Yesterday, we covered getting around when you leave the convention center. Today, we’re staying right where all the action is and discussing the best way to catch all of the panels you want to see.
Obviously, you should start by checking the programming schedule. If you have, it’s a fair bet that some panels you’d like to see are scheduled at the same time as others you’d like to see. If there are conflicts, our advice is don’t try to resolve them now. More often than not, these things tend to resolve themselves organically during the con. Maybe one of the two conflicting panels is nearby when it’s time to head up and the other is all the way on the other side of the show. Maybe you get word that a special, unexpected guest will be appearing on one of them, which tips the scales for you. The bottom line is that it’s not worth stressing over now.
Even without any conflicts, it’s not always easy to make all of the panels you want to make, especially when some of them are in Hall H. The lines for most Hall H panels get big enough to be seen from outer space. (All right, we did just make that up on the spot, but it feels about right when you find yourself at the end of a Hall H line.) If there’s a panel you want to see in Hall H on a given day, you may want to consider getting there first thing in the morning—even if the panel’s at night. Don’t forget, they don’t clear out the rooms in between panels, so once you’re in the panel room you want to be in, you can stay as long as you’d like.
Of course, if you aren’t able to get into Hall H, or just don’t want to deal with the line, there are plenty of smaller panels taking place at the same time. Many of these provide a great opportunity to meet and interact with industry talent. After all, with Comic-Con getting larger and panel rooms at a premium, there are some pretty high-interest panels being held in smaller rooms. There’s little that can compare to seeing one of your favorite artists, writers or celebrities in an intimate setting, so look for those opportunities and again…arrive early!
Finally, be sure to check out San Diego Comic-Con’s website for their rules about attending programming. You need to know them.
Speaking of panels, DC has a full slate of programming scheduled for Comic-Con, with over 20 panels planned over all four days. Check your panel guide for listings, and if you miss a panel—or just aren’t going to be at the show—don’t forget that we’ll be covering most DC, Vertigo and MAD panels live on our websites. That includes all images and art shown during the panel. If you can’t be there, there’s simply no better place to experience a DC panel than on DCComics.com.
One more day to the official start of Comic-Con. That means we have one more tip remaining. Check back tomorrow to see what it is!