How small businesses can rock their next trade show. A comic book convention or comic con is an event with a primary focus on comic books and comic book culture, in which comic book fans gather to meet creators, experts, and each other. If left to their own devices, most comic book geeks would live on a diet of nachos and soda. So once again, im going to share some thoughts on tackling your first convention.
I mean, ive held or worked on a lot of these things now over the years and each one has had its pros and its cons no pun intended as to whether or not i personally consider them to be successful. The list is focused on comiccon international in san diego, but most tips also apply to other conventions and cities. Have your employees pass out flyers with coupons or hand out a free sample. Detailed guide to collecting at comic book conventions. Hopefully this article will convince you of that, and give you some tips to make your first con a successful one. Also remember to wear your badge when you go to eat outside of the convention center. So when i went to the chicago comic con this year, i interviewed a couple of artists in artist alley that were new to the convention for some pearls of wisdom. Completeset contributor, charlie moore, gives a firsthand account of running conventions and his time owning derby city comic con.
Jul 28, 2010 2010 is the 41st year of a comic book convention gone pop. How to enjoy comic book conventions great white snark. How to start a convention this is an ongoing attempt to build a solid guide for anyone to start their own scifi, gaming or anime convention. Tips to make the most of your day national book festival. How to prepare for a comic book convention comic books and cats. Heres what you need to know to survive comiccon wired. To help narrow down the list of mustattend events, heres a look at the five comic book conventions comic con happening in 2018. Comic book convention how is comic book convention abbreviated. For me it will be my annual attendance to houston txs comic book convention comicpalooza. Dont forget that you can preorder our book, the comic book convention survival guide right now on kickstarter via kck.
The schwedas were among people coming from all over northeastern wisconsin to see the green bay comic book convention. Stickmans tips for having a table at a comic book convention by mark monlux. Sdcc grew out of a comic book publishers gathering 46 years ago. Take a few minutes when you get in to read the guide and you will be much better for it. Once youve arrived, the combined effect of the gigantic washington convention center, a schedule of more than 120 authors and dozens of festival activities can all be a little overwhelming. Advice for comic book convention plannerspromoters the joe. Russ manning at comic con 1974 from comicconvention memories shathley q, a fantastic writer, documented the history of comic cons at pop matters. How to start a convention trae dorn dot com trhonline. If you need additional information, contact dutch cummings at 7066491477. While it can be a little intimidating at first, conventions are one of the fun part about being a comics creator.
At this convention, one doesnt need to hide their geekiness as fangirling and cosplaying are openly embraced. Nov 02, 2014 often the program guides will be available on the convention website leading up to the event but are also available on the day. It featured thousands upon thousands of comic books set out on tables and. Recently, i was part of a group that did precisely that, and while it was a lot of stress and hard work, it was very rewarding to exceed our estimated attendance by about 75 percent. Attending a comic convention for the first time can be a bit daunting. If theres even the slightest chance youll want to go, sign up for a member id on their website now, so youll be eligible to buy tickets. It can be intimidating to jump into a huge convention for the first time, and everyone could use a little advice. Convention scene is the webs leading source for comic book conventions, comic book creator store signings, and much more.
Originally, comic con consisted of a few nerds swapping comics, but now its a. Later this month, an estimated,000 people will travel to southern california for the longrunning, iconic comic con international. Get some insights on comic book conventions, including pros, cons, tips, and even further reading, with this helpful guide to comiccons. Our guide to comiccon 2020 with what to bring, what to wear including costume or no costume, how to navigate the lines and crowds, and other tips.
Often the program guides will be available on the convention website leading up to the event but are also available on the day. You will feel overwhelmed your first day, every year. Aside from being a great place to get autographs or photos with your favorite celebrities, watch sneak peeks of upcoming blockbuster movies, or see some of the most talented cosplay enthusiasts pay homage to many fictional characters, comic book conventions are the ultimate collectors show. South bend the south bend comic book convention takes place from 10 a. First second hosts comics relief on saturday april 18th. At the same time, graphic novels have become one of the hottest. Travel tips for comic book convention attendees alaska. Are comic book conventions really comic book conventions. A lot of comic con panels offer only a few gems of real interest surrounded by endless fog of boring chatter. The first thing youll want to do after you figure out where and when your comic convention takes place is buy tickets. On the other hand, other convention attendees might just want a sketch of sherlock holmes. And thats exactly the type of dining option thats available at most conventions. What do you consider to be a successful comic book convention event. As the 2019 convention season approaches thoughts turn to which conventions to attend and what to do while there.
I can say that with confidence as, at one point, i was reading over 150 titles a month and still maintain a collection that tips the storage unit scales at around 120 long boxes. For those that are new to comicbook conventions it may even tend to what tips and insights can they find in order to enhance their experience. Hey guys i might be heading to the states next year with the gf and we would like to plan the trip around one or two comic conventions. There are dozens of comic book conventions around the united states each year, drawing tens of thousands of visitors from cities near and far.
It was founded as the golden state comic book convention in 1970 by a group of san diegans, which included shel dorf, richard alf, ken krueger and mike towry. Our next show is sunday, august 28th from 11am4pm est. How to organize a comic convention con tips youtube. Nov 29, 2017 looking ahead to 2018 comic book conventions have a number of things in store for us. Over the past few years, theres been an explosion in attendance and enthusiasm for comic book conventions around the world. The beginning of the summer generally means the start of comic book convention season for a lot of us. Celebrate with fellow fans at the best comic book conventions in chicago for cosplayers, anime fans and horror movie buffs. For all of you future tradeshow or convention vendors, i suggest these tips. Want to add your con or show to our convention calendar. This comic is a handy primer for anyone looking to sell at a convention for the first time. Check out our comic convention advice, tips, and tricks for attending your first con.
Artist and toucan blogger steve lieber offers some candid tips about getting your portfolio ready to show at conventions, including wondercon anaheim, march 2931 at the anaheim convention center. Make sure that the pack you take to the convention is reliable. This years comiccon international in san diego marked the 41st year of a comic book convention gone pop. Buy simpsons mailin convention comic book guy action figure. Over the past few years more and more have popped up to the point they are.
The first things to do the first thing youll want to do after you figure out where and when your comic. You can pick up your free wb bag, comic con publications 2016 souvenir book, events guide, and quick guide and lanyard in the sails pavilion at your convenience. Bernie bubnis, whose idea it had been to hold the convention, had invited lone ranger artist tom gill for a chalk talk on how to draw for comics. Its hard to imagine the humble beginnings of this event that now makes up nearly 25% of the san diego convention centers annual traffic. What its like to run a comic book convention completeset.
May 17, 2018 south bend the south bend comic book convention takes place from 10 a. Nov 18, 2007 if left to their own devices, most comic book geeks would live on a diet of nachos and soda. So said phil seuling, founder of the new york comic art convention, in the 1977 comic art convention program book. International festival of comics in algiers, algeria est. Advice for comic book convention plannerspromoters. Commonly, comic conventions are multiday events hosted at convention centers, hotels, or college campuses. For now, just remember that a comic book convention is like any other social event you may attendexcept that there will lots of old comics you want, as well as some bimbo dressed as vampirella. Valley con features celebrities, comic books, artists, cosplay and all of the usual goodies.
Convention scene upcoming florida comic book conventions. The minnesota comic book convention being held at the doubletree st paul east former hotel metro st paul 3m area located at 2201 burns ave. There are stories of the first time conventions, stories of cosplay, stories of waiting in line for four hours for your hero to sign your comic. Comic con collecting tips, buying, deals, strategies, advice. If you want some expanded information about this list, check out our sample chapter, what to bring on our website. How to stand out in a crowd of thousands at conventions. Thinking about getting a table or booth at a comic book convention, but dont know the first thing about selling your wares.
A comic book convention, often referred to as a comic con, is a gathering or event where comic book fans, collectors, artists, writers, publishing companies, and vendors attend to celebrate. Our guide to comiccon 2020 for beginners bucket list events. Mar 25, 2017 the schwedas were among people coming from all over northeastern wisconsin to see the green bay comic book convention. In his piece he tells of phil seulings plans for his events. Consider this a primer and advice for people considering starting up traditional comic book conventions or similar eventp. Youll be sitting among some of your fiercest competitors, so highlight what makes you unique. Share your comic book convention tips in the comments below. A cosplayers advice on how to be safe at conventions like comic. Have your employees pass out flyers with coupons or hand out a. Chicago comic cons artist alley is full of indie artists and comic creators.
A family friendly entertainment event near boston ma, featuring all things that appeal to fans of comics, collectibles, toys, movies, television, video games, cosplay, fandom, pop culture, and more. Originally comic con consisted of a few nerds swapping comics, but now its a multimillion dollar event. Now is the time to start planning which conventions to attend, and where they are, to make travel and work arrangements. So youve followed our advice and planned your trip to the national book festival on sept. San diego comiccon international started in 1970 as a gathering for comic book fans. Plan on seeing lots of road closures around the convention center.
Comics, toys, books, cosplay, anime, video games, star wars, original artwork, trading cards, comic creators and celebrity guests. It is a collection of comic book convention experiences from 48 creators and geeks, all shared in one beautiful volume. Jun 22, 20 as i live about an hour north of san diego and drive down to the convention center each day of the event, i cant advise on travel or accommodation, but read on for tips on what to wear, bring, and expect at san diego comic con. Looking ahead to 2018 comic book conventions have a number of things in store for us. Miniinterviews for our 7 year anniversary kickstarter. The best comic book conventions in chicago time out chicago. This years convention will attract more than 125,000 comic book, movie and television fans, packing the san diego convention centers. Paul i94 exit 246b mcknight ave eastbound exit 247 century ave westbound the convention is open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm and is the only twin cities comic event where admission is free. Here are some tips straight from some of the coolest people at the. Advice for comic book convention plannerspromoters the. The large halls, the costumed people, bright and shiny merchandise, and a handful of famous people can be a bit overwhelming if its something you have yet to experience. It showcases the best new titles in the genres and offers. Ive been to hundreds of comics convention panel discussions as a comics editor, publicist, journalist, and fan. Daytona beach comic book convention 601 s clyde morris blvd.
Other tips may be posted here as they occur to us, or as you suggest them to me. Comic book convention how is comic book convention. Originally comiccon consisted of a few nerds swapping comics, but now its a multimillion dollar event. I am not that interested in all the new media stuff my main concern would be buyingoogling ba, sa, and ga. Simpsons mailin convention comic book guy action figure. Not the type of fare that refreshes and energizes you in the middle of a long day on the convention floor. Follow the links to each events individual website to confirm dates and times.
Trae is a cofounder of no brand con and has over fourteen year of experience working conventions. Superhero songs comic book stores best streaming tv service comic book news. Dos and donts for making convention panels interesting. Here, then, are some important tips on navigating the. Over the past few years more and more have popped up to the point they are essentially happening every weekend somewhere around the world.
In this video we get a glimpse into a few of the aspects of running your own comic or pop culture convention. This years comic con international in san diego marked the 41st year of a comic book convention gone pop. Comic book convention survival guide general comic. Tampa bay comic con comics comic creators celebrity. Heres some tips on making them more interesting for all from an industry veteran. A comic book convention, often referred to as a comiccon, is a gathering or event where comic book fans, collectors, artists, writers, publishing companies, and vendors attend to celebrate. We update our calendar regularly when more comic book conventions are announced or as we learn of them see how to add your event to our calendar. Showing your portfolio at conventions comiccon international. Ive been meaning to start this conversation for about a week now but its spring break and time is scarce no, its actually scarce in real life not just overstreet scarce but actually being hoarded by collectors. This is a representation of an article i wrote in 2010. They are great fun and a perfect way to celebrate the medium.
Watch edit this is a list of noteworthy comic book conventions, as distinct from anime conventions, furry conventions, gaming conventions, horror conventions, multigenre conventions, and science fiction. Check out some of the items i mentioned in the video below. Comiccon survival tips for the uninitiated the beat. Top comic book conventions to look forward to in 2018. This is an ongoing attempt to build a solid guide for anyone to start their own scifi, gaming or anime convention. Comic book conventions are a huge part of comic book culture.
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