Why You Need This

We all know that organizing a family vacation can be overwhelming. From handling tantrums to managing expenses, it often feels like it would be easier to just stay home. The planning process can quickly become a source of stress, with numerous details to manage and the constant worry about forgetting something important. But what if you could turn that vacation chaos into an opportunity to earn some extra cash? That’s where travel-themed digital downloads come in. Instead of dreading vacation planning, you can approach it with a new perspective and create tools that will help other families while boosting your own income.

Travel-themed digital downloads are an innovative solution to a common problem. They offer a way to organize and streamline the vacation experience for families. Think of them as digital helpers that make the whole process of planning, packing, and budgeting more manageable. By creating these tools, you not only alleviate your own vacation stress but also provide valuable resources for others. This approach transforms a challenging task into a productive and profitable endeavor, making the vacation experience better for everyone involved.

What Are Travel-Themed Digital Downloads?

Travel-themed digital downloads are digital products that families can use to make their vacations easier and more organized. These include items like packing checklists, travel journals, and activity planners. Each of these tools serves a specific purpose and helps address common vacation-related issues. For instance, a packing checklist ensures that no essential items are forgotten, a travel journal allows families to document their experiences, and an activity planner keeps everyone entertained and engaged.

Once you create these items, you can sell them repeatedly without needing to restock or manage inventory. It’s a fantastic way to leverage your creativity and knowledge into a steady stream of income with minimal ongoing effort. The digital nature of these products means there are no physical goods to manage, no shipping costs, and no storage issues. This makes it an ideal side hustle for busy dads who want to earn extra money without a significant time commitment.

Getting Started with the ‘Family Vacation Planner’ Blueprint

Ready to dive in? Start by brainstorming ideas based on common vacation problems you’ve faced. Think about creating solutions like:

• Ultimate Packing Checklist: To ensure no important items are forgotten, saving you from last-minute scrambling. Consider including categories for clothing, toiletries, electronics, and any special items like medications or travel documents.
• Road Trip Games Bundle: To keep kids entertained during long drives and reduce the inevitable “Are we there yet?” complaints. Include printable games, trivia questions, and activity sheets to make road trips more enjoyable for everyone.
• Vacation Budget Tracker: To help manage expenses and stick to a budget, ensuring you don’t overspend on your trip. This tracker can include sections for daily expenses, planned activities, and a summary to help you stay within your budget.

Next, design your products using tools like Canva or PicMonkey. You don’t need to be a graphic designer to create appealing products. Just focus on making them useful and easy to understand. Adding a touch of humor or personal flair can make your products more engaging. With these tools, you can create high-quality designs that stand out and attract buyers. 

Tips for Pricing and Selling Your Products

When it comes to pricing, start with a lower price point to attract customers and build a base. Around $5 to $10 per download is usually a good range. Remember, since you can sell these products multiple times, even a small price can add up. By setting a competitive price, you can quickly gain traction and build a loyal customer base. As you gather reviews and feedback, you can adjust your pricing strategy to reflect the value and demand of your products.

List your products on platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or your website. Be sure to promote them on social media to reach a larger audience. Sharing in dad groups or forums can also help spread the word and drive sales. Utilize social media tools and advertising options to target potential buyers effectively and grow your reach.

Benefits of This Side Hustle

This side hustle offers flexibility since you can work on your products whenever you have spare time. There’s no need for a significant initial investment, as you’re not buying physical inventory. Your main expense will be things like coffee for late-night work sessions. You’ll have the freedom to work at your own pace, fitting this side hustle around your existing commitments. This flexibility makes it easier to balance your new venture with your current responsibilities, reducing stress and enhancing productivity.

As you build and expand your product line, you can grow your side hustle into a substantial source of income. Plus, using your own products for family vacations can make planning easier and give you a sense of accomplishment. The potential to scale and the satisfaction of seeing your work make a difference are significant benefits of this endeavor. The more products you create and sell, the more you can grow your side hustle into a reliable income stream.

Ready to Start?

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, here’s what to do next:

1. Start Today: Open your laptop and begin brainstorming your first product. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see results. Set aside some time each week to focus on your new venture and develop your ideas.
2. Create One Product: Just get started with one product to see how it goes. This will give you a feel for the process and help you refine your approach. Use the feedback you receive to make improvements and enhance your offerings.
3. Share Your Work: Use social media and community groups to promote your products. Engaging with others and sharing your work will help you gain visibility and attract customers. Collaborate with other creators or influencers to expand your reach and build a network.

From Stressed Dad to Side Hustle Success: Your Move

Every journey begins with a single step. By starting with one digital download, you’re taking the first step toward a more organized vacation and extra income. If you’re ready to give this a try, drop a comment below, and let’s start this new venture together. Share this with other dads who might be interested, and let’s build a community of savvy vacation planners! Your family and your wallet will thank you for taking this step toward a better and more profitable vacation experience.

I’ve put together a printable Comic Con Tips & To Do List. It features my best tips for Comic Con, the supplies you should bring with you, and even has sections to jot down reminders for the panels, people, autograph signings, and photo ops you want to take part in.

You can buy this from my Etsy shop for $2.99 and instantly level up your next comic book convention. (Hint: If you favorite any of my items, you might just get a discount coupon sent to you through Etsy)

Just download, print, and fold this Comic book convention tips and to-do list!

Includes color, and black and white versions in the Letter format (8.5″ x 11″)

How to use this planner:

1. Download and print your planner.
2. If you have issues with the printed file, select “print at 100% size” in the print dialog options in your printing program of choice. DO NOT select “fit to page,” “scale to fit,” “enlarge to fit,” “shrink to fit,” etc.
3. Cut and fold as seen below
4. Get ready for comic con!

It’s A Place To Meet Creators

Artist Alley is a great place to meet your favorite writers and artists. You can bring your favorite items to have them signed or purchase items from the artist at their table. Often times they’ll have exclusive prints or books that you can’t find anywhere else. Depending on the lines, which can grow large for popular artists, this is also a great chance to chat. Whether you just want to show your appreciation or you want to ask questions about their craft, artist alley is the place to get some face time with your heroes.

It’s A Place To Commission Artists

For collectors, Artist Alley is a great place to order commissioned artwork. Artists will work on your piece at the show and you can often have it in hand that day. Prices vary based on the artist and the type of work you request, but you can often find something for any budget. Many artists even offer cheaper “5 Minute Sketches”, which, as you can tell from the name, is a sketch they complete in 5 minutes. For the more popular artists, your best bet is to contact them well before the show, as their commission list may fill up quickly.

It’s A Place To Buy Comics and Artwork

When visiting the artists in Artist Alley, they’ll all have something for sale at their table. Some will offer their comic books, others will offer art prints or original comic book pages and others will offer custom artwork. Check out your favorite artists and I’m sure you’ll find something you love!

Conclusion

Artist Alley is a must-see part of comic con for all of the reasons listed above. If nothing else, it’s great to walk around and admire all of the talented artists and their amazing artwork.

The good news is that no matter what day you attend, there are always a lot of great things to see and do. The bad news is that the convention may not release a full schedule of events until after tickets are already sold-out.

Hopefully the rest of this post will help you to choose the best day to attend a comic book convention.

Why Thursday or Friday Is The Best Day To Attend Comic Con

Thursday and Friday are both work days, so daytime attendance won’t be as heavy as a weekend. These days are great opportunities to hit up the show floor and pick up any exclusive merchandise that might sell out quickly.

These days are also the best if you’d like to avoid crowds and spend time talking with creators in Artist Alley.

Why Thursday or Friday Is The Worst Day To Attend Comic Con

Most of the bigger panels and events are scheduled for the weekend.

Thursday may not be a full day. Some conventions start later in the day, in what is sometimes called Preview Night.

Why Saturday Is The Best Day To Attend Comic Con

As mentioned earlier, not all days are the same. Saturday is typically the best day for guests and panels. Conventions schedule the big names for Saturday since this is the day most people have off from work.

Saturday will also feature the most cosplayers, media coverage and free swag.
If you want to see a comic con in all of it’s funsanity, then Saturday is the day to go.

Why Saturday Is The Worst Day To Attend Comic Con

With Saturday being the biggest day for the A-List guests and panels, this also makes it the most crowded day at the con. Even though conventions will sell the same number of passes for each day, attendees are more likely to spend all day at the convention on a Saturday, making it much more crowded.

Be prepared to stand in line for panels, food, bathrooms, celebrities and just to walk through the show floor.

Why Sunday Is The Best Day To Attend Comic Con

Many conventions denote Sunday as Kid’s Day. A good chunk of the scheduling will feature family friendly material.

Sunday is also a great opportunity to score some deals. Vendors will be looking to make some last minute sales to lighten their load when they break down their booths, so get ready to haggle.

Why Sunday Is The Worst Day To Attend Comic Con

Many conventions denote Sunday as Kid’s Day. We’re not judging here but dealing with a bunch of children in a crowded convention may not be your idea of fun.

Also, since it’s the last day of the convention, the convention will not run as late as it does on Friday or Saturday and many celebrities and creators might be heading out early.

Conclusion

One setback to choosing the best day to attend comic con is the fact that sometimes you cannot choose when to go. Once the badges are released, Saturday sells out fast (for the reasons listed above), followed by the remaining days. By the time you get through, you may not have your first choice in availability.

That being said, comic con is still a great event to attend. From the experiences to the crowd, it’s just awesome.

If you have FOMO (fear of missing out), it’s best to just buy a four-day pass. This is because no matter when you go, even on Saturday, you have to miss out on something in order to experience something else.

So, to sum it all up, if you have to select an ideal day to attend the con, Saturday is generally the best day. If you can’t get a Saturday badge or you really hate crowds, you’re still in luck. There are no bad days at the con and good things go on each and every day.

Even though chatting with your heroes is great in itself, I also love to collect their autographs (and maybe even ask for a selfie with them). If you’re new to the comic con scene or you haven’t gotten into autograph collecting yet, this post will help you figure out the process. Autograph signings happen at various places throughout a con, so I’ll try to cover all the bases.

Booth Signings

Many booths will have scheduled signings. Large companies will have autograph signings throughout the convention, with a rotating panel of writers and artists. These are typically free, though you may be limited to a certain number of autographs and you may have to get in line early or show up first thing in the morning to get a wristband.

Smaller companies will also have autograph signings at their booths, though these may be free with a purchase or paid signings.

Prior to a convention, most booths will release their signing schedule and process online. The conventions also do a great job of listing out the different autograph sessions available, so be sure to check their website, app or planner.

Signing Area

Most conventions will have an area dedicted to celebrities. This is where you go to meet your favorite star and pay for a photo with the or their autograph. These are almost always limited to one autograph per fee, though you’re welcome to buy extras. They may also offer a discount for buying both a photo and an autograph.

Like other autograph opportunities, these are scheduled out in advance, so check out their website, app or planner to find out when the signings are taking place. Even though you’re paying for this experience, be prepared to wait in line for more popular celebrities.

Artist Alley

Visiting Artist Alley is a great way to get a lot of autographs in a small amount of time. Many of the writers and artists there will sign for free, while some charge and others will sign anything you purchase from them. Most of the time, the artists are paying for their own table, so they’ll charge a small fee to recoup that cost. Again, the more popular the artist or writer, the longer their line will be.

Autograph Sessions

Autograph sessions are a group signing, usually set up around a TV show or movie. Most of the main characters and creators are lined up at one table where they’ll sign a free poster or any single item you brought with you.

These sessions are usually either free or they are given away as a contest. For the free ones, be prepared to get there early and wait in line, as these tend to be very crowded.

Conclusion

There are plenty of ways to get an autograph at Comic Con, so get your convention supplies and go out there and get some autographs!

Before getting started with the products below, I want you to know that some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.

Please understand that I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them.

Comic Book Folio Case

This is a must-have. Whether you’re bringing comic books to be signed by your favorite artist or writer, dropping your books off for grading, getting a custom sketch cover commission, or just buying books at the show, you’ll want to make sure they’re protected. I use this exact Comic Book Folio Case and I love it!

Sleeves

Toploader plastic sleeves for prints are a bit of a toss-up. If you think you’ll need or want a few, you might be better off getting them online. If you just need one, you can pick it up at a convention and remember to bring it back with you to your next event so you don’t have to buy another one.

Art Book

If you’re planning on buying a lot of art or you’re looking for some long-term storage for your collection, you can’t go wrong with this art portfolio.

Poster Tube

If you’re buying a poster, you don’t want it damaged, right? Pick up a poster tube ahead of time and save yourself the hassle of buying one after you have a poster in your hand.

Markers

If you’re going for signings, most/all celebrities will have a bunch of sharpies at their table. Be prepared though, in case you want something black signed. A metallic marker is a good thing to have on you at all times. Plus, you never know when or where you’ll bump into your favorite artist, writer or celebrity.

Bags and Boards

Chances are, you have some bags and boards laying around. If not, pick some up before the convention. If you buy some older comics, they’ll probably be bagged and boarded, but if you’re looking for new releases, you might not get so lucky. Bring a few with you, just in case.

Disposable Poncho

Don’t get caught in the rain. One-time-use ponchos are cheap and don’t take up a lot of room. You can never be too prepared.

Backup Phone Battery

You don’t want your battery to run out before the convention is over. This portable charger  is under $30 and is compatible with charging cables for both Android and iPhone.

Return Address Labels

When you’re at a booth signing up for a contest, it’s a lot easier to peel and stick a label then it is to write out your contact information. Get a set of Return Address Labels and make your life a whole lot easier. You can print some with just your name and email address and have another set with your full address as well.

First Aid Kit

A mini first aid kit will have many of the essentials and will fit nicely in a backpack or purse.

Panels at comic book conventions are usually held during the daytime, and the topic of the panels is almost always related to comics or pop culture. They traditionally run for an hour, discussing a pre-arranged subject, with the panel often structured into two segments; the first segment involves the host making a presentation or interviewing a guest, the second part of the panel is opened up to the fans to ask questions.

Comic con panels are an opportunity to hear first hand from actors, writers, and producers of your favorite comic or show. People have been known to camp overnight to get into a panel for a popular show, and even if you don’t camp overnight, you will need to queue, so wear comfortable shoes and buy some comics first, so that you have something to help kill time.

The thing that many people don’t realize is that depending on the convention rules, the audience is not cleared out before the next panel begins. What that means, is that if the room is already half full, then of the people queuing, less will get in, because half of the seats may be already taken. This is important if you are hoping to see a big ticket panel like Marvel or The Walking Dead as the chances are that the room will most likely be nearly full before that panel opens.

If you have your heart set on seeing a popular panel then the best advice is to check the rules of the convention and if possible, get into the room early in the day and stay there. It may be the only way to guarantee your spot. Don’t worry, at many larger conventions that follow these rules, you can get a bathroom pass so you won’t lose your place when nature calls.

Here are some things to think about when getting ready for comic con panels:

Don’t Neglect The Smaller Panels

While the big names are located in the largest rooms, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some great panels going on in smaller rooms with less queues. Adventure Time and The Venture Bros. panels and the like can be found in smaller rooms if lining up, or waiting all day through panels that you are not interested in is not style.

A successful comic con panel session is as much about the audience as the panel. As a member of the audience, you want to make the most of your Q&A time. The chances are that you have lined up for a very long time and if you ask a question, you should give the panel member the opportunity to tell a new story that the crowd hasn’t heard before.

Don’t feel compelled to ask a question just for the sake of it, this is not just about you and nobody wants to feel the collective anger of a crowd. Keep your questions concise, time is short, don’t waste it. If you do want to ask a question, use your time in the queue to think carefully about what it is you are going to ask to get the most value from the panel.

Panel Etiquette

Remember that there are some simple rules and etiquette that you need to follow as a member of the audience to make the panel session worthwhile for you, the other members of the audience, and the panel. There are some questions that panel guests will not be able to answer due to contractual obligations, so don’t ask them.

Don’t expect a hug, a photo, or anything else along these lines from panel members. There could be another opportunity for these at another event later, but panel sessions are not the forum. Don’t talk while a panel member is talking. Remember, you lined up for a long time to hear from them. What you have to say can wait.

What Makes A Great Comic Con Panel?

So what makes one comic con panel stand out from the rest and be the one that will be talked about long after the convention is over?

Surprise Appearances

In 2015, Bill Murray surprised 6,000 fans who had been lining up for the Rock the Kasbah panel. Many of the fans had slept overnight to get into this panel, but none had expected Murray. While Murray was on stage for the fist few minutes of the panel, he delighted fans by staying in character. Returning later for the fan Q&A Murray answered questions on a broad range of topics ranging from his co-star to the Confederate flag.

Feeling Like You Are A Part Of An Exclusive Group

If you are going to line up for hours, you want to be made to feel special at the end of it. This useful tool employed by the Hunger Games team during their panel in San Diego made the panel audience feel that they were part of something exclusive and privy to things that no-one outside of that room was. The audience were given insights into the upcoming film, learned that none of the cast could do the famous mocking jay whistle and saw just how comfortably the cast members got along with each other.

Giveaways

If you’re attending a panel for a manufacturer or publisher, chances are there might be some giveaways. Marvel and Kotobukiya are known for giving away some of their products either randomly or to people who ask great questions.

First Looks

Comic con panels have become a great place to see first looks at upcoming movies and TV shows. Many times, you’ll get to see clips, trailers and episodes before they’re released publicly.

A Look Behind The Curtain

Comic con panels give the audience a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes and the lowdown on insider information. Audiences can learn about the writer’s process, and if they are lucky, they might learn something that hasn’t been revealed by producers yet.

Getting To Know Your Favorite Actors and Creators

Often, all you know about your favorite actor or creator is their finished product. Panels give them an outlet to talk about themselves. A good Q&A session can take this even further.

Conclusion

Whether its frank conversation, a surprise appearance, fun facts, or just the opportunity to see the actor, creator, or producer of your favorite comic live on stage, comic con panels are growing in their popularity. People are willing to camp overnight to secure their spot, and there’s usually a Twitter hashtag dedicated to each room for those in the know, all in the name of #fandom.

What To Wear To Comic Con

Wear Comfortable Shoes and Clothing. This is probably the most important tip for attending your first comic con, and should be obvious, but is often overlooked. Wear comfortable shoes, socks and clothing.

You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so aside from being comfortable, you might want to also make sure your shoes are broken in.

You also want to be prepared for a wide range of temperatures. The walk to the convention hall might be a little chilly or wet. The line for the panels and the show floor might be hot. Layers are your friend.

Bring Your Convention Supplies

I’ve already written about convention supplies but it’s important to keep in mind. If you want to save some money, you can do so by purchasing your supplies ahead of time. Some recommended items are a comic book folio case to protect your books, plastic sleeves or an art book to protect prints or other artwork, a poster tube for your posters, and bags and boards for any comics you might buy.

Get A Comfortable Backpack

Sure you can use any backpack, but it’s nice to have a few compartments so you can separate your supplies. You may want to keep valuables tucked away from the sections you’ll be accessing often and it may help keep you organized by separating items you have to get signed from new items you just bought.

Padded straps are also a must. I would also avoid shoulder bags as they put all of the weight onto one shoulder. It’s better to split up that load across both shoulders.

Bring Snacks and Water

You can save yourself a lot of money by bringing your own snacks. This also comes in handy when you’re in line for a panel or an autograph signing. Bring a few bottles of water and some non-perishable snacks like granola bars or pretzels

Be Prepared For Bad Weather

Rain can ruin your fun. Not only could it impact your walk to the convention, it could also wreak havoc on anything you buy at the con. I always bring ziplock bags, plastic grocery store bags, a mini umbrella and a one-time-use poncho. You can never be too prepared.

Always Have A Few Good Markers

This could probably go under supplies but it’s important enough to stand on it’s own. If you’re in line for an autograph, the signer will have markers, but they may not have the markers you want. If it’s a black sharpie, you’re covered. If not, then plan ahead and bring your own. These are also important in case you bump into someone outside of their booth or signing table.

Make A List and Learn The Layout

Before you get to the comic con, you should have a list of the main booths and people you want to see, as well as their location. You may want to take this a step further and also figure out their signing times, as a lot of artists will bounce between their tables, panels and booths.

While you’re preparing, also get an idea for the layout of the convention. Many will have separate sections for artists, photo ops, signings, panels, and the show floor.

Have A Backup Phone Battery

Let’s face it, as good as some smartphone batteries are, they never have enough juice. You can find some good portable chargers for under $30 with attachments for both Android and iPhone. You don’t want to be without your phone when a great photo opportunity pops up.

Bring Some Return Address Labels

This is one of my top secret Comic Con tips. A lot of booths will have contests or signup lists. It’s a lot easier to peel and stick a label then it is to write out your contact information at every booth. Buy a set of printable labels and your life will be a whole lot easier. I like to print some with just my name and email address and have another set with my full address as well.

Stay Healthy

Con Crud is real. It’s normal for con-goers to get sick after comic con. Long hours combined with a lot of germs can lead to you getting Con Crud. Bring some hand sanitizer with you (and use it!), drink plenty of water and wash your hands whenever you can. A little effort can go a long way to keep you from getting sick.

Bring A First Aid Kit

Band-Aids and Aspirin are the minimum here but you may want to bring some larger bandages for blisters and any other medications you may need. Allergy medicine and antacids are probably a good idea too.

Conclusion

Hopefully this list of Comic Con tips for first time attendees was helpful.

What started out as a gathering where comic book readers could meet their favorite artists and writers has turned into more of a pop culture event where all forms of media collide.

Tri-State Con is considered the first official comic book convention. It was also known as New York Comicon and took place in 1964 in New York City. This event is said to have had 100 attendees and included guests such as Steve Ditko, Flo Steinberg and Tom Gill.

Detroit Triple Fan Fair took place a year later and became the first recurring comic book convention. Not soon after in 1970, the first San Diego Comic-Con took place, though it was known then as Golden State Comic-Con.

Conventions have evolved over the years. Early shows were managed by fans on a not-for-profit basis, but as the years went on comic con became a huge business opportunity. One day events have turned into 4 or 5 day long festivities. There are now hundreds of conventions taking place throughout the United States with attendance numbers over 1 million annually.

So what actually takes place at comic con?

What is Comic Con?

It’s Comic Books

The simplest answer to “What is Comic Con?” is “comic books”. This is where it all started, so of course comic book conventions are a great place to buy comics! You’ll find vendors selling comics old and new, as well as trade paperbacks and hardcover collections. If you’re trying to fill in some gaps in your collection, a comic book convention is a great place to look for your missing books.

It’s Comic Publishers

The comic book industry is well represented at larger conventions. The major publishers such as Marvel, DC and Image will have booths where they will make announcements, host events and have autograph signings. They usually have free giveaways and items for sale as well.

It’sComic Creators

If “comic books” is the first answer to “What is Comic Con?”, then “comic creators” woudl be a close second. The first conventions were a way to meet your favorite artists and writers. You will now find popular artists, writers, inkers and colorists at conventions large and small. You can get autographs, buy custom commissioned artwork, original comic book pages or prints, or just chat with your idols.

It’s Toys and Collectibles

Comic book conventions are a great place to find toys and collectibles that you won’t find at your local retailer. If there’s something you’ve been thinking about buying online, this is also a great opportunity to see one firsthand before shelling out your money to an online retailer. Many Comic Cons also have convention exclusives, which are often made in small quantities.

It’s Convention Exclusives

Like we said above, convention exclusives are available in small quantities and are only available at that convention. Many publishers, vendors and toy makers will sell collectibles that you can only find at the convention. Items can range from a  limited edition variant comic cover, to unique vinyl figure or article of clothing. These items tend to sell out quickly, often within the first few hours of the first day of the convention.

It’s After-Parties

Comic Con after-parties are popular with both fans and professionals alike. Local bars and clubs will hold themed after-parties, while companies will hold private gatherings for professionals to bond and let loose after a hard day at the con. Some events are private, some public and others are secret. With the many after-party options, the day doesn’t end when the show floor closes.

It’s Free Swag

Who doesn’t like free stuff? Most conventions will give you a free lanyard for your badge, a bag, a guide and possibly some other free items like comic books or stickers.

Once you hit the show floor, you’ll find a lot of tables with freebies ranging from stickers and pins to comic books and art prints. Other booths will also do drawings or raffles for high ticket items. For these reasons, it’s a good idea to visit every table or booth.

It’s Celebrities

A large part of the comic con scene is celebrity appearances, either through panels, autograph signings, or photo opportunities (photo ops). Celebrities are found at all levels of conventions, though the bigger names tend to stick to the bigger conventions.

It’s Panels

Panels are scheduled blocks of entertainment that take place in rooms at the convention center. Topics can range from TV shows and movies to speed dating or your favorite comic book. The most popular panels often fill up fast and can feature giveaways or other exclusive material like trailers or screenings.

Most panels feature guests including actors, writers, directors and creative teams and can be a great place for die-hard fans to get early access to content such as trailers, teasers or full episodes of TV shows. Many also include a Questions & Answers segment where fans can get up and ask questions.

Most conventions will provide a guide with a list of their panel schedules, though you can always find these ahead of time online.

It’s TV and Movies

Both the Big and Small Screens get represented well at comic con! Studios will often hold panels for upcoming releases where they will sometimes show exclusive clips and previews. You can also find your favorite stars available for autographs or photo sessions.

It’s Shopping

For a lot of people, the answer of “shopping” is the best answer to “What is comic con?”! You can find anything you want, ranging from action figures new and old to cookie jars, clothing, costumes and more!

Geeky vinyl stickers for your car? Check! Handmade jewelry? Check! Cosplay Props? Check! You name it and it’s probably for sale at a convention near you.

It’s Cosplay

Cosplayers use conventions to show off their skills and hard work. Often, there will be costume contests at comic con, but even if there isn’t one, that doesn’t stop people from dressing up as their favorite characters.

It’s Gaming

You can find board games, table top games, strategy games, card games and role-playing games all available to test out or buy at comic book conventions.

Video games are also well represented, especially at bigger cons. See and demo the latest games and systems or check out some retro video games for sale.

Conclusion

Hopefully I’ve answered the question “What is Comic Con?” for you. Comic Con has evolved from a small gathering of comic book fans to a pop culture haven, so you can be sure each convention has something for every fandom! It’s hard to attend a con without being entertained! Ready to jump in and attend a comic book convention? Get some con supplies!