Boston Comic-Con 2017 (AKA Fan Expo 2017) - What Worked and What Didn't

So it is hot as hell out, which means it is time for Boston's Comic-Con (or Fan Expo as it seems to be called now). The name change was confusing but seemed to make sense once we got there. While there were the usual (and numerous) comic booths selling back issues etc., the main motivator (and I'm sure a huge revenue generator) was for fans to meet with the famous guests of the festival. There were some issues with set up and lay out compared to previous years. This year the con was at the Boston Convention and Expo Center unlike previous years where it took place at the World Trade Center. A good change despite the fact it was like walking on the sun as you made your way from South Station. That stretch of Summer Street can be brutal. But like I said, the larger venue meant very few lines and easy access to the con. So thumbs up on this change.

Things that worked: The fan/guest meet and greet area. This was very well done. Nicely organized and quite roomy (it took up at least a third of the hall) it made identifying loading areas and gathering points easy to navigate. Although I heard from friends that had bought a photo package that signage could have been better. They got turned in several directions trying to sort out just where to go. So, maybe some thoughts for next year: bigger and better signage? The overall layout was great as well. There were distinct areas for dealers, artists, and even tattoo booths which enabled you to focus on one thing at a time. Because otherwise it was pretty overwhelming. Especially if you are like me and can't stand crowds or lines that don't move. And speaking of lines...

Things that didn't work: Oh the lines. Not sure if they only booked a single hall for the main con due to budgetary reasons but, man, the lines to get into the theatre were brutal. This was the one plus in being at the Trade Center last year. The big events were held in the hotel ballrooms across the street. Those spaces were designed to handle these kinds of crowds: large wide hallways, several entrances, etc. The main theatre this weekend was a curtained off space inside the main hall (which was decently large), but because it was in the main hall you had people lining up THROUGH the main con area. Bad idea. You're taking an already crowded area and making it worse.

To top of off there was also limited signage so people were constantly going to the wrong end of the line, forcing them back THROUGH the main con area to get in line. Ugh. Dumb. As someone who runs a large event it is frustrating to see little thought going into crowd flow, especially when many attendees are in large elaborate costumes that make navigating space more difficult. Next year, suck it up and book more space. You'll be thankful and so will your attendees. Being crowded does not make an event "more exciting" that's for sure. Oh and please designate a space for the costume contest contestants to stage. EDGE tried to get in to get pictures of the contestants but were told we had to wait in line and get a seat, which we could then get up from and take pics. Dumb. We were there to take pics and promote the event. I don't need to take someone's seat for the 30 minutes I'm there. Prepare a staging area where press can do their jobs. It's fun walking through the crowd and taking pictures of attendees in costume but those who were competing have truly elaborate outfits that preclude wandering about the trade floor. No. Set up a space separately please. End rant.

Overall though, it was a very successful and entertaining three days. Lots of amazing costumes and the guest list couldn't have been more spot on. Boston Comic-Con has never really gotten the spotlight that larger cons do. Both Chicago and Atlanta have much larger cons that get tons of press and guests. This year looks to be the year that Boston turns a corner. As a city that has more than its share of comic/fandom nerds we deserve it.

For more on Boston Comic Con, visit the event's website.