This was the first comic con that I’ve been to in years, despite having lived in San Diego for nearly 5 years. I knew that it had gotten bigger and that the format had slowly changed but I didn’t know just how much. Here are a few things that I learned this year that I wish I had known before spending all that extra money that I really didn’t need to.
Lessons I learned to make a more successful con experience:
1.)On the first day get a map and walk around without stopping (I know its tempting but resist the urge) and get an idea where the major booths are. You can look but pay attention to what’s around you. This will help tons for later: ease of finding exactly what you want & maximizing getting the best schwag.
2.)If possible, try and plan out which panels you want to attend in advance and set a schedule. Be honest with yourself and give a good enough buffer to allow for messy traffic clogs of crowds in between. Comic con is huge now and getting bigger every year. Plan ahead or miss out!
3.)If you are going to any movie or tv related show and it’s even remotely popular, get in line or have a friend get there right away. These panels had the most appeal and are extremely hard to get into if you wait. (Believe me, despite going as press & knowing friends on the inside, we still had issues with getting into some of these panels.)
4.)If you can avoid it at all, don’t drive. Take the train directly downtown (if coming from central california or Los Angeles, the Surfliner train is a beautiful trip along the coast) or ride with a carpool. Parking ranged from $8 - $30 per day in various lots across the city. The larger the price did not necessarily mean that it was closet to the convention center either. The only exception is if you have a motorcycle or a scooter with a luggage rack and are just heading down for the day. But then again if you did, you already knew that because you’re awesome like that.
5.)Be wise when it comes to hotel selection and get acquainted with your hotel amenities before you go. Book as far in advance you can or risk spending additional money you may not have needed to. If you can, look for a hotel room with a fridge that is located on the shuttle route. There is a Ralphs within walking distance of the convention center. Save money and go there. There’s even tables on the side for you to eat.. go figure huh? Hurray for a city of win.
6.)Know that there are few outlets on the periphery of the con. Upstairs there are rooms with tables and easy access to plugs for recharging. There are also a few outlets upstairs near panel rooms along the inner parts, but they only have one plug per outlet.
7.)If you plan on cosplaying, bring extra pairs of shoes and throw em in a backpack- not a totebag. The longer you are in heels or uncomfortable shoes, you will be wishing that you had spares. And when you finally do want to make the switch, you’re going to wish you had a backpack for the weight distribution.
8.) Bring a sketchbook and carry it with you. Some artists will be happy to draw some work for you. Some of which, you have to pay for (usually it’s just a small fee.) Some artists do not charge. This is the most unique stuff you can get your hands on at Comic Con.
9.)If you have the equipment to do so, call up your cell phone provider and put the internet on your phone for a few days. You can cancel it when you get home. (Check your particular carrier to make sure first) WiFi is expensive and nearly non existent both in areas of the con and in hotels who will just tell you to essentially bend over for the cost of it. Trust me, it will be far cheaper in comparison to do so.
And lastly, the most important thing of them all!
10.)Go with friends and don’t be afraid to talk to new ones! You will be amazed by the wonderful, vibrant and open people you will find at the con. Where else are you going to find as many people that share your passions and interests of the nerdery as comic con? Not likely many places at all. So maximize on it. Be like Nike and just do it. Go get your nerd on.
August 3rd, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Hahaha that last picture rocks socks.
I love the title of this article, btw. All good tips, and it was fun hanging out with you at the Con!
August 3rd, 2009 at 5:36 pm
I was extremely happy that google sponsored free wi-fi at the convention this year, that was very handy. My hotel had free wi-fi as well.
August 4th, 2009 at 2:50 am
All good tips.
August 5th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Really great idea for the sketchbook!! And I am glad I brought flats with me. I live in heels, but adding con traffic is just too much.
I barely even had time to use the wifi at the con. I used it for a few minutes upstairs near the panel rooms. I heard you couldn’t even connect down in the exhibit hall.
August 6th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Why exactly can’t I read more of your stuff when I come here? Hilarious. I was a little disappointed you didn’t blonde out for your Kara Zor-El cosplay, but maybe you were doing another character on another day … *shrug*