San Diego Comic-Con 101: a primer

17 JUNE 2017

Sometimes I think these are the most frustrating weeks of the Comic-Con calendar. A month out from the Con, all the announcements on panels, exclusives and events make it seem like we should be walking into the convention center any minute now - but we still have these final weeks to get through. Time slows to a crawl.

So below is a list of tips on navigating SDCC for first-timers (or those of you who still feel you're getting the lay of the land.) I know you're smart, I know you can figure it all out on your own, but here's the thing - San Diego Comic-Con is really complicated. And figuring it out takes time. Yes, you can just show up and amble around but you'll miss out on so much magnificence if you do. To make sure you hit the right events, meet the right people and find the right nerd treasure, you'll want to make sure you're prepared on a number of practical levels. The SDCC devil is in the details - ask anyone who got derailed by a headache from Exhibit Hall noise or got incorrect directions and spent an hour in the wrong line.

These below posts can help you know what to expect and get the lay of the land in advance. Some of the particulars are outdated,  but you'll get the gist of navigating the Con.


Common questions about the Con

The size of the convention center

Transportation at SDCC

Advice for first-timers

Doing SDCC on a budget

What people haven't liked about Comic-Con in the past


Why you should ask attendees for help

The care and feeding of security guards

Staying healthy at Comic-Con

Is SDCC summer camp for creatives?

Portfolio Review and other marketing opportunities

Designing your Comic-Con agenda

Eating well at Comic-Con 

13 Tips for Getting in Line 

Packing for Comic-Con




And if you're one of the people fuming over all the excited tweets and posts you're seeing, because no one told you about the badge sale! - here's how to join us next year.