This was my first time going to San Diego Comic Con (SDCC 2015). I learned quite a few things as a "newbie", so I would like to share some of my experiences... I hope they help some people out there who plan to go for the first time.
What to pack for SDCC?
1. Comfortable Shoes!
I cannot stress how important this one is. You will be walking and standing a ton during the convention (unless you plan to get into Hall H and never leave the room).
2. Bring snacks and water
You will probably be doing some sort of a long line at any given time, so it is very probable that you will get hungry during one of your lines and you certainly do not want to get off the line to get a drink or a snack. They sell some snacks and drinks in the Convention Center but there is definitely not a lot of variety there.
3. Bring your device's chargers or battery packs
Let's face it, you do not need to be nerd to know that we are all using our phones or smart devices all the time.While I suggest you put your phone down for a little and make conversation with the strangers next to you in the line, I still know for a fact that you will use your smart device in one way or another... so let's keep it real!
One tip: Look for wifi in the convention center. It took me a whole day to realize that there was wifi there! (I know, i know...it was not that big of a deal for me).
4. Do your homework!
It is very easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of events and people. The best way to know what to do is to plan ahead of time. I can make other blog posts about what app helped me this year... but whatever it is you wan to do, make sure you do your research ahead of time and write it down!!!
5. Pack an Umbrella and sunblock
This may sound ridiculous if you plan to be inside all day, but trust me you will need it. Some of the lines are extended outside (i.e. Hall H, or some of the exclusive toys or autographs lines, etc) and San Diego can get quite sunny and hot. They had some sunblock stations outside of the center but those were hard to find. For the umbrella, you have no idea how many people told me that they wished they had an umbrella!
6. Be mentally ready to do lines!
Everything is a line at SDCC, unless you have some special VIP pass. If you are just a regular person attending for fun (like I was this year), you will be doing lines! (LONG LINES)
7. Meet your fellow "strangers in line"
When people ask me, "what was your favorite part of SDCC?" I always say the people! That sounds so cliche' but it is the truth! In my first and only experience at the con, the people I met in line were all mega cool. This is how I learn many tips on site! From my experience, the community was very well behave (considering the crazy amount of people who is in SD during that week, the negative incidents are not that significant).
8. Last but not least... have patience and do not forget to have fun!
Again, you will be doing lines after lines... so patience is your best friend. Bring a book (or get one for free at the expo), bring a game, or something to entertain yourself during the lines. Talk to people, ask questions, get information, and also share your tips. Oh and have fun!!
Tip: there is a ton of things to do outside of the convention center. If you do not get tickets for each of the days, do not worry... you will have plenty of choices outside of the convention center. Always check the events outside; some of those events are very cool and much easier to attend. I personally met some of my favorite authors and celebrities during those events outside of the center!
[The opinions above are based on my experiences. I am not affiliated to any group working at/with SDCC]
-Heidi
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