SDCC 2016 Badge Changes

Well, this is a development. My San Diego Comic-Con 2016 badge arrived this afternoon—and much is changed from previous years. I attend for the eighth consecutive time, and the second as paying attendee rather than press. Previously, badges were given onsite. Now, beforehand, they are mailed out, with built-in RFID that is scanned on event entry. Presumably, the electronically-read tags will reduce fakes and increase movement in, out, and around the venue.

Like last year, I plan to attend all four days and the Preview Night, which is July 20. I count myself lucky to, on Nov. 14, 2015, plow through the random-selection queue and buy a pass. Entire event is a coup. Many people who want to attend get fewer days, if any. I paid $245 for the privilege, and I will work the show as if a press-pass holder. 

I’m not sure what’s up with my press validation. For 2015, Comic-Con required reaccreditation. I submitted materials, but there was no response—not even a rejection. With prospects dim, I jumped on Open Registration during February 2015, snagging a four-day and Preview Night pass for $220. While I resubmitted press accreditation materials ahead of the December 2015 deadline for SDCC 2016, I chose not to wait, going for Preregistration a month earlier. Better to pay for certain attendance than not at all.

Standard attendee badge is appropriate, anyway. I will be between ophthalmic procedures when Comic-Con comes around. My eyesight won’t be optimal, such that I may not shoot photos or videos, nor might I blog, Instagram, or Tweet real-time. Instead, my focus may be audio—spot, onsite vignettes with attendees for the Frak That! podcast. I started the venture, with journalist Randall Kennedy, about two months ago. (For fuller explanation, see my Jan. 1, 2016  Frak That! introduction). Nothing is decided yet. I may yet mix up media.

If you’re attending SDCC 2016 and would like to meetup, please email joewilcox at gmail dot com to arrange.

Photo was shot using iPhone 6s Plus. Vitals: f/2.2, ISO 50, 1/15 sec, 4.15mm