San Diego Comic-Con, or SDCC or Comic-Con International, is arguably one of the country’s most significant annual cultural events. Since its establishment in the 1970s, it has attracted thousands of attendees yearly. Held in sunny San Diego, SDCC has brought together thousands of fans, creators, and industry professionals to celebrate everything nerdy since its humble beginnings. Known now as the ultimate gathering for all nerds alike, SDCC has become a major hub for exciting pop culture announcements, where exclusive trailers, interviews, and footage are aired privately to the attendees, giving them first-come-first-serve knowledge of what to expect in coming months or years. Attendees are also given the opportunity to purchase limited-edition collectibles and exclusive merchandise, some of which can only be purchased at said event, from vendors. There are also dozens of opportunities for creatives to connect and network via mixers.
All in all, there are many things to do while attending SDCC, and I am here to give you tips, tricks, and inside information to make your time at SDCC unforgettable. Last year, I had the immense honor of attending SDCC for the first time in my life. I spent all four days scouring the convention center, attending panels, and searching for the latest lines of Funko Pops and plush toys. Yes, I am an adult obsessed with plush toys. Deal with it, and let me write.
If you were one of the lucky ones to get a ticket before they all inevitably sold out, here are three rules to focus on when attending SDCC as a first-time or long-time attendee.
Rule 1. Plan Your Visit Ahead of Time.
If you are a convention connoisseur like me, please consider San Diego Comic-Con your main quest. To prepare for the quest, you must know what you’re getting yourself into. Plan ahead using the official Programming Schedule site. There are many ways to enjoy the grand event – panels, screenings, interactive workshops, mixers, and more. But be warned, panels can fill up fast. You must remember that thousands of other people are also attending this convention, so if you want the best seat for a panel or screening, you may have to arrive twenty to thirty minutes early to claim your spot.
You can use the official Comic-Con International app to create a clean schedule for yourself. I, for instance, uploaded the app last year, and it helped me navigate my itinerary and see what panels and events conflicted. Using the app and Programming Schedule site, I narrowed down my choices. Initially, it was overwhelming, but I knew what panels I cared most about when push came to shove. I, for example, will attend The Webcomic Revolution Will Be Televised panel on Thursday and Digital Comics and The Fandom Multiverse: 10 Years of WEBTOON U.S. on Friday (because, duh, I’m not going to miss a chance to learn more about WEBTOON).
You also want to consider transportation. If you are not afforded the luxury of living in San Diego or having a nice hotel room squared away, I encourage you to carpool with friends or take public transit. As a SoCal resident, I plan to take the train as I did last year, mainly because I hate sitting in traffic, which stresses me out.
Rule 2. Pack the Essentials.
Before leaving for any grand quest, you must stock up on essential resources. In this case, you will need money, food, water, and a backpack to carry everything you buy. Bring a set amount of physical cash and a credit/debit card because you will be surprised at how many collectibles, toys, and other forms of merch will be available for purchase.
Plus, there is the issue of feeding yourself. Last year, I brought my own lunch and packed snacks to eat throughout the day because food stall prices can be criminally high, and I wanted to save my money for merch. Water fountains will be scattered across the convention center, so there will be no need to buy water. Instead, consider bringing a decent-sized water bottle to refill at each fountain. As someone prone to heat stroke, staying hydrated is necessary, especially in the summer heat.
Of course, the amount of money you bring will depend entirely on your budget and preference. I like to carry cash in my wallet and keep my Venmo well-stocked. It is always good to come to well-funded conventions, such as SDCC, because there will be plenty of opportunities to pull out your wallet, especially when touring the Exhibition Hall and Artist Alley. Believe me, it will be hard to resist, so come to SDCC with a set budget in mind. Last year, I spent most of my money on Mystery Bundles, prints, and pins. If you also plan to buy a mystery box, be prepared to feel excitement and disappointment. It’s a mystery, so there is no solid guarantee you’ll be one hundred percent happy with your purchase. Keep that in mind.
After scouring Artist Alley, I will tour the Symbiote Studios booth this year and leave with one or two of their custom-designed quality plushies. As I said, I am an adult woman who loves plushies and am more than excited to buy a custom plush. Frankly, I anticipate spending much of my hard-earned money at this convention and will do it happily. I also plan to play some games with other attendees at the Mezzanine. I am most excited to play Crabs in a Bucket and Doomlings – both colorfully chaotic games designed for anyone to enjoy. I may be an introvert, but I love kicking butt in card games!
Rule 3. Practice Proper Convention Etiquette and Be Kind.
Let’s get the obvious out of the way. People of all ages will be wearing cosplay, and wearing cosplay does not give you consent to touch or take pictures of anyone. It is unfortunate, but this has to be said. As an occasional cosplayer, I have had issues with attendees touching me inappropriately and taking indecent pictures of me in costume since I was 15. It is incredibly uncomfortable and not something I want anyone – male or female – to experience. If you see someone in trouble or need assistance, calmly intervene or connect with the nearest event staff member.
On another note, please remember that everyone is present to buy merch, see some screenings, make new friends, and, most importantly, have fun. Don’t cut in line to get first dibs on the latest merchandise, and don’t ask panelists and attendees invasive or inappropriate questions. Treat every staff member, attendee, and vendor like a person. Be kind, be open-minded, and have fun!
Lastly, let me know in the comments if you want me to cover any particular events or panels! I look forward to touring SDCC for a second time!
