22 JULY 2024
I used to tell people their first SDCC was a practice run. Not that their first time was worthless - first-timers still gloried in everything they experienced - but they simply could not have the skills and awareness needed to fully maximize their time there. I still think that's somewhat true, but today I see a lot of smart and prepared first-timers taking SDCC by the horns and mastering it.
Here are a few simple ways you can make your SDCC experience more efficient, energetic, and magical.
Make of a list of 3-5 priorities.
These should be your absolute can't-miss events, exclusives, panels, signings, photo shoots, etc. Document them on your phone, write them down, and schedule your Con around them.
Everything else goes onto the B-list, where they'll happen if you have the extra time to make them happen. You might be thinking that I don't understand how organized and ruthless and effective you are. And maybe that's true - you got a badge, after all - but you don't understand how crowded, chaotic, and competitive the Con can be.
If you show up with a wish list of 27 targets to conquer, you're setting yourself up for failure. There are just too many other people who want what you want, too many long lines, too many detours. Don't spend your time or energy on stuff that doesn't matter. Narrow your focus and you're more likely to get what you want and come home in a satisfied state.
Abandon any half-assed cosplay plans.
So many attendees get inspired at the 11th hour to pull together a cosplay look, then drive themselves berserk trying to make it happen. If you aren't at the finish line yet, forget it. You won't look as convincing or finished as you want to, and it's just more unnecessary stress. There's bound to be another Con in your future where you can make it happen.
Make backup plans.
A lot of your plans won't work out. Bless your heart if you've designed some tightly plotted schedule, but you should know that a lot of it will fall through. Your favorite actor will cancel, your character makeup will peel off in patches, the Funko will sell out when you're 2 places in line from buying. There are too many moving parts at SDCC for everything to be perfect, so make a Plan B and a Plan C.
And be open to spontaneity. Sometimes you'll find your day evolving in unexpected directions, like deciding you need a nap or getting invited to a Hall H line effort. Flow with it. You can't be a perfectionist when it comes to Comic-Con. You can be organized and prepared, sure. But you don't want to aim for this impossible standard of everything going flawlessly because it won't.
Focus on making friends, not what people can do for you.
Comic-Con people are the best: generous, helpful, and interesting to talk to. Attendees are always sharing their wealth, from information to offsite tickets.
But in recent years, there's been a rise in attendees who seem to view people solely as favor machines. They don't want to get to know anyone, they don't want to offer anything in return or even do the basic work of participating in a line or buying group; they just want someone else to hand it all to them. That's not how life works, and it's certainly not how Comic-Con works. Build a network, be appreciative of what people have to offer, and do your part in contributing. You'll be much likelier to tap into the community treasure chest. You'll also meet some great people.
Are you excited yet?
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