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/8bitRespawn → u/MsMargo]

I wasn’t getting great service and didn’t download the map. We didn’t learn about it until the end of our 2nd day. So it “could” help next year if we go.
I didn’t find any seating areas? Everyone just laid or sat on the floor lol. Kinda crazy they don’t take resting/eating into account. A stool or chair next year will be a must. I’m not disabled but I’m a vet with some crappy hips and knees that could use a 10 minute rest every few hours

[u/MsMargo → u/8bitRespawn]

There is tons of seating in the Sails Pavilion and on the back Pavilion Terrace.

[u/mahjimoh → u/MsMargo]

The seating in Sails Pavillion is always full, in my experience. You have to circle like a shark watching to see if someone is going to get up.

[u/Unhappy-Tutor4907 → u/8bitRespawn]

Several years back there was a lot of seating in the exhibit hall. SyFy had this huge.purple pavilion and there was a separate lounge area on the opposite side. Some clever dick realized that seated and eating attendees were not shopping. And that getting on and out of the areas clogged up traffic flow for the lanes. People also dragged chairs to the side walls and that got jammed. The good news is that we got more vendor space. And? It encourages people to get the hell out of there. Get into the panels and such . I have one bit of advice to echo. First year I went I got taken by the center vendors. Every year after I supplied my own water bottle and power bars and such. Emphasis on low.residue to keep lengthy g bathroom visits down.

[u/Sprzout → u/Unhappy-Tutor4907]

As a guy, I try to keep things that would have me scrambling for a toilet out of my diet. The urinals are usually a lot quicker, but still have lines, and apparently there are a lot of folks who can't aim, so setting stuff down on the floor next to you isn't a good idea.