San Diego Comic-Con Post-Returning Registration 2018 FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Don’t worry – there’s still an opportunity for you to be one of these thousands of attendees. ©2014 WBEI

For better or worse, we survived San Diego Comic-Con 2018 Returning Registration, which is no small feat, since we’ve technically survived returning registration sales twice in one year. Because 2017’s Returning Registration took place much later than usual, it may seem like 2018’s Returning Registration was early – but 2017 was just abnormally late.

Now that we’ve had a chance to recover from the ensuing hangover, one question prevails: What now? The answer to that is not so simple. It all depends on whether or not you were successful in purchasing a badge for SDCC 2018, and what you want from this point on. We’ll do our best to answer some of your most burning questions, though.

Q: Yay! The Comic-Con gods have smiled on me! I made it through and bought badges! Now what?

A: It can take up to 72 hours to receive your purchase confirmation e-mail (and up to 48 for your credit/debit card to be charged, so that part should have happened by now). Some have also reported receiving their barcode e-mail. If you haven’t received these yet, though, don’t panic. Only the buyer will receive the initial purchase confirmation e-mail, so if someone else purchased your badge(s), ask them to forward any confirmation e-mails to you. CCI will send your barcode directly to your e-mail address on file with them, which you hopefully confirmed before Returning Registration. We know it’s not easy, but try to be patient.

Q: I made it through and bought my badges, but I got notification from CCI that my card was declined. What do I do?

A: You’ll receive an e-mail from EXPO Logic with instructions on how to re-enter your payment information. All hope is not lost.

Q: I bought a badge for several days, but I didn’t get every day I wanted. Can I still participate in Open Registration to get those badges?

A: Yes! As long as you didn’t purchase a badge for Preview Night during Returning Registration, you’re still eligible for Open Registration.

Q: What happens if I did purchase a badge for Preview Night? I want to help my friends.

A: Because purchasing a badge for Preview Night means you also purchased Thursday-Sunday badges, there are no more available badge types for you to purchase. CCI will not assign you a Registration Code for Open Registration, and you won’t be eligible to participate in the sale, even if you’re just “helping friends”.

Q: Really? Are you sure?

A: Yes. We’re very sure.

Q: My confirmation/barcode email has my old/incorrect physical address on it, even though I updated it before Returning Registration. Is this going to be a problem?

A: We don’t think so. Updates to your Member ID info officially freeze on May 14, 2018. As long as you have your correct address in there by then, your badge should come to the correct address. There’s no need to set up a camp at your old place and scare the new occupants.

Q: I sat in that EXPO Logic waiting room until all the badges sold out and never got in. Should I just give up? Am I not going to SDCC this year?

A: Before you contemplate committing hara-kiri, remember there are more opportunities to get to SDCC this year. This was only the first sale – you have at least one more chance.

Q: When is Open Registration?

A: Open Registration will be happening sometime “before the new year”. We expect an official announcement sometime late November/early December, with the sale likely happening sometime in December.

Q: What about Volunteer Registration?

A: Registration for Priority Volunteers (meaning you completed a volunteer assignment in 2017 and received an email from CCI) will open on Monday, October 30, 2017 at 10AM PT and close on Friday, November 10, 2017. We expect Volunteer Registration for those who signed up for the Volunteer Interest List (which is now closed) will take place sometime after November 10. Volunteering is a great way to get into the convention – sure, you have to work for three hours, but you get entry into SDCC for the whole day you volunteer, and you don’t have to pay for the badge.

Q: What if I still don’t get a badge in either of those?

A: Keep an eye on our Contest Hub page for details on badge giveaways – someone has to win them, and it might as well be you, right? If all else fails, don’t forget that SDCC has awesome offsites every year, most of which don’t require a badge at all.

Q: I’m kind of a big deal. People know me. When does Professional Registration occur?

A: The deadline to apply for professional applications (either new or for those who needed to re-verify) for SDCC 2018 was August 16, 2017. If you’ve been approved or you’re “not due” this year, and you’re a Creative Professional, you can register now until April 12, 2018. We’ll find out more information about Trade Professional Registration at a later time.

Q: I’ve received my confirmation e-mails and barcode but have no place to rest my weary head. When can I expect to get a hotel room?

A: We assume you’re asking this because you don’t plan on camping out in the Hall H Line every night. With Open Registration scheduled for “before the new year”, one would assume that the General Hotel Sale will take place after that. In the past, the General Hotel Sale (lovingly referred to as Hotelpocalypse) has taken place sometime late March/early April, with the Early Bird sale occurring two to three weeks before. With everything happening so early this year, though, we wouldn’t be shocked to see a much earlier hotel sale timeline as well.

For those who may be newbs, the Early Bird sale offers hotel rooms for SDCC at discounted rates but does not include any downtown hotels. Stay tuned for more updates regarding hotel sales/Hotelpocalypse as we get them.

Hopefully, this puts your mind at some ease. With Returning Registration returning to its original timeline this year, we expect events to go back to “normal” (whatever that is). We’ll be updating as we learn more.

Remember, Master Yoda counsels patience, and above all, DON’T PANIC!

from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2017/10/san-diego-comic-con-post-returning-registration-2018-faq-your-questions-answered/
via http://sdccblog.com/2017/10/san-diego-comic-con-post-returning-registration-2018-faq-your-questions-answered/

San Diego Comic-Con 2018 Returning Registration Recap: Smooth Sailing

For better or worse, several thousand Comic-Con attendees have their badges for 2018 — and several thousand more don’t yet.

Returning Registration for San Diego Comic-Con 2018 — the badge sale for eligible returning general attendees — took place this morning. The process included use of the EXPO Logic Waiting Room, which has been in place since Comic-Con 2014, and despite lasting a bit longer than the last two years, it seemed to be one of the smoothest badge sales to date.

So just how did the sale go?

The Waiting Room

The EXPO Logic waiting room opened promptly at 8AM PT, giving attendees one hour in which to enter before the room would randomly sort attendees to buy their badge.

For the most part, this process went off without a hitch for most users. But any time you get a large number of attendees, there’s always going to be some issues — though this year’s seemed to be incredibly small. We saw very few instances of people being kicked out, and only a stray issue or two.

@SD_Comic_Con already been kicked out of waiting room. Said I wasn’t authorized. Logged back in. We will see what happens.

— Actually, I Can. (@unsexyluved1) October 28, 2017

I keep getting that I am not authorized, but I have my code and everything. Whats wrong?

— Alexa (@SelenaAlexa) October 28, 2017

This was, in our minds, the smoothest badge buying process to date. EXPO Logic has clearly fine-tuned this process over the years to create a well-oiled, badge-buying machine. For most users, the hardest part about the 8AM-9AM time period was just the waiting.

Exactly how it feels while you wait to be selected to purchase #SDCC badges pic.twitter.com/r5iGljIHjK

— Anna Sicat Driscoll (@AnnaSicat) October 28, 2017

@SD_Comic_Con deja vu pic.twitter.com/43thwe90Md

— Rodrigo Gonzalez (@the_murci) October 28, 2017

Wait for it #SDCC pic.twitter.com/8R4u51rzGj

— who's talking (@consweetcon) October 28, 2017

The Sale

Shortly after 9AM, those in the waiting room were randomly assigned a placement in line. Just 8 minutes into this process, the sorting was done, and attendees were reporting getting through to the purchase page. That’s one minute longer than 2017’s 7 minutes, but shorter than 2015 and 2016’s 10 minutes.

Holy shit. Got in at 9:08! #SDCC #SDCC2018

— Andi (@g0banana) October 28, 2017

im in @SD_Comic_Con #sdcc2018 #retreg2018

— Blake Young (@InnovatedBlake) October 28, 2017

There seemed to be a common theme among attendees — this process was going pretty fast, and pretty smooth.

@ActressNik got in in under 10 minutes!!!!!!! #sdcc #SDCC2018 #RETREG2018 pic.twitter.com/ZXdzJuQeJi

— Melissa Lynnette (@MelissaLynnette) October 28, 2017

We got one in. Record time #SDCC

— who's talking (@consweetcon) October 28, 2017

@SD_Comic_Con We’re in already! Never gotten in that quick before! So excited that we don’t have to do returning reg! #sdcc #sdcc18

— Elaine (@BigStitchFan) October 28, 2017

Looks like badges are already purchased! All days + preview night! Fastest, easiest ever!!! #SDCC #SDCC2018 #RR2018

— Jared Baker (@jaredbaker03) October 28, 2017

Not everyone can be victorious, though. 23 minutes in — which is right on pace with 2017, when it took 24 minutes — Preview Night was gone. Saturday was next at 48 minutes, followed closely by Friday at 51 minutes. Thursday took a bit longer, clocking in at 65 minutes.

Preview Night has sold out. Badges for other single days of Comic-Con 2018 are still available! #RR2018

— San Diego Comic-Con (@Comic_Con) October 28, 2017

Saturday badges have sold out. Badges for other single days of Comic-Con 2018 are still available! #RR2018

— San Diego Comic-Con (@Comic_Con) October 28, 2017

Friday badges have sold out. Thursday and Sunday badges are still available. #RR2018

— San Diego Comic-Con (@Comic_Con) October 28, 2017

Thursday badges have sold out. Sunday single badges are still available. #RR2018

— San Diego Comic-Con (@Comic_Con) October 28, 2017

And finally, at 73 minutes in  — just a little above 2017’s 58 minutes, and about on par with 2016’s 77 minutes — badge sales for Returning Registration were over.

All Returning Registration badges have been sold. Comic-Con thanks you for your continued support. #RR2018

— San Diego Comic-Con (@Comic_Con) October 28, 2017

Overview & Next Steps

For the most part, this is what a badge sale is supposed to look like. Mostly error-free, with a quick sale. There are thousands of you who are doing cartwheels in your living room right now — and thousands more crying into a bottle of wine right about now — but that’s just supply/demand, and not due to glitches.

But all hope is not lost, if you weren’t able to get exactly what you wanted today. Open Registration — the badge sale available to anyone with a Member ID — will take place sometime in “late 2017”. During this sale, all badge types will be available (so just because a badge sold out today, doesn’t mean it’s gone forever). So long as you didn’t purchase all four days plus Preview Night, you’ll be able to participate to pick up any days you weren’t able to get today.

Badges will be mailed to the U.S. addresses in your Member ID. Make sure you verify your address by May 14, 2018.

As for all other badge types? General hotel sales should be sometime after Open Registration, and all other badge registration events (volunteer registration for those on the interest list, Trade Professionals, and more) will be “at a later date”.

Were you able to get what you wanted today? Let us know in the comments.

from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2017/10/san-diego-comic-con-2018-returning-registration-recap-smooth-sailing/
via http://sdccblog.com/2017/10/san-diego-comic-con-2018-returning-registration-recap-smooth-sailing/

Get Prepped for San Diego Comic-Con 2018 Returning Registration: SDCC PreReg Tips and Prep Guide

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Time for San Diego Comic-Con Returning Registration and our date with a computer as we try to nab that ever so coveted SDCC Badge.

On Wednesday, October 18, 2017 we finally received the official announcement that SDCC 2018 Returning Registration will happen on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 9AM PT.  So get those badge buying fingers ready, we are set to ride that spinning circle once again!

We know those of you who will be participating in the upcoming sale on Saturday have been around the block and participated before (some of you many, many times). However, sometimes our minds can get a little hazy, even when the last badge sale process was only a few months ago. After all, it’s likely that we participate under a stress induced haze during these sales anyway.  So we have put together some tips to help prepare you for the big day.

Lets get ready for that sale shall we, here are our top tips:

• Learn the Process – It’s never too early and you can never be too prepared. We know those participating have all taken part in the SDCC waiting room madness a time or two before. However it’s a good idea even for veterans to brush up on the details of the badge buying process. We’ve put together our SDCC Returning Registration 2018 Visual Guide to help you through.
• Registration Code at the Ready – Comic-Con International is once again using the registration code system, a unique Registration Code and Registration Link are posted in Member ID accounts for those who are eligible (and you should have been e-mailed that same information as well, but if you didn’t receive the e-mail, fear not — just log into your Member ID and click the “Registration Info” tab). You will need to input this code to enter the waiting room.
• Stay Informed – Make sure you’re following both The San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog (on Twitter and Facebook) and Comic-Con International (on Twitter and Facebook).  Set push notifications for both. We will post any info as soon as we have it. You can also follow along with the SDConCast Live Returning Registration Show. We’ll be discussing the sale as it happens so come join the SDCC UBlog team for tips, information on glitches, common questions, and more.
• Browsers Set to “Prepared” – The registration waiting room system is not formatted for mobile devices, so don’t chance it. Get to a computer and make sure it is fully prepared.  Double check the Javascript & cookies on your browser since they must be enabled to reliably function in the EXPO LOGIC waiting room.  CCI has provided a link that will help you verify if your browser settings are compatible with the waiting room (it is also located on the link that is in your Member ID), so be sure to take the time to use the link to check your PC and make sure it passes the Comic-Con International test. We also recommend turning off pop-up blockers during the sale, as this sometimes seems to cause issues. Also, make sure your computer is running CCI compatible browsers.  You can use:
  • Firefox: Any version
  • Google Chrome: Any version
  • Internet Explorer: Version 11
  • Safari: Version 7 or later
  • Microsoft EDGE: Any version
• No Multiple Tabs – If you have several family members trying for badges, do not run multiple browser tabs. Two different browsers is acceptable on one computer, but multiple tabs within the same browser may cause issues.
• Info Gather – Make sure you have all the info you need gathered in one spot BEFORE the sale begins. If working with a buying group, make sure you have all info before the sale starts. Some of the information you will need is:
  • Last name – Yours and anyone you’re attempting to purchase a badge for
  • Member ID – Yours and anyone you’re attempting to purchase a badge for
  • Registration code – Only yours, do not share this.
  • Credit Card payment information – Card number, expiration date, code, name on card, and billing address.
  • Link to the waiting room  – Preferably added to bookmark bar – quick and easy.  You can also find the link in the email which was sent to you or in your Member ID, “Registration Info” tab. However we suggest having that link handy before the day of the sale. The Member ID site can sometimes overload on day of sale.
  • Apps – If communicating with a group, have it downloaded and ready to go, or any other means of communication that you will be using if working with a group.
• Print it Out – Print out all the above information to have as a handy dandy list so that there will be no need to search for it.  Or, if you prefer, have it loaded and ready on your computer.  Whichever floats your boat.
• Make Sure Funds are In Place – While working in groups is the best way to increase your odds at getting a badge, there’s one drawback: you’ll only be able to use one credit card during check-out. That means that if a group of three people are each trying to buy badges and working in a group, whoever gets to the front of the line first will have to pay for all three badges on a single credit card.  Because there’s no way to know who will get in first beforehand, each person has to have all of the funds ready to go. The sale accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express only.
• Communicate with your Minions – If you’re working in a team, it’s very important to develop a system for how to communicate where you are in line, and to coordinate the purchasing process. If you get to the front of the line first, and your friend wants a four-day badge, but Saturday is sold out, then what?  We recommend using AIM, Skype, a group chat, or (gasp!) an actual phone as e-mail and Twitter can be slow, and you might not want to share your personal information over social media.
• Have a Backup Plan – When it comes to SDCC Registration, there are no guarantees. Bookmark, copy and paste the e-mail link, and have that e-mail open and ready to go! One year, the links e-mailed out didn’t work, but copying and pasting the link did. Just assume that when dealing with badge sales to one of the largest, most-coveted events all year long, that glitches can and will happen. If we hear about any of the errors, we’ll be online live with our Annual SDConCast Returning Registration Show, featuring live coverage, the highs and lows of the sale, success stories, tips, and much more.
• Screenshot Issues – Remember that glitches can happen, so if a problem arises, screenshot it. You may need them. Although there is no guarantee that CCI will be able to help you out if a technical issue or error arises, they have been known to help those with issues in the past. So it is worth well worth grabbing a screenshot if problems occur. It’s also worth taking a screenshot of your purchase page after you’ve completed the purchase, as it can take hours or sometimes even days for the final badge confirmation e-mail to be sent to you. If anything goes amiss, you’ll be glad you have proof that you were victorious over the badge sale.
• Pay Attention To The Clock –  When it is your turn to check-out, you will have 15 minutes to enter all your information and check-out. Remember, badge inventory will be held for you in the shopping cart while you are making your purchase. EXPO LOGIC and CCI are effectively holding all options for you, so there’s no need to hastily enter your credit card. You’ve got time to talk to your badge-buying buddies to confirm things, and you’ve got time to check your bank balance. Entering everything in 30 seconds or five minutes isn’t going to be the difference between you getting a four-day badge and you losing one. But be mindful of that 15 minute window.
• Don’t Refresh Or Hit The Back Button – CCI has made it explicitly clear that either refreshing or hitting the back button on your browser after the 9AM kickoff time can send you to the back of the line, or cause the waiting room to behave “unexpectedly”. Neither of those are particularly good options. However, if you do receive an error message, we recommend taking a screenshot of your error message, and then weighing your options for next steps. CCI has stated that if you close the window, rather than refresh, and re-enter, that you won’t lose your place in line.
• Set Alarms – We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, set those alarms.  You do not want to sleep through the waiting room queue during entry time. If you’re sitting there wondering how anyone could let that happen — just look at Twitter after the sale. It’s happened before and it will happen again.  Be the one alarm to rule them all!
• Wake up that Computer! – Not only do you want to make sure you’re not going to sleep through the sale, you want to make sure your computer doesn’t take a nap at the wrong moment either.  Turn off the sleep mode.
• Snackage – Gather up those snacks. You might be staring at that screen for a bit and you really don’t want to be fumbling in the kitchen to grab snacks when suddenly your screen pops open to the purchase page.  Get your store run done the night before and have those snacks handy. Sadly, this early-season badge sale means that our own personal snack of choice won’t be girl scout cookies… so plan accordingly.
• Prep Thyself for a Staring Contest – Be prepared to stare at that spinning circle of doom. Learn it, love it, stare at it!

You are now prepared for all the Comic-Con badge buying fun!

Do you have any SDCC Returning Registration tips?  Share them with us in the comments below!

from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2017/10/get-prepped-for-san-diego-comic-con-2018-returning-registration-sdcc-prereg-tips-and-prep-guide/
via http://sdccblog.com/2017/10/get-prepped-for-san-diego-comic-con-2018-returning-registration-sdcc-prereg-tips-and-prep-guide/

Travel to Tech and Back Again

COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION UPDATE

Travel to Tech and Back Again

When it comes to Returning Registration technical requirements there’s no dumb questions, despite what Dorothy may say. 

Read more

via https://www.comic-con.org/toucan/travel-tech-and-back-again

San Diego Comic-Con FAQ: How Do I Purchase A Badge For Someone Else?

Without fail, the #1 question we are asked during San Diego Comic-Con badge sales is: How do I purchase a badge for someone else?

Also, remember that we’re referring to you helping someone who is eligible purchase their badge with their Member ID – badges are never transferable/shareable.

So let’s look at the possibilities here, and how to make it happen without getting kicked out of the waiting room (which can happen if you do it incorrectly!).

I want to purchase a badge for myself AND my friends. How do I do that in Returning Registration?

It depends. In Returning Registration, you can ONLY purchase for those who are eligible for Returning Registration on their own – meaning if your friend didn’t attend 2017 as a paid general attendee, then you won’t be able to purchase for them at all in Returning Registration. Assuming your friend(s) meets that criteria, when one of you is selected in the waiting room on the day of the sale, you will be prompted to enter a Member ID. Enter the Member ID of the person you are wanting to purchase for and continue as normal – but keep reading.

Same question, but what about in Open Registration?

In Open Registration, you can purchase badges for up to three people so long as they 1) have a Member ID and 2) don’t already have a four-day with Preview Night badge from Returning Registration (because there would be no badge days left for them to get).

Okay, but what if I want to purchase a badge for friends but NOT for myself?

In both sales, the person/people you’re purchasing for must still be eligible on their own (and see above for eligibility).

When you are “chosen” in the waiting room, you will first see a screen that looks like this, which asks you to enter the Member ID of the person you are wanting to purchase for. This DOES NOT have to be yourself, and it does not have to be the Member ID of the registration code you’re using. It’s literally any eligible person you want to purchase for.

However, it’s very important that you and your group communicate about when badges are being purchased. Why? Because when you get to that message, if you enter the Member ID of someone who already had badges purchased for them that day, or who someone else is currently trying to purchase badges for right now, it will kick you out. The system basically says, “lol silly human, that person already has a badge, so you don’t need anything here, bye!”. So please, communicate with each other.

If someone else bought your badge earlier in Returning Registration/Open Registration and you want to stay in the waiting room and help someone else, just enter the Member ID of someone else who is eligible who doesn’t already have a badge.

Okay. I think I got it. What do I need from people to buy their badges?

You will need their Member ID and last name – and obviously which day(s) they’re hoping to get.  That’s it.

But you don’t need their registration code or password. Those should never be shared.

 

Want to know more about Saturday’s sale? You can read our Visual Guide here.

from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2017/10/san-diego-comic-con-faq-how-do-i-purchase-a-badge-for-someone-else/
via http://sdccblog.com/2017/10/san-diego-comic-con-faq-how-do-i-purchase-a-badge-for-someone-else/

Registration Codes are Happening

COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION UPDATE

Registration Codes are Happening

The Assistant to Professor Toucan is an expert in three things … beets, Battlestar Galactica, and registration codes. He’s here to guide us through why you need the latter to succeed in Returning Registration.

Read more

via https://www.comic-con.org/toucan/registration-codes-are-happening

Get Ready for WonderCon Anaheim 2018!

WONDERCON WEDNESDAY RETURNS!

Get Ready for WonderCon Anaheim 2018!

It's time to start thinking about WonderCon Anaheim 2018, to be held March 23–25 at the Anaheim Convention Center ... And what better way to do that than with a look back at this year's great event, with a massive photo gallery!

Read more

via https://www.comic-con.org/toucan/get-ready-wondercon-anaheim-2018

WonderCon Anaheim 2017 Photo Gallery

via https://www.comic-con.org/past-events/2017/gallery/wondercon-anaheim-2017-photo-gallery

SDConCast 10/28/17 – SDCC 2018 Returning Registration

It’s here! Way earlier than last year but with all the same anxiety and spinning blue circles. It’s the return of the badge sale formerly know as Preregistration, now called Returning Registration.

We’ll be discussing the sale as it happens. Come join the SDCC UBlog team for the first event for San Diego Comic-Con 2018!

We’ll kick things off at 8:30AM PT/11:30AM ET. Join in on the fun on YouTube Live.

Podcast Links:

Subscribe: [RSS] [iTunes] [Stitcher Radio] [Direct Download]

Show Notes:

San Diego Comic-Con Returning Registration 2018 Visual Guide

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

Site Links:

[SDCCBlog.com] [Facebook] [Twitter] [YouTube] [Direct Download]

Music:

Intro: “Omg I <3 Livejournal (And My Livejournal Loves Me)” (Talkshow Boy)

Outro: “Joss Whedon” (lo-fi is sci-fi)

The Hosts:

Kerry Dixon
Twitter: @kerrydixon

James Riley
Twitter: @danregal
Website: geekshotphoto.com

Andy Wagner
Twitter: @SDCCWackyWags

Produced by:
Beth Riley
Twitter: @trekkiebeth
Website: geekshotphoto.com

from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2017/10/sdconcast-102817-sdcc-2018-returning-registration/
via http://sdccblog.com/2017/10/sdconcast-102817-sdcc-2018-returning-registration/

Returning Registration 2018 FAQ

COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION UPDATE

Returning Registration 2018 FAQ

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Let Professor Toucan guide you through our latest version of Comic-Con Returning Registration frequently asked questions. 

Read more

via https://www.comic-con.org/toucan/returning-registration-2018-faq

San Diego Comic-Con Returning Registration 2018 Visual Guide

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was — well, we don’t really know, because Returning Registration hasn’t happened yet. But it will be happening soon on Saturday, October 28 at 9AM PT, and that means that for better or worse, you’ll know soon whether you’re attending the pop culture juggernaut next year.

The good news is, you’ve already been through this at least once! And that if you are unsuccessful on October 28 you’ll have a second chance during Open Registration — which is set for “sometime in late 2017”.

But we know that it’s been over a few months since any of you have done this, and a handful of things have changed now, so let’s take a moment to give you refresher course with this guide and tips to help make sure you are ready for the October 28 sale.

You can also join us, whether you’re buying a badge or just wanting to hang out, at the SDConCast’s Returning Registration Live Coverage podcast. We’ll be kicking things off at 8:30AM PT, 30 minutes after the waiting room officially opens and 30 minutes before the sale kicks off, and we’ll be updating on any issues we see users having, badge inventory, and more. Plus, it’s a great way to celebrate getting a badge.

What You Need

Above all else, you need to actually be eligible for Returning Registration for 2018 (rocket science, right?). You need to have attended San Diego Comic-Con 2017 as a general attendee — which means you weren’t at the event as press, a professional, a guest, a volunteer, or any other badge type.

If you’ve still got questions about whether or not you’re eligible, you can login to your Member ID to see. For the visual learners:

Once you’ve verified that you’re eligible, you’ll need to gather a few things:

• Credit card information
• How many badges you are buying (you can buy up to 3, including one for yourself)
• The last name and Member ID of anyone you are buying a badge for (each person must be eligible for Returning Registration on their own)
• Your Registration Code (available by October 26 in your Member ID)
• The link to the EXPO Logic Registration Waiting Rom (available by October 26 in your Member ID)

Your Registration Code is the specific 15-digit-code that you’ll use to access the EXPO Logic Registration waiting room. You will need that code, as well as the link to the Waiting Room. It will be e-mailed to you, as well as uploaded into your Member ID (along with the EXPO Logic waiting room link) by October 26. In other years, the Member ID has crashed right before the sale under the weight of so many people leaving that step to the last minute, stranding people with no access the Waiting Room. Don’t become a Comic-Con sob story.

Price & Payment

Be familiar with the cost of a badge. Single day badges will run $63 for a Thursday-Saturday badge, with $42 for a Sunday badge or $45 for a Wednesday Preview Night badge (only available if you’ve purchased all four days). A combined four-day badge with Preview Night will run you $276.

Here’s the breakdown of prices:

When paying, credit cards and payment can’t be split. Meaning that if you are purchasing badges for multiple people, it all has to go on a single credit card. This is the only downside to using large groups to purchase, as you may not be comfortable “spotting” someone upwards of $276. Again, we recommend only forming groups with people that you feel comfortable being in a financial situation with. If you’re not comfortable, don’t share payment information.

Trusting those in your badge buying group is even more important this year than ever before, as CCI will be physically mailing badges to each individual attendee (except for international attendees, who will still need to pick up on-site unless they enter a US mailing address). If you buy someone else’s badge and they don’t pay you, CCI is unlikely to get involved and cancel their badge — so use common sense.

Badges will be mailed (to domestic attendees only) to the address in your Member ID. You have until May 14, 2018 to log into your Member ID and ensure that the address is correct. You’ve got time to read this post right now, right? Why not also take a moment to just verify your address right now?

The Process

At least 48 hours prior to the sale, on October 28, CCI will input both your individual EXPO Logic Waiting Room Registration Code and the link to the waiting room. On October 28 — the date of the sale — attendees will be able to enter as early as 8AM, but the sale won’t officially start until just after 9AM PT. Between 8AM-9AM, you’ll be greeted with this screen, and prompted to enter your individual Registration Code:

Beginning just after 9AM, EXPO Logic will randomly assign everyone in the waiting room a place in line to purchase badges. This is a completely random process – and those who arrived at 8AM on the dot have as much chance of getting a “good” spot in line as those who entered at 8:59AM. There is no advantage to arriving early. However, there is a disadvantage to arriving late, as those who try to enter after 9AM will not be allowed back in, and the room will be closed to new entrants. For this reason, it might be good to arrive a little early, to test that everything is working properly prior to 9AM.

Once the sale kicks off, in the past, CCI and EXPO have kept people informed with various messages. Here’s a look at a previous message:

According to CCI, if you are accidentally removed from the waiting room or lose connectivity, simply return to the EXPO Logic landing page and enter your registration code again. You will be put back with the same group you were previously. This only applies to registration codes that were authorized prior to 9:00 AM.

When it is your turn to purchase a badge, you will see all of the available badge types. Those badge types are held for you for 15 minutes, while you complete the purchasing process. Again, you may purchase up to three badges, including one for yourself, but you can only pay with one card. Each person you are purchasing for must be eligible for Returning Registration on their own, and you must have their Member ID and last name.

You should then be e-mailed a confirmation e-mail.

We also highly recommend you watch CCI’s step-by-step video of the process.

The Technical Side

Although CCI has fine-tuned this process over the years, technology often can and will have issues – Preregistration for 2016, for instance, was met with more issues than it has in several years. The only steps you can take to try to avoid these issues are to make sure you’re following the technical advice provided by Comic-Con International.

Here is a quick overview:

• Have JavaScript cookies enabled. Included on the EXPO Logic Registration landing page is typically a“Precheck”, where attendees can make sure their browser is compatible with the Waiting Room. Once you have the link, test it!

• No mobile devices or iPads. Get to a desktop. Seriously. Although some users reported being able to make it work last year, if this isn’t a risk you have to take, don’t.

• Only try to log into the waiting room once, and do not share your Registration Code. If you have other people trying to log in for you, logging in again will kick off the other sessions. If the waiting room logs you out prior to the sale starting, which happens to some users every year, you should be able to re-enter without it affecting you. Also, if it keeps kicking you out: Try turning off your pop-up blockers.

• No multiple browser tabs. If you are a family with multiple eligible attendees using the same computer, use a different browser for each Member ID.

• Don’t refresh. The waiting room will automatically refresh every 120 seconds. The blue spinning circle is your friend, even if you think it is your enemy.

• Don’t use the back button. This could remove you from the waiting room completely.

Tips

• Although the randomized waiting room theoretically “evened the playing field” for all attendees at having the same chance at scoring a badge, there is still at least one tactic that might give you an advantage: Buddying up. Work with friends, as well as the Comic-Con community at large. Twitter and Friends of CCI are both great tools for finding fellow attendees – so utilize them.
• Theoretically, the larger the circle of people you are working with to try to score badges, the better chance you have at getting one. After all, if you’re working with nine people, there is a better chance at three of those people will be placed in a “good” spot in line and be able to purchase badges for all nine team members, than there is a chance that on their own, all nine individuals will be given a “good” spot in line. The larger the group, the better the odds.
• Only work with people that you trust and feel comfortable sharing money with, and who you trust to pay you back for their badge.
• Also be aware of all the new(ish) changes. If you’re an international attendee, you won’t receive your badge in the mail — you’ll pick up onsite, unless you enter a domestic shipping address. Children under 12 who receive a free badge will also register on-site still. Verify your shipping address in your Member ID is correct no later than May 14, 2018.
• If it’s your turn to purchase, a screen will come up that asks for the Member ID you wish to purchase for. If you are purchasing for someone other than yourself — either because you don’t need a badge for 2018, or because someone else already purchased your badge — then make sure you enter the Member ID you’re actually purchasing for. If you enter your own and someone has already bought your badge, you won’t proceed to the next step.

It’s also important to be prepared prior to the sale. We’d like to think you’re all up to speed already — you are now.

And on one final note? Just remember that if you don’t get a badge on October 28, there’s always Open Registration.

Will you be trying to buy a badge next weekend? Let us know in the comments.

from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2017/10/san-diego-comic-con-returning-registration-2018-visual-guide/
via http://sdccblog.com/2017/10/san-diego-comic-con-returning-registration-2018-visual-guide/

San Diego Comic-Con 2018 Returning Registration Date Set

Are you going to San Diego Comic-Con 2018?

For almost all of you, you probably can’t definitely answer that question – yet.

But that’s all about to change, as Comic-Con International has revealed that Returning Registration for San Diego Comic-Con 2018 — the online badge sale in which general attendees who attended in 2017 get a first shot at scoring a golden ticket, formerly known as Preregistration — will take place on Saturday, October 28 at 9AM PT.

In order to be eligible for Returning Registration, as previously mentioned, you must have attended San Diego Comic-Con 2017 as a general attendee (press, trade professionals, volunteers, and other special groups will have their registration at a later date).

While for several years, attendees had to “validate” their badge in order to prove they attended, since CCI implemented an RFID badge system, we can all bypass that particular step in this process.

On the day of the sale, beginning at 8AM, you’ll be able to log into the EXPO Logic Registration Waiting Room, where you’ll need your Registration Code and the EXPO Logic Waiting Room link (both of which you can find in the “Registration Info” tab once you’ve logged into your Member ID beginning October 26, and it will also be e-mailed to you), your Member ID, last name, and credit card information. Beginning shortly after 9AM, the waiting room will randomly sort you into an order to purchase budges – in a system basically identical to last year’s system.

During the sale, attendees will be able to purchase up to three badges – including one for themselves (though you’ll need the last name and Member ID of anyone you’re purchasing for, and each person must also be eligible for Returning Registration on their own, so you won’t be able to purchase for any “new” attendees). Start buddying up now.

Just like with last year, CCI will be utilizing both RFID technology in badges, as well as physically mailing them to those who enter a U.S. domestic shipping address (which you can verify and change in your Member ID under “Contact Info”. Attendees will still need stop by at some point during the convention to pick up your bag, Souvenir Book, Events Guide, and lanyard – and those who enter an international shipping address and child registration (for those under 12) will also still have to pick up their badges onsite. Just like with last year, Comic-Con will be shipping badges out to domestic addresses individually, rather than to the buyer only (and remember, international attendees — you can enter a US address for shipping!).

As always, this sale does not guarantee that those who are eligible to participate walk away with a badge. For years now, the demand by those wanting to attend the pop culture behemoth has far outweighed the actual number of badges available. CCI is always hesitant to relay actual numbers, but we roughly estimate that there are around 55,000 badges up for grabs in Returning Registration — which would put your odds of scoring one somewhere around 50%.

Compare that to the roughly 6% chance of getting a badge in Open Registration (which is set to take place “sometime in late 2017”) — the online badge sale that will launch at a later date and is open to anyone and everyone provided they have signed up for a Member ID — and you begin to understand why this sale can sometimes feel like a life-or-death situation. In the world of Comic-Con badge sales, any advantage helps.

Prices to attend this year are up slightly, five years across the board just like last year. That means a four day badge with Preview Night will run you $276, compared to last year’s $265.

Here’s a look at 2018 prices:

As always, you can also join us on our Live SDConCast during the sale, as we discuss any common error messages, thoughts about the new policies this year, why girl scout cookies and wine are the best after-badge-sale self-medication, and much more.

Open Registration – the badge sale open to everyone – will take place at a later date. Sign up for a Member ID and make sure you’re opted in to receive e-mails if you haven’t already.

Welcome, folks, to San Diego Comic-Con 2018.

from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2017/10/san-diego-comic-con-2018-returning-registration-date-set/
via http://sdccblog.com/2017/10/san-diego-comic-con-2018-returning-registration-date-set/

The blinking lights are sending a message … Comic-Con 2018 Returning Registration is coming!

COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION UPDATE

The blinking lights are sending a message … Comic-Con 2018 Returning Registration is coming!

Join Eleven, Mike, Lucas, and Dustin on a campaign to obtain Comic-Con badges on October 28, 2017!

Read more

via https://www.comic-con.org/toucan/blinking-lights-are-sending-message-%E2%80%A6-comic-con-2018-returning-registration-coming

SDCC 2017- Riverdale Interviews

CW’s hit show Riverdale wrapped its first season back in May, and the second season which premieres tonight promises plenty of surprises and fun. We had the opportunity to catch up with the cast at San Diego Comic- Con to learn all about season two.

Riverdale, which is based on the Archie comics, brings all your favorite characters to your TV screen. Season one had many twists and turns, and ended on a big cliffhanger that shocked their audience.

*If you haven’t finished season one there will be spoilers beyond this point so continue at your own risk!*

Catch our coverage below (and our apologies for the poor audio quality in parts):

Ashleigh Murray and Madelaine Petsch discuss their friendship between each other on screen, the relationship between Josie and her mother, and the relationship between Cheryl and her mother after the fire and how she is taking the reigns back from her mother. They also discuss the dark place Cheryl went in the season finale, and what they are most excited for fans to see this season.

Sarah Schechter, Asha Bromfield, and Hayley Law tell us how it was to perform at the Warner Brothers party at SDCC, if Valerie will get back together with Archie, what we can expect now that Asha and Hayley are series regulars, the new mystery this season, and how Hiram coming to town will give the opportunity to see if Hermione is good or not:

KJ Apa and Cole Sprouse reveal whether they will stay in Riverdale or have to leave, if Archie will turn to another character in the wake of his father being shot, the relationship that Jughead and Archie have with Cheryl, and how Jughead’s life is going to change now that he is living on the Southside:

Camila Mendes and Lili Reinhart dish on how they will explore the storyline that the Coopers are related to Blossoms, and Lili teases what we can expect from Dark Betty this season and how she is a big focal point for the mystery of season two. Plus, the pair also discuss how Betty and Veronica’s friendship might have conflicts once episode five comes around, and how Hiram coming to two will affect Veronica’s relationship with her mom and dad:

Riverdale season two premieres October 11th at 8PM ET on the CW.

Do you love Riverdale? Let us know in the comments!

from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2017/10/sdcc-2017-riverdale-interviews/
via http://sdccblog.com/2017/10/sdcc-2017-riverdale-interviews/

Returning Registration Details — But No Date Yet

Let’s just get the important lack of news out of the way, Returning Registration for San Diego Comic-Con 2018 does not have a date. Yet.

Comic-Con International posted a strange Toucan blog today — offering several details on the process of the impending Returning Registration, but no date. However, at this point, we expect an update very soon.

The first of Comic-Con’s badge sales technically kicks off tomorrow (Wednesday, October 11) with Creative Professional registration, but the first big event — Returning Registration, open to those who attended as a general attendee in 2017 — should be right around the corner. The process, which everyone who is eligible for should already be familiar with, appears to be identical to previous years.

Those who are eligible will receiving a link to the Expo Logic waiting room at least 48 hours prior to the sale, and you’ll also be able to eventually find your personal registration code in your Comic-Con Member ID. You can purchase badges for up to three people, including yourself, but each person must be eligible on their own (so sorry, you can’t buy your first-time attendee cousin a badge in this sale). If you need a quick refresher on more than that, you can find our Visual Guide from last year here.

what is actually different? Well, CCI has now created a tab in your Member ID called “Contact Info” which stores both your physical address and your badge shipping address — and you have until May 14, 2018 to confirm your shipping address is correct. Last year, the tab was called something else. Is that really all the new information? Yep, basically.

Also just like last year, international attendees have the option of either entering a U.S. domestic address for their badge shipping address, or they can pick up on-site.

You can find the full update on the Toucan Blog — but we’re still just in a holding pattern.

from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2017/10/returning-registration-details-but-no-date-yet/
via http://sdccblog.com/2017/10/returning-registration-details-but-no-date-yet/

Funko HQ’s Grand Opening Offered Fans a Unique Experience

This article is long overdue, and for that I apologize — but I had the pleasure of being able to attend and experience the Funko HQ Grand Opening and I wanted to share my experience.

A friend and I made the trek to from Portland, OR to Everett, WA for the big event of Funko’s first retail location. We drove up the night before and decided the first order of business was to check out the site and to see what the line situation was like. Funko had previous stated on their blog that they would not allow lining up beforehand — the line that had formed was unofficial and not sanctioned or organized by Funko.

But as any convention goer, exclusive hunter, or event attendee knows, keeping a line from forming would have been next to impossible. The line was a Hall H type best-case-scenario of friendly, dedicated fans who were in good spirits and very exited about what was to come. The line was good sized, but as of approximately 11PM the night before, it was very manageable. We decided to retire for the evening at our accommodations, take a glorified nap, and come back bright and early the next morning for the festivities.

During the course of the night the surrounding streets were blocked off, and things were being prepared for the big event. Many portable toilets had been delivered and setup, and some temporarily placed large Funko statues were placed for photo ops, giving the area the feeling of the beginnings of a block party.

At 6AM the Starbucks around the corner opened up to caffeinate the dedicated masses. The staff was dressed up ranging from superhero t-shirts all the way to a full costumed Squirrel Girl, and they had also created a signature drink for the occasion. This was our first clue that Everett was really getting into the spirit of welcoming their newest neighbors to the downtown area.

Ticket distribution began at roughly 7AM as planned and went smoothly and uneventfully until tickets ran out. Though I am not sure of the specifics, a small amount of passes were given out to Funko Forum members including some Funatics coming from out of state and out of country so as to secure a spot for the event. From there, tickets were distributed to people to enter the store as a group and allow for an approximate one hour block of time to shop, look, photograph, and give the staff time to reset the inventory before the next group arrived. Based on conversations with people in line, I believe anyone who had gotten in line by about 5AM received a ticket, while those who arrived later did not.

Going along with Funko’s love of the Willy Wonka theme and license, here is a closer look at a ticket:

After tickets were all distributed, there was some time to kill, so we opted to eat, explore, and watch the scene unfold. After eating and checking out a local comic shop we watched the setting up of the tents for the artists and autographs, the stage for the opening ceremonies and ribbon cutting, and the arrival of the food trucks. We also took note of additional large scale statues including this Spider-Man one on the skybridge connecting the Funko building to the parking garage. There was also some impressive cosplay.

The ribbon cutting took place on stage with a ceremony starting at approximately 9:30AM. It started with an introduction by Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson, who was excited about the infusion of new business in Everett. Next, Funko CEO Brian Mariotti came on stage on got the crowd fired up with news of offering art classes to kids taught by Funko artists. They would take place on-site in a separate room in the store called Funko Univerity. The charitable news continued with Mariotti  presenting a $50,000 donation to Cocoon House, a nonprofit that serves homeless youth of the area. He was then joined on stage by surprise guest Kevin Smith as well as his costars from AMC’s Comic Book Men. It was revealed that in addition to the previous announced exclusives there would be Kevin Smith Comic Book Men Pop! limited to 500 pieces as well as four Pop!s created for his costars, limited to 120 pieces.

Shortly after the first group was let in for the 10AM shopping slot. I got in line and waited for my turn at 11AM.

When I was let into the store I was overwhelmed by how intricate, beautiful and thoroughly planned out the aesthetic of the store was. It almost seems wrong to call it a store, as it was more of an experience. The feel of the place is like Walt Disney and Willy Wonka had a baby. The store even has a faux factory setup with conveyor belts as well as things in motion up above. There is also the promise of a Build Your Own Pop section to come.

The store was seperated into several sections. There is a main common area with general Funko, Funko Freddy and Funko HQ merchandise as well as the cash registers. The other main sections include:

The Animation Area with a fun Japanese vibe including Godzilla and the skyline. This area also houses the Funko University teaching area.

Gotham / DC Area

Disney Area

Marvel Area

Star Wars Area

Harry Potter Area

Attending the Funko HQ Grand Opening was an amazing once in a lifetime experience. Luckily, the store is there for your viewing and shopping pleasure six days a week. If you are a Funko fan or curious and will be int he Seattle area, it is definitely worth checking out. At the very least you will get a bit of a fix until your next big convention.

from San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog http://sdccblog.com/2017/10/funko-hqs-grand-opening-offered-fans-a-unique-experience/
via http://sdccblog.com/2017/10/funko-hqs-grand-opening-offered-fans-a-unique-experience/