SDCC tips & tricks
If you can’t stand being around a lot of people really think about whether you want to go that badly.
If you can’t stand waiting in line for extended periods of time(1 hour minimum for the really exciting stuff)
If you can’t imagine spending upwards of $2000 on a nerdy vacation you may want to reconsider your choice to come to this particular convention. Maybe go to a smaller convention to get your feet wet so to speak.
If all of that sounds like you can handle that then the following tips and tricks are for you. So start swiping.
Wear shoes that are comfortable to walk and stand in, not all shoes are created equal and not all of use enjoy Chuck Taylors(I wear for any occasion) like I do.
If you are lucky enough to get preview night tickets walk the exhibit floor that day. It’s the least populated it will be for the whole con and the best night to buy any art/merch especially exclusives.
Whenever you’re picking up your badge, bag, books and lanyard keep the flow of traffic moving and be ready to go when it’s your turn. You will not be left out and you cannot pick the bag you want make friends in line and trade later.
Make a rough schedule don’t put your hopes onto one specific panel, event or experience there’s a ton of things going on and usually at the same time so be flexible if something seems like it won’t happen. There’s also events going on outside the con San Diego is a big place and they know people come from all over for this amazing weekend. Check that stuff out.
Also be ready for surprises, sometimes panels go long or you have more fun at a panel for which you had low expectations. On that note, go to at least one panel of something you’re not familiar with you may become a fan.
DO NOT get into a hall H, ballroom 20 or indigo ballroom line for a panel 30 minutes before it starts and think that you’ll be fine. That’s just not how it works if your panel is in one of those rooms that’s because there’s a lot of interest in it and the line will be long.
If you get into a panel before the one you’re waiting on wait until the current panel ends before you look for closer seats to move up to, it’s freaking rude.
Bring a large mouth, collapsible water bottle. Lines are long, San Diego is warm and you will get hot, so stay hydrated. The best way to do that is with a water bottle you can fit ice inside and if it can be stored easily when empty that’s even better.
Avoid random unlicensed street vendors do you think it’s a good idea to buy water or food off the street from random people?
Bring a phone charger and/or an external battery you’ll spend a lot of time on your phone if you’re waiting in a long line and you don’t want to have a dead phone when you’re trying to take pictures.
Be realistic about your expectations if you are going to SDCC just to experience hall H be ready to be in line for long stretches, be ready to be in line the day before to receive wristbands and if you do be prepared bring a small folding chair something that fits in a backpack.
Speaking of those long lines don’t be afraid to put the phone down and make friends it’ll make the wait fly by, I suggest playing a game in line word game, movie game something like that.
Respect the flow of traffic, when you are in the exhibit hall there will be lots of things to see and you will want to stop sometimes in those cases don’t stop in the middle of the moving traffic get off to the side so others can continue to pass.
Read descriptions and be aware, some of the “experiences” that go on at and around the con are basically just photo ops if you want to do that go for it just know what you are getting into when you see how long the line may be ask yourself “is it worth it for the gram?”
Respect all people, cosplayers and their personal space. It’s basic but sometimes forgotten cosplay is not consent, so ask before you take a picture of a cosplayer, say excuse me to pass someone who may be in your way and just be kind in general.
If you want to know something go to the help desk, official comic con international employees or security personnel these are your best bets to find where an event is happening, where lines begin and end or general policies of how certain things are done at the con.
Most importantly, have fun it’s a convention we’re all trying to have a good time it’s all about the love of the con.