This year's San Diego Comic Con was the biggest one yet, with over 150,000 people in attendance. Team Uni gained two new members in this year's gathering, which allowed us to attend more panels and gain more free schwag. I don't think anyone on Team Uni was prepared for the high turnout at the Con this year (although it should be expected now that Preview Night is no longer the calm before the storm, but rather the begining of the storm) .
What went Right:
- Camera.
Really indispensible item. The 16-35 served well for the show floor, and the 75-300 was good for the large hall panel. The 24-105 did well as a general purpose lens for the show floor and the smaller rooms, but it's quite possibly a lens that could be left at home next time. The 50, while brought wasn't used at all. A smaller compact digital with decent zoom could likely cover the same range as the 24 - 105. The camera also introduced me to various artists.
- Nintendo DS Lite
This item came in handy while on the airplane, waiting through the line to Masquerade, and also during the Masquerade for the non-entertaining entrants.
- Poster Tube
While it was a pain to carry at times, it served as a good drafting tool, and the tube stored quite a few posters (although it seems the posters have shrunk both in quantity and size over the previous years).
- Sketchbook
While I didn't gather as many sketches as I have previously, it was still handy to carry around.
- Pre-Registration
The fastest way to get into the con without waiting in some ridiculous line.
- Irish Breakfast
Carbs are essential for the Tour de Comic Con, and there's no better way than the traditional Irish Breakfast with the coffee and Guiness.
- Caffeine, Juice Drinks and Chocolate
Everyone needs to stay hydrated and sugared up to make it through the day.
What went Wrong:
- Backpack
A backpack doesn't suit the comic con well -- a messenger bag is how I've done past cons, but the shoulder strap always hurts after a while. With the backpack, I didn't have as much strain on my shoulders, but it may be worth experimenting with a messenger bag for the next year.
- Buying items on Saturday
For short stock items, I think Preview Night is the ideal night to make purchases, since the length of time neccessary to hold onto said item is the shortest on Preview Night. Purchases on Sunday become reading material for the airport and the plane ride, and serve a dual purpose.
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