Friends of Comic Cons

All Other Conventions (aka Friendly Neighborhood) => Other Comic Cons and Conventions => Topic started by: hikanteki on April 13, 2018, 02:04:25 PM

Title: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: hikanteki on April 13, 2018, 02:04:25 PM
Dates confirmed. Same weekend as WonderCon (and C2E2 and Planet Comicon.)

New dates:
(https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/32745190_1002148636618253_7724423163446034432_n.png?_nc_cat=0&oh=5acac3b50059b8bcc382c6c700eceed8&oe=5B837327)

Old dates (NO LONGER VALID):
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/30707491_984583611708089_6584621426718801920_n.png?_nc_cat=0&oh=da8347639e96fe959ec2a0dd8041dbd3&oe=5B6F4140)



Global Moderator Note (by Zero):

Updated thread title to correspond with the news in these below posts:
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I just got an email that the date for 2019 has been changed to August 16-18 !!!
No more conflict with Wondercon  ;D
Also, mid month is waaay better for my group

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This is also listed on the website as of today, May 15th, 2018:

"SVCC Has New Dates! August 16-18, 2019   

Note: If you purchased a ticket to the 2019 show before 5/14/18, please contact [email protected] to receive an updated ticket. "

http://www.svcomiccon.com/ (http://www.svcomiccon.com/)


--------------
Forum Housekeeping:

Updated the thread title with the changed dates. 
Updated the forum calendar link with the changed dates.

^__^d
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: March 29-31, San Jose, CA
Post by: rushfanyyz on April 13, 2018, 02:22:24 PM
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Dates confirmed. Same weekend as WonderCon (and C2E2 and Planet Comicon.)



Oh noooooooo. I didn't realize Planet was the same weekend as well.  I like that one as it's localish for me and a really good con.  I was thinking of going back to Wondercon next year and was already bummed I would miss out on going to C2E2 which I was also considering depending on guest list as that's also close to me.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: March 29-31, San Jose, CA
Post by: Mario Wario on April 13, 2018, 02:45:40 PM
They say you can buy tickets, but nothing is working at this moment. Oops.

As for the date, the show floor is going to take a hit. I’m guessing they couldn’t change the date or didn’t want to. So, right now I’m picking WonderCon over SVCC. I could change my mind later.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: March 29-31, San Jose, CA
Post by: Angology on April 13, 2018, 02:47:56 PM
Calendar link added. That is a popular weekend!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: March 29-31, San Jose, CA
Post by: accelerate on April 13, 2018, 03:22:35 PM
Phew, it's the weekend after the Oakland Marathon (which I usually run). I was afraid it'd fall on the same weekend.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: March 29-31, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on April 13, 2018, 03:42:16 PM
I'm thinking that I'm going to hedge my bets. I'll buy badges for both cons and book hotels, and wait until the WonderCon schedule comes out. Then I'll see how appealing it is and make my choice.

I'm still a little angry at the SVCC people for booking the same weekend as WonderCon,  They really should know better. The people running it know how the con industry works. Heck, I always run into Bill Watters (Programming Director of SVCC) at WonderCon.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: March 29-31, San Jose, CA
Post by: hikanteki on April 13, 2018, 03:44:34 PM
Maybe all conventions involved had booked the dates before any of them had been announced. They're usually publicly announced at the previous year's show, and WonderCon just got the luck of the draw of announcing it first since they were the earlier one this year.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: March 29-31, San Jose, CA
Post by: hikanteki on April 13, 2018, 11:54:36 PM
I said that I can’t help but think that his is poetic justice, because one of the reasons WonderCon gave for leaving SF (not that I ever believed it, as they were basically throwing reasons at the wall until they found one that stuck) is that the only dates that SF gave them conflicted with “other cons”, even though they never said what those other cons were. Even though the Anaheim move conflicted with C2E2’s original dates that year, and C2E2 was the one that moved.

And now another legitimate con, SVCC, has sprung up in the SF market in place of WonderCon. I doubt we would have gotten SVCC if WC had not left (although it took awhile). To be honest I don’t think this is going to affect either WC or SVCC by much but I do know that WC/CCI has made a big deal about other cons being the same weekend as theirs (they seemed to be upset at Salt Lake scheduling FanX the same weekend as WC which made no sense as there is literally zero attendee overlap, and they also seemed to be concerned at APE being the same weekend as NYCC which makes even less sense as they are completely diff types of conventions in completely different parts of the country.)

Now this year things have come full circle as WC is going head on with the convention that took their place. If this isn’t poetic justice, I don’t know what is.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: March 29-31, San Jose, CA
Post by: accelerate on April 14, 2018, 12:23:01 AM
I actually heard a different story for the original move from SF to Anaheim. The version I heard was that there was construction taking place at the Moscone Center around the dates Wondercon usually takes, and there were no other dates available, so Wondercon made a "temporary" move to Anaheim. But then they never came back. And the story I heard about them not coming back was that SF basically didn't want them or didn't consider losing that convention a big deal.

But who knows, maybe CCI always wanted out of the Bay Area, and this was a convenient excuse.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: March 29-31, San Jose, CA
Post by: hikanteki on April 14, 2018, 12:48:29 AM
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I actually heard a different story for the original move from SF to Anaheim. The version I heard was that there was construction taking place at the Moscone Center around the dates Wondercon usually takes, and there were no other dates available, so Wondercon made a "temporary" move to Anaheim. But then they never came back. And the story I heard about them not coming back was that SF basically didn't want them or didn't consider losing that convention a big deal.

But who knows, maybe CCI always wanted out of the Bay Area, and this was a convenient excuse.

Yes, I heard that one too. The construction story was the original one, but then when it came out that Moscone offered them dates despite the construction then that’s when they came up with the “other cons” story.  Then they came up with many others, the oddest of which was San Jose not having enough hotel rooms (???) but the one that stuck was that they need a venue that offers them dates ~1 year in advance.

I’m pretty sure they wanted out — they had multiple opportunities to stay/return and didn’t. Of course they have every right to hold it wherever they want, but the thing that rubbed me the wrong way was that they took the cowardly way out by acting like they had no choice but to move, and for the next 3-4 years they went out of their way to keep up that story rather than just admit they weren’t returning. But since ~2015 they seem to have laid off the phony PR, so I’ve gotten over it too.

The most ironic part being that now I’m over it and was actually planning to do WC-in-Anaheim next year until I found out it was the same dates as SVCC.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: March 29-31, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on April 14, 2018, 08:50:08 AM
Actually, it was a combination of the two.

Moscone was under construction, so their dates were limited. They gave first choice of dates to 'priority' events, which were the ones that sold a lot of hotel rooms. WonderCon was mostly locals, and did not sell a lot of hotel rooms. Therefore, they got a late choice and there was nothing left. Anaheim was available, so they moved, probably thinking that they could have leverage with Moscone the following year. Attendance stayed high, and Moscone didn't care that WonderCon had moved (because apparently all they care about it hotel nights sold) and the CCI staff liked being closer to home. So they stayed in SoCal.

Interestingly, WonderCon came up against the same thing in Anaheim, where the convention center didn't want to give them any dates except Easter weekend. Fed up with getting low priority, they moved to Los Angeles. But this time, the other party caved. Lo and behold, CCI was able to sign a 5 year contract with Anaheim Convention Center for dates that were NOT Easter.

And that's the WonderCon history lesson for the day. ;)
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: March 29-31, San Jose, CA
Post by: hikanteki on April 14, 2018, 12:39:14 PM
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Actually, it was a combination of the two.

Moscone was under construction, so their dates were limited. They gave first choice of dates to 'priority' events, which were the ones that sold a lot of hotel rooms. WonderCon was mostly locals, and did not sell a lot of hotel rooms. Therefore, they got a late choice and there was nothing left.

“Nothing left” isn’t exactly correct. It came out that they did get an offer according to Glanzer himself — it just (obviously) wasn’t the one they wanted. Again, they’re not required to take anything they don’t want, but my issue had been that they publicly said that they got no offer in order to make people think they had no choice, until they were called out on it — I remember their official wording was something along the lines of “We were flabbergasted when the Moscone Center told us they could not accommodate us.” (Wording may not be exact, but I’m pretty sure “flabbergasted” was in there. :P)
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: March 29-31, San Jose, CA
Post by: omraged9 on April 16, 2018, 10:43:51 AM
One thing I'm curious about is why did they change the time/month of Wondercon when they moved to Anaheim? I remember Bay Area Wondercons took place in late January or February. SoCal Wondercons are now in March or April. Is it because they wanted to avoid the rainy weather? Because timing-wise, it seems like there are less studios interested in going to Wondercon with its March/April dates even though Anaheim WC is closer to LA. When the Wondercons took place in Jan/Feb, it seemed like we were able to see better TV show and movie panels. For the TV show panels, it made better sense since mid-season shows tend to premier in Jan/Feb.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: March 29-31, San Jose, CA
Post by: karatekid on April 16, 2018, 11:44:56 AM
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“Nothing left” isn’t exactly correct. It came out that they did get an offer according to Glanzer himself — it just (obviously) wasn’t the one they wanted. Again, they’re not required to take anything they don’t want, but my issue had been that they publicly said that they got no offer in order to make people think they had no choice, until they were called out on it — I remember their official wording was something along the lines of “We were flabbergasted when the Moscone Center told us they could not accommodate us.” (Wording may not be exact, but I’m pretty sure “flabbergasted” was in there. :P)
Oh you guys are bring back the sadness and frustration for me  :(   WonderCon Moscone Center will always have a special place for me as it is what started me on the Comic Con circuit.

You guys are all accurate. I believe I've shared this before but one of my friends/neighbor is actually an Events Manager at Moscone Center and specifically is/was the Events Manager for WonderCon during its run. He had meetings and met with the CCI peeps. (He's the one who hooked me up with his parking spot a free 3 day pass, etc. and started my Comic Con experiences!). So this was/is from his mouth exactly, WonderCon did not meet the highest priority tier to book dates 12 months in advance at Moscone because they did not bring in enough local revenue, specifically filling up SF hotels. Therefore WC only got the 6 months lead time to book tier not the 12 months that many of the other events in the higher priority tier gets. CCI simply was not happy with that for a variety of reasons, some legit (hey that's not enough time to really prepare and promote, we get stuck with bad weekends) and some I do believe prideful (we're CCI, we deserve more, we can do better which they clearly did).

My friend said the part that never gets noted is that WonderCon had ALWAYS been on the 6 months lead time tier for its entire run at Moscone Center and in attending WC at Moscone Center, the con was great! I didn't see anything lackluster so not sure what they all of a sudden needed another 6 months to plan and promote. It was a wonderful con! Sure it's more convenient and nice but clearly was not necessary to have an awesome WonderCon! Plus, I've been to WC in Anaheim for several years now and I don't think it's so much better than it was when up here so was 6 more months really needed? And who knows with the anticipated growth, maybe WC would've made the 12 month priority tier but I guess we'll never know now.

We move on. My plan today would be to go to both WC and SVCC. 2 days of WC and 1 day of SVCC.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: March 29-31, San Jose, CA
Post by: janray on May 15, 2018, 04:22:23 PM
I just got an email that the date for 2019 has been changed to August 16-18 !!!
No more conflict with Wondercon  ;D
Also, mid month is waaay better for my group
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: March 29-31, San Jose, CA
Post by: Zero on May 15, 2018, 05:09:42 PM
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I just got an email that the date for 2019 has been changed to August 16-18 !!!
No more conflict with Wondercon  ;D
Also, mid month is waaay better for my group

This is also listed on the website as of today, May 15th, 2018:

"SVCC Has New Dates! August 16-18, 2019   

Note: If you purchased a ticket to the 2019 show before 5/14/18, please contact [email protected] to receive an updated ticket. "

http://www.svcomiccon.com/


--------------
Forum Housekeeping:

Updated the thread title with the changed dates. 
Updated the forum calendar link with the changed dates.

^__^d
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Vapors on May 15, 2018, 05:21:42 PM
Oh wow. I...might be able to go finally.  This is always during my tax busy season so I can never go.

My only concern is that it is so close to Comic Con, I may not have the funds to spend on anything.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on May 15, 2018, 05:29:19 PM
So excited! I can attend!!!!!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Mario Wario on May 15, 2018, 05:36:43 PM
Perfect!

Yet it is right before D23, but I’ll take it.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: hikanteki on May 15, 2018, 05:48:29 PM
August! I wasn't expecting it to get bounced all the way to August, but I actually like it. It's an empty convention month all around (besides D23, though that keeps on moving around too)...perhaps since no one dares be that close to SDCC, but oh well. I'll probably be broke too but I don't spend that much at SVCC anyway.

(And LOL at the "Continue to SVCC" button on their website redirecting in a loop... :X )
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: mark on May 15, 2018, 07:41:54 PM
That's funny, Worldcon is happening this year around the same time, but of course it moves every year.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: karatekid on May 16, 2018, 01:14:15 AM
While I'm glad it doesn't conflict with WonderCon I'm not sure I'm a fan of it being in August. Besides the fact it means it'll be nearly 18 months between SVCC's but an end of summer for a Con? I guess we'll see.

Also, did SVCC always have a Salt Lake City, Utah headquarters address??

Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on May 16, 2018, 05:57:26 AM
It's actually right after GenCon too, so my husband and I will be going to 3 cons with a month!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: hikanteki on May 16, 2018, 02:34:08 PM
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Also, did SVCC always have a Salt Lake City, Utah headquarters address??

Yeah. SVCC (and Woz) have a lot of ties to Utah. For one, the CEO (Trip Hunter) lives there.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: karatekid on May 16, 2018, 03:30:59 PM
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Yeah. SVCC (and Woz) have a lot of ties to Utah. For one, the CEO (Trip Hunter) lives there.
Oh I thought maybe the organizers of SLCC might have taken over SVCC!!!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: hikanteki on May 16, 2018, 03:51:53 PM
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That's funny, Worldcon is happening this year around the same time, but of course it moves every year.

In 2019 it will be in Ireland, so I don't anticipate too much audience, guest, or vendor cannibalization. ;)
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: hikanteki on May 16, 2018, 11:22:27 PM
Most of the people commenting on their FB thread are not happy with the change of dates. Granted some of their reasoning is honestly pretty ridiculous (4 weeks away from Comic-Con! 2 weeks from Dragon Con! ::) OMG THATS 2500 MILES AWAY) But yeah, I get it. The new dates are fine with me but I wish they wouldn’t have caved on principle.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on May 17, 2018, 09:54:40 AM
'2 weeks away from' or '4 weeks away from' are just fine. 'Completely overlapping with' is not. They have now avoided that problem.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Mario Wario on May 17, 2018, 01:52:17 PM
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'2 weeks away from' or '4 weeks away from' are just fine. 'Completely overlapping with' is not. They have now avoided that problem.
Exactly! I’m trying for next year’s D23 and I don’t mind  that SVCC is a week before Disney’s main event. D23 is happening on August 23-25. To be fair, it is easier for me to do both, since I can drive to both locations unlike some who can’t. Flying isn’t cheap so I understand. Likewise, for those who can’t ask off from work so much.

SVCC had to change the dates. WonderCon alone was about to take away a lot from SVCC.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on May 17, 2018, 03:58:10 PM
I do know that there were a lot of vendors at SVCC who were upset about the overlap with WonderCon (I heard about this from talking to people at SVCC this year). They exhibit at both cons, but didn't have the financial recourses to do 2 cons in one weekend. My guess is that it was the exhibitor complaints more than the attendee complaints that was the catalyst for change.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on September 07, 2018, 11:51:20 AM
Check out this cool photo history, with highlights from all 3 past SVCCs!

https://medium.com/@teodorb/silicon-valley-comic-con-d0d85a45a0c5
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on December 20, 2018, 12:51:26 PM
Just wanted to let you guys know that VIP badges are finally on sale! Gold is $250 and Platinum is $550. I believe the difference is that Platinum gets a t-shirt and can attend the Saturday night party with Woz. We've always been very happy with gold VIP.

https://purchase.growtix.com/eh/silicon_valley_comic_con_2019
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: accelerate on May 08, 2019, 11:30:01 AM
SVCC hotels are available:
https://www5.cmrhousing.com/svcc2019/Housing/ResHotel?utm_source=CMR&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=050819Attendees

Compared to SDCC, they're relatively cheap, ranging from $150/night to $192, with that $192 being the hotel that's connected to the convention center.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on May 08, 2019, 11:32:18 AM
Discounted hotel rooms are now available.

https://t.e2ma.net/click/3e1ppb/rtcrdab/nilj7h

ETA Accelerate beat me to it!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: janray on May 08, 2019, 12:29:42 PM
Got our room at the Hilton reserved :)
Miss the days when SDCC hotels were this easy!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on May 29, 2019, 07:57:12 AM
I already had someone (on another board) ask me about a FoCC meetup at SVCC. So I'll throw it out there: who's interested in Saturday night dinner at Il Fornaio again?
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: mark on May 29, 2019, 08:35:38 AM
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I already had someone (on another board) ask me about a FoCC meetup at SVCC. So I'll throw it out there: whos' interested in Saturday night dinner at Il Fornaio again?

Me!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on May 29, 2019, 09:47:46 AM
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Me!

Great to hear! What about [member=3050]janray[/member] [member=2389]Mario Wario[/member] ?
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Mario Wario on May 29, 2019, 11:12:08 AM
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Great to hear! What about [member=3050]janray[/member] [member=2389]Mario Wario[/member] ?
I’m down for it!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: janray on May 29, 2019, 12:53:32 PM
I'll need to confirm for sure a little later but I definitely would like to. Good food and good company!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on May 29, 2019, 04:31:48 PM
Sounds like a plan! I will make the reservations in June.

Mario and Janray, you each have a plus one, right? Mark, are you solo or bringing your son?

Anyone else interested?
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: mark on May 29, 2019, 05:16:31 PM
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Sounds like a plan! I will make the reservations in June.

Mario and Janray, you each have a plus one, right? Mark, are you solo or bringing your son?

Anyone else interested?

Put me with a plus one for now, thanks!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on May 29, 2019, 06:02:26 PM
Will do!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: janray on May 30, 2019, 05:54:23 AM
Plus one and maybe two. Again I will have to confirm for sure later.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Mario Wario on May 30, 2019, 08:49:41 AM
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Sounds like a plan! I will make the reservations in June.

Mario and Janray, you each have a plus one, right? Mark, are you solo or bringing your son?

Anyone else interested?
Oops, I should have added that bit of info in my last post.

Yes, +1.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on May 30, 2019, 08:53:43 AM
Okay, great! So far we have:

TJ +2
Mark +1
Mario Wario +1
Janray +2

If anyone else is interested, just post here!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Dan Berry on June 06, 2019, 03:22:01 PM
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Okay, great! So far we have:

TJ +2
Mark +1
Mario Wario +1
Janray +2

If anyone else is interested, just post here!

add me maybe with +2
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on June 06, 2019, 06:48:36 PM
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add me maybe with +2

Awesome! Glad to see you joining the group, Danberry75!

TJ +2
Mark +1
Mario Wario +1
Janray +2
Danberry75 +2
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: hikanteki on July 01, 2019, 03:48:14 PM
More guest announcements:

(https://i.imgur.com/Sdgd1Es.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/hP8VTYV.png)
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Mario Wario on July 01, 2019, 05:42:32 PM
ABOUT TIME BOSCH! Lol
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Mario Wario on July 03, 2019, 10:40:07 AM
Whoa! A mini T2 reunion is happening!  :o

Arnold, Furlong and Patrick!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: mark on July 03, 2019, 10:54:31 AM
$450 for an Arnold autograph. Not a bad deal per letter I guess.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Mario Wario on July 04, 2019, 03:48:55 PM
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$450 for an Arnold autograph. Not a bad deal per letter I guess.
Of course he’s charging that much. Lol

Michael J. Fox’s asking price for sure feels cheap now. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on July 23, 2019, 03:52:54 PM
For those who were interested in the Saturday night dinner, I made a reservation for us at Il Fornaio (inside the Westin at 302 S Market St.) at 6 pm on Saturday, August 17. I am looking forward to seeing everyone there!

[member=4270]mark[/member]  [member=2389]Mario Wario[/member]  [member=3050]janray[/member]  [member=310]danberry75[/member]
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: hikanteki on July 25, 2019, 01:18:05 PM
A lot of the schedule is already up: https://www.svcomiccon.com/schedule/

(But please be aware that in the past, listed panel times have kept on changing around up until right before the con.)
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on July 25, 2019, 04:38:33 PM
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A lot of the schedule is already up: https://www.svcomiccon.com/schedule/

(But please be aware that in the past, listed panel times have kept on changing around up until right before the con.)

Plus, I don't see a panel for Jason Momoa, and they don't say whether or not Arnold will appear at the Terminator reunion...
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: janray on August 03, 2019, 05:45:39 AM
Has anyone gotten an email about wristbands? A post on SVCC facebook on Thursday said they had been mailed out but I haven't received an email.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: mark on August 03, 2019, 01:45:30 PM
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Has anyone gotten an email about wristbands? A post on SVCC facebook on Thursday said they had been mailed out but I haven't received an email.

Not us, also haven't seen anything about professional registration which I was hoping to do again this year.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Dan Berry on August 03, 2019, 01:55:38 PM
After a lot of confusion regarding my press pass, finally got it confirmed. Flight booked (SWA had a sale for $98 round trip), and I'll be staying with friends in the bay area.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: accelerate on August 03, 2019, 06:15:42 PM
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Has anyone gotten an email about wristbands? A post on SVCC facebook on Thursday said they had been mailed out but I haven't received an email.

I haven't received anything except "OMG, there's only a few slots left to get a photo with Jason Mamoa, reserve your slot now!"
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: janray on August 05, 2019, 12:21:54 PM
I emailed registration and asked for info.  Got an email today with a tracking number, supposed to arrive tomorrow.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: mark on August 05, 2019, 12:32:07 PM
There is also a link in the order confirmation email that will take you to an order confirmation page where there is a tracking link. Apparently ours was delivered today :)
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Andrew Costa Mesa on August 06, 2019, 09:31:04 PM
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$450 for an Arnold autograph. Not a bad deal per letter I guess.

He’s also charging $450 for a photo op and $450 for a selfie, so if I want him to autograph my photo op, that’s $900 right there.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: janray on August 07, 2019, 06:50:28 PM
Wrist bands finally were delivered. In the past the three day (non vip) bands were green.  Ones I received are yellow. Anyone know if that's is correct ? Don't want to register them if they are wrong.
Edit - Got an email back from SVCC confirming they changed colors this year.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on August 08, 2019, 07:28:03 AM
Still waiting on delivery of our VIP wristbands!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: janray on August 08, 2019, 07:52:10 AM
They cut it a little too close for comfort in my opinion.  ???
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on August 08, 2019, 08:52:00 AM
I just went to check on my order to find a tracking number, like Mark was suggesting, and it booted me to a screen asking for 'more information'. Not my name, but my gender and age and household income on each ticket. So weird! And then no tracking info once I was done with that. I purchased my tickets on December 20, so they should have been mailed, but I am wondering if this 'extra info' means that it wasn't 'processed' before the deadline,. meaning I will have to pick up my wristbands on site.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: janray on August 08, 2019, 12:37:43 PM
I've had very quick response from [email protected].
Maybe they can confirm mailing status with your transaction ID
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on August 08, 2019, 12:49:08 PM
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I've had very quick response from [email protected].
Maybe they can confirm mailing status with your transaction ID

Thanks, I will give that a try!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: hikanteki on August 08, 2019, 06:31:12 PM
Just over a week to go. They'll probably add/rearrange a bunch more panels, but so far nothing looks like a must-attend. Nothing that resembles a studio panel, many guests don't even have panels listed yet. Maybe the Weasley Twins and some of the NASA ones might be interesting. Arnold isn't listed on the Terminator panel and so far it seems no one has gotten a definitive answer as to whether or not he'll actually be there. Anyone see any panel that jumps out at them?
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Mario Wario on August 08, 2019, 06:40:52 PM
Question: Arnold still going to SVCC, right? I’m curious because of the panel situation; not being listed so far.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: hikanteki on August 08, 2019, 07:36:51 PM
As far as we know yes. He's listed for photo-ops. He is appearing Sunday only so it's possible that he may just having him doing photos/autographs all day so they can milk as many $450 photos and signatures as they can. He officially isn't part of the Terminator Reunion photo-op (though with everyone else in it, it's still less expensive than him alone.)
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: mark on August 08, 2019, 08:16:38 PM
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Just over a week to go. They'll probably add/rearrange a bunch more panels, but so far nothing looks like a must-attend. Nothing that resembles a studio panel, many guests don't even have panels listed yet. Maybe the Weasley Twins and some of the NASA ones might be interesting. Arnold isn't listed on the Terminator panel and so far it seems no one has gotten a definitive answer as to whether or not he'll actually be there. Anyone see any panel that jumps out at them?


Not seeing much, there's a panel with Will Wright. There were some strong author panels last year, having seen anything comparable yet.

Some interesting things in the "Outdoor Garden on Viola Avenue" which I guess will make more sense when we see it, that's just the little road behind the convention center between it and the quonset hut where they did wristband pickup last year.

Also, Sony Playstation has a decent sized spot in the exhibit hall.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: TheOtherMel on August 08, 2019, 09:33:55 PM
[member=314]Transmute Jun[/member] Hi June, any room for 3 more at Il Fornaio? If not no worries.

This will be my wife and son’s first time to SVCC. She wants to swoon over Jason Momoa.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Mario Wario on August 08, 2019, 09:37:29 PM
Oh, Sony is going to be there? Good to know regarding Arnold.

But I will say it, this year’s SVCC is looking rather meh this year. Even though the guest lineup is decent, there’s barely any panels happening.  I guess the rescheduling did it.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on August 09, 2019, 06:45:07 AM
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[member=314]Transmute Jun[/member] Hi June, any room for 3 more at Il Fornaio? If not no worries.

This will be my wife and son’s first time to SVCC. She wants to swoon over Jason Momoa.

[member=2143]TheOtherMel[/member]  If you would like to come, I will make it happen!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on August 09, 2019, 08:05:48 AM
Update [member=2143]TheOtherMel[/member]  [member=310]Dan Berry[/member] [member=4270]mark[/member] [member=2389]Mario Wario[/member] [member=3050]janray[/member] !

When I changed the reservation to accommodate more people, the 6 pm time slot was no longer available. I had to move it to 6:15. I'd still recommend arriving between 6 and 6:15, as they will likely just seat us when the whole party is there.

So I will see everyone at Il Fornaio between 6 and 6:15 pm on Saturday, August 17!

https://www.ilfornaio.com/sanjose
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: TheOtherMel on August 09, 2019, 08:15:15 AM
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[member=2143]TheOtherMel[/member]  If you would like to come, I will make it happen!

Awww, thank you so much! It will be nice to see you folks again!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on August 10, 2019, 08:05:58 AM
This scares me. Is it for real?

https://twitter.com/SVComicCon/status/1160087622716313602
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Dan Berry on August 10, 2019, 08:22:30 AM
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This scares me. Is it for real?

https://twitter.com/SVComicCon/status/1160087622716313602

The $? Yep. He charges $500 or so I believe normally.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Mario Wario on August 10, 2019, 09:16:06 AM
Arnold wants his money. He loves his money.  :P
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: hikanteki on August 10, 2019, 11:44:31 AM
I’m just going to leave this here...

https://www.comicsbeat.com/the-holy-grail-of-comic-con-guests-schwarzenegger-is-coming-to-the-alamo-city-comic-con-but-it-will-cost-you/amp/
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on August 10, 2019, 12:52:44 PM
Well, it's inaccurate, since we know Arnold will be at SVCC next weekend, so this isn't his first comic con ever. But yeah, that price is amazingly horrifying! I guess SVCC is a discount then, since you can get an autograph and photo op for $900...

Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Dan Berry on August 10, 2019, 01:03:31 PM
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Well, it's inaccurate, since we know Arnold will be at SVCC next weekend, so this isn't his first comic con ever. But yeah, that price is amazingly horrifying! I guess SVCC is a discount then, since you can get an autograph and photo op for $900...

That con was his 1st...it was October 2018 :)
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on August 10, 2019, 01:15:34 PM
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That con was his 1st...it was October 2018 :)

Ah, I missed that part of it... ;)
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: hikanteki on August 11, 2019, 02:31:44 PM
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Update [member=2143]TheOtherMel[/member]  [member=310]Dan Berry[/member] [member=4270]mark[/member] [member=2389]Mario Wario[/member] [member=3050]janray[/member] !

When I changed the reservation to accommodate more people, the 6 pm time slot was no longer available. I had to move it to 6:15. I'd still recommend arriving between 6 and 6:15, as they will likely just seat us when the whole party is there.

So I will see everyone at Il Fornaio between 6 and 6:15 pm on Saturday, August 17!

https://www.ilfornaio.com/sanjose

Is there room for 2 more? We'd love to join the group if there is. (If not, I understand...sorry for the last minute request!)
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on August 11, 2019, 02:44:12 PM
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Is there room for 2 more? We'd love to join the group if there is. (If not, I understand...sorry for the last minute request!)

Let me call the restaurant and check. I have reached the maximum party size for an online reservation, but they might increase things if I call and talk to them in person.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on August 11, 2019, 02:51:29 PM
Okay, here's the scoop. Our reservation right now is for 14 people, which is their maximum size 'on the floor'. However, they have a banquet room available, and it might be possible for us to use that. If we use that, then we would have a private room. There would be no charge for using the room, but there would be a 'minimum order amount', meaning everyone would have to commit to spending a certain dollar amount.

I don't have any numbers right now, but their banquet people are going to call me tomorrow to see if we can make an arrangement. I will keep you guys posted as I know what is going on.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: hikanteki on August 12, 2019, 02:47:18 PM
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Oh, Sony is going to be there? Good to know regarding Arnold.

But I will say it, this year’s SVCC is looking rather meh this year. Even though the guest lineup is decent, there’s barely any panels happening.  I guess the rescheduling did it.

Gotta agree. Unless they add a bunch of new content in the next three days that completely knocks it out of the park, I'm only going to go for one day this year and that's not even for anything specific, but just to check it out. They just added a city council member at a guest of honor...nothing against him as a city council member, but are they really that desperate for guests? That reminds me of ECCC 2016 when they added Seattle Seahawks players as last-minute guests of honor on top of an already underwhelming lineup...and even that looked better than this.

There are a few things that look interesting. The Exhibit Hall actually looks like it might be better than last year...as Mark said, there's Playstation, and I also noticed Allied Global Marketing (the booth that gave away WB swag the first two years) is back. Also good to see NASA again. And, some of the events outdoors on Viola Avenue (Fury, Dystopia Rising) sound more interesting than the indoor events.

But aside from a couple of the featured guest panels, the programming just looks sad...way too much of a reliance on fan and cosplay panels, ("How Game of Thrones Should've Ended" is not something that should be representative of a top tier convention), as well as science panels with painfully generic names (i.e. "Technology and the Future of Humanity.") After a few good years, it's too bad that my local comic con looks like it's regressing back into a B-convention a la Big Wow...but, on the other hand, at least I didn't have to make travel arrangements only to see it turn out like this.  :P
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on August 12, 2019, 05:23:11 PM
Just to point out that last year the San Jose Mayor was a guest. He was on a panel about 'cities of he future', specifically transportation nd other issues. They are hosting a similar panel this year, so I'm guessing that's where the city council member steps in.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on August 12, 2019, 05:27:46 PM
UPDATE ON SATURDAY DINNER

[member=2143]TheOtherMel[/member]  [member=310]Dan Berry[/member] [member=4270]mark[/member] [member=2389]Mario Wario[/member] [member=3050]janray[/member] @hikanteki

Everything is a go for our dinner (including the new requests)!

I have been in contact with Il Fornaio. They will be giving us 2 adjacent tables in the main dining room. Our group is considered an 'event', so they will have our group name on a sign at the desk. We will have dedicated waitstaff and a mandatory gratuity charged to everyone's bills due to our large group size.

The co-ordinator suggested that I tell people that if they want pizza, to order as soon as we sit down/order drinks, because the pizza oven is limited in capacity and she didn't want people's food to be delayed. Everything else on the menu will come at a reasonable speed.

I would appreciate it if everyone could arrive on time (between 6 and 6:15 pm) since they are bending over backwards to fit our group.

Thank you, and I look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday!

Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Dan Berry on August 12, 2019, 05:44:35 PM
You have me with +2 right? [member=314]Transmute Jun[/member]
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: hikanteki on August 12, 2019, 05:52:35 PM
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Just to point out that last year the San Jose Mayor was a guest. He was on a panel about 'cities of he future', specifically transportation nd other issues. They are hosting a similar panel this year, so I'm guessing that's where the city council member steps in.

I remember, and that was also a stretch...but at least the Mayor is slightly more recognizable/official (i.e. having the Mayor present at the opening ceremony of an event is a respected tradition.)
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on August 13, 2019, 07:40:19 AM
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You have me with +2 right? [member=314]Transmute Jun[/member]

Yes I do! [member=310]Dan Berry[/member] 

Just to confirm for everyone, the numbers I have are:

TJ +2
Mark +1
Mario Wario +1
Janray +2
Dan Berry +2
TheOtherMel +2
Hikanteki +1

They are holding space for 18 people, so we should be good to go!

I'm very excited for this! It will be our biggest SVCC dinner ever!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on August 13, 2019, 07:43:20 AM
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I remember, and that was also a stretch...but at least the Mayor is slightly more recognizable/official (i.e. having the Mayor present at the opening ceremony of an event is a respected tradition.)

Yes, they had the Mayor (not Sam Loccardo... the one before that) at the opening of the first SVCC, for a special 'ribbon cutting' ceremony.

I suspect that the mayor was just too busy this year and the councilman is stepping in. I went to that 'cities of the future' panel last year and it was actually really interesting, talking about a lot of the urban planning issues that plague San Jose, and the Bay Area in general.

We realized on Monday that Luke Gygax was going to be at this con. That's exciting for gamers like us! I am looking forward to 'Tomb of Horrors in 90 minutes'.

Anyone else find any 'panel gems' posted in the last couple of days?
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Dan Berry on August 13, 2019, 07:54:40 AM
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Yes, they had the Mayor (not Sam Loccardo... the one before that) at the opening of the first SVCC, for a special 'ribbon cutting' ceremony.

I suspect that the mayor was just too busy this year and the councilman is stepping in. I went to that 'cities of the future' panel last year and it was actually really interesting, talking about a lot of the urban planning issues that plague San Jose, and the Bay Area in general.

We realized on Monday that Luke Gygax was going to be at this con. That's exciting for gamers like us! I am looking forward to 'Tomb of Horrors in 90 minutes'.

Anyone else find any 'panel gems' posted in the last couple of days?

The 50 years of Haunted Mansion is on my list.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on August 13, 2019, 07:58:54 AM
Yes, we're going to 50 Years of Haunted Mansion as well! I'm tempted to wear my Haunted Mansion dress that day.

The app is available! It's a little complicated, because you have to download an app called Fan Guru and then search for SVCC within that app (after making an account).

https://twitter.com/SVComicCon/status/1161105186540027904

Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: alyssa on August 13, 2019, 11:26:04 AM
Hi everyone,

we have opened up an area on the discord server for 'Other Cons'
Forum folks are welcome to use that thread for communication during con.

if you haven't been on the discord server before you can use this link;
the link to the focc discord server is https://discord.gg/uFXj9j4

once in and having accepted the rules, navigate to Other Cons, under that select 'random-smaller-cons'
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: hikanteki on August 14, 2019, 04:26:12 PM
The event I was going to go to on Friday that had slightly more pull (10,000 Maniacs concert) got cancelled. So I guess I'm just going to go to SVCC all weekend.  ;D

Friday actually looks pretty decent. Sergio and the Holograms concert, NASA Panel with the BB-8 & Greedo Puppeteers, and Power Rangers Pack will occupy 4-7. The hours listed for Friday are earlier this year (1-7...with a couple panels until 8:30).
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: accelerate on August 15, 2019, 11:01:42 PM
Dunno how early I can get out of work. I was hoping to be able to check out SVCC for an hour or two on Friday and then spend most of Saturday at the con. I'll probably skip Sunday unless some programming draws me back.

This year seems really... lackluster. I was kinda expecting SVCC to continue to grow, if not into a powerhouse con, but at least into a respectable one, especially since we're lacking in that arena in the Bay Area. But I'm still hoping to be pleasantly surprised.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: TheOtherMel on August 16, 2019, 08:05:49 AM
Any parking tips since i'm destined to arrive around 10 ish or is there still plenty of parking?
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on August 16, 2019, 08:22:03 AM
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Any parking tips since i'm destined to arrive around 10 ish or is there still plenty of parking?

There should still be parking, but just in case, you can try this site.

https://www.spotangels.com/san-jose-parking
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: TheOtherMel on August 16, 2019, 11:42:26 AM
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There should still be parking, but just in case, you can try this site.

https://www.spotangels.com/san-jose-parking

Thanks TJ!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: mark on August 16, 2019, 11:53:22 AM
Some good news, tomorrow should be about 10 degrees cooler than today :)
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on August 16, 2019, 12:03:06 PM
For those who got VIP badges check your email! They sent out a list of the special guests visiting the lounge. In advance! Will wonders never cease?
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Mario Wario on August 17, 2019, 09:48:10 AM
So, SVCC is having a promotion: buy 1 Arnold photo op, autograph or selfie, you’ll get a Sunday badge for free. Makes me wonder if this year’s attendance will be low? 

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For those who got VIP badges check your email! They sent out a list of the special guests visiting the lounge. In advance! Will wonders never cease?
Who are the guests this time? I doubt Arnold is part of it.  ;D
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on August 17, 2019, 09:06:02 PM
Turns out that this year you can go to as many VIP autograph sessions as you want. I went to Ray Fisher this afternoon and got a photo and an autograph (and the pic for autographing was free).

They also had 2 people from Power Rangers yesterday, and the BB8 puppeteer today. Tomorrow is Julie Benz and the actor who played Greedo.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Mario Wario on August 18, 2019, 12:34:29 PM
Very nice!

Btw, Arnold has his own autograph room! He’s too cool for the show floor. ;)

Edit: Looks like he got too cool for that room, so he’s on the show floor at long last, according to Twitter.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on August 19, 2019, 03:31:43 PM
Thanks to everyone who attended our dinner on Saturday night! While the company was terrific, I know that the service was lackluster and the room temperature was an issue as well. I just wanted to let everyone know that I have told Il Fornaio that we will not be back next year, and I will look for another location. I still want to have a meetup in 12020, but will search for a place that better meets our needs.

Regardless, I really enjoyed seeing everyone and meeting some new people as well. I look forward to seeing you all at future cons!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: accelerate on August 19, 2019, 03:52:00 PM
So how was everyone's experience with SVCC? I thought it was fine for what it was, and in line with what I expected. It felt smaller than last year, and definitely smaller than two years ago. For instance, I remember there used to be a bunch of activities on the lower level, including an arcade center, but this year, nothing really to see downstairs. I enjoyed wandering around both Exhibit Hall sections, though again, it felt like there were less booths? I attended a few panels, including Andy Weir's, which was interesting. There were more cosplayers than I expected (although I say that every SVCC). Not surprisingly, quite a few Aquamans in attendance. Even a couple of Namors.

If there's one thing I would change, it would be the lines to get in during peak hours. I understand the need for security, but I felt the lines still could've gone much faster. Also, I didn't understand the policy of no outside drinks.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: hikanteki on August 19, 2019, 03:53:11 PM
SVCC 4.0 is in the books. As a generic local convention, it would have been perfectly fine. But as the 4th Silicon Valley Comic Con, it was lacking.

In the NASA booth, I overheard an attendee saying that he was glad to see NASA had a booth. The NASA employee replied: "You should have been here two years ago!" That about sums up this year's SVCC.

Their strongest area from the first three years -- panels -- were severely lacking. The first three years there were many times I had to choose between two or more panels going on at the same time, but this year for most of the con there was barely one panel at a time that I was interested in. It wasn't like year 2.0 where science panels largely replaced pop culture panels -- both types were minimal this year. There was nothing resembling a studio panel at all, and it looked like a high percentage of the panels recycled the same guests in slightly different combinations. There were some that were truly odd and out of place (i.e. Soul Travel) as well as some randomly thrown in fan panels (i.e. Galaxy Quest, Game of Thrones gripe sesson). Even the science panels, despite probably having interesting content, had boring titles that tried too hard to sound clever or profound (i.e. The Science of Science Fiction, Technology and the Future of Humanity.) No evening sessions on Saturday either like previous years -- even the Cosplay Masquerade went from 6-7:30. Honestly, this year's lineup felt like a Wizard World with a couple of science panels.

For celebrity guests, the lineup itself was decent -- not amazing -- but the two biggest names were Jason Momoa and Arnold Schwarzenegger, and neither had panels. Arnold wasn't even on the Terminator reunion panel. To be fair, he wasn't listed, but we were hoping he would pop in at least for a few seconds. They had 3 from Gotham including 2 of the leads...but it was a missed opportunity to not have all three at once. They had 2 panels with a different 2/3 of them (and both of them started pretty significantly late.)

Organization was also weak, and hasn't seemed to be this bad since year 1.0...or maybe the issues were just more noticeable this year since everything else was lacking. Three main examples:

1) I asked at least three volunteers where the entrance to the outdoor festival on Viola Ave. was, and no one knew. One of them even directed me outside, and I walked all the way around the back of the convention center to the fence on one side of the outdoor festival. There was a security officer who wouldn't let me in, and said they didn't know where the actual entrance was either but it wasn't outside. I finally walked back around the other side (wasting about 30 min in total) and asked another volunteer -- they didn't know, but a couple of nearby attendees actually heard me and told me where the entrance was -- turned out to be at the back corner of the exhibit hall (on the side near the artists alley). As far as I could tell, this was not mentioned on the app or anywhere else, only at the festival entrance itself.

2) I wanted to see the outdoor "Fury" performance which was advertised as happening every hour Saturday and Sunday beginning at 2. I went Saturday at 2 and met a representative from Fury who told me it was cancelled due to being too hot. While I get that people's individual tolerances are different, the temperature was 83 on Saturday and 80 on Sunday. The average high in August is 82, which means the temperature was right at average. So using "too hot" as an excuse to cancel was poor planning -- they should have either scheduled it inside or not at all. The temperature excuse might have made more sense on Friday, since it was 92 then (although, the outdoor performer that day -- Sergio and the Holograms -- was a real trooper and actually DID show up!)

Adding to that, the con did not make any sort of updates about Fury being cancelled at all. They should have updated it on the app, or even taped a paper sign to the stage saying that it was cancelled.

3) I tried to get into the Chris Hadfield panel about 6 minutes after it started. They told me it was full...no worries, I (and some others) stayed outside and watched it on the screen. About half an hour later they let us in, telling us that about 20 seats had opened up. We got inside and there were 100+ free seats, probably closer to 200. It wasn't just seats in between people, but there were entire rows that were empty or almost empty (like 1 or 2 people in the row). People hadn't really been leaving, so the seats must have always been free. 

Finally -- not sure how much control SVCC has over this but they convention staff was VERY strict about not letting people bring in outside food/drink. While that's the convention center's official policy, I've previously rarely seen it enforced. I don't mind the metal detectors in theory...but I do mind them if all they're going to do is make them crack down on bringing in food and water. The food inside this year wasn't very good either, unlike last year when it was surprisingly good. (Although to be fair, last year seemed to the the exception in that regard.) For me it wasn't a huge deal since I was able to leave and go elsewhere for lunch...but for people with dietary restrictions that can't easily leave (i.e. vendors, and some actually were complaining about this), they need to come up with a better solution.

The program guide was pretty much just a brochure, although at least it was on high-quality glossy paper unlike last year's half size programming book on cheap paper. I'll consider it a wash compared to last year, but a downgrade compared to years 1-2.

There were still a few bright spots.

Most of the panels I did get to attend were interesting and high-quality, especially the Phelps (Weasley) Twins and Terminator Panel. The Terminator Panel was great because you could tell how much the cast members across the three movies supported each other, and the Phelps Twins were a riot as always. Also, the Law of Universal Monsters was a pleasant surprise. The four members were law professionals, and they put on a very professional and surprisingly entertaining panel about how legal issues would be applied to Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Wolfman, etc had they actually occurred. I also attended The Science of Science Fiction, with NASA Scientists and the BB-8 and Greedo puppeteers. The panelists themselves were fine, though IMO selecting Gary Whitta as moderator was a mistake.

The exhibit hall was actually a step up from last year, with one glaring exception -- no carpet. (Carpeting doesn't seem like a big deal but it's many little things like that that can help distinguish top tier convention vs. next level down.) The Playstation truck and display were pretty cool. I liked the feel of the gaming area inside the truck, and the phone chargers (with lockboxes where you could set your own combination) were a great idea. I liked the selection they had of artists and vendors with handmade goods. There seemed to be more Funko Pops than last year -- not sure if that was a good thing -- but I did find the Jollibee Pop that I had been looking for.

They had some unique displays set up in the main areas of the convention center as well -- Legion M had a photo area with interesting props and statues, and the Vudu film-your-own-movie booth was very cool looking (although I didn't go in.) 

While I have to consider the outdoor festival on Viola ave a flop, at least I can give them credit for trying to do something interesting.

Swag was actually above average. Geico's was the best IMO, an oversize swag bag with a few items like sunglasses and a plush gecko and it wasn't difficult at all to get (you just had to give them your info to enter a drawing, but you didn't have to sign up for insurance or anything.) State Farm also had cool stuff, and the Allied Global Marketing booth gave away TONS of free stuff for spinning a wheel. A few booths down, they had "nutritionally balanced ramen" and I spun the wheel to get a free high-quality ramen spoon. There was also the Vudu scavenger hunt which I hear was easy to complete. I didn't enter it, but they had extra t-shirts and pins at the end so I ended up getting them anyway (thanks to karatekid for clueing me in!)

So, despite the issues I mentioned in the first part of this post, there was enough to keep me occupied (though I didn't stay the entire weekend like I usually do), and I had a perfectly good time, and it was very nice to meet you all at the FoCC Meetup. ;D However, it's telling that some of the best things about the con itself were from Geico and State Farm. If this would have been the first year of a new local con, I'd think they were off to a great start. But knowing what they've already done the first three (and especially the first two) years, it was a disappointment. Based on this year, I don't consider it a destination con anymore and wouldn't recommend it to anyone out of the area, like I did the first two years.

I wonder if any of that had to do with the date change. It probably caught them off guard, and they had to scramble to find new dates (and even then, the attendee reaction to the actual date change was mixed -- it was probably more for the benefit of vendors, which at least did seem better this year.) But given how SVCC turned out this year despite caving on the dates, I have to wonder if it was really the right decision...I don't think it was.

I do get that in any Silicon Valley business, there are going to be highs and lows, and I'm hoping this year was just a low. But another common theme in Silicon Valley is "here today gone tomorrow," and I really hope that that won't happen to our con especially since we waited so long to finally get a real one again. But given that they've secured the dates over a year in a advance and were confident enough of them to print them in this year's program, I am currently optimistic that they'll rebound. We shall see.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: janray on August 19, 2019, 04:43:55 PM
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Thanks to everyone who attended our dinner on Saturday night! While the company was terrific, I know that the service was lackluster and the room temperature was an issue as well. I just wanted to let everyone know that I have told Il Fornaio that we will not be back next year, and I will look for another location. I still want to have a meetup in 12020, but will search for a place that better meets our needs.

Regardless, I really enjoyed seeing everyone and meeting some new people as well. I look forward to seeing you all at future cons!


Thanks for organizing it again.  We enjoyed meeting up with everyone as well and look forward to 2020.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: TheOtherMel on August 20, 2019, 09:18:57 AM
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Thanks for organizing it again.  We enjoyed meeting up with everyone as well and look forward to 2020.

O.k. I see the Dragon in the thumbnail now after closer inspection [member=3050]janray[/member] !!  :D

Thanks again to [member=314]Transmute Jun[/member]  for making the dinner happen!

Thank you [member=4270]mark[/member] for the Iron Man trade you gave to my son! I will remember this gesture come Fantasy Football time.  ;)

Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on August 20, 2019, 12:24:38 PM
With apologies for the delay, here is my review of SVCC 2019.

https://www.friendsofcc.com/2019/08/20/silicon-valley-comic-con-2019-scales-back/
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: sessionka on August 21, 2019, 02:21:25 PM
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So, despite the issues I mentioned in the first part of this post, there was enough to keep me occupied (though I didn't stay the entire weekend like I usually do), and I had a perfectly good time, and it was very nice to meet you all at the FoCC Meetup. ;D However, it's telling that some of the best things about the con itself were from Geico and State Farm. If this would have been the first year of a new local con, I'd think they were off to a great start. But knowing what they've already done the first three (and especially the first two) years, it was a disappointment. Based on this year, I don't consider it a destination con anymore and wouldn't recommend it to anyone out of the area, like I did the first two years.

I wonder if any of that had to do with the date change. It probably caught them off guard, and they had to scramble to find new dates (and even then, the attendee reaction to the actual date change was mixed -- it was probably more for the benefit of vendors, which at least did seem better this year.) But given how SVCC turned out this year despite caving on the dates, I have to wonder if it was really the right decision...I don't think it was.


This might be due to growing pains.  I'm ashamed to say it, but for the first time, I'm actually reading SDCC's program book, and the history is very interesting.  I recommend everyone take a look.  The beginning years were not perfect.  There were date changes and the theft of all proceeds from one year almost derailed the con completely. 

I wouldn't consider SVCC myself, as I'm on the east coast, but it may still survive.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: karatekid on August 22, 2019, 11:16:55 AM
I figure I'd weigh in with my basic review of SVCC so here goes ...

I enjoyed SVCC and had a great experience! Now my disclaimer is I only went one day on Sunday and that influences my view and the lens I'm seeing and experiencing the con from. It is a really nice fun enjoyable con if you go for one day. My time was very complete and fulfilled with checking out the show floor, doing the VUDU scavenger hunt, meeting up with friends for lunch and going to the Terminator Reunion panel. It was a full day and I probably could've benefited from another hour or two ... and that's where I can empathize and sympathize to TJ and Hikantei that there was just not enough content, exhibitors, panels, etc to occupy and enjoy 3 days. By early mid day 2 I'm pretty sure I would have been twiddling my thumbs and downtown San Jose is just not nice or vibrant enough to be a quality extension of your visit. There's no beach or zoo or similar to do beyond the con.

As Hikantei referenced, this is not a "destination" con. It's not worth coming outside the relative Bay Area unless you have a specific purpose like wanted Jason Momoa or Arnold's autograph/photo op or wanted to meet up and hang out with friends beyond the con itself. Even then it would probably be better suited to wait for that star to come to a closer con to you.

So final assessment ... A very good local con. A very good one day con. Not a destination or travel afar from con. Not a strong multiday con experience.

As I'm in the Bay Area, I will look forward to attending SVCC 2020! ... At least on one day!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on August 23, 2019, 08:27:15 AM
I think part of the reason many of us are somewhat disappointed is that a couple of years ago, it *was* a con worth traveling to. The second year, when they had the outdoor festival and so many high quality panels (Flash, TNG Reunion, Sesame Street cast, Buzz Aldrin) it would have been worth coming from SoCal. They've definitely pulled back, not just into the convention center, but in terms of guests.

I'm hoping that they do a post-con survey this year, so that they can see how attendees felt.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on August 23, 2019, 08:37:48 AM
Just came across this!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pF-7vxrVGbQ
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: accelerate on September 04, 2019, 02:19:15 PM
SVCC just sent via email out a survey for this past year's event. Just filled it out. Lots of 2-3 stars from me, though I was fair and gave 5 stars to the registration / wristband pickup process.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: Transmute Jun on September 04, 2019, 06:13:15 PM
I filled out the survey as well, expressing my displeasure that some of the celebrity guests did not have panels.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: hikanteki on September 04, 2019, 10:30:11 PM
Finally. I also gave 5 stars to registration, but I gave almost everything else 2-3 stars.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: sylent_asassin on September 05, 2019, 10:14:35 AM
I enjoyed SVCC, but with very few celebrity TV show/movie panels and outside events, it seems this show has turned into a superstar cash grab/glorified toy show like Wizard World and Heroes and Villains.

I attended the spotlight panel for Morena Baccarin, which was very informative regarding her career, but couldn't make it to the Terminator panel. Perhaps that was a good thing since AS didn't attend.

My one gripe is that the photo-op lines seemed disorganized for most of the day on Saturday. I had ops for Stone Cold, Morena Baccarin and Jason Momoa, and for whatever reason, they scheduled Morena's and Jason's ops within 10 minutes of each other towards the end of the day. Jason had about 4 photo sessions throughout the day, and I purchased my ops early, so I don't know why mine scheduled were so close. I expressed my concerns with the person at the desk after I redeemed my QR code, but they said, "Oh, Jason will be here late, so it will be okay." Be that as it may, ops for one attendee shouldn't be bunched in that closely. It ended up being a non-issue as Jason's line was INSANELY long, but not something that I should be worrying about.

Overall, the show was fun and the cosplay was pretty good, but that was about all. Considering the past SVCC's, this show felt like a step backwards... and to the person who stole my signed Kristanna Loken photo, I hope you burn in hell. My friend got me in as a vendor, and I was helping him pack up on Sunday after the hall closed, so my group and I left our Funko Pops, signed posters and things at the information counter directly across from the booth. It was about 15 feet away from us. While we were packing up, someone grabbed my SIGNED photo and walked off with it, but didn't steal anything else. I can't believe someone, probably a fellow vendor would do such a thing!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: karatekid on September 06, 2019, 09:22:25 AM
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to the person who stole my signed Kristanna Loken photo, I hope you burn in hell. My friend got me in as a vendor, and I was helping him pack up on Sunday after the hall closed, so my group and I left our Funko Pops, signed posters and things at the information counter directly across from the booth. It was about 15 feet away from us. While we were packing up, someone grabbed my SIGNED photo and walked off with it, but didn't steal anything else. I can't believe someone, probably a fellow vendor would do such a thing!
So so sorry  >:( Not cool. Sucks, taints a nice moment and experience for you. This seems crazy and so specific. You sure you didn't just misplace it or lost it before? If I'm a thief I take everything not just a signed photo! BTW, was it signed personalized or was it a photo with you and her? If it was really loserville if someone stole a personalized photo!
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: sylent_asassin on September 09, 2019, 09:21:05 AM
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So so sorry  >:( Not cool. Sucks, taints a nice moment and experience for you. This seems crazy and so specific. You sure you didn't just misplace it or lost it before? If I'm a thief I take everything not just a signed photo! BTW, was it signed personalized or was it a photo with you and her? If it was really loserville if someone stole a personalized photo!

It was a personalized 8x11 that I selected from Kristanna's booth signed with a silver sharpie. It had my name on it and everything!.. and I didn't misplace it. Right before someone stole it, I saw two old guys thumbing through our things, so I and my booth mates had to tell them, "Hey! That belongs to us!" I specifically saw one of the old guys pick up my signed photo, but he put it back down after telling them that the merchandise was ours. Shortly after we were done packing up, my photo was gone. My only consolation is that I got a selfie with her.

More than anything, I'm disappointed with myself for giving some old butthole the opportunity to steal something of mine. Being a victim of a somewhat recent theft, I'm usually paranoid about my things and keep them close, but figured "the photo is personalized. Who would steal it?" Moreover, there were only vendors in the hall; responsible adults, at least so I thought... Things like this make me lose faith in humanity.
Title: Re: Silicon Valley Comic Con 2019: August 16-18, San Jose, CA
Post by: karatekid on September 09, 2019, 09:26:26 AM
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It was a personalized 8x11 that I selected from Kristanna's booth signed with a silver sharpie. It had my name on it and everything!.. and I didn't misplace it. Right before someone stole it, I saw two old guys thumbing through our things, so I and my booth mates had to tell them, "Hey! That belongs to us!" I specifically saw one of the old guys pick up my signed photo, but he put it back down after telling them that the merchandise was ours. Shortly after we were done packing up, my photo was gone. My only consolation is that I got a selfie with her.

More than anything, I'm disappointed with myself for giving some old butthole the opportunity to steal something of mine. Being a victim of a somewhat recent theft, I'm usually paranoid about my things and keep them close, but figured "the photo is personalized. Who would steal it?" Moreover, there were only vendors in the hall; responsible adults, at least so I thought... Things like this make me lose faith in humanity.
Wow totally sucks and loserville! Who takes a personalized photo?! Yes there's so much value in that. lol. They either didn't realize it was personalized or maybe they have the same name as you!!!  ;) (Of course knowing your name and how fairly unique it is, I know that's not the case!). Sorry bro.  >:(