back to life, but you'll have to be quick to grab them. 

And sometimes you'll luck out. Last year - not that this could ever be repeated - I checked in too early at the Hyatt before my room was clean (not their fault, I was just early) and they gave me a massive apartment-sized suite with a kitchen, office, bedroom, living room, and dining area that sat 12, as that reservation had been cancelled. Comic-Con magic is real!

What you need to do: Stalk CCI's site but also look at the hotel sites. Last year I saw a top 6 hotel have a room drop from 1K+ to $700ish. And if you've decided to arrive early or stay an extra night, it's pretty easy to grab those nights.

Essentially - San Diego Comic-Con starts now. Put your work projects, new flames, job hunts, and home remodels on ice and turn your full attention to Comic-Con prep. Over the next 2 weeks, you'll be engulfed in information. Some of it will be trivial, some of it meaningful, but you'll have to wade through it all to capture what is personally relevant to you. 

Again - if you haven't yet, create your system where you immaculately document your wish list, schedule, friends' contact information, etc. I can't stress this enough. Don't think you'll just embed it in your mind. That's like tucking a seashell in the sand before the tide comes in.

2 more weeks! 

10 things to buy on Amazon Prime Days and other big box sales

 8 JULY 2025

Amazon Prime Day starts today - giving you the chance to retroactively fund the most elegant and tasteful wedding of the century. (Yes, I know Bezos isn't CEO anymore but he's still Chief Shareholder.) If you felt your stomach lurch on reading that, other stores are launching sales - Target, WalMart, other big box titans. You can't deny that the timing is perfect for we Comic-Con warriors heading off into battle. 

Hopefully you already know a lot of these sales are bogus, with retailers sometimes hiking up prices just to bring them down for the "sale." But there definitely are deals to be had - so as you're shopping, consider throwing these SDCC weapons in your cart.

#1. Orthotics and/or supportive shoes. You should have your Con shoes ready by now - but if not, invest in a good pair of Hokas or some other brand that will save your feet when you're walking 20,000+ steps a day and standing in line for hours. Also helpful: cushiony orthotics or extra support.  

When it comes to SDCC footwear, a general rule of thumb is that the dorkier it looks, the better your feet will feel.

#2. Backup batteries and power supplies. Comic-Con is a vampire that sucks the power from your devices - and it can be hard to get a good charge within the convention center. Bring all the extra power sources you can.

#3. GoPros, cameras, and phones. If you're going to upgrade anyhow sometime this year, do it now. Give yourself enough time to play with the camera and recorder and other features so you're smooth when it counts. Also, if your current film gear is heavy and cumbersome, consider getting some smaller, Con-friendly devices.

 #4. Air hammocks and portable chairs. Brag time: A few years ago, I bought an incredible chair on Prime Day with a little canopy. I felt kind of ostentatious unfolding it in line. But it was a life saver as everyone else burned in the sun. 

Incredible advances have been made in the world of camp and portable chairs, so go ahead and invest. Those collapsible stools might look cheap and silly, but you will be grateful for one when you're waiting hours in line. Same for air mattresses, if you're cramming a bunch of people in one hotel room. 

#5. Earplugs and sleep masks. Roommates creep in and out at all hours at SDCC and some hotels are really noisy, especially Gaslamp hotels with rooms close to street level.  

#6. Braces, splints and other supports. It's easy to aggravate your plantar fasciitis, bad knee, slipped disc, etc. at SDCC. If you have any kind of structural weak spot, give yourself support before it starts hurting.

#7. Cosplay components. It's always a good idea to buy back-up wigs, props, theatre makeup, fixative sprays, and sewing kits, just to be safe. If you're banking on your cosplay carrying you through every day of the Con, take a few everyday outfits just in case. It's not uncommon for people to get sick of their cosplay by day 3 and sometimes you just want to hunt the Exhibit Hall without being asked for a picture every 30 seconds.

#8. OTC drugs. At some point in SDCC, it's a safe bet you or someone in your group will have sunburn, constipation, a hangover, blisters, a surprise period, a surprise hookup, a headache, a stiff neck from a terrible hotel pillow, eye strain, or some other ailment. And hotel gift shop prices are pure robbery. Bring your own mini-pharmacy.

#9. Good water bottles, coolers, and lunch packs. It's amazing to think of how we all used to bake in the sun for hours in line with just a small plastic bottle of water for hydration. Now insulated lunch packs and tumblers can carry us comfortably through a long day of panels and lines.

#12. Totes, poster tubes, sketchbooks, sharpies and other transactional supplies. The Exhibit Hall can take you surprising places. You might plan on not buying much, but then spot a favorite piece of art, a favorite artist, a favorite out-of-print book. Having a sharpie on you for a signing or a poster tube to protect a free flyer is smart. You'll also want to bring a bag of some type to carry everything in - the massive backpack bags you'll receive with your guide are just too big to let you quickly get to your money or other items. 

How ready do you feel?

First-timers: what to expect over the next 2 weeks

 6 JULY 2025

In 17 nights, we'll walk into the splendor and bombast of Preview Night. If this is your first San Diego Comic-Con, you might be wondering about, well, everything. Here's a quick summary of the announcements and updates to look out for between now and SDCC.

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 24 on Thursday, July 10, 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 merchandise on sale ranges from tacky trinkets to rare nerd treasures. Even if you are focused solely on parties and screenings, you'll want to take a spin through it. CCI will publish this soon.

Guest and celebrity announcements

CCI has already announced 7 rounds of special guests - but you'll hear about more actors, artists, writers, and creators who are confirmed to show up somewhere on the premises. If you have specific smaller creators or exhibitors you'd like to visit, watch their socials. Many of them will announce what they're bringing, invite you to enter a lottery for certain exclusives, take pre-orders and commissions, and generally offer useful information.

Offsites

We've heard about the Lodge and a few others, but more will be announced. I find the best ones are never that anticipated in advance, such as the Blade Runner activation or the Dungeons and Dragons one from a few years ago. 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.

Lotteries and sign-ups

Photo ops, autographs, and exclusives aren't easy to get and people always have some kind of complaint about it. The exclusives portal opens in a few days. 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.

343 SDCC Checklists

Every website in existence, including this one, will publish some kind of  "2 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 22.

Amazon Prime Day and other big box retailer sales

This is a great opportunity to get things like an air mattress or sunscreen or a sketchbook.

A few hotel rooms popping up

Don't be too optimistic, but some people will begin canceling or shortening their trips over the next few weeks. Sometimes Sunday panels are a snoozer and people decide to leave Saturday. Some people will get ill or have something come up at work. This means a few A-list hotel rooms will flicker back to life, but you'll have to be quick to grab them. 

Essentially - a lot of information will flow your way the next few weeks. Some of it will be trivial, some of it meaningful, and it's easy to miss something that would be personally relevant to you. 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.

Finally, I know this has been a quiet year and if you're thinking something mind-blowing is going to pop up that changes everything.... Well, I think it's best to temper expectations. Don't be disappointed if you don't hear anything earth shattering. SDCC will still have plenty of surprises - look at last year's drone show. Everyone was thrilled/angry about Deadpool and Wolverine, which turned into a mean and wicked mess, and then was dazzled by a surprise light show. Enter into this Con with neutral expectations and I'm sure you're going to find something beautiful.

It only gets better from here!

Preview Night is 2 months away. 4 actions you should take now.

23 MAY 2025

Does it seem incredible to anyone else that Preview Night is 2 months away? I feel like I'm running about 10 weeks behind the calendar year, where it's still tax season and San Diego Comic-Con is safely 4-5 months away. Maybe it's my wish for a hotel lottery do-over.  

But Preview Night is quite close when you consider how much will happen from now until then: more events and party tickets going live, exclusives announced, programming and offsite details getting published, etc. Which makes now the time to think about more big-picture details before the tsunami of Comic-Con details engulfs us and we (joyfully) drown.

Save - and make - money.

While the evening news assures me that our economy is "strong," stock market turbulence, tech friends' layoffs, and the AI juggernaut steamrolling over creative jobs tells me otherwise. I only know 1 couple who cancelled their SDCC trip so far. But multiple people have confided to me that they plan to radically reduce their SDCC spending. Fewer expensive parties, fewer toys, more sandwiches in the backpack instead of nice restaurants: it's all very understandable. 

If you too are in a rocky financial boat, now really is the time to cut back. You've got 2 months to restrict yourself (whatever that looks like for you) so you can save up for at least a few special things at SDCC. If you have a way to earn extra cash, it doesn't hurt to pick up some extra shifts so you can really indulge yourself in the Exhibit Hall.

Buff up.

There are 2 aspects to this one. One: your fitness for duty. I know we have a lot of first-timers this year and from some of their charmingly naive remarks, I can tell they have no idea of what a triathlon SDCC is. If you're new and you're thinking, "Whatever, I get 10K steps in every day," please know this is a little different. Not only do many people walk 20-30K steps a day at the Con, it's a lot of standing, sitting in the sun, sitting in uncomfortable hallways, being forced to march one way through the convention center only to be routed back across another way, standing in more lines, and generally arduous physical demands that can wear out even the most dedicated gym bunny.

And if you don't walk or exert yourself much at all, you're going to either limit your Con potential or suffer badly. Now is a great time to start stretching and walking. Build up week over week so you can traverse the Gaslamp and massive convention center with ease by day and still have the energy to go out at night.

Oh, and the other aspect? Your cosplay. If you have a specific look/character/story you're committed to, start testing it out now - especially if you're one of those "I'm going to be Black Widow / Lara Croft / Poison Ivy as soon as I lose 20 pounds" people.

Let me be clear, I believe every body type should feel free to shine. But I've known many people to abandon their plans at the last second because the reality of how they look in their cosplay is so different from what they pictured. I know this is a sensitive discussion but it's worth thinking about now so you can develop a presentation that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Map out your master plan.

As they say in the Dark Arts, "Divine short, conjure long." Translated into SDCC talk, surprises will happen but you still want to lay an immaculate foundation well in advance.

Once the deluge of information hits - a trickle has already begun - you'll want to document and organize everything you notice. Don't assume you'll remember it. Too much will come your way. There are so many apps now (not just the CCI one) to organize trips and goals; if you do that, be sure your bible is structured for the elements you value. That could be the special guests or vendors you care about most, a section for Christmas shopping for your nephews or coworker requests, missing comic issues from your collection, etc. Planning isn't just about what panel or party you want to hit when.

It's also the right time to reach out to people. Not every artist is good at advertising commissions or the collection they're bringing to SDCC. Reach out to your favorites and ask. Ditto your favorite vendors, who are deciding right now what to ship and what to leave at home. If you want to interview someone, meet a specific leader in your field, or find out if there's an industry meetup - ask. Same with old friends. If you want to book a private dining room or organize some other small-scale shindig, start asking. (Though a lot of places are already booked.)

Now is also the time to ward off the intrusions of family and jobs. Hopefully you've already requested PTO at work so you're not thwarted by a coworker's wedding - and if you have clients, set that boundary now. I just ringfenced my entire SDCC week and 2 days recovery time with a new client to set very clear expectations. 

Finally - I know there is a lot of talk and anxiety in the international corner of our community. I think you'll be fine, but of course you'll want to have all your documents in order, purchase travel insurance, and have the contact information of your local embassy. Just to be safe.

Study up on the SDCC life. 

If you're a first-timer, I advise you to read and watch widely. There are so many blogs and forums and influencers about SDCC these days; don't just pick one. Sample generously of the information out there to get different perspectives and tips that can radically improve your Con experience. 

Major outlets love to publish super-basic listicles like "8 tips for Comic-Con" a week before and honestly, they skim the surface. If you want to skillfully maximize your SDCC experience, dive into the digital world now, ask all the dumb questions you can think of, and you will avoid a lot of mistakes and have much more fun.

In short: take care of the tedious stuff now so you can enjoy all the thrilling news rolling our way. It's coming up fast, kids!

5 last-minute reminders

 23 JULY 2024

It's Comic-Con Eve!!! If you're antsy and excited or anxious about forgetting something - these 5 reminders are for you.

1. Bring your badge! 

I said this yesterday and now I'm saying it again because you don't want to step off the plane and realize your badge is in another time zone. 


2. Confirm your hotel. 

Did you get an email from your hotel this week? If not, call and confirm your reservation - especially if you've had any kind of transfer, partial cancellation or some other shift.

3. Clarify any murky hotel arrangements. 

Who's sleeping in what room? Who gets the bed and who's relegated to an air mattress? If you're part of a large group with multiple rooms/roommates, it doesn't hurt to do a final check to make sure everyone's covered.

4. Set expectations with family, friends and coworkers. 

Yesterday, a long-term client of mine predictably had an anxiety attack over my absence and emailed me a list of things she (didn't actually) needed from me. She does this every year because I am very firm that I am not to be bothered during SDCC. People don't get how all-consuming Comic-Con is, so set the stage now. Blurred reality is your friend; tell friends, family, and coworkers that connectivity is very faulty in the convention center and you probably won't get their texts, emails and calls. Maybe that's true and maybe it isn't, but it's a statement that serves a greater cause: the potency of your Comic-Con joy. 

If you absolutely have to be accountable, schedule a daily check-in time and restrict them to it. Having your phone buzz all day with work questions and annoyed demands for attention can poison your SDCC mood. Their neediness can wait until Monday.

5. Take care of any banking transfers now. 

No one is as annoying as the attendee who shows up at Comic-Con without any money. Sometimes a paycheck didn't come through or they thought their mom would let them borrow a credit card or some other mishap has ensued. If you have even slightly precarious finances, I would transfer funds around now to make sure you have valid credit cards and sufficient cash.

Shopping for Comic-Con

16 JULY 2024

I'll keep this short. Today starts Amazon Prime Days; other big retailers have followed suit. With a week to SDCC, you'll probably be able to get whatever you need delivered in time.

Because there are so many first-timers this year, I will hit on even the most obvious items, those being:

Shoes. Thick, cushiony, supportive shoes. You're going to walk more than you can imagine and all vanity will fly out the window at that first ache in your feet. If you refuse to buy new shoes, at least get some orthotic inserts. Or buy some cheap recovery slides for your downtime. 

Air mattresses and camping pads. Test out the one you currently have to make sure it isn't leaking, make sure you have the right mechanism to inflate it, etc.

Collapsible stools/chairs. Always a gift in long lines.

Canopied chairs. I bought a massively fancy one 2 years ago and it was a godsend in the relentlessly sunny Hall H line.

New phones and power sources. People upgrade before the Con, then fumble with the camera function when their favorite celebrity appears. Give yourself time to learn all the tricks - and bring backup batteries or power packs.

Tumblers, water bottles, insulated lunch bags. Bringing water is just smart and carrying a small meal around with you eliminates the need to go into the Gaslamp for lunch.  

Clothing. I feel like this is something we all take for granted - but last year, a first-timer from Phoenix assumed "California" = "hot" and did not bring suitable clothing for the late-night chill. This year, someone asked me how many formal outfits she needed to bring; she was envisioning red carpet events for all the screenings and parties she was hearing about. The unglamorous truth is that SDCC is largely a casual affair, with disheveled attendees schlepping around in jeans and t-shirts - so just bring what you're comfortable in, with maybe a few spiffier options for nights out.

As I mentioned in my health post, you should also bring all the little items designed to keep you feeling your best: earplugs, sleep masks, sunscreen, knee braces, ibuprofen, moleskin and any other pharmaceutical mojo you rely on. Otherwise you'll pay $$$$$ at your hotel gift shop for a tiny sample or have to walk to CVS.

1 week + 1 day!

Understanding the size of your SDCC world

 5 JULY 2024

We're less than a week out from panels and programming being published - IMO, the most exciting days of pre-SDCC July. And I know that plenty of first-timers will be meticulously plotting their moves: what panels at what time and with what length lines. But one thing they rarely give a thought to? Transit time.

Every SDCC attendee needs to realize how big the convention center is. The basic numbers - 615K sq feet of exhibit space and 201K sq feet of meeting and ballroom space - hardly convey the full scope of what can feel like walking through an airport. Just as you would calculate moving from one terminal to the next when booking connecting flights, you'll need to factor in your travel time when deciding if you have time to leave the convention center for lunch or if you can make back-to-back panels at opposite ends of the building. Plenty of places are listed as "adjacent" or "3 blocks away" or ".5 miles" but somehow demand more of a journey than you anticipated.

If you've never been to SDCC before, I recommend looking at arial photos. Yes, the Marriott Marquis is right next door - but only to one end of the convention center. Hilton Gaslamp and Hard Rock are "right across the street" but you still have to walk to a place where you can cross and deal with the crowds. If there's one sentiment most SDCC first-timers express, it's surprise over how much walking is involved at the Con. 

Your panel-to-panel travel

First, know that the center will be crowded in general. Attendees walking, groups of friends talking, people sitting and sprawled out and rubbing their aching feet, cosplayer photo shoots - it all creates an obstacle course in which you're dodging and weaving barriers as you try to reach your destination. So if you're plotting your course from room 3 to room 25ABC, you might want to look at these floor plans and get a rough idea of what it takes.

As far as remembering where rooms are once you're inside, the center is laid out in a fairly comprehensive fashion compared to others I've seen. It's unlikely you'll get hopelessly lost. But it is a good idea to check the maps online or in your program guide before you set out for a panel, just to make sure you're headed in the right direction.

Lines and room size

It's easy to be taken aback by the lines the first time you see them. Sometimes the smart thing is giving up and going to Plan B; but sometimes you need to remember the room you're targeting can seat thousands of people and you still have a good shot at getting in, even if the line looks horrendous. If you're trying to get into 6BCF, which holds over 2,000 people, a line stretching down the hall shouldn't intimidate you. But if you're trying to get into room 8, which doesn't even hold 500 people, then maybe that long line is telling you to go elsewhere.

You can read the full room capacity breakdown here but here are a few approximate counts for the big rooms:

• Hall H holds 6,500 people
• Ballroom 20 will hold about 4,908
• Indigo Ballroom at the Hilton Bayfront holds about 2,660
• Room 6BCF will hold about 2,160
• Room 6A will hold about 1,040
• Room 6DE will hold about 884
• Room 11AB will hold about 504
• Room 5AB will hold about 504
• Room 25ABC will hold about 480

A final thought: spending your energy wisely should be a conscious decision. If you don't make some kind of plan on how you can kill 5 birds with one trip, rather than walking back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, you may burn out quick. I don't care if you're Katie Ledecky and you've achieved a physical fitness level that laughs in the face of concepts like "tired." SDCC can wear you out, blister your feet, flare up an old knee injury, be the first chime that strikes on the clock of your mortality. So take it easy when you can and travel smart, not hard.

ADA information, creative connections, and Amazon Prime Day

 26 JULY 2023

If there's one evergreen piece of SDCC content you can count on in Comic-Con season, it's "Your San Diego Comic-Con Checklist!" It's the ever-multiplying field mouse of SDCC guidance, when you were hoping more for the rare snow leopard variety that tells you how to book a Hard Rock room and get a front row seat in Hall H.

No snow leopards here, at least not tonight. But CCI did thoughtfully serve up a listicle of SDCC prep tips and they're pretty good.  Here are a few that caught my eye:

• "Comic-Con strongly encourages the use of approved face coverings for everyone participating in the event." Encourages means not mandated, so you won't have to cover up your gorgeous visage - unless you bought some very cute masks off Etsy that you want to show off. As someone who has been exposed to COVID a few dozen times and not caught it, I will be going mask off. 

• They advocate the use of their CCI app - and I agree. I think there's a breed of SDCC attendee, of which I am a member, that scoffs at official apps and guides and prefers to forge ahead powered by their own experience, intuition, and luck - but that's honestly an inefficient way to forge. The app really does contain a multitude of valuable information that you'll need to consult on the fly.

• They also mention the FedEx office in the convention center and another on E Street. What they don't mention: the FedEx office right next door at the Marriott Marquis. This is often much faster.

• Finally, they advocate using a translation app so you can chat up international friends in your fandom. Let's be real: ChatGPT and Bard will be doing the translating, line strategizing, and other SDCC cheat codes. Will our AI frenemies do it well? I think this is their first SDCC so maybe not, but we can train them to be of more value next year. Unless we're all crushed under their digital heel by then.

Connecting and Creating

Comic Creator Connection is back, in which desperate writers swarm inkers, colorists, and pencillers with their unpublished dreams. As always, visual artists are welcome both nights (Thursday and Friday) but writers can only sign up for one night.

You might think Gaming Creator Connection runs the same way, but no - this is more of an event where aspiring game devs get advice from seasoned veterans. I wish CCI would do this for writers as well - not just comic writers but novelists, screenwriters, etc. Beginner "how to" panels are fine, but networking is far more helpful in building community.

ADA

Last year was my first year in a Hall H ADA line, due to a friend's freak accident on Preview Night. I learned a lot and saw a lot, my biggest grievance being that they let disabled people bake all the day in the sun even when it was clear they wouldn't make the cut off. Anyhow.  I recommend reading the entire ADA section because there's detailed information on requesting an interpreter, reserving shuttle rides, and other important stuff.

A few other things:

• No support animals are allowed - just service dogs. Your therapy hamster has to stay home.

• It says the first half or third of the ADA line is in the nice air-conditioned lobby but "the Hall H line may subject you to many long hours in the sun." No kidding. So bring a fancy chair with a shade visor. Work with friends to do shifts. And if you're wondering why they can't just erect a tent or move the line under a tent, "The Convention Center does not allow tents or structures in that area." I find that answer so unsatisfying.

• All attendants need a badge - and they can buy them onsite! The Disabled Services booth gives your attendant a coupon to take to those RFID booths in Lobby A, and the attendant can buy a badge there. Did everyone know that but me? A select group of attendees can still buy badges onsite. Fascinating. 

Also - they announced Amazon Prime Day(s) and it's July 11-12. That gives you enough time to order air mattresses, fancy line chairs, sunscreen, coolers, batteries, and other critical stuff.

Depressing thought: a month from today, we'll already be back home and putting SDCC 2023 in our review mirror.

6 things to do on Monday and Tuesday

 17 JULY 2022

I know, I know: there are a million "how to prepare for San Diego Comic-Con!" articles flying around right now. As if you're not swamped enough, right? So here are a few things to do Monday and Tuesday to make this week a lot less stressful:

1. Tell coworkers, friends, and family you can't be disturbed during Comic-Con. No exceptions. Be firm. Bring it up proactively on Monday - and blame it on connectivity challenges. It's just impossible to get wifi in the convention center and your hotel, tell them, and you'll be out all the time in loud environments where you can't hear your phone alert, and in many SDCC places, they make you shut your phone completely off! Maybe some of that is true and maybe some of it isn't, but you'll do yourself a massive favor by cutting that kind of intrusion off at the root. No text messages, no conference calls, no Zoom meetings. If you have the kind of job or family where you absolutely can't go off leash, set a daily check-in time. 

2. Organize your documents. Group your badge with the lists of any exclusives or back issues you're picking up for friends, print any tickets that need to be printed, etc. Put everything on your phone that you can, but have a backup in case your phone dies.

3. Get your money in order. Transfer whatever funds around you need to, and confirm who's paying what for hotel rooms, meals, tickets and other stuff before you get there. Load up on as much cash as you can so you can avoid ATM lines and those credit card freezes that happen when your staggering number of purchases suggests the card has been stolen.

4. Make a list of 3-5 priorities - not 20. It's fine to have a backup wish list, but if you focus on too many things, you'll be lucky to achieve any of them. Pick your top 3-5 must-haves (signings, panels, events) and organize your days and choices around those things.

5. Let go of any half-baked cosplay plans. Every year someone I know waits until the last second to come up with a cosplay idea. Then it's a race to hunt through stores for the right clothes, tools, and theatre makeup, and all SDCC anticipation is smothered by anxiety as the cosplay looks mediocre and unfinished. If this is you - just let it go. It's not happening this year. And bad cosplay will eat up your Con time in terms of repairs, adjustments, and dissatisfaction.

6. Confirm your hotel arrangements. Many of us have roommates, have transferred rooms to friends, have nights to add or subtract, or need to pay/collect on a deposit. Now is the time to make sure everything is correct and in order. One year, I transferred a room to someone who somehow never changed the name on it, then asked the hotel for an upgrade and told them to cancel the "duplicate" room under my name - my actual room I was keeping at the same hotel. I only learned I was homeless (and was able to fix it) because I'm methodical about confirming hotel rooms. Also, if someone is being squirrely with you about paying their share, collect right now or tell them they're not in the room. I've seen people get stiffed before. 

I know people say comparison is the thief of joy, but I think stress is - so take care of the little things now so you're not stressing later.

12 SDCC Things to Buy on Amazon Prime Day

11 JULY 2022

Amazon Prime Day starts tomorrow, running July 12-13. At the same time, Target and other retailers are trying to muscle in on their profits by offering their own deals. All of which means it's a good time to order the little (or expensive) amenities that make SDCC so much better. 

I have no idea if you'll find an actual Prime deal on any of this stuff - but it's worth looking.

#1. Orthotics and/or supportive shoes. By now, you probably have your Con shoes ready - but it doesn't hurt to buy some cushiony orthotics or extra support.  When it comes to SDCC footwear, a general rule of thumb is that the dorkier it looks, the better your feet will feel.

#2. Backup batteries and power supplies. Comic-Con is a vampire that sucks the power from phones and cameras - and it can be hard to get a good charge within the convention center. Bring all the extra power sources you can.

#3. GoPros, cameras and phones. If you're going to upgrade anyhow sometime this year, do it now. Give yourself enough time to play with the camera and voice recorder - I bought a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra last week and I'm still figuring out all the photography tricks. Also, if your current film gear is heavy and cumbersome, consider getting some smaller and Con-friendly devices.

 #4. Air hammocks and portable chairs. When is the last time you dragged out your old Hall H line gear? Make sure your chair still folds/unfolds/sits you well - and maybe just look at what new advances have been made in the world of portable chairs. Same for air mattresses, if you're cramming a bunch of people in one hotel room. 

#5. Earplugs and sleep masks. Speaking of sharing rooms. Roommates creep in and out at all hours at SDCC and some hotels are really noisy, especially Gaslamp hotels with rooms close to street level.  

#6. Braces, splints and other supports. It's too easy to aggravate your plantar fasciitis, bad knee, slipped disc, etc. at SDCC. If you have any kind of structural weak spot, give yourself support before it starts hurting.

#7. Cosplay components. It's always a good idea to buy back-up wigs, props, theatre makeup, fixative sprays, and sewing kits, just to be safe.

#8. OTC drugs. At some point in SDCC, it's a safe bet you or someone in your group will have sunburn, constipation, a hangover, blisters, a surprise period, a headache, a stiff neck from a weak pillow, eye strain, or some other ailment. And hotel gift shop prices are pure robbery for even a tiny pack of Advil or small bottle of sunscreen.

#9. Good water bottles, coolers, and lunch packs. It's amazing to think of how we all used to bake in the sun for hours in line with just a small plastic bottle of water for hydration. Now insulated lunch packs and tumblers can carry us really comfortably through a long day of panels and lines.

#10. Sketchbooks and journals. I feel like scrapbooking is no longer what it used to be in Con circles; same with collecting artist sketches. But I'm sure some of you still do it.

#11. Digital business cards. Something like a Popl can make it really easy to connect with people - because pulling out a paper business card feels so corporate and yet "I'll find you on Instagram" hardly ever comes to fruition. You can format it however you want, such as including your social accounts, your online portfolio, and a line or two about what you actually do. It's the fastest way to ensure your new contacts can follow up with you.

#12. Masks. Remember, you have to wear them inside the convention center - so even if you plan on hunting down masks from your specific fandom, you need to bring a few with you.

 

And of course now is the time to buy the really vital stuff you can't get on Amazon - any prescription drugs you're taking and almost out of, new tires/oil changes if you're driving, or a last-minute salon appointment to fix your wild pandemic hair. Also - maybe consider a booster if you haven't gotten one yet. True, it won't be fully potent by the time you arrive, but it's still some extra protection. 

How ready do you feel?

18 things to pack for SDCC

12 JULY 2019

I know, I know - you've already seen at least a dozen articles titled "What to Pack for San Diego Comic-Con." And you've already been to the Con before and also, you're not stupid. So why am I posting this?

Because in your excitement, you might forget a few basics. Or you might still be new to our chaotic world and not quite realize what's required. So let's review: what should you pack?


#1. Something warm to wear. Next week's San Diego weather looks perfect to me - some cloud cover, days in the low-mid 70s and nights dipping into the low-mid 60s. If you're part lizard like I am and get cold easily, bring a sweater or jacket. If you're going to camp outside overnight, wear layers so you can bundle up and strip down accordingly.

#2. Something comfortable to wear. You may be getting snazzed up for some kind of glittery event or maybe you plan on cosplaying 24/7. Even so, the time will come when you just want to be comfortable at Comic-Con - even if you're the vainest princess ever.

#3. Portable chairs or air hammocks. Speaking of comfortable...

#4. Cosplay repair. Wigs, weapons, armor, dresses, zombie makeup wounds, alternate costumes or repair tools and sewing kits - just be prepared.

#5. Extra batteries, headphones and portable chargers. Don't count on charging up when and where you need to. It's more reliable to just pop in a fresh power source or use your own charger.

#6. Promotional material and contact cards. You won't always have time to hand them your phone and have them text themselves. If you're marketing yourself in some capacity, you really want to bring the right materials, but even cards can help you stay in touch with people you meet in line and before panels.

#7. A big tote or bagpack. The SDCC bags are great, but a bit too unwieldy for most of us to carry around. You'll do better with a huge purse, tote or backpack - anything that doesn't fit in can go to Bag Check.

#8. A moderate number of devices. Do you really need your laptop, GoPro, phone and iPad at SDCC? I'm going to say you can get by on 2 of those. Don't weigh yourself down.

#9. Snacks and water. Even if you intend to eat out for every meal at SDCC, it may not always be an option. Being able to grab power bars or fruit gets you in line earlier as well, and bringing snacks into the convention center can stave off your hunger pains long enough to delay lunch for the right panel.

#10. A hard copy of your friends' contact info. In case you lose power or Internet or your phone - it happens. Or you're just Twitter friends with someone and they're offline and you can't text them and oops, there goes the Conan ticket they promised you.

#11. A list of everything you promised to pick up for your friends. It's just easier instead of running through text messages from 42 people, trying to remember who wanted what and where you can find it.

#12. Aspirin, band-aids, eyedrops, condoms, sunscreen, drugstore cures. Travel can do a number on you but add in the noise and stress of Comic-Con and you could be waylaid by headaches, constipation, dry eyes and other ailments. Sunscreen is mandatory. Yes, you can buy all this stuff there but it's another trip you'll be too busy for - and hotel gift shops will charge you a mortgage payment for 3 ibuprofen, when they aren't constantly closed.

#13. Earplugs and sleep mask. These aren't just for ladies of leisure who sleep till noon. If you don't sleep well in hotels or are sensitive to city noise, earplugs and sleep masks can help you get restful sleep. Also consider a white noise app and some melatonin.

#14. Sketchbook, writing implement and art storage tubes. If you want to collect sketches, don't settle for the back of a promotional flyer. Bring a nice sketchbook and use it for multiple Cons. Art storage tubes will protect any prints you buy.

#15. A regular book. This may seem like bringing sand to the beach, but you will find yourself with more reading time than you think. Even if you buy a stack of fresh comics, do you really want to read them all in the Ballroom 20 line? Bringing a paperback will keep you from running down your phone, too.

#16. Swimsuit. Even if you don't visit the beach, getting in your hotel hot tub or sauna is a nice break from the Con.

#17. A refillable water bottle. Comic-Con is dehydrating, so get in the habit of carrying a bottle around that you can keep refilling.

#18. Your badge. There aren't enough panic attacks in the world for the moment you step off the plane and realize your badge is back home in Portland. Also bring a lanyard, even if you intend on buying a new one. 

What shouldn't you bring?

A ton of different outfits and shoes. You can probably get by on your support shoes and one pair of going-out shoes.

Shipping materials.  The convention centers and nearby hotels have UPS or Fedex stores to ship your stuff home - and they'll have all the boxes and tape you need.

An entire of suitcase of back issues and old action figures to sell. The vendors aren't interested unless you've got something super special.


Enjoy your last weekend before the storm.

Getting and staying healthy for Comic-Con

23 JUNE 2019

It's a Sunday afternoon in June. Maybe you're sprawled on the sofa watching horror movies or at the lake getting sunburned, or maybe you're hosting some massive barbecue or sleeping off a hangover. There are a variety of ways to spend your summer weekends. But there's a thread that connects many of us: overdoing it. Whether you're partying too much or traveling or you have a lineup of weddings to attend, it's really easy to burn yourself out in summer.

If you're a first-timer, you probably don't realize how tiring Comic-Con is. It's not just the long lines (which people usually do expect.) It's the staying out till 3 a.m. and then getting in line at 4 a.m., or walking to the wrong hotel for the fulfillment room and then walking all the way to the right one. It's eating too much bar food and not drinking enough water, and sleeping on a slowly deflating air mattress on a hotel room floor.

We're weeks away from SDCC still, but many people will be partying over the four-day 4th of July weekend and then there's only one weekend left before SDCC - so keep your health and general peppiness in mind. A few ideas:


Boost your immunity.
Some people always get sick at Comic-Con. I never have but if you're the type who catches every virus going around, indulge in all your faux-medical voodoo like echinacea, bee pollen, Emergen-C, a B-12 shot, etc. Get adequate sleep, massages, eat properly, take vitamins, etc. If you've been ill or overworked recently, really try to take it easy or you might become one of the SDCC fallen. Also remember that SDCC is all about surfaces, with potentially filthy people touching books and action figures and escalator railings moments before you touch them, so wash your hands before eating and follow other precautions.


Bring drugs.

SDCC is a lot. There are the booming video displays of the Exhibit Hall, the hot sun on your neck as you wait for a restaurant hostess to call your name, the cosplayer drink specials. Bring some ibuprofen, muscle ointment, moleskin, arnica oil or even hardcore painkillers, especially if you're prone to stiff necks, headaches, sensitive stomach, etc. Also bring a portable chair/support if you're going to be in line for the long haul.

Eat sensibly.

I know, how boring. But I've seen people live off soda, bar snacks and a box of donuts at SDCC and then they wonder why their energy levels are wonky. Try to eat decent meals and bring snacks into the convention center so your blood sugar levels don't crash. If you have a very ambitious programming agenda, you may have to choose between holding your spot for a panel or eating with your friends.


Ask for help if you need it.
I am more familiar than I ever wanted to be with SDCC's first aid offerings, thanks to my ex who had some kind of issue almost every summer. I think a lot of attendees aren't aware of the extent of on-site support resources, including medical professionals, private areas for nursing mothers, ADA resources, wheelchairs, ASL interpreters, rest areas, etc. If you need help - from getting your wheelchair on a shuttle to treating an asthma attack - just ask for it.


Stay hydrated.
Obviously. But buying bottled water on site adds up fast so invest in a good water bottle to get you through your camp-outs and Exhibit Hall prowls. I follow the "If you're halfway through your water, you're halfway through your hike" rule for SDCC.



Think about any behavioral meds, AA meetings, therapy visits or other emotional resources.

Plenty of nerds have behavioral health needs that can get exacerbated by SDCC: the crowds, the noise, the disappointments, fights with roommates, feeling socially isolated. If you think any of that could be an issue, see if you can do a virtual visit with your therapist or ask your bestie at home to be there for you; bring any meds you need and find sober activities you can do if you're in recovery and the rest of your friends are going to hit it hard.

Take breaks.
For introverts, SDCC is a lot of humanity. (Maybe even extroverts.) I know I often hit a point where Comic-Con stops being fun. I always get my bounce back by removing myself from the chaos for a while. Luckily that's really easy to do. You can go to the beach, the zoo or one of the anime / IFF / movie festivals or playbacks and isolate in a dark room.


24 days!

Your Comic-Con shopping checklist

19 JUNE 2019

We're just 4 weeks from San Diego Comic-Con, which means it's time to make a list of everything you need. If you're an Amazon Prime member, and you want to wait for Prime Day, I wouldn't; previous years saw Prime Day falling as late as 10 July -16 July. I wouldn't risk it.

Just a few ideas of what you might need....

An air mattress/air hammock, portable chairs, and other supports. I know some people like to rough it outside in line or on hotel room floors, but why?

A new camera or phone. This might seem extravagant, but if you need one anyhow, you may as well splash out before Comic-Con so you can take great pictures/video.

A new domain/digital portfolio. If you're going to market yourself, start developing your print and digital assets now. Ditto business cards.


Cosplay elements. Not just weaponry, clothing and wigs, but also good theatre makeup and fixative sprays. If you're new to SDCC cosplay, remember that you might not be able to get back to your room for tune-ups that often. Consider sewing and repair kits.


Medications. If you have a prescription about to expire and you need to schedule an office visit to get it renewed, do that now.

Extra batteries, chargers, etc. Trying to recharge in the convention center is a Sisyphean task.

Shoes. This is easily the most obvious thing everyone needs for SDCC, yet a stunning number of first-timers come without comfortable footwear that can get them through the miles of Comic-Conning. Buy now if you need to and break them in.

Earplugs and sleep masks. Obviously you might have roommates snoring or stumbling in at all hours, but some hotels (looking at you, Hard Rock) are just noisy. There's also your proximity to the street to consider. Three years ago I spent a night in a second-floor room at Hilton Gaslamp and it was like trying to sleep through Mardi Gras.

A small pharmacy. Especially if you're with a group. One of your friends will definitely have a headache, blistered feet, a hangover, constipation or an Exhibit Hall flu. Just stock up instead of depending on some overpriced gift shop with iffy hours.

Braces, splints and other supports. You might do fine without these at home, but SDCC is a marathon. You can easily aggravate your plantar fasciitis, bad back, fake knee, recently sprained ankle and so on. I feel like it's just better to come prepared, because as soon as you're in pain and stuck in bed, it's game over.

Special nerd outfits. No one cares what you wear at SDCC - they just want you to be showered and laundered. But because fandom emotions run high, and superstitions can surge forth over the link between a lucky t-shirt and a fortuitous celebrity encounter, some attendees care very much about their clothing. If you have a specific idea for a Red Sonja shirt or you want to honor Stan Lee in your apparel, get that squared away now.


Preview Night is 4 weeks from tonight. Crazy, right?

We're 8 weeks from San Diego Comic-Con

22 MAY 2019

Maybe it's me, but I feel like it's been forever since last summer's San Diego Comic-Con. Maybe that's because for the first time in eons, I haven't been to another Con since; maybe it's the weirdly spaced badge and hotel sales. In any case, somehow it's hard to believe we're only 8 weeks away from Preview Night.

But we are! And that means that we're closing in on the final weeks to get your preparations in order. If you're saying "what preparations?" - you're probably in good company. A lot of nerds just roll up to the convention center with a few changes of clothes and a credit card and figure they're good. But there are some things you can do to avoid roadblocks and ensure you have a great time.

Request PTO at work. Summer vacation time is such a fraught battle in some workplaces - hopefully you've already staked your claim. You don't want to get blocked by a coworker's wedding or family reunion. If you're self-employed, maybe you have calmer clients than I do, but now is the time to set expectations around deadlines, projects, and what constitutes a valid emergency.

Save money.  You'll spend more money at SDCC than you think, and it's nice to indulge in drinks, event tickets, meals, childhood action figures, etc. without counting every penny. Live the austere life now and go wild in San Diego.

Finalize your cosplay. Real talk: my friend is already finalizing her Dragon Con cosplay because she wants the perfect fittings and accessories. If you're not super serious about your cosplay, you'll still want to lock it down so you're not waylaid by delayed shipping of a critical component or surprised that the effect is less than you intended.

Tighten up. Are you ready to walk a lot? Are you going to look svelte in your spandex? I can't even count the number of nerd world conversations I hear that include "I'm going to be Wolverine / Starfire / Catwoman this year, I just need to lose 20 pounds first." It's probably easier for most of us to cosplay as Thor Lebowski and call it a day, but you will be walking, standing and sitting on lawns, cement and hard floors a lot. Be ready.

Study up on the SDCC life. Most of you already live it. But if you're a first-timer, I do advise reading the blogs and forums like Friends of Comic Con. You'll get tips that can radically improve your Con experience and stop you from making some common mistakes. Those listicles that major outlets put out the week before SDCC? Usually pretty basic. My point is, you don't want to be the first-time attendee whining that no one told you to wear comfortable shoes (which happens every year and it's so irritating.)


Compile your shopping list. This depends on your particular interests. It helps to identify which back issues, collectibles, cards, action figures, signings, trades and other stuff you really want. It's also helpful to do this now so you have time to figure out if you can get those items an easier and cheaper way (the Exhibit Hall is not always brimming with excellent deals, unlike what people assume) and then focus on all the exclusive announcements.

Book flights. You did this already, right? ...Right?


Think about outside activities. Hopefully you've been reading your Comic-Con Museum newsletters, because they do paint an enticing picture. Tickets for "The Gathering" go on sale 3 June if you're interested, but you should also think about getting away from the Con and how you'll do that. The beach, other parts of Balboa Park, a night in La Jolla, Tijuana or Coronado Island - especially if you're bringing a non-nerd, it's good to plan a night where you can leave the Con behind.

Buy supplies. Extra chargers and batteries, sketchbooks, the right shoes, air hammocks, GroPros, sunscreen, business cards, orthotics, ear plugs, portable chairs, etc. - get it all ordered now. Book your salon appointments and car maintenance and make sure you'll have the right prescription fills.


It'll come up fast from this point on. Take care of the tedious stuff now so you can enjoy all the exciting announcements coming our way.