Comic-Con 2012 Schedule Mania!
AX was in full force this past weekend, but don’t forget that San Diego Comic-Con International is right around the corner. Being the largest comic and pop culture convention in the country, SDCC is essentially a great big seething blob of sweaty con goers (much like myself). In 2010 over 130,000 attendees filled the San Diego Convention Center above capacity. What this all really comes down to is that if you want to make it to all the panels and signings you are looking forward to you need to have a game plan before you get there.
LET’S PLAN!
These are a couple of scheduling resources SDCC has just launched.
This here’s a list of all of the programs that are planned for the conference rooms, hotel conference rooms, and the fabled Hall H. Panel discussions, movie announcements, trailer sneak peeks, and generally anything else that gets your blood a boilin’!
This is a great tool that lets you pick through all of the events at SDCC and create a personalized schedule. This site has all of the information you need, even how big the room capacity is. The true plus of this service is that it’s completely accessible on your smart phone, so while you’re on the con floor so you can always know where you’re going.
Also remember that those are just the program listings and that there are tons of events going on out on the floor. So here are a few tips on effectively scheduling your time at the con:
- Look into the individual schedules of artists/writers/celebs/etc.. Often times you can find an artist or writers signing schedule on his or her personal website or the website of their main publisher.
- Check for exhibitor schedules. Larger Exhibitors also have planned events and you may be able to find out what and when they have planned if you poke around.
- Keep your ears open. Some events are surprises and you can’t plan for everything, but if you listen well enough you may be able to pick up on insider knowledge from an exhibitor or even other attendees. CONSTANT VIGILANCE!
- Always have a back up plan. You’re not always going to make it to where you planned on so keep back-up options ready. There are tons of events going on at all times and with a heavy amount of overlap you’re sure to be able to find something to do… I mean, c’mon, it’s Comic-Con!
- FEED YOURSELF!!! Remember that your body needs sustenance and hydration. It may feel like you are riding on a typhoon of endorphins from having just seen the side of Stan Lee’s ear and trying to cram as many programs into your day as possible, but you have to keep in mind things like lunch breaks. Pack a lunch or schedule for a lunch or have a buddy system and bring water bottles. Nobody wants to miss out on something because of a burning gut.
- Get there early. The lines for some panels can start hours before. Be prepared to bunker down and wait, having your DS on hand may not be a bad idea, or a trashy romance novel or say a hefty stack of manga freshly bought off the con floor.
- Be prepared. The last thing you want is to spend 14 hours waiting for a Firefly panel and when you line up for a signature at the end you realize that you left your Nathan Fillion vanity head shot in your hotel. Even the best plans can go wrong if you don’t have the tools to execute them.
But really the main point is to have fun, and most importantly FREE SWAG!!!!! These are just a few things I’ve picked up over the last decade or so being at SDCC. I’ll see you guys there!
