art by Rick Geary
1) Wear comfortable shoes with good padding.
2) Drink plenty of water.
3) Bring money to buy your special items. You can get some bargains at the end of the show, but you risk that the item is sold out.
4) Be ready to stand in line for many events and booths, you may need to get a get ticket prior to a signing at the Sails section on the upper floor--check the times, usually 6-9 am every morning.
5) Check the health status for attending the convention--check the SDCC website for rules.
6) You can buy SDCC merchandise online and then pick it up in person, including at the Cartoonist Across America & the World booth.
7) Look for cancelled appearances or events, pick up the update sheets or try the unofficial blog.
8) Harbor Blvd. may be closed off--plan ahead for your ride, check the site.
9) Check out the San Diego Zoo not just Comic-Con events, or maybe take a visit to the Comic-Con Museum.
10) There are many evening events, some at adjoining hotels, fields, theaters, and related areas.
11) Be kind and shower--many people everywhere. Be courteous and give folks room.
12) There is a child badge w/adult ticket, see the website for info., this is usually done onsite.
13) Bring pens and paper if you want autographs.
14) Be kind to artists, event folks, cosplayers, and each other--all here to have fun and stay safe.
15) Bring snacks--you will need them while waiting in line or sitting in halls, same with water. The coffee and snack lanes may be long.
16) Don't leave your items anywhere, including coaster, train, trolley, rooms, and convention center. Make sure to take your belongings with you--double check as you leave.
17) Do not carry big or heavy items--check them in to your hotel, or better yet, check them in at coat check at the lobby of the convention floor.
18) There are plenty of things to do outside of the convention. There are literally hundreds of giveaways, tents, and folks giving out great goodies outside the convention area. Check out the food in the Gaslamp district.
19) There are many, many panels full of actors, writers, artists, and fans. Take a look and attend a panel.
There is a panel by Emilio Soltero, Figure Drawing for Popular media---Thursday afternoon. See the schedule for more info.
20) Take public transportation (Red Trolley, bus, shuttle), carpool with friends and family, walk, bike, ferry, or jog.
21) There is a souvenir book that you can download for free--at the Comic-Con website.
22) Support the artists from artist alley, many of them actual create comics--y'know, what the convention is named after.
23) Get earlier to a panel, there might be a long line hours prior. This way you can make sure to get in.
24) Some events and signings require a ticket prior---check it out first.
25) You will do lots of walking, and there will be many things to see---plan out your schedule if you can.
26) Stay at a hotel where you can take a shuttle or the red trolley.
27) Some of your favorite artists or writers may be present, prepare and bring your books to get signed. Check the signing times.
28) Unfortunately, there are some thieves, watch your bags, if on the trolley or shuttle make sure to look back--that you did not forget anything. Some folks may try to distract you. 98% of the folks are great but you need to be careful.
29) If you make the trip to old town (SD--red trolley) look for some restaurants that have homemade tortillas, flour and corn.
30) Panels and signings may only take place on certain days---make sure you get there on time. If you do not have a pass for the day you want, maybe a friend can get to the signing of your choice.
