I didn’t realize this year was Comicon Erie‘s first year until I got there and spoke with the locals. Just about every local I spoke with was SO EXCITED that a big Comicon was finally in their town.
And…It was pretty ok.
First, I’m going to get the negatives out of the way before I get to the good stuff. To be fair, the negatives are all nitpicky things, but here we go:
For one thing, apparently every booth and artist alley table had a garbage can except my table. I don’t know if someone swiped it or what, but I borrowed my neighbor’s garbage can anytime I had to pitch something.
There was also a welcome letter every exhibitor got…apparently. I never got this either. My neighbors had them. I didn’t. Unless they were just the printed versions of what we got via email.
One last negative – Sunday had the smallest crowd of the three days I was there. The place was surprisingly and shockingly QUIET. Maybe because Erie, PA is a religious town? I also heard rumor that there was some last-minute price gauging happening? I’m not sure.
Alright, to the positives, and there are a LOT of positives.
First, aside from the lack of garbage can, etc., the convention was pretty well organized. There was plenty of time to get tables and booths set up, loading times were clear, and exhibitors even got free parking thanks to some deals with the hotel parking garages nearby! JEFF YEAH!
Second, the crowd turnout on Sunday may have been lackluster, but Friday and Saturday was SLAMMED. Next year I definitely need to bring a table buddy with me because they could help talk with customers if I got caught talking to someone else. Plus it was a rare moment I could run to get water or use the bathroom.
Third, on the subject of having to run from the table once or twice, I’m hugely grateful for the people at the booths I was sandwiched between. They had some extra hands on deck and could help watch my table if I had to make a run for it. They were also great conversationalists for those rare slow moments, and for Sunday’s slow day.
Fourth, there were some awesome people at the convention this year. Lots of local talent and yet with a healthy dose of celebrity names. There was Ginger from Gilligan’s Island, a Pittsburgh Pirates player, a guy who works on The Walking Dead (I forgot his name, sorry), a wrestler, Stephen Silver, Tom Fluharty, and a few others. I think also one of the artists from Gargoyles was there? I never got the chance to check for more than a passing glance.
I have to add, though, that the cosplayers were ON. FREAKING. POINT.
Lastly, tangentially related to the convention, this was my first experience staying at an AirBnB – and mother of ALL FREAKING COINCIDENCE, my host was two tables down from me, a fellow exhibitor.
We’re such dorks.
The weekend was such a blast! I had a great time, and got to meet lots of cool peeps and chill with some cool artists.
Now…to gear up for my next convention: Parkersburg Pop Con In Parkersburg, WV, happening September 30th, this Saturday from 12 pm to 5 pm. This will be my first year at this convention, but their welcome letter has won me over with the promise of free coffee and donuts. I think we’ll get along just fine.
Thanks for reading!
You. Are. Awesome.