Monday, January 30, 2017

Second Wave of Guests for San Diego Comic-Con 2017 Announced

As most of you are (im)patiently waiting for news on badge sales, Comic-Con International has offered the second wave of official word on just who you can find at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con.

From the Toucan Blog, here’s the list of the first Special Guests headed to SDCC 2017:

  • Paul Dini • Writer, Dark Knight: A True Batman Story, Batman: The Animated Series
  • Victoria Jamieson • Writer/artist, Roller Girl, The Great Pet Escape
  • John Morrow • Writer, publisher, comics historian, The Jack Kirby Collector
  • Jeff Smith • Cartoonist, Bone, RASL

Special guests typically receive a special “Spotlight” panel during the convention, so attendees have a chance to hear their favorite authors and artists speak live.

According to CCI, they’ll announce additional guests next Monday – so keep your eyes peeled for more exciting announcements. You can also catch up on tons of other things and people who will be at San Diego Comic-Con in our Under the Tents updates.

Are you excited about these guests? Let us know in the comments.



from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2017/01/second-wave-of-guests-for-san-diego-comic-con-2017-announced/
via http://sdccblog.com/2017/01/second-wave-of-guests-for-san-diego-comic-con-2017-announced/


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Comic-Con International’s Second Wave of 2017 Special Guests!

COMIC-CON SPECIAL GUEST MONDAY!
Comic-Con International 2017 Special Guests

Our special guest list for Comic-Con 2017 doubles in size with the announcement of 4 more great guests for the big event!



via http://www.comic-con.org/toucan/comic-con-international%E2%80%99s-second-wave-of-2017-special-guests


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Friday, January 27, 2017

Comic-Con 2017 Souvenir Book Call for Submissions!

GET READY FOR COMIC-CON 2017!
Comic-Con International 2017, July 20–23 at the San Diego Convention Center

Jack "King Kirby's 100th birthday. Will Eisner's 100th birthday. Batgirl's 50th. Batman: The Animated Series 25th. Our Comic-Con 2017 Souvenir Book themes celebrate some of the best comics have to offer ... learn how you can be a part of it!



via http://www.comic-con.org/toucan/comic-con-2017-souvenir-book-call-submissions


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Thursday, January 26, 2017

San Diego Convention Center Expansion Gets More Good News

Artist rendering of the San Diego Convention Center proposed expansion, from 2013.

There’s more good news this year for the San Diego Convention Center expansion, as it cleared another major hurdle.

While the Chargers announced a move to Los Angeles earlier this month – effectively ending all future discussions of any combined ‘convadium’ – there still were, and still are, plenty of other obstacles in the way for a contiguous San Diego Convention Center expansion. One of the biggest was a lawsuit (from Citizens’ Plan co-creator Cory Briggs) arguing that the expansion does not comply with the California Coastal Act.

Yesterday, Superior Court Judge Joel Wohlfeil ruled that the waterfront convention center expansion is legally sound and compliant with the California Coastal Act and the California Environmental Quality Act. The ruling won’t be finalized until after a March 3 hearing, but this is still a victory for those hoping to see a contiguous expansion.

Mayor Kevin Faulconer has been making another push for the expansion. “Today’s strong ruling is tremendous news for San Diego’s economy and removes one of the biggest hurdles to expanding the convention center,” Faulconer said in a statement. “This expansion is all about creating jobs and growing tourism as well as keeping and attracting large conventions like Comic-Con.”

Even if the judge does finalize yesterday’s ruling, that doesn’t mean that ground can be broken immediately. Although it got the okay from the California Coastal Committee all the way back in 2013, the plan at the time was to raise hotel taxes to cover the cost, with an increase of up to 3% for hotels closest to the Convention Center (right now the hotel tax is set at 10.5%, with an additional 2% that goes to the Tourism Marketing Department or TMD — this article from the Voice of San Diego does a great job explaining the complexities).

Because this decision was made without a vote of the people of San Diego, Briggs sued in a separate case and that judge ruled the plan unconstitutional because it wasn’t voted on by the electorate. The San Diego City Council voted to abandon the plan, and it’s been stalled ever since. Any new financing plan would need to go to the people of San Diego for a vote, requiring a 2/3 majority.

That original plan, from back in 2013, was hoping to see the expanded convention center open in 2017.

So we’re not there yet, but this is good news.



from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2017/01/san-diego-convention-center-expansion-gets-more-good-news/
via http://sdccblog.com/2017/01/san-diego-convention-center-expansion-gets-more-good-news/


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Tuesday, January 24, 2017

WonderCon 2017 Badge Sale Offers New Functionality, Possible Insight Into SDCC 2017

WonderCon 2016 Badge and RFID

When WonderCon 2017 badges went on sale last month, the process received a rather quiet revamp with some very cool additional functionality.

Rather than utilizing a company like Interactive Ticketing, Comic-Con International appears to be hosting their own badge sale for WonderCon this year – with payment processing done through Stripe.com.

Possibly because they’re moving some of the back-end processes to in-house, you no longer need to hold onto your confirmation e-mails for dear life. Instead, after you purchase your badge(s), you can simply log into your Member ID, click the ‘Registration Info’ tab, and be able to view your confirmation (which helpfully also includes information on badge pick-up hours) or even request a refund right there.

Registration Info tab after purchasing badge(s) for WonderCon 2017

Now, badges are still being mailed to domestic attendees – but for international attendees or anyone who likes having a back-up plan, this is all great news, and one of the most requested changes over the years.

With Returning Registration (formerly known as Preregistration) occurring so late this year for SDCC, could we see a similar revamp to the system for San Diego Comic-Con? The last time that registration took place this late – February 8, 2014 – was due to a complete overhaul of the process to the randomized waiting room for EPIC Registration (now EXPO Logic).

Interestingly, EXPO Logic does not list Comic-Con International as a client, and when we reached out to EXPO Logic representatives, we were told that they are not contracted with CCI this year. It’s still possible that the representatives we spoke with were misinformed, or that CCI is moving to another ticketing company. However, if they are moving that sale to in-house, if they can pull it off , it looks like it could offer up some improved functionality.

We’ll update as we learn more.

Are you excited about these changes to WonderCon registration? Let us know in the comments.



from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2017/01/wondercon-2017-badge-sale-offers-new-functionality-possible-insight-into-sdcc-2017/
via http://sdccblog.com/2017/01/wondercon-2017-badge-sale-offers-new-functionality-possible-insight-into-sdcc-2017/


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Monday, January 23, 2017

First Guests for San Diego Comic-Con 2017 Announced

As most of you are (im)patiently waiting for news on badge sales, Comic-Con International has offered the first official word on just who you can find at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con.

From the Toucan Blog, here’s the list of the first Special Guests headed to SDCC 2017:

  • Brigitte Findakly • Writer, Poppies of Iraq
  • Eduardo Risso • Artist, 100 Bullets, Moonshine, Torpedo 1972
  • Bruce Timm • Artist, animator, director, producer, Batman The Animated Series, Batman and Harley Quinn
  • Lewis Trondheim • Writer, artist, Dungeon, A.L.I.E.E.E.N., Poppies of Iraq

Special guests typically receive a special “Spotlight” panel during the convention, so attendees have a chance to hear their favorite authors and artists speak live.

According to CCI, they’ll announce five additional guests next Monday – so keep your eyes peeled for more exciting announcements. You can also catch up on tons of other things and people who will be at San Diego Comic-Con in our Under the Tents updates.

Are you excited about these guests? Let us know in the comments.



from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2017/01/first-guests-for-san-diego-comic-con-2017-announced/
via http://sdccblog.com/2017/01/first-guests-for-san-diego-comic-con-2017-announced/


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Comic-Con International’s First Wave of 2017 Special Guests!

COMIC-CON SPECIAL GUEST MONDAY!
Comic-Con International 2017 Special Guests

Here we go for Comic-Con 2017: our first wave of special guests for the event, July 20-23, at the San Diego Convention Center!



via http://www.comic-con.org/toucan/comic-con-international%E2%80%99s-first-wave-of-2017-special-guests


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Friday, January 20, 2017

Comic-Con 2016 Photo Gallery Extra!

GET READY FOR COMIC-CON 2017!
Comic-Con International 2017, July 20–23, at the San Diego Convention Center

Let's take a look back at Comic-Con International 2016, with 4 new photo galleries, as we get ready for the 2017 event!



via http://www.comic-con.org/toucan/comic-con-2016-photo-gallery-extra


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2016 Friday

Revisit Comic-Con International 2016 with this exclusive gallery featuring photos from Friday, July 22!



via http://www.comic-con.org/past-events/2016/gallery/2016-friday


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2016 Thursday

Revisit Comic-Con International 2016 with this exclusive gallery featuring photos from Thursday, July 21!



via http://www.comic-con.org/past-events/2016/gallery/2016-thursday


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2016 Sunday

Revisit Comic-Con International 2016 with this exclusive gallery featuring photos from Sunday, July 24!



via http://www.comic-con.org/past-events/2016/gallery/2016-sunday


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2016 Saturday

Revisit Comic-Con International 2016 with this exclusive gallery featuring photos from Saturday, July 23!



via http://www.comic-con.org/past-events/2016/gallery/2016-saturday


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Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Reserve Your WonderCon Anaheim 2017 Hotel Room Now!

WONDERCON WEDNESDAY!
WonderCon Anaheim 2017 Hotel Reservations

Hotel reservations for WonderCon Anaheim 2017 are now open! There are 8 great hotels to choose from ... book your room now and enjoy the entire 3-day WonderCon experience!



via http://www.comic-con.org/toucan/reserve-your-wondercon-anaheim-2017-hotel-room-now


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WonderCon Anaheim 2017 Hotels Now Available

We’re just over two months away from WonderCon Anaheim 2017 – and if you’ve been patiently waiting to figure out where you’ll be storing your art prints and exclusives, we’ve got good news. WonderCon hotels are now available to be booked.

You can choose from eight hotels available at a special discounted rate through Comic-Con International and onPeak. Prices range from $116 per night at the Red Lion Anaheim to $199 per night at the Anaheim Marriott.

This is up from 2015 prices (the last year WonderCon was in Anaheim) – when prices at the Marriott clocked in at just $129 per night.

The Hilton Anaheim is once again the “Headquarters Hotel”, which will also play host to nightly gaming and other activities for CCI – but each of the eight hotels are all fairly close to the convention center.

In order to book a room at the special con rate, simply visit CCI’s Wondercon Anaheim Hotels page and continue on to onPeak’s website.

Will you be booking a WonderCon hotel through onPeak? Let us know in the comments.



from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2017/01/wondercon-anaheim-2017-hotels-now-available/
via http://sdccblog.com/2017/01/wondercon-anaheim-2017-hotels-now-available/


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Thursday, January 12, 2017

Will Eisner Hall of Fame 2017 Nominees

Comic-Con International Presents the Will Eisner Hall of Fame 2017 Judges' Choices and Nominees

The 2017 Judges' Choice recipients and the nominees for the Will Eisner Hall of Fame have been announced.



via http://www.comic-con.org/awards/will-eisner-hall-of-fame-2017-nominees


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San Diego Convention Center Corporation Predicts $1.1 Billion Regional Economic in 2017; Comic-Con Still Top Performer

With the Chargers now moving to Los Angeles, there may be some renewed interest in a San Diego Convention Center expansion — and one of the best cases for such a project is that it continues to attract some huge names (including not only San Diego Comic-Con, but also a slew of medical conferences in 2017), which bring with them money, jobs, and a huge tourism boost to San Diego.

The San Diego Convention Center Corporation has posted their 2017 regional impact forecast for all of the conventions that the San Diego Convention Center hosts, and they’re predicting to generate $1.1 billion in total regional impact this calendar year. For the 2016 calendar year, they predicted $1.2 billion — so the estimate may be a little conservative, or last year’s expected boost may have been helped by the MLB All Stars event.

Of the 109 events scheduled for 2017 – with the possibility of more to be added – San Diego Comic-Con is by far the biggest performer, estimated to have a regional impact of $143,100,000 in 2017 (up $3.1 million from the 2016 forecast). The next biggest regional economic performer is The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, which is estimated to bring in $86,700,000 to the region.

That $143.1 million is shy of the San Diego Workforce Partnership’s $160,000 – $180,000 million economic impact estimation from November 2014, but it’s still a huge boost for the city. It’s also possible that this study isn’t taking into account the few thousand people who flock to the city every year during the convention for other, offsite events, even without a Comic-Con badge.

Here’s a look at the Top Economic Generators, from the 2017 Forecast:

With SDCC’s current contract with the San Diego Convention Center only set through 2018, and lots of recent setbacks in any expansion plan, findings like this one are important for helping to prove to to San Diego at large that Comic-Con is worth fighting for.

You can read the full study on the San Diego Convention Center’s site.

Are you surprised by any of this information? Let us know in the comments.



from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2017/01/san-diego-convention-center-corporation-predicts-1-1-billion-regional-economic-in-2017-comic-con-still-top-performer/
via http://sdccblog.com/2017/01/san-diego-convention-center-corporation-predicts-1-1-billion-regional-economic-in-2017-comic-con-still-top-performer/


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Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Under the Tents: Alex Pardee, The Ninjabot, Comics Arts Conference, Kevin Workman Foundation

While we’re all still busy waiting around for badge news, let’s have some actual San Diego Comic-Con 2017 news, shall we?

Here’s a look at what you might have missed:

  • Each year, the Kevin Workman Foundation sponsors an artist to attend San Diego Comic-Con, and you could be that artist. The lucky artist receives two 4-day badges, the opportunity to showcase their portfolio, sell product, and network from the KWF Booth at the convention. You have between now and January 15, 2017 to submit your application, so head on over to their Sponsorship page to apply now.
  • Artists Sean Forney and Josh Warner revealed via Twitter that they’ll be returning to exhibit at this year’s convention.

  • Artist Chad Heinrich will also be exhibiting at the convention, and showed off a piece he’ll have at SDCC 2017.

  • Are you an academic attending San Diego Comic-Con, and interested in hosting your own panel? One of the best ways to get involved is through the Comics Arts Conference, which accepts individual presentations to present throughout the convention. You can submit by February 1, 2017, on their website.

  • Author Sherrilyn Kenyon will also be returning to the convention, where she’ll likely be signing autographs and meeting fans. You can find out more information and keep updated on her Facebook event page.

  • Avengers, assemble. Into this Marvel cosplay photoshoot. The annual photo op will return in 2017 – so follow along on Facebook for the final date and time, closer to the event.

Anything we missed? Let us know in the comments, drop us a line or tweet us at @SD_Comic_Con.



from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2017/01/under-the-tents-alex-pardee-the-ninjabot-comics-arts-conference-kevin-workman-foundation/
via http://sdccblog.com/2017/01/under-the-tents-alex-pardee-the-ninjabot-comics-arts-conference-kevin-workman-foundation/


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WonderCon Anaheim Announces Seventh Wave of 2017 Special Guests!

WONDERCON WEDNESDAY!
WonderCon Anaheim 2017 Special Guests

We're back with 4 more special guests for WonderCon Anaheim 2017, March 31–April 2 at the Anaheim Convention Center!



via http://www.comic-con.org/toucan/wondercon-anaheim-announces-seventh-wave-of-2017-special-guests


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Monday, January 9, 2017

San Diego Comic-Con General Hotel Sale 2017 Set for April 6

2010 C0mic-Con hotel downtown wrap skyline hard rock omni gaslampIt’s 2017, which means it’s time to begin turning our attention to this summer’s San Diego Comic-Con. And right now, you probably have two questions – “When are badge sales?”, and “What about the hotel sale?”

While we don’t have an answer to the first question – the only clue that Comic-Con International has given is that Returning Registration (formerly Pre-Registration) and Open Registration will take place in “early 2017” – we do now have information on the General Hotel Sale.

We have confirmed with the Comic-Con hotel sale vendor, onPeak (who merged with Travel Planners), that the General Hotel Sale will take place on Thursday, April 6, 2017 — and while we couldn’t confirm a time, the sale historically happens at 9AM PT/12PM ET.

There’s no official word from Comic-Con International, so it’s possible that the date could change (and it’s interesting to note that the sale is moving from a traditional Tuesday date to a Thursday one) – but as of now, onPeak is able to confirm the April 6 date for the San Diego Comic-Con General Hotel Sale.

With the exception of the Tuesday to Thursday switch, that date falls right in line with last year’s April 5, 2016 sale. And while there’s still no word yet on badge sales, you can reasonably expect both to happen at some point prior to that date. Open Registration last year took place on February 20, 2016, and a similar timeline for that sale, with Returning Registration taking place in late January/early February, seems likely.

The hotel sale is the best way to ensure that you get a room at Comic-Con. A 2016 report by the San Diego Convention Center Corporation revealed that CCI holds 62,922 nights at area hotels during the convention – the vast majority of rooms in the area, which Comic-Con International is able to secure for locked-in rates for attendees. Those that aren’t included in the reserved convention block typically go for extremely high prices, and are far out of the area and not included on the Comic-Con shuttle stops.

Now that we know when the General Hotel Sale will occur, the biggest question is — will there be changes made to the process of securing a room, after last year’s miscommunication and issues?

At the time, David Glanzer, Director of Marketing and Public Relations of Comic-Con International, told us that “what could benefit everyone is a clear method of communication to make sure we are accurate and consistent in how best to serve those looking for rooms and that is something we are currently working on.”

Let’s hope that all involved can pull off a more successful sale in 2017.

Will you be trying for a room on April 6? Let us know in the comments.



from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2017/01/san-diego-comic-con-general-hotel-sale-2017-set-for-april-6/
via http://sdccblog.com/2017/01/san-diego-comic-con-general-hotel-sale-2017-set-for-april-6/


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