For some, Comic-Con is the holy grail of cons to attend, a rite of passage on the journey of nerd-dom. For others, it’s an annual tradition. One that must not be missed under any circumstances. For those that make it to Comic-Con, will have to endure the longest of lines and heartbreak formerly unbeknownst to them. Comic-Con is the place where you can gain your happiest memories and suffer your largest failures all in one. After attending my third official SDCC, I learned a few things that I’m willing to share to help you have the best time possible during your stay. So buckle up, and take notes as I give you five things I learned at San Diego Comic-Con.
Buy When You Have The Chance
Serious collectors already know this, but this was the hardest lesson I learned during SDCC. Because of the rarety of exclusive collectibles at Comic-Con, they’ll be naturally harder to obtain than other collectibles. Add the sheer number of people who attend the con into the mix, and you have a near impossibility to really score that Funko, or other action figures you’ve had your eye on. If given the chance, buy your stuff EARLY and avoid heartbreak. If you’re lucky enough to get a badge that includes preview night, this is generally the best time to strike.
Preview night is the unofficial first day of the Con, but also the absolute best day to buy what you want. Most vendors will still only be open for pre-order customers only, but for those that aren’t you have free reign over whatever they have to offer. This is the easiest way to virtually guarantee yourself one of your coveted collectibles. Be prepared to wait in line still, as there will be a ton of people who are looking to score the same things you are.
Bring An Extra Bag For Your Purchases
Yes, packing light is a sound strategy when traveling long distances to attend Comic-Con. But if you plan on successfully employing the above strategy, then you’ll want to make sure you have room for it. So, in order for you to not have to sacrifice buying one of those grail collectibles, bring an extra bag. This benefits you in so many ways, it’s not even funny. First, it allows you to maintain the integrity of your purchases. You don’t want to cram a mint SDCC exclusive in the same bag as your dirty drawers from 2 days ago. More importantly, if you’re a reseller, making sure the packaging is mint is a top priority. The best way to accomplish this is by bringing an additional bag that is durable on the outside (airport staff will just toss your stuff around) and accommodating for everything you pick up.
There Is No Such Thing As “Too Early”
This is another one of those tips that probably should be number one. The notion of getting in line, or arriving at a panel too early is entirely non-existent while attending San Diego Comic-Con. Just when you think leaving an hour an a half before something kicks off is enough time, you’re immediately greeted by people who camped out overnight for the same thing. Whether it’s panels, exclusives, bathrooms, or coffee, GET IN LINE AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE!
This is especially important when dealing with panels. In most cases, panels with run back to back in the same room. Because the SDCC staffers don’t clear out rooms in between panels, this is a great incentive for you to arrive extra early for a panel you may want to see. Long short, arrive early, sit through a panel or two you’re maybe not the most interested in, to have a better seat for the one you are.
Strategy Beats Spontaneity
Having a plan or schedule is another highly important strategy in ensuring you have a stellar time at Comic-Con. Knowing the who, what, when, where, and how at Comic-Con goes a long way with making sure you don’t overextend yourself with the abundance of content at SDCC. Use the calendar app on your smartphone, and the Sched tool on the Comic-Con website to make sure you have the latest info on happenings during the con. Knowing the specific start times and locations of your panels can be an invaluable tool at your disposal.
Also, have a Plan B and a Plan C because it’s Comic-Con, and things are bound to change.
Know Your Limits!
We know by now that there is no shortage of happenings at Comic-Con. You could actually never enter the convention center and still not experience all that it has to offer. With that being said, it’s highly important to know your limits so you don’t burn yourself out. Make sure you take a break in-between sessions, eat good food, and stay hydrated on your quest to conquer Comic-Con. Making sure you take care of yourself, is crucial to ensuring positive vibes and a positive experience, and it’s a step you shouldn’t look past. Don’t let a fear of missing out, put you in a bad position! Health is wealth guys! Take care of yourselves!
Always remember! Take your time, charge your phone, and HYDRATE! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll survive Comic-Con with ease. Disobey, and you may well perish… Or just have a more frustrating time.
