SDCC Tips & Pointers – Attending Panels

Before the Kidrobot ultimate guide to SDCC exclusives, signings, and all things nerd-tacular, Kidrobot brings you some veteran tips on how to attend Comic-Con panels like an pro.

First up, San Diego Comic Con Panels.

Besides the main floor and toys, panels happen the entire time at the con. They feature everything from upcoming TV shows and movies to a general discussion on what spaceships would win in a battle. Panels are fun and exciting, and at times, stressful. So to help you along the way, here are a few tips.

1. You really can’t predict how early you have to line up for a panel, but it as a general rule, go early. If it is going to be a big movie or TV show, go very early. Sometimes people camp overnight and sometimes getting in line 4 hours early will do the trick.
2. Panels do not clear the room when they are done. Some people might stay in a room all day just to see one panel. Basically, you have to just plan. For Example, Every year I attend the 3 panels before Mythbusters to ensure I get into Mythbusters.
3. You may have to wait outside for a long time. Bring sunscreen, games, phones, water, and comfy shoes. Since most of the panel rooms have wifi that extends to the lines, you can blog away about interesting folks you see in the line or maybe keep up with great Kidrobot contests.
4. Just because they cut the line off doesn’t always mean you will not get in. People leave a lot and then security will let more in.
5. Movies and television typically will show pilots and new footage of their upcoming feature. This is good for getting a glimpse of a new TV show for the fall or what you can expect in the future of film. I think this is common sense, but they don’t like people videotaping things they show.
6. Also for film and television, the cast, producers, and writers usually attend. This is where you may get the chance to ask that hard hitting question you have longed to get answered. This is also annoying because you will always hear people ask an actor for a hug or how they liked playing a character in a film made in 1992 (which is all frowned upon). DO NOT BE THAT GUY/GIRL.
7. Get close to the front if you can. Why? Well they hand out tickets for free swag you obtain in the fulfillment room. The free goods can range from a shirt to a tote to a drink holder. They also typically hand out more tickets than they have free goods by the way.
8. Also watch out for bum rushing the stage once the panel is over. I just recently found out it is a huge fan boy thing to grab the name placard from the table of the attending celebs.
9. Security is just doing their job and most of the time it is a volunteer that really doesn’t know what is going on.  Give them the benefit of the doubt, and they can help you know where the bathrooms are.
10. Don’t cause drama about a seat or someone’s t-shirt. You may get stabbed in the eye with a pen.

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