No Sideshow Collectibles at SDCC 2023 ?

[xavier2518]

Just read a few rumors that Sideshow Collectibles won’t be at SDCC 2023 and maybe be others. They are not showing up on the exhibitor floor plan layout.

[perc2100]

Just read a few rumors that Sideshow Collectibles won’t be at SDCC 2023 and maybe be others. They are not showing up on the exhibitor floor plan layout.

I've heard that too, kind of vaguely on social media.  That'd be a pretty big chunk of floor space, and always a fun (and ALWAYS crowded) booth to wander around.  I do wonder, though, about a company like that: if it's worth it for them to go to SDCC as far as cost vs 'reward.'  Like, do the sell a bunch of their high-end stuff at SDCC?  I've bought some stuff from them, but likely many many years ago (like, 15+ years).

[Friends of Comic Cons]

[f22raptor]

Just read a few rumors that Sideshow Collectibles won’t be at SDCC 2023 and maybe be others. They are not showing up on the exhibitor floor plan layout.

I heard about it on a Batman Statue Collector’s YouTube video this morning.  Hope it is just a bye year as the space is being sub-leased.

[Old Man Grey]

Well that sucks

[chocolateshake]

They say no Weta either.  This is sad.  For me, Sideshow and Weta were the two big draws on the exhibit floor.  It's always fun to look at their displays especially when Weta puts on a live show.

I've heard that too, kind of vaguely on social media.  That'd be a pretty big chunk of floor space, and always a fun (and ALWAYS crowded) booth to wander around.  I do wonder, though, about a company like that: if it's worth it for them to go to SDCC as far as cost vs 'reward.'  Like, do the sell a bunch of their high-end stuff at SDCC?  I've bought some stuff from them, but likely many many years ago (like, 15+ years).

As oppose to small dealers where it is about onsite sales, for companies a convention it's not about onsite sales as much as it's about promotion.  It's marketing.  That's where they show their new products.  It gets the buzz going. 

[FlamedLiquid]

Hopefully more vendors if that's the case.

[marcia29]

I always stop by and take pictures of the incredible displays.  What is listed in they space the usually occupy, I wonder? 

[lostninja]

Last year they only had displays and hasn't sold anything at the show for a while.

[RighteousRita]

Maybe they will attend NYCC instead with a larger layout.

[perc2100]

They say no Weta either.  This is sad.  For me, Sideshow and Weta were the two big draws on the exhibit floor.  It's always fun to look at their displays especially when Weta puts on a live show.

I've always loved Weta, and they're often a blast at SDCC.  I remember back in the early days of Hall H, when a Lord of the Rings movie panel would _maybe_ 2/3rds fill Hall H, with a slew of actors & behind-the-scenes guys (never Peter Jackson, though he always had a video message).  There were panels where Weta people would randomly pick people from the stage and do stuff, like, make "Hobbit feat" for them during the panel, they'd sometimes make armor or swords, etc.  Always fun

[jacmaryang]

Sad to hear Weta and Sideshow won't be at SDCC this year. I love their booths! I wonder who is going to take up Sideshow's space on the floor.

[RighteousRita]

Well, I have a feeling they won't be attending NYCC either now.

[SteveD]

Official Announcement: You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

Breaking Convention: Sideshow shifts focus from San Diego Comic-Con to include fans worldwide in digital endeavor

As the annual convention season gears up in San Diego, pop culture titan Sideshow is announcing a change in tradition: For the first time in over two decades, Sideshow will not be exhibiting at the San Diego Comic-Con.

While bidding farewell to the familiar might surprise some, forging new trails to connect with fans has always been an integral part of Sideshow’s mission. This evolution forms part of Sideshow’s ongoing strategy to engage with the growing global collector community by transitioning its unforgettable showcases to the digital realm.

    Sideshow CEO Greg Anzalone explains, “For more than 20 years, Sideshow has reveled in the ever-evolving spectacle of SDCC. As we’ve transformed from a humble booth into a gallery-style showstopper, we’ve enjoyed sharing the magic of pop culture with fans at every event. But we’ve always dreamed of transcending the physical limitations of the convention, reaching out to a global audience hungry for more.“

As convention attendance prices and travel costs grow, accommodations become increasingly expensive and con passes become even harder to acquire, large-scale conventions have become experiences only accessible to a small percentage of the fanbase, unintentionally leaving a large proportion of global pop culture enthusiasts underserved.

    Sideshow CMO Robin Selvaggi added, “The recent past has seen our popular culture become the lead in global entertainment. While physical conventions have been wonderful, they’ve not been able to scale and appropriately serve the exponential growth in fandom. During the pandemic, we took the opportunity to experiment with virtual programming and our collectors’ response was phenomenal. We were able to control lighting, technology, sound quality, and setup, which created a richer presentation of a wider grouping of collectible art. By moving our content to a virtual platform, Sideshow will be able to present an even broader selection of brands, art and unique product offerings, while delivering an inclusive experience to a global audience.“

Sideshow Con 2023

Sideshow has been honored to be part of the history of San Diego Comic-Con as it has grown from a comic book-focused event to a movie and pop culture-fueled show. However, Sideshow now looks to concentrate its efforts on creating virtual experiences for its expanding global community of pop-culture enthusiasts.

Sideshow and its partners are set to deliver their largest online experience to date through their You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, taking place July 18-21, 2023. This event promises fans and collectors four days of high-quality content, first looks, product spotlights, special promos, unique contests, giveaways, and much more.

Collectors and fans can pre-register for Sideshow Con now and access You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login by visiting You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login.

[semigeekgirl]

Ugh. I know 'virtual' events are great in terms of accessibility, especially for disabled people, etc, and I would never advocate against them.

But just for myself, I HATE virtual events. If I can experience it from my couch, I don't want to go.

[Jesse O]

Considering that SideShow's entire product line is extremely "physical" it's a little strange to see them eschewing a physical presentation in order for them to go "virtual."

I guess I'll look forward to buying a virtual Batman figure next year, with virtual money.