Alex Yarde shares some tips for attendees of this year’s New York City ComicCon.
#NYCC14 is shaping up to be legendary! Perfect example is “Birdman” a dark comedy starring Michael Keaton as a washed up actor famous for portraying a Superhero staging a comeback! Properties like this and the panels that always reveal unexpected tidbits are why I love Cons! Things are different this year so I compiled a Top Five list to help veteran and new attendees get as much out of the experience as possible! (and if you’re not attending, these tips are useful for almost any fan con.)
Tip #1 Cosplay Is Not Consent:
I’ve been to my share of Comic Cons. In my experience the lion’s share of attendees are intelligent, respectful and fair-minded. Many are doing business, making connections or just gleefully taking opportunities to meet with favorite actors, artist or content creators with friends & family. However, it never fails that some seem to think that because someone is Cosplaying they are asking for creep shots at best to straight up sexual harassment or assault at worst. NYCC has a zero tolerance policy on harassment. If a person engages in harassing behavior, New York Comic Con (NYCC) Staff will take prompt action in any form they deem appropriate, including calling the police and expulsion from NYCC with no refund. To report an incident via the NYCC App (more on that in tip #3) tap the NYCC Anti-Harassment Policy icon and follow the steps under Report Harassment or talk to NYCC staff.
Tip #2 Main Stage Will Be Cleared:
For the first time ever, New York Comic Con is clearing the Main Stage 1-D after each Panel. They have full details on their website – here are a few bullet points to assist you:
-When you enter the Queue Hall, view the large signs right inside Queue Hall to see which Panels have reached maximum capacity and which still have space available.
-Head to the back left of the Queue Hall to line up in the chute for the specific Panel you want to see.
-Wait in line until Security puts a Panel-specific wristband on you. Do not leave the line until you have a wristband on your wrist. Then, repeat if needed for future panels that day.
-One wristband per person and you must be present to receive a wristband.
-Once you receive your wristband, DO NOT remove it. You will not be allowed back in line or into the Main Stage without it. Lost or removed wristbands will not be replaced. No exceptions.
-If you leave the line after getting your wristband, arrive at least 35 minutes prior to the Panel start time make sure your wristband is on your wrist and visible.
-Head into the same chute for that Panel and wait until you are let in. Enjoy!
-All Panels are first-come first-served. NYCC will only be clearing the Main Stage. No other Panel rooms will be cleared.
Tip #3 Get the #NYCCMOBLIE App:
It’s a slick digital guide that’s updated in real time on the fly with all the information you could possibly need to organize your day and find whichever panel, booth or collectable you are in the market for! Detailed maps of the entire venue, links to all your social media sites, synch your calendar and photo albums, handy alarms for upcoming events and special giveaways! Check it out here! NYCC Mobile by Guidebook, Inc.
Tip#4 Pack For A Day Trip:
The Jacob Javits Center is immense and some areas seem to have their own climates. I personally run hot so I enjoy a blast of AC. Some get chilled easily. The food isn’t anything to write home about and it’s expensive. There are loads of restaurants in the area surrounding the Convention Center.
You should however have some essentials:
-Comfy shoes: The Jacob Javits Center is 760,000 square feet of exhibition space and you’ll walk most of it.
-Lightweight layer: Layer up or down as needed.
-Water bottle: Hydration is important
-Hand sanitizer & wipes: Meeting and greeting hundreds of strangers through public toilets. Eww.
-Snacks: You’ll be eating on the go a lot.
-Cash: it’s still king and avoid lines at the ATMs
-Lunch: I’ll never pay $12 for a cafeteria burger or $8 for a Coke.
-Backpack, satchel or man purse: To carry all your free swag & collectables in!
-(BTW always check prices for merchandise on line. Why be a sucker because you’re excited?
-Extra Batteries: For your mobile devices don’t count on charging stations they are always swarmed with other poor planners. WiFi access may require a fee, so this is extra important as you may be using your phone for internet access. Remember to check your data usage, too.
-Deodorant & Chewing Gum: re apply as needed
-Pens: Everybody’s always looking for them
-Hard Copy Map: Why burn through your batteries (and data) unnecessarily?
Tip #5 Activate Your NYCC Badge:
You should stop reading this and activate it right now at Activate your NYCC-ID I’ll wait….
Why, you ask? There’s an RFID Chip in your ID badge and if it’s lost or stolen the activated badges are the only ones that will be replaced. It unlocks special features, show exclusives and you can sync it up with your social profiles. (They can’t tweet or Facebook on your behalf) After registering your Badge, you will receive an exclusive code to get over 40 select digital comics FREE on comixology.com!
Well that’s about it! Have a fun, safe and awesome Comic Con experience! Look for me on the convention floor or in the press gallery and remember, I’m always looking for good Geek Content to share with my readers! Drop me a line, share pics or your own personal Comic Con tips!
Contact me @thatalexyarde on Twitter or [email protected]
Stay Connected With #NYCC! #AllThingsGeek @goodmenproject
Art ~ Cover Fox Searchlight / NYCC
Interior ~ NYCC