Everything you ever wanted to know about Wizard World but were afraid to ask!
Autograph Area:
Can you get (So and So) to come to your show?
• We can try. Generally we have various agents and representatives who bring the actors to us, or the actors themselves sometimes contact us, but occasionally we will go and track someone down if we really want them. Comic Artists and Creators are generally invited personally (if we can track down their contact info), or brought in through their publisher. But remember, work deadlines, family obligations and other time constraints can keep many people from coming to conventions.
Can you get (Famous Person’s Name) to come to your show again?
• Well, we probably can, but there are many reasons why we wouldn’t. Some people don’t like attending the same show too many times in a row, some are working on new projects, and sometimes we just forget to invite them! Remember, we only have so much room in our Autograph Area, so we have to pick and choose who we bring to each show to make sure that we can make as many people happy with what they’ll see at the show.
I’m an agent or rep for an actor or comic artist who would like to attend your show as a guest, who do I contact?
• Contact Spat Oktan – Convention Coordinator (soktan@wizardent.com).
"So and So" was listed on the site as a guest yesterday, and now they're gone? What happened?
• Check out the bottom of the Who's Coming Page on the website. Any guests that have had to cancel the show are listed there.
Do the actors have their own items to sign, or do I have to bring things for them?
• Well, both! They have headshots and stills of their movies and shows. But you can usually bring your own items to get signed if you want.
Can I take pictures of anything I want?
• Well…. Kind of. Some people may not want their picture taken, so be sure to ask first. Many of our Vendors in the Dealer’s Room don’t like to have people take pictures of their set ups, so be sure to ask first. And some of our guests charge for pics, so be sure to ask first! Basically, the answer is, Ask First! Remember, trying to take a pic of one of our guests from a distance may seem harmless to you, but they may not want you to do it. If you are caught taking a pic of someone without their permission, you will be warned once. Do it again, and you will be removed from the show.
• Also, when taking pictures of people in costume, or your friends, please be sure to angle yourselves to that you are not taking a picture across an aisle. When you do that, everyone has to stop and wait for you to take the picture. If you move so that you are both on the same side of the aisle and take the picture in the direction of traffic flow, then people can move past you and you don’t stop the flow of traffic.
• These same rules above apply to video cameras. Keep in mind that many of our panel rooms are now being filmed and broadcast live over the internet. You are allowed to videotape inside these rooms ONLY if the video you shoot is not intended for sale or distribution. When in doubt, put the camera away.
How much are the autographs?
• Well, that depends. Each of the guests at the show charges a different amount, so be sure to ask first before you commit to buy one! Wizard World does not tell our guests what to charge, or even that they have to charge. So be sure to check with the guest to see their rates. Some guests will have pre-order autographs arranged, so be sure to take a look at the Autograph Tickets page on the guest page. Any info on special tickets or pricing is going to be listed there.
Can I get my picture taken with your guests?
• Again, that depends on the guest. Some will gladly do it for free, others charge a nominal fee (sometimes donated to charity), and others won’t do it at all. We don’t tell our guests what to do or how to do it when they get to the show. It’s their call on what to charge, how much to charge, or even if they will charge. Remember, when you step behind the table to take a picture with the guest, it holds up the line, and for a very popular guest, that can really cause problems.
• We have also signed a deal with Froggy’s Photos. So now you can have a professional photographer take a photo of you and your favorite Celeb! There is a charge for this, but after the picture is taken, it is printed out in a glossy 8x10 that you can take home with you, or even go and get signed! Note that some guests charge to sign photos of items you bring.
What times do your guests sign autographs?
• Generally, our guests are there signing for most of the day. We don’t set specific hours for them. If they’re there that day, and not on a break, in a panel, or at lunch, they should be signing. Be sure to check their bio and the Guest page to see what days they are attending the show.
If I buy an Advanced Purchase Autograph Ticket or Photo Op ticket, does that get me into the show, or do I still have to buy admission?
• Nope, you still have to buy admission to the convention to be able to claim your photo or autograph.
Can I buy autographs online after the show? I won’t be there that weekend.
• No, sorry. We don’t save autographs or ship them. But be sure to check the Guest's Bio page. Some of our guests do offer Autographs through the mail. If they do, there will be a link to it in their bio.
Can I send you an item to get signed by a guest at your show? I won’t be there that weekend.
• No, sorry. We just can't do that.
Will So and So be there all three days?
• Be sure to take a look at the Guest Page. If a guest is NOT going to be there all three days, there will be a notation under their picture telling you what days they will be there. If there's no notation, then we assume they're going to be there all three days. But be sure to check back often as their days attending may change.
Artist Alley Questions:
Will the Comics guests draw something for me?
• You’ll have to ask them. Most will do a sketch for you for a nominal fee. You’ll have to check with them to see if they do offer sketches or commissions, and how much they charge for it.
"So and So" was listed on the site as a guest yesterday, and now they're gone? What happened?
• Check out the bottom of the Who's Coming Page on the website. Any guests that have had to cancel the show are listed there.
I'm interested in an Artist Alley table. Are there any available?
• Head over to the Exhibitor/Dealer/Artist Registration Page for the con you're interested in getting a table for. If the Artist Alley forms are still listed there, then there are still tables left. Once the tables are sold out, the forms will come down!
I booked an Artist Alley table, but I need extra passes. How do I get them?
• Well, you can get them at the convention, or you can fill out another Artist Alley form, but only fill out the Badge portion. Send that in with your payment, and you're all set.
I booked an Artist Alley table, are my passes mailed to me?
• No. All passes are picked up on site.
I booked an Artist Alley table, do I still need to buy a pass to the show?
• No, an Artist Alley table comes with 2 free passes. The section at the bottom of the Artist Alley form that you filled out had a spot for you to enter the names for your badges. If they weren't filled out, one will be left at Registration in the name of the Registering Artist, and one will just be left as "Guest". You can pick them up at the Guest Registration Area.
I booked an Artist Alley table, and I see my name listed on the Who's Coming Page, how do I get my picture and bio on the Guest page?
• Simple, head over to the Who's Coming Page and scroll down to the bottom. There you will find all the info you need on the formats and procedures for getting listed on the Guest Page.
I booked an Artist Alley table, what time and what day do I have to move my stuff in/can I order electricity/what if I need an extra chair/where can I find Tax forms/etc.?
• Head over to the Show Info page and check out the Exhibitor/Dealer/Artist Alley Manual and Show Helper. Once it goes live on the website, it will contain all the information you need to know about coming to the show.
I booked an Artist Alley table, what are the requirements to submit an exclusive to the website?
• Basically the requirements are that it be something exclusive to the show. Contact our Convention Coordinator - Spat Oktan (spat@wizardent.com) for the art logo and more information about submissions.
I booked an Artist Alley table, can I pick the spot where I get placed?
• Not really. You can note on your Artist Alley Registration form where you would like to be placed, or what other artists you would like to be placed near, and we will do our best to accommodate. Just remember, we do not make any promises about placement, and cannot guarantee locations.
Do I have to take my items with me at night, or can I leave them at my table after the show closes?
• We suggest covering up your table before you leave for the night, but we do have 24 hour security in the Dealer Room and Artist Alley keeping things safe.
I'm interested in an Artist Alley table. What is a Pop Up Display?
• A POP Up Display is any kind of Point of Purchase display used to sell things. Peg Boards, shelving, or other items typically used to sell items in booths are usually things associated with tables in our Dealer's Room, and not with our tables in Artist Alley. You are welcome to put up displays of your art, or signs or anything else to promote your work, but if your table starts turning into a Vendor Booth, you'll be asked to upgrade to a Retailer Booth.
Ticketing questions:
How can I order tickets?
• Check out our Tickets Page!
Can I buy tickets at the door, or do I have to buy them in advance?
• You can buy them at the door, but you would not get the pre-order discounts, or incentives, and the line to buy tickets at the show is generally longer than the line to pick up tickets bought in advance.
What do the VIP tickets get me?
• Generally (and this changes for each show, so be sure to check the details on the VIP Page for that show) VIP tickets get you in to the show all three days (or more if there is a preview night). It also gets you into the con before everyone else, as well as a big bag of goodies hand picked for you, and access to special VIP ONLY Signings with our Artist guests!
What is the deadline for ordering advanced tickets?
• Generally, the tickets will stop being sold online the week of the actual show.
I ordered my tickets a month ago, but still have not gotten them in the mail!
• No tickets are actually mailed to you. You should have gotten a PDF file e-mailed to you. You print that PDF confirmation out, bring it with you to the show along with your ID, and they’ll take care of everything there!
I don’t have a printer! I can’t print out the PDF! I never got the e-mail! I lost the PDF! Will I not be allowed into the show?
• Don’t worry, everything is fine! Just bring your ID along with the credit card you used to purchase the ticket and everything will be taken care of at the box office!
I didn’t actually buy the ticket, my mom did, and I don’t have ID. How do I get into the show.
• Don’t worry, all the info about the ticket is on file. Just head to the registration area and someone there will help you out.
Will the tickets sell out?
• It is possible. Buying your tickets in advance will save you a lot of headaches!
Can I re-enter the show if I leave?
• Yes you can! Your admission is good for the whole day, or the whole weekend (depending on what kind of ticket you bought. Keep in mind though that if the show is full, the Fire Marshal sometimes institutes a "One in one out" policy. So until some people leave the con, no new people will be allowed in. The way to beat that is with a VIP Ticket! VIP ticket holders don't have to wait in that line.
What’s the difference between buying the tickets in advance and buying them at the door?
• The tickets are $5 cheaper online than at the door, and the line to check in with your advanced purchased ticket is shorter than waiting in line to buy a ticket.
Programming Questions:
Is there a Costume Contest?
• There is! Check the Programming or Special Events Page to see when and where!
Are there any panels going on at the Convention?
• Of course! Without panels, it’s just not a Convention! Check the Programming page for the Specific show for a list of panels and panel times.
Is there an extra charge to attend a panel?
• Of course not! As long as you’re an attendee of the show, you can attend a panel, Q&A, or contest! Though there may be additional charges for nighttime events, parties and screenings.
I’m a guest, or Artist in Artist Alley, or Publisher, and I would like to host my own panel. Is that possible?
• It is! Contact Spat Oktan – Convention Coordinator (spat@wizardent.com) and give him the info. If there’s an extra slot for your panel, he’ll try to make it work.
Dealer’s Room Questions:
How do I buy things at the convention? Do the Dealers only take cash, or can I pay with a Credit Card?
• That depends on the vendor! All of them take cash, some are set up to take Credit Cards. Be sure to ask what forms of payment they accept before agreeing to any purchases.
I want to set up a table and sell at the show, who do I contact?
• Contact your Vendor Rep via our Registration Page!
How much is Drayage, and what are the load in times for the show?
• Check out our Show info page for our Dealer/Exhibitor Show Manual for all deadlines.
Do I have to take my items with me at night, or can I leave them at my table after the show closes?
• We suggest covering up your table before you leave for the night, but we do have 24 hour security in the Dealer Room and Artist Alley keeping things safe.
Do you offer caravans from other shows to yours?
• For some shows we do. Check below for the Con specific questions to see if there is a caravan arranged for particular shows.
Does my booth come with power?
• Not unless you order it! Check the Dealer/Exhibitor Show Manual for info on ordering power from the Convention Center.
Travel Questions:
Are there any hotels in the area that I can stay at while in town?
• Check our Travel Page!
What trains or buses get me to the Convention?
• Check our Travel Page!
Is there parking in the area and how much is it?
• There’s a lot! You’ll have to check with the Convention center, or an online mapping website to find out where they are. As for how much, you’ll have to call the individual parking lots to find out. For most of the shows, we've listed as much parking info as we can on the Travel Page for that show.
General Questions:
Are fans allowed to wear costumes at the Convention?
• Allowed? Actually, they're encouraged!! We have a HUGE costume contest for all ages on Saturday, as well as a kids costume contest on Sunday. Wearing costumes at a convention is what it's all about!
Are there costume rules or guidelines?
• Simply put, your costume and it's accessories MUST comply with the local laws where the convention is being held. We insist that your costume not have any parts or accessories that can readily cause harm to you, or any of your fellow con goers. No real weaponry (live firearms, sharp blades, etc.) may be carried. An Airsoft prop is allowed ONLY if it is legal to carry in the city/state/town that the convention is being held in, there are no BB's loaded into it, and there is no battery installed, or gas loaded. Blaze Orange Tips for Airsofts are required in many states, so be sure that you comply with local laws. No parts of your costume can fire, spray, shoot, or ignite. Your costume must be appropriate for all ages. Basically, use common sense. If you have any worry that a part of your costume might cause a problem or get you thrown out of the convention, arrested, or injured, please leave it home.
Can I advertise on your website, on your fliers, or in your program book?
• Sure, check our Sponsorships Page!
Can I show up at the con and hand out fliers to your attendees?
• Actually, you can't. As the Convention Center is private property, soliciting at our show without our permission is illegal. When we spot you, you will be ejected from the show. If we catch you back again, you risk arrest.
• If you'd like to make arrangements with us to distribute your advertising or promotional materials, either by handing them out, or putting them on our "Free Swag" tables, please contact us. Also, check out our Sponsorship Page for more info on advertising to our attendees.
Can I volunteer to work at the show?
• Sure! We always need people! Check out our Volunteer info link on the Registration Page!
What time do the doors open/close?
• That depends on the show! Check out the Show Info page to see what times that particular conventions hours are.
Are bags and backpacks permitted into the show?
• Yes they are. We do ask that you use common sense when toting them around, as some backpacks are large, bulky and unwieldy and can block aisles or knock into things when you turn around.
• Also, bags may be subject to search, so be sure you don’t have anything in there that you shouldn’t!
Can I bring a pet to the show with me?
• No you may not. The only animals allowed at the show are licensed Service Animals.
ANAHEIM COMIC CON SPECIFIC QUESTIONS:
Is there a Caravan going from San Francisco to your show?
• Yes there is! Here's the info:
ANAHEIM COMIC CON
SHIPPING CARAVAN
Anaheim Comic Con and Wizard World Show Management
Have made special arrangements to ship your crates / pallets
from San Francisco, CA to Anaheim, CA at a discounted rate.
Pick up: Sunday, April 4
MOSCONE CENTER SOUTH
747 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Deliver on: Wednesday, April 14
ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER
800 West Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92802
Call now to get a no obligation free quote!
Services Provided
• Discounted Shipping Rates
• Our staff will be at both shows to guarantee that your shipment is on time and properly handled.
TSSHIPPER
Contact Adam Smith
336-782-1172
asmith@tsshipper.com
PHILADELPHIA COMIC CON SPECIFIC QUESTIONS:
Is there a Caravan going from North Carolina to your show?
• Yes there is! Here's the info:
WIZARD WORLD PHILADELPHIA COMIC CON SHIPPING CARAVAN
Philadelphia Comic Con and Wizard World Show Management Have made special arrangements to ship your crates / pallets
From Charlotte, NC to Philadelphia, PA at a discounted rate.
Pick up: Sunday, June 6
CHARLOTTE CONVENTION CENTER
Hall A
501 S. College St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
Deliver on: Wednesday, June 9
PHILADELPHIA CONVENTION CENTER
Hall A
1101 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Call now to get a no obligation free quote!
Services Provided
• Discounted Shipping Rates
• Our staff will be at both shows to guarantee that your shipment is on time and properly handled.
TSSHIPPER
Contact Adam Smith
336-782-1172
asmith@tsshipper.com
TORONTO COMIC CON SPECIFIC QUESTIONS:
What is the exchange rate of Canadian Dollars to US Dollars?
• We have a chart on the Show Info page with a built in Currency Converter. But here it is again:
Do I need a Passport to get into Canada from the US, or can I just use my Driver's License?
• As of June 1st, 2009, a Valid Passport, Passport Card or WHTI compliant document is required for travel to a foreign Country. A US State Issued driver's license is no longer valid for International travel. For more information about what documentation you may need to travel abroad, please click here.
Are there any other restrictions for travel to Canada?
• Yes. Anyone with a criminal record (including a drunk driving conviction) may be excluded from Canada. A waiver of exclusion may be issued but several weeks are required and a processing fee must be paid. Contact the Canadian Embassy or a Canadian Consulate in the U.S. or click here for more information.
Can I bring anything I want into Canada with me?
• No you may not. As a visitor, you can bring certain goods into Canada for your own use as "personal baggage" during your stay. If you declare these goods when you arrive, and take them back with you when you leave, you will not have to pay any duties or taxes. These goods may not be used by a resident of Canada or on behalf of a business based in Canada.
Personal baggage includes things like clothing, camping equipment, sports equipment, personal computers and cameras. It also includes vehicles, vessels, and aircraft. Items for business use in Canada are admissible as personal baggage. You may be required to fill out a Customs Declaration Card.
Can I bring alcohol into Canada with me?
• If you meet the minimum age requirements of the province or territory you are entering, your personal baggage can include up to:
* 1.5 litres of wine, or
* 1.14 litres of liquor, or
* 24 x 355 ml cans or bottles (8.5 litres) of beer or ale
The minimum age requirement is 19 years of age in all provinces and territories, except for Québec, Manitoba, and Alberta, where the age is 18 years.
If you plan to import more than the provincial limit, you must contact the provincial authority and get permission before you arrive. In most provinces, the limit is 9.1 litres (2 gallons). However, some provinces allow more.
Can I bring tobacco products into Canada with me?
• Your personal baggage can also include, duty-free, up to:
* 200 cigarettes
* 50 cigars
* 200 grams of manufactured tobacco
* and 200 tobacco sticks
- as long as you meet the minimum age requirements of the province or territory you are entering. You may bring in additional quantities, but you must pay duty and tax on the excess amount.
The minimum age requirement for Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, and British Columbia is 19 years of age. In Québec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon Territory, the age requirement is 18 years of age.
What can't I bring into Canada with me?
• Obscene materials, hate propaganda, most weapons and firearms and goods harmful to the environment are prohibited from entering Canada.
Certain goods are restricted from entering Canada. If you are considering importing meat or dairy products, weapons, plants, vehicles, exotic animals or products made from their skins or feathers, please contact Canada Customs beforehand for guidance.
Do Dealers, Exhibitors and Artists need to fill out special customs forms?
• Yes they do!
For our vendors and artists, we have put together a comprehensive customs packet with all the forms and information you can need.
Any questions, please contact our Customs Brokers:
Mario Mendes, Event Coordinator
Livingston Event Logistics
40 University Avenue
Suite 400
Toronto, ON M5J 1T1
T. 416-863-9339 ext. 140
F. 416-863-5149
C. 416-419-4186
Toll: 1-800-665-4628
mmendes@livingstonintl.com Will the dealers be accepting American money, or only Canadian Dollars?
• As many of our vendors will be traveling to the show from the US, US Dollars will be in use, but we suggest converting your money to Canadian Dollars during your stay to make it easier.
Where can I exchange my US Dollars into Canadian Dollars?
• At the border and airport, there will be many Cash Changing services and stores at your disposal. Keep in mind that each of these stores takes a 2-3% fee on the money you exchange. Changing your money before heading to Canada at your own bank will save you money as most banks will only charge a 1-2% fee. Also, there will be a Money Exchange location in the convention center. But again, they will be charging a fee.
