During these uncertain times with Covid-19 and the variants of it that are out, Comic-Con is determined to bring the much needed revenue to their business and the local business to San Diego, which will be an in-person event on November 26 – 28 to a limited capacity. Last year, both San Diego Comic-Con and WonderCon were offered virtually, and up until this point the thought was that this year would see the same virtual events. However, last year Comic-Con stated that the virtual attendance was nothing like the in-person attendance even with the panels, and social media posts and engagement was also at a significant drop, so that is likely another big reason why they need to have an in-person event sooner rather than later.
The conditions in California are still a struggle with Covid-19, and the conditions and how many people are vaccinated between now and November may also pay a role in the in-person event they are planning for Thanksgiving.
In addition, having a big show like this during Thanksgiving Weekend will also have an impact on who will attend, and it’s my opinion that the large toy companies would (hopefully) allow their employees to spend the time with their families rather than attend a 3-day event. This event will most likely have some of the smaller exhibitors and dealers, that would likely have an appearance in a limited capacity.
What this will look like remains to be seen, and again, this would definitely depend on where things are with Covid-19, and the safety of the attendees would need to come first before making a final decision on this event. Details, including badge costs, hotel reservations, and more information to come.
This is also one of the most difficult times to travel during the year, which would also have an impact on who will attend and if you’re willing to go through the stress of holiday travel. This would most likely be a deciding factor for many, and most likely people living in the area would attend for Cosplay, and just a social gathering.
The official statement is below:
COMIC-CON ANNOUNCES DATES FOR NOVEMBER CONVENTION
The Event Will Be Held At The San Diego Convention Center Over Thanksgiving Weekend
San Diego – San Diego Comic Convention today announced dates for their November convention. Comic-Con Special Edition will be held as a three-day event over Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 26-28, 2021 at the San Diego Convention Center. It is our hope that by Fall conditions will permit larger public gatherings.
Comic-Con Special Edition will be the first in-person convention produced by the organization since Comic-Con 2019, and the first since the onset of the global pandemic COVID-19. The Fall event will allow the organization to highlight all the great elements that make Comic-Con such a popular event each year, as well as generate much needed revenue not only for the organization but also for local businesses and the community.
“While we have been able to pivot from in-person gatherings to limited online events, the loss of revenue has had an acute impact on the organization as it has with many small businesses, necessitating reduced work schedules and reduction in pay for employees, among other issues,” said David Glanzer, spokesperson for the nonprofit organization. “Hopefully this event will shore up our financial reserves and mark a slow return to larger in-person gatherings in 2022.”
As details are still being finalized, badge cost, attendance capacity, and related information will be forthcoming.