Long Beach Comic Con: September 12th & 13th

Buzz from the Beach

JAN 14 2015

Long Beach Comic Con Named Best of the Beach

The Long Beach Post has named the 2014 Long Beach Comic Con "the Best of the Beach."

For two weekends out of the year, nerds, geeks and cosplayers swarm the streets of Downtown Long Beach as the Long Beach Comic Con (LBCC) rolls in.

Held in the Spring and Fall of each year, LBCC started in October 2009 and focuses on the creators in the comic book and animation industries.

"The success of films and television shows based on comic book characters originates with the creators," said Martha Donato, Executive Director of LBCC. "The Long Beach Comic shows are first and foremost show for comics, for readers, and we've also begun creating convention programming that will appeal to book readers. Our plan is to do more panels with novelists in 2015 and beyond."

Steve Goodling, President and CEO of Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, said LBCC is a unique and popular event.

"Comic Con is one of the unique conventions that brings together a group of people that wants to celebrate a culture and a lifestyle," he said.

Donato said in 2015, LBCC fans can expect two conventions--the Long Beach Comic Expo from February 28 to March 1 and the LBCC from September 12 to September 13. She said the Comic Expo will be expanded and will also include a "geek film festival."

Thank you Long Beach, from all of us at the Long Beach Comic Con!

NOV 26 2014

Lifetime Passes for Long Beach Comic Expo!

In advance of Cyber Monday, Long Beach Comic Expo will make available 50 Lifetime Passes which will grant fans access to the annual event. The passes are available at www.longbeachcomicexpo.com for $249.99 through December 31st, 2014. After that date, the a lifetime pass will cost $349.99.

Next year's Long Beach Comics Expo will be held February 28, 2015 & March 1, 2015 at Long Beach Convention Center. Announced guests include legendary writer Chris Claremont (UNCANNY X-MEN), acclaimed comic book writer Brian Wood (THE MASSIVE; DMZ), fan favorite animation writer and producer Greg Weisman (STAR WARS REBELS; YOUNG JUSTICE) and Cosplay favorites LeeAnna Vamp and Nicole Jean Marie.

"The Lifetime Passes are a great gift and a wonderful idea for the comic book and cosplay fans in your life," said Martha Donato, Executive Director of Long Beach Comic Con & Expo. "For the cost of a season pass at a resort, you can give a lifetime experience of comics."

Follow Long Beach Comic Expo on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and information.

About Long Beach Comic Expo

Long Beach Comic Expo is an annual event held at the Long Beach Convention Center that celebrates comic books and pop culture and showcases the exceptional works of talented writers, artists, illustrators and creators of all types of pop culture. At Long Beach Comic Expo, you'll find exhibitors promoting and selling all types of related products, as well as entertaining and educational programs for all ages, guest signings and meet & greet sessions with celebrities. Long Beach Comic Expo is a MAD Event Management, LLC production. To learn more and purchase tickets, please visit www.longbeachcomicexpo.com.

OCT 2 2014

LBCC Media Roundup

Here's a small taste of what was said about this year's Long Beach Comic Con from across the internet...

MASHABLE story on CW presence at LBCC, 9/21
LONG BEACH PRESS TELEGRAM 9/27
LONG BEACH POST feature, 9/27
HERO COMPLEX Batman feature, 9/28
HERO COMPLEX Cosplay photos, 9/28
HERO COMPLEX Mignola feature, 9/28
HERO COMPLEX Women in Comics, 9/29
HERO COMPLEX Afterlife with Archie, 9/29
BLEEDING COOL Inside STAR LABS, 9/29
CBR YOUNG JUSTICE LBCC panel coverage, 9/29
io9 Cosplay Coverage, 9/30

SEP 27 2014

Long Beach Comic Con Launches the Dwayne McDuffie Award

Long Beach Comic Con was proud to announce today the Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity. The only comics award of its kind, the inaugural Dwayne McDuffie Award will be granted the weekend of February 28, 2015 to an American comics work, published in print or digitally in 2014, deemed by the Selection Committee to promote diversity. In the spirit of Dwayne McDuffie himself, "promoting diversity" can be judged as either broadening the range of characters portrayed in comics, or adding to the variety of creators contributing to the medium.

Dwayne McDuffie was a comic book and television writer, famous for writing and producing the animated series Justice League Unlimited and Ben 10, and for creating the animated series Static Shock. McDuffie also co-founded Milestone Media, a minority-owned-and-operated comic-book company. During his career, McDuffie earned three Eisner Award nominations, two Emmy Award nominations, and won the Inkpot award, a Humanitas Award and a WGA Award.

"Dwayne was an incredible creator, and used his talents to help bring more diversity into comics," said Martha Donato, co-founder of Long Beach Comic Con. "His influence on comics is incredible, and we look forward to helping preserve his legacy through this award."

The Dwayne McDuffie Award will be stewarded by director Matt Wayne, with the support of McDuffie's wife, Charlotte. "Dwayne would have been pleased by an award that recognizes so much new and exciting work," she said.

"Excellence is a given in this award," Wayne said. "We're honoring work that, through its artistic merit, has brought a greater variety of stories and creators into comics."

The Selection Committee consists of eight prominent comics and animation professionals who knew Dwayne and have demonstrated a commitment to inclusiveness:

- Neo Edmund - Novelist, animation and comics writer
- Joseph Illidge - Former Editor, Milestone and DC Comics; Columnist, Comic Book Resources; Writer, First Second Books
- Len Wein - Co-creator Swamp Thing, Wolverine, New X-Men; Former E-I-C, Marvel, Disney; Former Senior Editor, DC Comics.
- Heidi MacDonald - Editor in Chief, The Beat; former DC Editor
- Glen Murakami - Producer/Supervising Director, DC animated properties and Ben 10: Alien Force/Ultimate Alien
- Joan Hilty - Nickelodeon Comics Editor, Former Senior Editor, Vertigo; Creator of Bitter Girl
- Eugene Son - Comics writer/Story Editor, Ultimate Spider-Man Animated
- William J. Watkins - Writer; Former owner, Chicago's first Black-owned comics store; Former DC editorial assistant

The first annual Dwayne McDuffie Awards will be announced at the Long Beach Comic Expo on February 28, 2015. The recipient work will be chosen from five nominees. The call for submissions was launched today at Long Beach Comic Con.

An application for the award can be found here.

SEP 21 2014

'The Flash' S.T.A.R. Labs Mobile Unit Comes to LBCC!

Excitement is building for The CW's next hit, The Flash. Now you've got a chance to be part of it at LBCC with the S.T.A.R. Labs Mobile Unit!

Head over to Mashable for the scoop on what will be in store for attendees at LBCC. Then be sure to click here to buy your tickets today and celebrate what you love!

Read more news posts ∨

ABOUT THE LONG BEACH COMIC CON

The Long Beach Comic Con is a two-day event held September 12th & September 13th at the Long Beach Convention Center. Tickets are available using the BUY TICKETS button on this site, or at your local comic book shop. Additional details about the event can be found on the FAQ page or by emailing Customer Service.

What is Long Beach Comic Con?
Long Beach Comic Con is an annual event held at the Long Beach Convention Center each fall. It�s a celebration of comic books and pop culture that showcases the exceptional works of talented writers, artists, illustrators and creators of all types of pop culture. At Long Beach Comic Con, you�ll find exhibitors promoting and selling all types of related products, as well as entertaining and educational programs for all ages, guest signings and meet & greet sessions with celebrities. For more specific information about the show, please check out the FAQ section of the website. Long Beach Comic Con is a MAD Event Management, LLC production.

The Long Beach Comic Con Team
Martha Donato (Executive Director, Founder/Principal) is the President of MAD Event Management, an all-purpose event planning facilitator. Donato has over 19 years of experience.

Mike Scigliano (Show Director) has over 15 years in the events production field that encompasses not only the event management side but the exhibitor side as well. This unique experience helps LBCC to keep both the needs of the event as well as the needs of the exhibitor in mind. Most of the industry simply knows him as Scig and as the Show Director he oversees floor management, exhibit sales, logistics, programming & guest relations. He is also is a freelance sales, marketing, writing, web development and events manager. You can find him on Twitter: @mikescigliano.

Caterina Toscano (Volunteer Manager) is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC and works at a NYC Advertising Agency. She has been attending and working at comic-cons since she was a teenager. You can find her working in the Volunteer or Registration areas at Long Beach Comic Expo!

Arlene So (Art Director; Design Ninja) has been a graphic designer for over 20 years and ever so briefly, worked security at a comic con a while back. She is also a producer for an award-winning web series called Haywire.

Kris Simon (Programming Manager) has written and edited comics for over 10 years, and introduced hundreds of middle school girls to the comic book industry as a Program Manager for Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles. Her love for the medium can only be surpassed by her love for a good burger.

David Nieves (Show Coordinator, Programming) is an LA based pop culture writer. When he isn't working freelance in the entertainment industry, he can be found reading comics. Along with being a comic nerd; Dave advocates for the industry by covering events and writing for such sites as Comics Beat, Bleeding Cool, and Nuke the Fridge.

Amanda Caggiano (Event Coordinator, Programming) is a graduate of U-Mass Amherst and has been working with the Long Beach Comic Con team for two years - with a stint where she built houses for Habitat For Humanity. Amanda recently left behind the cold New York winters for sunny days in California.

Kris Longo (Sponsorhip Sales; Special Events) is the founder of Geek Riot Media, the first and only fuly integrated geek culture advertising and sponsorship representation firm. Prior to Geek Riot, Longo managed East Coast advertising sales for DC Comics and served as Vice President of Business Development for Bonfire Agency.

James Ross (Sales Manager; Floor Manager) is a veteran in the trade show/events industry. He has been in the conventions and events industry since 1999. For the past 15 years he has specialized in exhibit sales & sponsorships, event logistics and floor management. He has been involved in comic book convention genre for over 10 years.

Bobby Marmolejo (Event Coordinator, Registration; Dealer Sales) has been with Long Beach Comic Con since the start. He has over 16 years experience in comic book and pop culture retail.

Steven Hoveke (Security Manager) is the owner of Square 1 Press, an independent comics and art books publisher. He started in this industry in 2003 working for Palisades Toys. He has also worked as an independent contractor for Gentle Giant Ltd., Top Cow and Devil's Due, to name a few. A "jack-of-all-trades", his talents are seemingly limitless, from guest relations to personal security to booth construction, he does it all. He has been reading comics since he was seven.

Phil Lawrence ( Co-founder) Lawrence has over 18 years of experience in marketing and advertising and the comics field and has been involved in the comic book business most of his adult life, and continues to enjoy it personally and professionally.

EXHIBITOR HELP

If you are interested in exhibit space, retail booths or Artist Alley tables at Long Beach Comic Expo, please download the appropriate form and complete it - we'd rather you sent it in via email, but if you want to fax your completed form, you can send it to 845-787-2499. Have security concerns when using your credit card for payment? We also have a secure online exhibitor registration site that you can use our website by clicking here. If you have any questions, you can contact us:

Martha Donato - Executive Director
Mike Scigliano - Show Director

EASY
We have easy access to the show floor for move-in and move-out at both shows. The Long Beach Convention Center is a great facility to work with!

PROMOTIONS
Are you interested in helping us promote Long Beach Comic Expo? We can offer you free tickets to the show to use for promotions. We can also offer reciprocal banner ads. Contact Martha or Mike to set it up.

Martha Donato - Executive Director
Mike Scigliano - Show Director

SPONSORSHIPS
Do you want to get involved with our shows? Promote your brand or product? Contact Kris Longo by clicking here.

2015 Exhibitor Kit
Exhibitors, Small Press, Dealers, Fan Groups & Artist Alley: Check back soon...

Electricity
Electricity drops are available for booth booths and artist alley tables. Download an electricity order form here.

Parking
To find parking for your vehicle click here for an interactive map with contact info for each lot in the area surrounding the Long Beach Convention Center.

2015 Show Floor Map
Exhibitors, Small Press, Dealers, Fan Groups & Artist Alley: Check back soon...

2015 Registration Forms
EXHIBITORS: Download a registration form here! Please note that as of July 1, 2015 exhibitor prices increase.
RETAILERS: Download a registration form here! Please note that as of July 1, 2015 dealer prices increase.
ARTISTS: Download a registration form here! Please note that as of July 1, 2015 artist alley prices increase.
PROFESSIONALS: Click here to go to the tickets section to register your professional pass when they become available.

Long Beach Comic Con 2015 - September 12th & September 13th, 2015
Show Hours:
Saturday September 12 - 10:00am - 7:00pm (9:00am if you buy your tickets in advance)
Sunday September 13 - 10:00am - 5:00pm (9:30am if you buy your tickets in advance)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is the convention?
Long Beach Comic Con is being held on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, 2015. Show hours are: Saturday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm (9:00am if you buy your tickets in advance) | Sunday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. (9:30am if you buy your tickets in advance)

How much are tickets?
Tickets to the show in advance are $30 per person for a Saturday only ticket; $20 for a Sunday only ticket; and a weekend pass is $45 and children age 10 and under are admitted for free with an adult admission (limit of 2 per adult please). Senior citizen, military, police & fire fighter discounts are available (ID required at check in). Tickets are also available at the door, but prices will be higher - $35 for a Saturday only ticket; $25 for a Sunday only ticket; and $50 for a weekend pass.

I bought my ticket online or at a comic book shop, what time can I arrive to pick up my ticket?
Advance ticket pick up will open at 8:00 am on Saturday, September 12 and 8:30 am on Sunday, September 13. Walk up tickets WILL NOT be available for sale until 10:00 am. Advance ticket holders will be allowed early admission to the exhibit hall at 9:00 am on Saturday and 9:30 am on Sunday.

Can I buy tickets on-site?
Yes, you can buy tickets at your local comic book shop, on our website or at the door. Day-of ticket sales at the door will open at 10:00 am both days. Ticket pick-up & on-site sales are in the Lobby! On-site ticket pricing: $35 Saturday only; $25 Sunday only; and $50 weekend pass.

When is the Costume Contest?
The Costume Contest will begin at 8:30 pm on Saturday, September 12th. The room will open for advance seating at 8:00 pm and is offered on a first-come first-serve basis. No flash photography of the show is allowed. Any photos or video taken must be for personal, non-profit use only!

Please visit the Nerds Like Us booth in Cosplay Corner during the day on Saturday to sign up for the contest. No flash photography of the show is allowed - any photos or videos taken must be for personal non-profit use only.

The panel of judges includes: Host: Bernie Bregman, Nerds Like Us; Vegas Power Girl, Castle Corsetry & Reevz FX.

All costumes must be hand-made, and are subject to inspection by our panel of judges. If you are participating in the Contest, please arrive by 7:30 pm to line up.

Prizes will be awarded in several categories:
Best in Show
Best Hero
Best Villain
Best Youth (kids 12 and under)
Funniest
Best TV/Movie
Best Sci-Fi
Judge's Choice

Trophies will be sponsored HOKU PROPS

I am a Professional interested in attending the show. What do I need to do?
Long Beach Comic Expo is pleased to offer credentialed, published industry professionals, and those in the related industries of film, television, animation, guilds, gaming, etc. complimentary admission to the Expo.
To register use our secure site check back here for a direct link when it becomes available.
We welcome Professionals who register after the deadline, but please note we will charge a $10 fee. Once you've registered online, please remember to bring samples of your work and/or a business card to the show. We do not offer a guest option - badges are for professionals only.

Where do I pick up my badge? What about pre-registration?
There will be a clearly-marked booth in the Lobby of the Convention Center for walk-ins. Pre-registrants will take their barcode scan copies or use their smart phones at the Advance Ticket Registration Area. It's that easy!

Do I have to wear it at all times?
Even if it wasn't a stunning accessory that the Sex In The City gals would pay hundreds of dollars for, yes - you need to wear it inside the hall at all times, or we may think you are some sort of undesirable who snuck in and we will be forced to ask you to leave.

I want to dress my dog up as my sidekick and bring him. Can I?
Sorry, no pets, except for registered service animals. And in that case, they shouldn't be playing dress up.

Can I take pictures?
Generally, you can take photographs at Long Beach Comic Con of the conventioneers and exhibits. Please respect the privacy and ask before taking a picture of a celebrity, as some of them charge for their photo and autograph.

Where can I park and how do I get there?
There are parking lots located at the Long Beach Convention Center and all around the area that are privately owned. The prices vary, but expect to pay $10 per day. Note: the Convention Center parking lot only accepts cash.

If you need to find an alternate lot click here for an interactive map. Directions are available on the Long Beach Convention Center website: www.longbeachcc.com or use 300 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802 in your GPS for directions.

Where are the ATM machines?
Cash machines are located in the main lobby, and in the Aquarium entrance.

Where is Lost & Found located?
Lost & Found is located in the main lobby at the Registration Booth.

Do I have to pay extra to get autographs?
Some guests charge for their autographs, and some don't. Please ask first.

I really need to take this call, it's my agent...
Then really, take it outside. Please be courteous and no cell phone usage when you are at panels, events or in programming rooms.

To complete my costume, I carry a large battle-axe that I hone to razor sharpness every day. It's cool for me to bring that, right?
Ummm, seriously? Props are one thing, but anything that could take an eye out, could hurt someone, or make the cops (or my mother) take it away from you, is not allowed.

I need to blog frequently... is there wi-fi?
Long Beach Convention Center (LBCC - hey, those are OUR initials, too!) does offer wi-fi service on the promenade level for a small fee. Launch your browser and you'll reach their homepage.

Who are the mysterious people behind the curtain of the Long Beach Comic Con?
The LBCE team is comprised of people who celebrate what they love. They put in countless hours to create the best experience they can for fans, guests and exhibitors alike.

HOTEL

Hyatt Regency Long Beach
200 South Pine Avenue
Long Beach, California, 90802
Tel: 1-562-491-1234
Fax: 1-562-983-1491

Treat yourself to the premier setting of Hyatt Regency Long Beach. Only steps from major attractions, shops and entertainment, our luxurious hotel in Long Beach lets you easily explore the entire area. Easy access to the Aquarium and Queen Mary, stroll along the harbor, play on the beach or take in a performance at the Convention and Entertainment Center right next door.

With famous theme parks just a short drive from our Long Beach hotel, even the busiest business traveler can share some of the fun. Within our inviting accommodations, enjoy deluxe guestrooms, exciting new dining, extensive business amenities and the world-class service that have made us the standout hotel in Long Beach. Please contact the hotel directly and mention you are there for Long Beach Comic Con to receive the special convention rate for a regular room.

To make your reservations, please call 1-800-233-1234 and refer to the group name: Long Beach Comic Con or use this link. Specify Dates: September 12 - 13, 2015.

LOCATION & DIRECTIONS

Located in the heart of downtown Long Beach, the Center is within walking distance to first-class accommodations (more than 5,000 rooms citywide, most within the downtown area), shopping, dining, attractions, sightseeing along picturesque bays and 5 1/2 miles of sandy beach.

The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center is a spectacular multi-purpose complex - one of the few waterfront facilities nationwide, featuring more than 400,000 square feet of flexible exhibit and meeting space, two theaters, an arena and 34 meeting rooms. The glass concourse and lobby offer expansive views of the scenic harbor and downtown skyline. A pedestrian promenade links hotels, shops, restaurants and attractions with the Pacific Ocean.

PRESS INFORMATION

About Long Beach Comic Con:
Long Beach Comic Con is an annual event held at the Long Beach Convention Center each fall. It's a celebration of comic books and pop culture that showcases the exceptional works of talented writers, artists, illustrators and creators of all types of pop culture. At Long Beach Comic Con you'll find exhibitors promoting and selling all types of related products, as well as entertaining and educational programs, guest signings, and meet & greet sessions with celebrities. Long Beach Comic Con is a production of MAD Event Management, LLC. Visit www.longbeachcomiccon.com for additional information.

Media Contact:
AnnaMaria White
Please submit requests for press passes to media@longbeachcomiccon.com

David Hyde
Please send interview requests for convention guests and Martha Donato, the Executive Director of Long Beach Comic Con & Expo, to david.hyde@superfanpromotions.com

About MAD Event Management:
MAD Event Management is an all-purpose event planning facilitator whose principal owner has over 15 years of experience producing annual large-scale consumer conventions around the country, including Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Dallas. MAD's capabilities include: Site Selection, Exhibit Staffing, Marketing Plans, Vendor Selection, Floor Plan Development, On-Site Execution, Sponsor Exhibitor Sales, Travel Management, Contract Development, Setup & Disassembly and Contract Coordination. Visit www.madeventmanagement.com for additional information.

Show Photos:
Official show photographer Ning Wong Photography

2013 Long Beach Comic Expo official photographs are available through NingWongPhotography.com or contact Ning Wong at ning@ningwong.com

TESTIMONIALS

See what people are saying about our shows...

"LBCC'14 was a blast! You guys do such a terrific job of putting on a convention. This is my 4th LBCC and as long as you keep doing what you're doing, I'll keep coming back. Everyone there is super friendly and it's so easy and well organized, which makes it a lot of fun. My favorite thing to do is meet comic book creators, get signatures and get sketches in artist alley. I love that you have well established names as well as lots of fresh talent to discover. Seriously, from top to bottom, you all do a great job with the show. Kudos to everyone on your staff!"
- Chris Kiefer

"My husband and I really love attending your convention. We have been attending since the first Long Beach Comic Con and it has become our favorite comic book convention. Since we are from San Diego, we take a "mini vacation" in Long Beach. We are super excited for this year's event. You have created a really Awesome comic convention!"
- Rachel Fogg-Lara & Ramon Lara

"I had the opportunity this last weekend to walk the Long Beach Comic Con. The past 3 years I have attended as a budding young (well old) artist and enjoyed my time in the Artist Alley. From the veteran creators of the comic industry to the new faces looking to tell their own stories, there is an overall drive of creativity, energy and passion for the comic medium. The diversity of styles, content, ages and viewpoints just show how much people love comics."
- Chris Waterman for Bleeding Cool.com

"Long Beach Comic Con treated the pros and the fans to a real treat. I especially enjoyed the relaxed surroundings and actually got to spend some time with some real special people as well. This is the kind of show we will keep coming back to year after year. congrats to everyone that made it happen."
- Jimmy Palmiotti

"Intimate enough to mingle with the artists, yet big enough to inspire awe.... the LB Comic Con started something that will hopefully continue to grow and inspire year after year!"
- Jim Lujan

"It was a pleasure to attend the Long Beach Comic Convention. What I liked best was how easy it was to get to the convention. The best part of this comic convention was it was about comics!!! The main reason I attended was to browse Artists Alley. I saw all my favorites and noticed a few new ones. I think the venue was perfect. Downtown Long Beach offers a beautiful view to go along with the shopping center around it. Thanks for a great time and I can't wait to attend next year, and many more to come."
- Jarrod Kawashima, Geoffrey's Comics

"A Comic Book Convention with more comic books on the vendor floor than anything else! How refreshing! I loved that I could speak with comic book artists without feeling overwhelmed by humongous crowds."
- Rachel Bieber, City of Torrance Reference Librarian

"You could not have asked for a better comic con, than the Long Beach Comic Con. It being the first year of the show, we (Fiction House Mafia) had no idea what to expect. We had heard the buzz of guests that would appear. J. Scott Campbell, Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee- to name a few. One of the best things about the show is that it was well rounded. Where some of the shows you don't really get the chance to converse with your favorite creators and they managed to pull it off. It was awesome!!! If you're an independent creator take into consideration this convention, because the focus that they put on their booths, artist alley tables, is really second to none. We had an artist alley table and sold out of every book we took."
- Albert Morales (Artist, El Mystico), Fiction House Mafia

"I had such a blast at Long Beach Comic Con! There was a wide variety of things to see and do and a great lineup of guests. As a creator it was a great chance to network with other creators but I also had fun attending the show as a fan!"
- Brendan Creecy