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Comic-Con International => CCI General Discussion => Topic started by: Angel_ on June 04, 2018, 12:19:18 PM

Title: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: Angel_ on June 04, 2018, 12:19:18 PM
Hello SDCC attendees and fellow over preppers!  One of my favorite thing about this forum is how overly prepared we are.  I don't feel quite so alone.  So let's laugh at ourselves a bit.  How do YOU overly prepare for SDCC?

For me it's the packing.  I usually start to put things in my suitcase a few months in advance.  I just moved a couple months ago so i'm "behind" this year.  Yes, I'm "behind" on packing with 44 days to go.  I don't, like, have a full suitcase or anything but at this point I've usually at least washed my travel gear like my packing cubes (to put clothing in), collapsible travel bag, etc.  I just now opened the box from my move that contained this stuff so I plan on washing them next weekend.  Other things I usually start accumulating are small things like extra phone chargers, toiletries I won't be using (like mini shampoos) etc.  You know, stuff I won't be using between now and the trip but I'm likely to forget BECAUSE they aren't things I use every day. 

None of this is done yep WHOOPS.  Of course, for the average person none of this SHOULD be done yet.  I'm ridiculous and I know it.

So fellow ridiculous over preppers, share your stories.  Don't leave me hanging.
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: SynXack on June 04, 2018, 01:01:28 PM
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Hello SDCC attendees and fellow over preppers!  One of my favorite thing about this forum is how overly prepared we are.  I don't feel quite so alone.  So let's laugh at ourselves a bit.  How do YOU overly prepare for SDCC?

For me it's the packing.  I usually start to put things in my suitcase a few months in advance.  I just moved a couple months ago so i'm "behind" this year.  Yes, I'm "behind" on packing with 44 days to go.  I don't, like, have a full suitcase or anything but at this point I've usually at least washed my travel gear like my packing cubes (to put clothing in), collapsible travel bag, etc.  I just now opened the box from my move that contained this stuff so I plan on washing them next weekend.  Other things I usually start accumulating are small things like extra phone chargers, toiletries I won't be using (like mini shampoos) etc.  You know, stuff I won't be using between now and the trip but I'm likely to forget BECAUSE they aren't things I use every day. 

None of this is done yep WHOOPS.  Of course, for the average person none of this SHOULD be done yet.  I'm ridiculous and I know it.

So fellow ridiculous over preppers, share your stories.  Don't leave me hanging.

For me, it's annoying my wife and friends and coworkers with daily Comic Con news/announcements.  I'm tough to have around this time of year.
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: Dubb on June 04, 2018, 01:04:20 PM
I like to go through the schedule on the app, and add any and every panel I may be interested in the slightest. I like to have options so I can decide what to do depending on where I am, or what other panels may overlap.

And last year it was all for naught - I attended ZERO panels. The good news is that skipped all the panels because I met most of the people I wanted to see in my hotel!
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: catvonawesome on June 04, 2018, 01:10:16 PM
I usually have a ready to go travel bag as well, with all my travel sized toiletries and stuff. But, I think during my last overseas trip I used up a lot of that stuff and then I moved so I don't have things in the grab n go area like I used to.

I've gotten much more relaxed about the con. My first few I had a Leslie Knope style binder with info for our whole group. Some of that I let go just because wifi/cell/internet service has gotten so much better that I don't worry about not being able to pull up digital copies of reservations. However, the digital organizing is just a crazy Leslie Knope binder in the cloud!!! My gmail folders get very specific and I've kept all emails going back to 2011.

(Also, part of why I'm more relaxed right now is that I don't really have a #1 thing outside of Star Wars. This could change at any moment. I love a lot of stuff but have seen them enough times at the con that I don't panic about it. That said, I'm probably gonna go Expanse crazy this year.)
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: semigeekgirl on June 04, 2018, 01:39:02 PM
I have a packing list in Excel that I can sort by item type, cosplay character, the bag it gets packed in, and its current status (in process, not purchased, not selected, needs to be washed, or packed).
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: Angel_ on June 04, 2018, 02:00:54 PM
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I have a packing list in Excel that I can sort by item type, cosplay character, the bag it gets packed in, and its current status (in process, not purchased, not selected, needs to be washed, or packed).

omg this is genius. I have an obsession with spreadsheets. I did similar when I backpacked Europe because I had to be economical with my space (30 days out of a small backpack YIKES).  I had columns for weight and volume.  It was...  fun. 

I love these responses.  We're birds of a feather  ;D
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: Michaelnaut on June 04, 2018, 03:28:00 PM
Umm...after reading these answers, I'm embarrassed to say that I just pack the weekend before?  Then again I don't cosplay (yet!!) or anything...
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: Angel_ on June 04, 2018, 03:34:01 PM
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Umm...after reading these answers, I'm embarrassed to say that I just pack the weekend before?  Then again I don't cosplay (yet!!) or anything...

I don't cosplay either.  But that's what this is all about.  Us being over prepared for no reason. We just...  we're just like this lol
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: Chris on June 04, 2018, 03:37:54 PM
This: 

Tips/Advice for First Timers and Veterans

Hello everyone!    A few things to note:

  <-These are checkboxes so you can mark stuff off as you go.
  Edit a copy of this checklist and print was is relevant for you to help you remember things.

  Remember the most important things on this checklist are to be safe and have fun!!!

Please continue to add to the thread with you inputs to help others have a great time at Comic Con!

Thanks.

To see an archived list of the Rev 2 post, please go here:  http://www.friendsofcci.com/forum/index.php?topic=1031.0
To see an archived list of the Rev 1 post, please go here:  http://www.friendsofcci.com/forum/index.php?topic=355.0
*************************************************************************

General Etiquette:
    Be considerate: only buy tickets for the days you are planning to actually attend to allow others the opportunity to attend the show.
    Don’t poke people with poster tubes/Cosplay Props.
    Navigating the show:
               -Don’t stop dead in the middle of an aisle/traffic flow
               -Be aware of your stroller/overstuffed WB bag/rolling bag and that it might be in someone’s way
               -If in a group, walk single file not side by side (like Sand People to hide your numbers)
               -Turn your shoulders when walking thru a crowd
               -Move to the side out of traffic flow when you want to see something
               -Move to the side when distracted (lost, on cell phone, eating nachos, etc)
    Be polite to scantily clad girls (and guys) in cosplay.  No groping.  Keep oogling to a minimum.
    Be aware that your taking cosplay photos is holding up traffic, have camera ready, move to the side, and take pics quickly.
               -Ask them if the time is convenient to take their photo (not when they have mouthful of food.)
    Be gentle with vendor’s wares.   Comics, etc are easily damaged.
    Vendors:  Be polite to your customers.
    Do not assume vendor display products are free.  Ask first.
    Be respectful when asking a celebrity for an autograph/photo outside of the con.
    Please respect for each attendee's fandom preferences. Healthy debate is fine-but don’t be mean.
    Be patient with CCI/volunteer/security staff, they are just as overwhelmed as you.
    Be nice to the volunteers-most of them don't get any perks but free admission for the day they work.
    Don't place anything on a retailers table or boxes (swag, backpack, sword, etc): ask first. It causes damage to inventory and prevents shopper access to table.
    Do not duck down to the floor in front of booths to stuff swag into your bag (it makes you look as if you are stealing something).
    Photobombing.  Keep in mind that people travelled long distances and paid a lot of money to get pics of themselves at the show.  They might not want you hanging out in the background with a silly expression in their pic with Stan Lee.
    Tell people if they dropped something and help them out-don't be tempted to take it for yourself.  Build some good Comic Con karma for yourself!
    Be polite.   Please, Thank You, You’re Welcome, Sorry About That, and watch the F-bombs:
SDCC is a family event.

What to bring:
    Comfortable clothes and shoes <- Absolute Must!!!  You will die of discomfort if you don’t do this.
               -Depending on how much you plan to be inside/outside and your body type (hot blooded/cold blooded), plan on your clothing layering/cosplay/blankets appropriately.
                              o  Some of the lines are outside and SD does get into the 80’s and 90’s in July.  Plan to stay cool/smelling good accordingly.
                              o  Temperature rules of thumb:
                                             -- Exhibit hall is very cold for the first hour.
                                             -- If temperatures are in the 70’s or lower outside, the exhibit hall will stay cool after first hour.
                                             -- If temperatures are in the 80’s or above outside, the exhibit hall will get very hot after first hour.
               -Bring enough clothes for however long you plan on being out. It may be nice and warm when you first get in line but if you plan on staying out til closing, it could be a lot cooler by then.
               -Sandals or open toed shoes will get your toes smashed in the big crowds.  Steel. Toed. Shoes.
               -Multiple pairs of shoes in case you want a fresh pair each day.
               -Wear clean underwear in case one is in an accident.
               -Bring extra underwear in case one has an accident.
               -Shady hat if you are going to be outside for a long time.
               -Extra clothes can be used for warmth or for line sitting padding.
    Backpack/Messenger Bag
               -Extra bags for purchases (light weight reusable type).
               -Bring extra suitcases to lug your Comic Con haul back home on the plane.  Store the small bags in the larger bags.
    Plastic zip bags to store your food/liquids in your backpack so that your purchases do not get damaged.
    Confirmation barcodes
    Multiple copies of to do list/purchase list
    Print out any directions that you might need to AND from locations
    Pens and Paper or Notepad
               -Mark favorite booth locations with a red pen which is easier to see on map in program guide
               -Bring multiple red pens as they get lost
               -Autograph pens.  Keep in mind that some pen inks fade over time
               -Sharpie on a string.
               -If you get caught without paper for autographs, ask them to sign your badge (the paper part, not the plastic.)
    Bring Cash
               -Avoid long ATM lines, ATM fees.
               -Bring various denominations (change $1’s, $5’s, etc).  Everyone brings $20s and vendors run out of change.  This is for vendors and attendees:  Especially for the first day.
               -Keep your money in order in your wallet, during all the excitement you don’t want to give someone a $20 when you meant to give them a $10 (I have been shortchanged before)
               -Keep a smaller amount of cash in your pocket and the remainder in a more secure place (money belt, bottom of backpack underneath everything, etc)
               -If you plan on carrying a lot of cash (probably not a good idea), but if you are:  use a money belt to keep it secure
    Cell phone and charger or battery packs
    Camera and charger (or film or memory cards)
               -Spare memory cards/batteries
    Charge all of your electronic devices overnight
    Turn your cell phone to airplane mode while at show to conserve the battery
    Turn your cell phone off to conserve the battery, but bring a watch
    Turn your cell phone screen brightness down when indoors to conserve battery life
    Watch with alarm
               -Set watch/cell phone alarms for meet ups/panels/etc-it is easy to get distracted and lose track of time
    Surge protector for your electronic devices http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002KEA9RS/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
    Power strip for your electronic devices
http://www.amazon.com/Monster-Outlets-To-Go-Powerstrip/dp/B000ONZTMW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3VYZDEX4M3R73&colid=3JM56LEWYTINN
    Battery chargers
    Keychain flashlight (particularly for panels)
    Refillable water bottle with secure top so that it does not leak in your backpack
               -Water bottle with built in filter.
    Power bars and snacks/food
               -Pack cheap, light food to eat.  Even if you are from out of town (probably cheaper than SD)
               -Bring food to trade with others cafeteria style
               -Bring food that is quiet to unwrap and to eat (no peanut brittle wrapped in cellophane) during panels
               -Don’t bring just junk snack food, bring healthy food.
    Protective materials for purchases (comic bag and boards, poster tube with shoulder harness, etc)
    Deodorant/Anti-perspirant for your armpits AND feet http://www.pharmacyonline.com.au/thursday-plantation-tea-tree-foot-spray-50ml?utm_source=MyShopping&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=thursday%20plantation%20tea%20tree%20foot%20spray%2050ml
    Breath mints
    Desiccant for backpack (dehumidifier packets)
    Entertainment for waiting in line (comics, books, music, movies, court jesters, etc.)
    Daily doses of needed medications so that you do not lose the whole bottle
    Antacids
    Vitamin C Drops for cold prevention
    Cough drops so you are not hacking during panels
    Hand Sanitizer/Wet Wipes
    Aspirin (consult your doctor before beginning an aspirin regimen)
    Contact lens case and solution/spare glasses/glasses case for folks with corrective lenses
    Blister specific bandages if you are prone to them
    Toilet Paper
    Portable Mini Folding Chair
              -Base your chair selection on your weight/chair’s structural integrity.  These chairs are small, so they can be flimsy. Related thread:  http://www.friendsofcci.com/forum/index.php?topic=268.0
    Sunscreen
    UV sunglasses
    Floss/Toothpicks.  Food.  Stuck in your teeth.  Annoying you.  All day.  Bad.
    Keep your confirmation barcodes with you throughout the Con in case you lose your badge.
    Print up labels with name, address, phone, email info to slap on entry forms. Always use a secondary e-mail for this, because you never know what type of list you are being added to.  Please keep in mind that you don’t want to lose these with all your vital information and be aware of who you are giving these to.
    Label your stuff or mark them with a unique sticker, ribbon accessory (let’s see if anyone gets that one), etc:  backpack, poster tube, etc.  Yes, write you name in your underwear too.
    Overpacking the backpack or not bringing the right stuff (food and water) can wear you out.   Don't load yourself up with a bunch of stuff you won't need.
    When buying something big/heavy, buy it early & put it in your car/hotel room/into the coat check ASAP.  Coat checks fill up by lunch time.
    A pack mule to carry all of this stuff   
    Patience
    A good sense of humor

Taking care of yourself/your belongings/your money:
    Get plenty of sleep.
    Remember to eat and hydrate (sounds silly, but you will forget to eat during the show).
    Take periodic breaks.
    Don’t party too hard in evenings.
    If you don’t exercise much, get a little in shape before the show.  Take walks in weeks before show.
    Stretch each day in the mornings, at your hotel, in line, etc.
    Wash your hands often-Comic Con funk is a very real thing.
    Be aware of thieves/pickpockets (especially your badge).
               -Carry your wallet in your front pocket to deter pickpockets
               -Free Hugs people might be pickpockets or pervs
    Hide your badge from others when outside of the convention center, people will rip them right off the lanyard.
               -Tape the paper portion of the badge to the plastic holder so that it does not slip out
               -Use more than one lanyard to secure your badge around your neck
               -Use the THICK, clear packing tape to reinforce the edges of your badge (if needed)
               -Do not be tempted to give or sell your badge away-you could get a lifetime ban
               -Bring your own lanyard that might be more secure http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Logo-Lanyard-Keychain-Holder/dp/B003GXMJG6/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1329985476&sr=1-1 or use one like the kind used for keys
               -If you pick up multiple single day badges at once, put them at the bottom of your backpack/bag underneath your other stuff so they do not fall out or get pickpocketed.
    Protect your belongings at the show:
               -Make it a habit to make sure your backpack/bag is zipped up before you walk away after a purchase
               -Keep bag on your side rather than back
               -Keep backpack zippers all to one side for easy access
    Remember that San Diego is a nice place but it has the same crime problems as any city.
    Use RFID cases to protect your credit cards.  Or you can request non-RFID cards from your provider ahead of time.
    Be aware of scammers that intercept credit card info as they are transmitted wirelessly for purchases.
    Don’t wander too far away from the Gaslamp Quarter, there are some bad areas of downtown.
    Walk in groups or the buddy system while outside of the convention center.
    Be safe in travel:
               -Don’t drink and drive.  San Diego is a party city and SDPD is looking for drunk drivers-you WILL get a DUI. Be safe:  Take a cab!!!  (See bottom of this post for San Diego cab phone numbers)               
               -Don’t cross street in front of cars & trolleys
               -Don’t overstuff a trolley car
               -If you are used to traffic being on the left side of the road, be extra careful when crossing the street.
    Arrange for a “someone got lost place”/meeting/break place with your group (particularly for kids).
               -Don’t rely solely on your cell phone
               -The cell towers can get overloaded = no signal
               -Texts might work better than cell calls
               -For kids, meet at end of current row meeting place in case they get separated from you
               -Don't make the mistake of thinking you'll be able to find someone easy at the show by just looking around.
   Have the contact info for everyone in your group preprogrammed.  And a paper copy couldn’t hurt.
   Unlock your twitter account so people can message you during the con
   For parents, have a clear, recent picture of your children in case they get lost.
    Park in the same spot each day to avoid getting turned around.
    If you drop off swag at your car, make sure it is covered up or in the trunk.
    Some vendors will sell your contact information (phone and email) when you let them scan your badge.
    No running in the convention center. People can get hurt.  Security will stop you and escort you out of the hall.
    After sitting down anywhere (in line, to take a break, in a panel, etc), make it a habit to check around you to make sure you are not leaving something behind.  Stuff WILL fall out of your bag and stuff WILL stay plugged into the walls if you do not check for them.
    If you lose your badge or its gets stolen, you can get a replacement, but they charge for it ($75 for 2012) and it takes away from Con time.  It’s better to just take care of your badge and make sure nothing happens to it.
    Write down the serial numbers for your electronic equipment and carry it with you so that you can identify it as yours in case it gets lost.
    If you see something that doesn't look right, tell convention center employees.
    Know where the exits are.
    Don’t Panic!

Travel:
    Notify your banks or credit card providers that you will be traveling so that they can flag your account so that your purchases won't trigger any suspicious activity blocks and leave you without access to funds.
    Bring your insurance cards with you.
    Leave your passport locked safely in your hotel room! No reason to carry it with you around and risk losing it. But do carry some form of ID.

Driving in San Diego:
    Californians drive fast.  If you are from out of town and not used to this, stay to the slower lanes on the freeways.
    California roads are not intuitive (i.e. turning east to get on the freeway west).  If you have time, do dry runs to your destinations to avoid confusion while en route.
    Southern Californians cannot drive in the rain.  If it starts raining, slow down and pay attention.

Dealing with Jet Lag:
   Start adjusting to the time zone change before you arrive.
   If you get sleepy during the day, try power naps in a safe place for you and your swag.
   Do calisthenics and simple exercises like jumping jacks to get the blood flowing.  And STRETCH!
   Try to come a day or two early (especially if you have a BIG time adjustment) so that you are adjusted before the Con begins.

Planning:
    Plan your Comic Con schedule days before you go.  Plan plan plan.
    You are not going to be able to see everything you want to.  Come up with a plan and execute it.  But stay flexible in case there are changes.
    Formulate a backup plan in case something falls through.
    Check daily updated panel schedule changes that are posted around the Convention Center.  There is a  newspaper/flyer printed each day with the updates in the main lobby and up in the Sails Pavilion.
    Allow for time to traverse the showroom floor to get where you need to-this can take a while.
    Google map where the downtown Ralph’s grocery store is ahead of time.  http://services.ralphs.com/StoreLocator/StoreDetails.aspx?recordId=70300123
    Put your name, address, phone, email on anything important ahead of time.
    If you plan on waking up very early, lay out your clothes/pack your backpack/get fully prepared the night before each day of convention.  You are less likely to forget something when you are kind of awake at the end of the day than still asleep in the morning.
    Get prices for what you want to purchase ahead of time on the internet to estimate how much money to save up or bring.  Google is your friend with this.
    Google map the area around your hotel before you arrive to save recon work/walk time in foraging for food, etc.

Panels:
    For more popular panels (especially Hall H and Ballroom 20), plan to long waits (general rules:  over 3 hours for extremely popular panels (Big Bang Theory, etc), 3 hours for Hall H/Ballroom 20, 1 hour for regular panels).
    Keep in mind the size of the room and popularity of the panel as this will increase the wait time.
    If you’re dying to see a panel, spend as much time as it takes to get in.
    If you’re marginal on a panel, take a risk with 1 hour ahead of time, last minute, or even late.
    If you get to/leave a panel early, do so quietly.
    If you think you might leave a panel early, sit towards the outside rows so that you don’t disturb others.
    If you are waiting thru a panel to see the one after, please be respectful of the current panel even if you are not interested (no talking, cell phones, etc).
    If by yourself, make friends in line for place holding for restroom breaks, etc.
    If there are empty seats, use one.  The fire marshal needs accurate headcounts to let people in and people milling around the back of the room does not help.
    Please pick up after yourself after panel room campout.
    Bring food that is quiet to unwrap and to eat (no peanut brittle wrapped in cellophane) during panels. (Repeated)
    Bring padding for chairs (cushions, pillows) if you think you will need it.
    Smaller panels can fill up quickly due to smaller room sizes.
    Wait to make sure a panel 100% full before giving up.  Sometimes when they do a headcount again, spaces open up.
   Other than Hall H:  You can leave during a panel by getting a "coupon/ticket" that you can use to re-enter by skipping the line.  You cannot do this between panels. The tickets change for each panel and you have to return by a certain time.  You might lose your seat after you leave so be prepared to find another one.
   Hall H has a capacity of 6,700 and Ballroom 20 is at 4,000.  Factor in those numbers when figuring out what time to get in line and for which room.  It's nearly impossible to catch a panel in one room and then get in to the other room for the next panel.

Waiting in line:
    Make sure you are at the end of line and not at a break in the line before joining the line.
    The lines are long and nothing can prepare you for them-even veterans get flustered at the long lines.
    Beware of being lured into a line by offers of freebies-unless it is something you really want.
    Make sure you are in the right line for the thing you want.
    People will line up when there isn’t supposed to be a line.  i.e. Lines form for no reason.  Don’t make that mistake.
    Make friends with new people while in line.
    Comic Con no longer allows you to save spots in lines for people to show up late.  Have your group together and on time for any panels you want to see together.

Things to Consider:
    Going to the show (Han) Solo style is not the end of the world.  It is fun going by yourself.
               -Things that can be made easier by going solo:
                              o  Finding panel seating.
                              o  Navigating exhibit hall.
                              o  You don’t have to do what “the group” wants to do.
               -Don't use up another ticket because you don't want to go alone and allow someone else to attend the show.  It's good karma.
               -You will not get lonely with over 100,000 people in a single building.
    Don’t be afraid for the group to break up and re-meet during the day.
               -You won’t have to suffer thru their stuff and vice versa and no arguments about what to see next.
               -Part of the fun is the “and then I saw this” conversations at the end of the day.
               -In the popular panels, it is easier to grab 1 seat closer to the stage than to get a whole row for all your buddies.
    Balance your time between the exhibit hall and panels.  Don’t get too lopsided until you know you want to be lopsided.
    Not everything has to be planned.  You will find the best stuff sometimes just walking the floor like Caine in Kung Fu.
    The large crowds might be overwhelming/scary/tiring for your small child.  Depending on your child’s disposition/personality/endurance, they might not enjoy the experience. Book some time with kiddy corp, they're flexible http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_child.php  It's cheaper to book prior to the show.
    Consider taking an extra day off work the day after the show to rest.  The show is exhausting.
    Your legs will HURT from walking/standing for at least a day or two after the show.  Be mindful of post show activities this might impact.
    If you have never been to the show before, nothing can prepare you for the massive crowd.  Be prepared to be tired.
    Don’t try to find parking downtown the days of the show.  Take the trolley, but check trolley hours if you plan on late nights.
    If you plan on waking up early during the show, start getting used to it a few days beforehand.
    Be sure to check out the areas adjacent to the Convention Center, both comic con related and not.
    Panels are usually available for viewing on YouTube later the same day in case you are not able to get into one.
    You will probably be in a funk for a couple of days after the show.  Going back to the real world after Comic Con is no fun.
               -Stay in contact with the friends you made at the show to avoid the post-Con blues.
               -Support smaller shows in your area to help with post-Con withdrawals.
               -It is normal to feel a little deflated for a little while after the show is over.  If this is too intense or lasts too long, talk to someone to figure out how to fix the problem.

Cosplay:
    You might want to consider going in costume certain days but not all days.  When you are in costume, you will get stopped a lot by people who want to take your picture which makes it harder to see all the stuff that you want to.
    Wear your costume before the show for a day around the house to make sure it is comfortable in all the right places.  You don’t want cosplay induced wedgies/blisters during the show.
    Do not wear costumes that have parts that can poke people. (Repeated)
    Bring materials to fix your costume in case something tears/breaks during the show.

Random:
    Sunday has best deals, but vendors could sell out by Sunday or earlier-decide how bad you want the purchase.  Buy what you are dying to have as soon as you can as it might be sold out Sunday.  Buy things you can do without Sunday as some vendors will put discounts on items so they don't have to lug it back home.
    Exclusives sell out quicker.  Non-exclusives do not run out as fast.
    If you see a cool piece of swag someone is carrying around, politely ask where they got it so you know where to find it.
    Remember to haggle.  It is somewhat expected-just remember to do it respectfully.
    If you do not get the WB bag that you wanted, politely ask someone to trade.  People are surprisingly open to this.  Just make sure that both bags are 100% empty before you trade.

Rumor Dispelling:
    You will not die if you do not get a 4-day with preview night pass/4-day pass/etc.   Usually 3 days is when people start to be in a fog from being overly tired.
    You will not die if you don’t get a downtown parking spot.  The trolley is a wonderful way to get to the show.
    Your Comic Con experience will not be ruined if you do not get to see a panel, get an exclusive, meet a celebrity that you wanted to.  These are disappointing, yes, but remember to enjoy the experience of the show as a whole.  Even if you miss one of those things, you will still have a very good time.
    Having 4 single day passes is just as good as a 4 day pass.  CCI has taken steps to make multiple day badge pickup painless.
    For 2011, people camped out for days for the Twilight panel.  The panel was less than half full, so no camping was required.

Again, remember the most important things on this checklist are to be safe and have fun!!!  Hopefully, you found this list helpful!

Although our list is the best, here are some other tips lists:

http://www.shineblitzon.com/tumblr/ComicConArtofWar.pdf
http://crazy4comiccon.wordpress.com/2012/07/09/top-10-ways-to-make-the-best-comic-con/
http://crazy4comiccon.wordpress.com/2012/06/25/comic-con-2012-dont-leave-home-without-it/
http://crazy4comiccon.wordpress.com/2012/06/20/top-10-ways-to-ruin-your-comic-con/


*************************************************************************
PLEASE DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE DURING YOUR TRIP TO COMIC CON!!!

It is easy to get swept up in things while attending comic con, but if you plan on partying or drinking, PLEASE TO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!!!  Have a plan AHEAD OF TIME:  designated driver/cab/walk/etc.  San Diego is a party town and police are actively looking for drunk drivers, so don’t get yourself a DUI.

Also and more importantly, there are A LOT of people walking around downtown during the show and you do not want to hurt or kill anyone.  Program these into your phone ahead of time:

San Diego Cab:  619-226-8294
Orange Cab:  619-291-3333
Yellow Cab:   619-234-6161

Bookmark this page now:  http://www.google.com/search?q=san+diego+cab+companies&hl=en&gbv=2&gs_l=hp.3..0l2j0i30l7j0i5i30.937.3906.0.4031.24.16.0.4.4.0.313.1970.1j5j2j2.10.0...0.0.d_Nzyv0s7i0&oq=san+diego+cab+companies&aq=0&aqi=g2g-K7g-mK1&aql=

Or check with your hotel for shuttle service.


*************************************************************************

Hello?  Anyone still here/awake?  It's a badge of honor if you made it to the end.  :)
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: TardisMom on June 04, 2018, 03:38:31 PM
I always start buying snacks and drinks and such way too far in advance, and then it is way too much and I end up bringing most of it back home again.
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: Angel_ on June 04, 2018, 04:36:23 PM
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Hello?  Anyone still here/awake?  It's a badge of honor if you made it to the end.  :)

This is a work of art.
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: wldwmn on June 04, 2018, 05:04:58 PM
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*************************************************************************

Hello?  Anyone still here/awake?  It's a badge of honor if you made it to the end.  :)

This. This is why I adore you.  :)
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: Mel on June 04, 2018, 06:45:39 PM
Wow Chris, that was amazing.
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: Chris on June 04, 2018, 07:50:37 PM
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This is a work of art.

I totally forgot that I wrote the last line.  :)
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: AlaskaRainbow on June 04, 2018, 07:52:58 PM
I love this thread but I’m not sure what you mean by “overprep”.  Isn’t that just prep for all of us? ;)

There’s a box in the bedroom with “Bring to Con” written on it & I usually start doing that in April. I toss in stuff like earplugs for the plane, really light travel bags to hang on my backpack, travel luggage scale, travel plug-in strips, Sharpies (black, silver, gold, pink), etc etc etc

I’ve already fessed up here more than once about my Leslie Knope binder obsession. Binder for each year of SDCC (2012-present). I look at the other binders a lot especially now with Offsites being announced. Check the previous binders for restaurants, swag stuff, exclusives. I usually spend some time researching the past sites of my fandoms, studios, artists to see what they might be doing/bringing this year.

 I keep track of Twitter accounts to follow for this time of year & setup notifications for some of them. (I never turn off the notifications for SDCC & SDCC Unofficial Blog.) If it wasn’t for someone posting a photo on Twitter of empty seats in Hall H we would have never even considered trying to get in for the Dreamworks panel a few years ago, the one with Jim Parsons, Benedict Cumberbatch, John Malkovich-it was awesome & the only time I’ve been in Hall H.

I’m on the FOCC site every day whether I post or not. I can’t tell you how often this Forum has provided tips, great ideas, friendship, consoling, hotel rooms...
I am so grateful for the people here & the willingness to help, I always know if I read a rumour I can come here & get the info.

Really looking forward to the Tues night meet up this year. We haven’t made it previously but we are going to be there this year!
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: Vapors on June 04, 2018, 08:56:33 PM
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This: 

Tips/Advice for First Timers and Veterans

Snip


Shut it down!  This wins the thread.

Although to be honest, its probably the most extensive and comprehensive guide one could hope to have.  For me, my eyes start glazing over after about 5 lines.
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: marcia29 on June 05, 2018, 03:57:05 AM
[member=525]AlaskaRainbow[/member] - "There’s a box in the bedroom with “Bring to Con” written on it & I usually start doing that in April." 

Ok...I need to start this now.  I don't want to pack a suitcase yet, but I do need to start my box...NOW.  Maybe I will decorate the box with some stickers and crap that I got from years past.
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: Zero on June 05, 2018, 06:41:50 AM
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Shut it down!  This wins the thread.

Although to be honest, its probably the most extensive and comprehensive guide one could hope to have.  For me, my eyes start glazing over after about 5 lines.

Did someone bring out the Global Mod Signal?!   

I would be happy to oblige...  XD  (I'm kidding.  I won't do that, ha ha.)

In case anyone is wondering, the Global Mod Signal looks like the Bat Signal, but it has "GM" embedded in the actual bat logo, ha ha.  We also have an alternate one where it's just a pair of (anime) eyes glaring at you, but that one isn't used as much...  It scares off the interns and the typing-and-flying monkeys.  (Don't tell anyone we have those, ha ha.  We found them on Earth... I can't remember the number anymore.)


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I love this thread but I’m not sure what you mean by “overprep”.  Isn’t that just prep for all of us? ;)

XD Indeed.

This is probably a little sappy, but... truthfully I think of it like this: I over-prepare for Comic-Con by being on this forum.  Reading through all of everyone's experiences, tips, and advice is one of the best ways to get in the know about what to do for this or where to go for that come convention time.  The collected and shared information is genuinely wonderful--and we get to learn about each other along the way.   I've read a great deal of things I've never known about Comic-Con or even thought of until someone happens to bring it up on the forums, and sometimes, I'm happily surprised when I learn something new or interesting.  You store that information for later, for when you need it.

To put it in another way: "With our powers [and experiences] combined, we're Captain Comic-Con!"  Ha ha.

On another note, most of my actual Comic-Con preparation involves going through the schedule to see what I'm interested in attending or packing healthy snacks for the day.  (I'm fortunate enough to be able to live locally in San Diego, but I have a great respect for those who come from out of town or out of the country.  Packing is serious business!  When you're packing for Comic-Con, that's even more intense.)

Over the years of attending conventions and/or volunteering at them, I've developed this habit of carrying a bottle of water in my hand so I remember to actually drink water throughout the day.  More often that not, I may get distracted with logistics problem solving or conflict resolution while volunteering, so I sometimes forget to eat, but because I have bottled water in my hand, I know I can keep hydrated during the convention at the very least.  That's my main way of "over-preparing."  It's harder to forget something if it's front and center in the palm of your hand.  *laughs*

I also like to double check I actually have my Comic-Con badge and lanyard with me or in my bag before I head out to the convention center.

^__^d
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: dkd on June 05, 2018, 06:55:47 AM
I copy the schedule from the website to a Word document that I can review offline.  Initially, it is very big--100's of pages--due to line spacing and other factors.  But, I slowly re-format it and edit it down.  During this process, I really become familiar with the entire schedule.

I don't really use it once I get to the con.  It's just the whole process that I'm addicted to.
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: perc2100 on June 05, 2018, 08:25:46 AM
I don't think I've ever been too 'over prepping.'  I've been going to SDCCI since 2000 when you could walk up to the door and buy a 4-day pass Thursday morning for about $60 or so.  I've always obsessed over the panel schedule, and having Plan A, B, and C  but I'm more of a go-with-the-flow type of Comic-Con goer.  I plan my days meticulously buy in-the-moment on any given day I may change my mind based off of an off-site I want to check out, someone's signing I might want to line-up for, etc.  I'm lucky that I don't have to worry about packing, so after I procured parking last month now it's just wait and see when the schedule comes out.  The closest I may get is packing meals for every day Wed-Sun (like, Wed. morning I'll have all my meals ready to go for the duration of Comic-Con) so I don't have to think about it too much night before a given day.  I've gotten to a point where I like to enjoy a fairly leisurely-paced Comic-Con without everything already planned
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: comicconfamily on June 05, 2018, 09:20:21 AM
Our ridiculousness every year:

--Because we arrive early, we have a spreadsheet created with places we want to go to (activities/outings) and restaurants we want to eat at. A copy will be made for each family member. Each member will mark items with either Yes, Maybe, I Don't Care, or No Way. The husband/dad will complain about doing it and say he doesn't care. But we all know he does care. He'll end up filling it out because the risk of not going to restaurants with good beer is just too much. The data from these lists will be used to create our itineraries.

--We start buying snacks so much in advance that we have to be watchful of expiration dates. "Oh, it's February and this beef jerky is on sale. We should buy some for Comic-Con."

--I've google street viewed the perimeter and nearby streets to our hotel this year multiple times. I know where to pull in, the best route to get out, restaurants nearby, etc.

--I stalk Torrid and other clothing stores year-round for pop culture/fandom clothing. I'll buy stuff and put it away for Comic-Con, even if it's months away, I bought an Avengers skirt and I wore it ONLY for seeing Infinity War and now it's been put away until Comic-Con. Not sure this is crazy though, I mean, if I waited until a month or so before SDCC I wouldn't have as many options.
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: karli2067 on June 05, 2018, 09:26:46 AM
This is probably my favorite topic ever! I feel like I'm surrounded by kindred spirits.  I feel like I'm over prepping every single day all year long.  I read this forum everyday as well as search online obsessively for any news or tips I might of missed.  I will watch youtube videos of people walking the convention floor.  But my ridiculousness shows in my packing.  Two years ago I unpacked my bag and realized I had packed 22 t-shirts.  22 t-shirts for a five day trip.  I bring about everything a person could imagine--if you name it I probably have it.  Maybe its from years spent in girl scouts or just my obsessive personality but I'm always terrified i'll be somewhere and need something and not have it.  Ive got things for possible autograph situations (that have never happened). I've got a first aid kit (none of us have ever been injured). I have a sewing kit.  I do NOT know how to sew.  And what would I be sewing?  My t-shirt?  I have 21 more back at the room I can change into! lol. 

My ridiculousness is also shared by my two friends that have been my con partners.  They ran back to our room while we were in the Hall H line early one evening and one came back with 3 one liter bottles of soda (for three of us girls) and a bottle of gin (we were not drinking on the street as I'm fairly sure its illegal)  as she didn't know how thirsty we would be. she had it all in her backpack and when we got up to condense the line and move to the tents she squatted down for something and the backpack was so heavy it tipped her over backwards and she could not get up.  The ladies behind us in line were able to pick her up and set her back on her feet, which was lucky for her because my arms were full of my own stuff and I was laughing at her uncontrollably.  The other friend had taken the ice bucket from our hotel room just in case we needed ice. I'm pretty sure if a kitchen sink could literally be brought one of us would pack it

Now I got to get back to my prepping--I should probably start my packing piles now!  :)
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: Angel_ on June 05, 2018, 10:22:24 AM
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I copy the schedule from the website to a Word document that I can review offline.  Initially, it is very big--100's of pages--due to line spacing and other factors.  But, I slowly re-format it and edit it down.  During this process, I really become familiar with the entire schedule.

I don't really use it once I get to the con.  It's just the whole process that I'm addicted to.

I relate to this.  I do a similar thing with a pocket guide that I format every year in a hard copy.  I don't necessarily even use it because i have the same thing on my phone, but creating it feels GOOD.

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Our ridiculousness every year:

--Because we arrive early, we have a spreadsheet created with places we want to go to (activities/outings) and restaurants we want to eat at. A copy will be made for each family member. Each member will mark items with either Yes, Maybe, I Don't Care, or No Way. The husband/dad will complain about doing it and say he doesn't care. But we all know he does care. He'll end up filling it out because the risk of not going to restaurants with good beer is just too much. The data from these lists will be used to create our itineraries.

--We start buying snacks so much in advance that we have to be watchful of expiration dates. "Oh, it's February and this beef jerky is on sale. We should buy some for Comic-Con."

--I've google street viewed the perimeter and nearby streets to our hotel this year multiple times. I know where to pull in, the best route to get out, restaurants nearby, etc.

--I stalk Torrid and other clothing stores year-round for pop culture/fandom clothing. I'll buy stuff and put it away for Comic-Con, even if it's months away, I bought an Avengers skirt and I wore it ONLY for seeing Infinity War and now it's been put away until Comic-Con. Not sure this is crazy though, I mean, if I waited until a month or so before SDCC I wouldn't have as many options.

I do SO MUCH of this.  I get bored at work and street view the Gaslamp District for fun.  And oh god you said the magic word: SPREADSHEETS.

I hadn't considered buying things like jerky in advance but that's a good idea.  I use Ibotta and there's a ton of jerky coupons just sitting there because it's not really a thing I eat regularly, but I do eat it frequently at cons.  Great idea!

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This is probably my favorite topic ever! I feel like I'm surrounded by kindred spirits.  I feel like I'm over prepping every single day all year long.


<3 This is why I made this thread.  So many of us are like this.  It feels good to find our tribe.

Quote
packing piles
 

RELATABLE PHRASE
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: tsnyder on June 05, 2018, 10:59:24 AM
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  Two years ago I unpacked my bag and realized I had packed 22 t-shirts.  22 t-shirts for a five day trip.  I bring about everything a person could imagine--if you name it I probably have it.  Maybe its from years spent in girl scouts or just my obsessive personality but I'm always terrified i'll be somewhere and need something and not have it.  Ive got things for possible autograph situations (that have never happened). I've got a first aid kit (none of us have ever been injured). I have a sewing kit.  I do NOT know how to sew.  And what would I be sewing?  My t-shirt?  I have 21 more back at the room I can change into! lol. 
Too funny!!

Have to admit I get pretty obsessive about SDCC, I'm sure a bunch of my local friends start avoiding me this time of year because they know I go into con mode and that is the only topic of conversation I can maintain :)  As far as over prepping I really only take a few months off of SDCC prepping all year.  As soon as the first news comes out about returnee registration I'm on this awesome forum pretty much every day after that.  I read/listen/watch everything [member=1563]SDCCBlog[/member] and @parksandcons puts out.  Like many others starting around March I start eyeballing snacks and clothes I want to bring with me.  I took a trip last month and when we got back I  left the suitcase in our bedroom to start packing for SDCC, my wife looked at me and told me I couldn't be serious about leaving it in the room with a couple of shirts in it for 2 months.......little did she know.  But when you start talking spreadsheets that is where I shine  :P  I'm an IT Project Manager in the real world so nice to get to harness my need to plan to something amazing like SDCC.

As exclusives and freebies are announced I have a sheet that I put my must haves and wants on.  As it get closer I start filtering down that list to something more realistic.  Then when the official exhibit floor map comes out I create a personal one that has all the booths I need to hit up to buy from with pop ups of the item from each respective booth since I can never remember when I'm running around.  I print that out but save it to my phone because I tend to never pull the printed one out. 

For panels/offsites I have a hard time waiting for official schedule to come out so I create my own lists as each one is "leaked" to try and get my own idea of what will be in each room.  Once official is released I create a spreadsheet that has my Plan A, B, and C items for pretty much every hour of the day.  I tend to stay to plan A but do stray some if I hear about something amazing through our group or on twitter.  I run a pretty amazing line group and put in quite a bit of time planning and scheduling shifts for all of the various things we work together on.  It is a lot of work but the reward is awesome and get to hang out with some super cool folks from all around the world.
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: Angel_ on June 05, 2018, 11:08:16 AM
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For panels/offsites I have a hard time waiting for official schedule to come out so I create my own lists as each one is "leaked" to try and get my own idea of what will be in each room.  Once official is released I create a spreadsheet that has my Plan A, B, and C items for pretty much every hour of the day.  I tend to stay to plan A but do stray some if I hear about something amazing through our group or on twitter.  I run a pretty amazing line group and put in quite a bit of time planning and scheduling shifts for all of the various things we work together on.  It is a lot of work but the reward is awesome and get to hang out with some super cool folks from all around the world.

Same.  I can't do it just two weeks before.  That's way too close for me lolol. 

And I forgot to mention this in my previous post, but I went shopping yesterday for travel toiletries and new pajamas  :P
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: comicconfamily on June 05, 2018, 12:07:29 PM
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I hadn't considered buying things like jerky in advance but that's a good idea.  I use Ibotta and there's a ton of jerky coupons just sitting there because it's not really a thing I eat regularly, but I do eat it frequently at cons.  Great idea!

It's funny you mention Ibotta...I have a blog post going up soon about Ibotta and how I've saved up $600 towards our Comic-Con trip all with Ibotta. I'm Ibotta obsessed.
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: Angel_ on June 05, 2018, 12:20:06 PM
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It's funny you mention Ibotta...I have a blog post going up soon about Ibotta and how I've saved up $600 towards our Comic-Con trip all with Ibotta. I'm Ibotta obsessed.

We recently became friends on Facebook and Ibotta automatically links to Facebook. I see you in my "team" page sometimes hahaha.  I've only been using it for a few months but have cashed out over $60.  It's a pretty rad app.
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: AlaskaRainbow on June 06, 2018, 12:52:34 AM


“I do SO MUCH of this.  I get bored at work and street view the Gaslamp District for fun.  And oh god you said the magic word: SPREADSHEETS.”

Angel - I have so much fun on my virtual strolls around the Gaslamp !  ;D

Prep, Street View AND Spreadsheets! Sniff, sniff, this thread is so great!

I’m old so I like to print out the lists for Artist Alley, Exhibitors, Fan Tables, Small Press and then I look up every single one of them on the internets & yes, it’s a tad obsessive but every year I discover something new I want to check out. It helps tremendously with my Plan A or Plan B or darn I missed both of those things so let’s do C !
And my Exhibit Floor map - it looks deranged with all the different pen colors, arrows, notes but I keep a death grip on it cuz you know when you’re stuck in that middle of the floor big booth vortex you need something to pull you out & my notes remind me to check out those new places I painstakingly looked up.

I have had some personally challenging Cons the past couple years, emotionally, physically & financially so I had been experiencing a lot of ennui this year. (Last year I didn’t obsess nearly as much as I usually do & arrived feeling a lot of anxiety which didn’t go away. I didn’t even decorate my binder  :( )

Thank you Forum Friends for helping me get back some of my Polly Pocket Planner mojo  :)


Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: comicconfamily on June 06, 2018, 12:05:13 PM
Last year before Comic-Con, we decided that we were going to go to the shopping outlets that are close to the Mexico border (San Ysidro). So, as part of my usual prep work, I started looking at the best routes to get there. We figured we would take the 5 to get there, but on the way back, we thought we would branch off our return route and go through Coronado Island. I was wondering if there would even be anything to see (water views, etc), so I street viewed it the entire stretch, taking a virtual drive. A few days later, a friend of mine posted photos of herself on the beach at Coronado Hotel and I seriously *almost* commented that I had just driven by there. LOL Caught myself or I would have looked like a FOOL. Hahaha!!

And sadly...we missed the turnoff to go through Coronado, so we didn't do it after all.
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: comicconfamily on June 06, 2018, 12:08:57 PM
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I’m old so I like to print out the lists for Artist Alley, Exhibitors, Fan Tables, Small Press and then I look up every single one of them on the internets

I thought I was the only one!! Ah, this is what I love about FoCC. I love going and finding their Instagram, Twitter, etc.
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: chocolateshake on June 06, 2018, 05:59:14 PM
I guess I'm on the other end of the spectrum.  Other than grabbing a couple of more cameras, I don't do anything special for comic-con.  I wear the same clothes I got at comic-con, Mr. Robot 2nd year today, everyday.  I use the big swag bags as shopping bags.  If you are in San Diego and see a guy wearing a comic-con t-shirt with a big swag bag at the supermarket, that's me.
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: mark on June 07, 2018, 09:09:14 AM
I remember I was pretty new on the forum when I first saw [member=3]Chris[/member] 's big "Tips/Advice for First Timers and Veterans" post. When I saw this line I knew I was in the right place :)

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If in a group, walk single file not side by side (like Sand People to hide your numbers)

I was so completely unprepared for my first SDCC but by now my convention bag and packing is down to an exact science.  I still spend way to much time on scheduling, with post-it notes that can go 4 or 5 layers deep at times for panels, signings and events.

I've already started filling out my organizer for tickets and other paperwork, plus a staging area for things that I might take to try and get get signed. Also already hunting for deals on things to buy and try to get signed.

Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: Chris on June 07, 2018, 07:20:05 PM
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I remember I was pretty new on the forum when I first saw [member=3]Chris[/member] 's big "Tips/Advice for First Timers and Veterans" post. When I saw this line I knew I was in the right place :)

I was so completely unprepared for my first SDCC but by now my convention bag and packing is down to an exact science.  I still spend way to much time on scheduling, with post-it notes that can go 4 or 5 layers deep at times for panels, signings and events.

I've already started filling out my organizer for tickets and other paperwork, plus a staging area for things that I might take to try and get get signed. Also already hunting for deals on things to buy and try to get signed.

I can't take credit for  the thread, it was actually from the tips thread from back in the day when we used to hang out on the comic con FB page around 2010.  About 50 people contributed to it. I just saved and organized it and added my own insanity a few places.  :)
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: nootheroptions on June 09, 2018, 08:50:02 AM
I usually bring 2-3x the money I need because I'm super paranoid about not having enough money in case I come across a personal "grail".  I also wind up over packing; you'd think I wouldn't because you can just buy clothes there for anything but I plan out my daily outfits lol.
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: Angel_ on June 09, 2018, 08:43:55 PM
Well my suitcase is slowly gathering stuff.  I've thrown in a few shirts I know I won't be wearing between now and the con. I unclipped my FOCC landyard from my badge from last year and they're on standby for my badge.  And I've done the "bag of bags" thing (you know the thing) and put my dufflebag and backpack in my suitcase juuuuust so I know where they are.  39 days to go lololol
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: TardisMom on June 10, 2018, 09:21:40 AM
Portable chargers!  Go ahead and add them to the pile NOW :)
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous &quot;over prepping&quot; for SDCC?
Post by: Miss Kitty on June 10, 2018, 09:35:46 AM
Thank you for reminding me to bring my awesome FoCC lanyard. I left it behind at WC and it was awful!!

I'm starting my swag bag for the Sunday table!

I'm not used to staying there, so my packing is going to be weak sauce.

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Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: kat_sydney on June 11, 2018, 12:55:06 AM
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Umm...after reading these answers, I'm embarrassed to say that I just pack the weekend before?  Then again I don't cosplay (yet!!) or anything...

I fly from overseas, my flight usually leaves about 9am and I'm usually packing around 2am/3am. 
Having said that, I travel a lot so usually have a good idea of what to pack, and I don't cosplay at SDCC.  I've gone to Star Trek conventions and cosplayed and that does require more prep!
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: teriqueen on June 11, 2018, 06:21:32 AM
I don't start packing until the week before, but I start shoe-shopping months before--gotta have time to both buy the perfect walking shoes and break them in.

My more paranoid custom is to quarantine myself as much as possible for 2-3 weeks before. I know there's about a 50% chance I'll be sick by the time I get home from the con, but I live in fear of getting sick right before my flight.

Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: Mel on June 11, 2018, 10:54:43 AM
Usually by now I have hit Costco to check out snackage and made sure all the essentials (sunscreen, moleskin, compact chairs, hats, coolers) are still in good supply and working order. I haven't yet though.....it's weird.
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: semigeekgirl on June 11, 2018, 11:03:17 AM
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Usually by now I have hit Costco to check out snackage and made sure all the essentials (sunscreen, moleskin, compact chairs, hats, coolers) are still in good supply and working order. I haven't yet though.....it's weird.

Everything feels kind of late this year, I don't know why. I haven't been feeling the same level of urgency as other years.
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous &quot;over prepping&quot; for SDCC?
Post by: Angel_ on June 11, 2018, 12:50:19 PM
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My more paranoid custom is to quarantine myself as much as possible for 2-3 weeks before. I know there's about a 50% chance I'll be sick by the time I get home from the con, but I live in fear of getting sick right before my flight.

I do something similar.  I start upping my vitamin C and zinc intake to boost my immune system.



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Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous &quot;over prepping&quot; for SDCC?
Post by: Mel on June 11, 2018, 05:21:42 PM
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Everything feels kind of late this year, I don't know why. I haven't been feeling the same level of urgency as other years.
Yeah, it feels like everything is late so that might be why....no big panel announcements, exclusive announcements at a minimum, not much from CCI on how lines and all this "exclusives portal" crap is gonna work...... hasn't been much to get worked up about yet

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Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: Angel_ on June 12, 2018, 03:22:35 PM
Look I'm... I'm not saying I've already sorted out shirts I want to wear or anything but... but like I have some GOOD shirts and some not good shirts and I just... I just wanted to be able to know the good shirts were nice and clean and somewhere near my suitcase (in my suitcase, even).   ???  Crap guys I started packing clothes.
Title: Re: Let's Laugh At Ourselves: What's your ridiculous "over prepping" for SDCC?
Post by: Chris on June 12, 2018, 06:39:18 PM
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Look I'm... I'm not saying I've already sorted out shirts I want to wear or anything but... but like I have some GOOD shirts and some not good shirts and I just... I just wanted to be able to know the good shirts were nice and clean and somewhere near my suitcase (in my suitcase, even).   ???  Crap guys I started packing clothes.

The devolution of that was fun to read.  Don't worry, you're in a safe place here.  :)