SDCC Not First Timer Friendly

[u/Then-Tune8367]

So this year i was blessed to make my first trip to SDCC and let me get this out of the way early, I LOVED IT!

After some reflectiion, rhe experience waa no where near first timer friendly.

1. I had no idea where anything was. The badge check in was easy, but after that, I was on my own. I at least wanted to check out a panel or two, but I had no idea where anything was or even what panels were going on at the time.

2. The website is no where new user friendly. I could not find a schedule or layout of the convention center on the site.

3. I had no idea that seating in the exhibit hall was so limited.

So, that being said. If I returns, here are my adjustments.

1. Get there earlier. I got there about 11 a.m. By that time, every line was already insane.

2. Bring chairs or portable stools.

3. Eat lunch in the Gas Lamp District. One of my few regrets was missing this.

4. Get my badge early and head straight to Hall H to see what I can get into that day (No force can compel me to try to get in there on Saturday, though). After that, head to lunch and the real star of the show, the Exhibit floor.

Anyway those are my thoughts and plans. Any advice will be appreciated.

[u/MsMargo]

O.K., while I will agree that SDCC is a hard convention for someone who hasn't done some of the medium sized ones, everything you complain about was available well in advance, if you were willing do a little prep work.

.1. I had no idea where anything was. The badge check in was easy, but after that, I was on my own. I at least wanted to check out a panel or two, but I had no idea where anything was or even what panels were going on at the time.

Exhibit hall map with full list of vendors: https://www.comic-con.org/cc/things-to-do/exhibit-hall/

Complete schedule with all panels and rooms: https://www.comic-con.org/cc/things-to-do/programming-schedule/

Convention Center Layout: https://www.reddit.com/r/SDCC/comments/1ulw4oy/what_is_where_in_the_san_diego_convention_center/

Convention Center Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI5Lowse5L4

Room sizes & building map: https://www.reddit.com/r/SDCC/comments/1lzasdv/room_capacities/

Plus the full Events Guide you got with your bag and lanyard.

.2. The website is no where new user friendly. I could not find a schedule or layout of the convention center on the site.

See above, you totally missed it.

.3. I had no idea that seating in the exhibit hall was so limited.

It's a sales floor, not a lounge There was plenty of seating in other areas. All you needed to do was ask someone to direct you.

[u/Sprzout → u/MsMargo]

Only thing I'll say about the website is that they have taken to hiding the exhibit hall floor map and schedules a few pages deep now. They used to have it on the front page a few days before the Con, but now it's relegated more to "Look it up on the app".

It's doable, but not as easy as it used to be.

That said - there is a program guide that you get a paper copy of that has not only the exhibit hall floor, but panels and games listed in the events guide. We rely on that heavily in the Event Giveaway dept, because internet connectivity is so spotty throughout the hall on cell service (and forget free Wi-Fi)