JPM: Give us a brief idea of what it takes to put a large event like this together? What are the major challenges?
DG: Well there really is no easy way to answer this question. From the board of directors, to the committee, to office staff, and to the over 1,000 volunteers who work on the convention, each is an integral part in making sure the event is a success.
There are so many aspects of this show that for an answer to be encompassing, it would take more time than Iım sure your readers would care to spend.
That being said, I can tell you that the event takes a full year to put together. In fact, soon after this years event, we will meet to review things that worked, as well as things that need improving.
From coordinating the over 300 daily programs, panels and seminars. To negotiating contracts with the many hotels we utilize in San Diego, to the shuttle buses, to the advertising to the meetings involved in bringing guests to the show. It all takes a great deal of time and effort. And it is the dedication of those mentioned above that proves, year in and year out, that Comic-Con International is one of the best run events, with one of the most impressive guest list from the comics and pop culture mediums.
JPM: I can't imagine what it must be like to handle at least 75,000 (please correct this number if not right) people in a span of 4 days. Do you have any interesting stories to share from past cons?
DG: Oh well there are many I'm sure. But one that comes to mind occurred the year before last.
I was able to make a lunch meeting offsite (a hotel restaurant across the street from the convention center) with a supporter of our event. This person had been instrumental in assisting us in a variety of ways and I was happy that I would be able to join them for lunch. A rare luxury.
We had no sooner ordered when my phone rang. I was told that I was needed back at the center. I explained that I was at a lunch meeting that had been planned for at least three months and I was certain one of my staff would be able to help. There was a short pause, and then the words "Uh, no, you really need to come back."
Ok, imagine trying to look calm, when worst case scenarios are playing through your mind. I excused myself (my lunch date was very understanding) and made it back to the center.
Without getting into too much detail, I walked into a meeting already in full swing. My Bosses were there speaking with the Fire Marshall. The Fire Marshall was concerned that the amount of people might soon exceed regulations. Though very nice, he wanted to know specifics about emergency plans etc, or he would have to close the event to further attendees.
Luckily we have a variety of contingency plans in place for a variety of scenarios. He was very satisfied and stayed on site to assure that all safety measures were working according to plan. And they were. But the only thing that was going through my mind was, "How do we tell that 1/2 mile long line that they can't come in?" Luckily we didn't have to.
JPM: SDCCI, it seems, has evolved greatly especially in the last few years. It's no longer just for comic book fans; it now has a wider appeal. Youıve been getting a lot of high profile films as well as big name celebrities, like Halle Berry and Angelina Jolie in 2003 and Ben Affleck the year before, appearing to promote their films. I also read that Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Cameron made surprise appearances in 2002. Do you think this is a sign that 'Hollywood' is embracing conventions as an important 'stop' in the promotional tour for their genre related projects/products? What do you think this means for the future of SDCCI and conventions in general?
