New York Comic Con 2025 - I Did It!
It took me a while to write this. Looks at calendar - Yep a while...here goes. So I took a chance. The shot of a lifetime. I applied for press passes on the final day of Open Registration on September 25th. And 6 days later, on October 1st, 2025, I got the email I had been waiting for. Press Pass Approval!
Which, since I did wait until the literal last minute to apply, I had to pickup at Will-Call. And let me tell you, these humans do not get enough thanks for the hundreds and thousands of people they deal with over the 4 days of con. I’m bringing a bottle of Whiskey for each of them next year. Even though its your jobs, Thank You. Sincerely.
What Changed/The Shift
Everything and Nothing. Balance and Priorities. I still want to “attend”, but with my attendance I feel the need to “document” more than taking in the atmosphere, the vibe, the enjoyment. As it turns out, I’ve always done this. A few hundred pictures per convention. Being out and about on the show floor. Collecting free bags and merch, trying out games, enjoying exhibitors and cosplayers, and of course spending money on figures and merch. There is a weird sense of “freedom” that comes with this badge. For me, Single Day Badge access comes with a sense of urgency to plan meticulously if there are events you want to attend, and to visit as many exhibitors as possible. And to consolidate that into the span of one day. A 4-Day Badge has the calming freedom of all day access at all times. “I didn’t get to see Artists Alley today…I’ll hit there first thing in the morning!” The clarity of space and time to know you can leave early one day and have 3 more to take the rest of the Con in. I’ve experienced VIP at other conventions, not NYCC, but to have a dedicated Lounge Area to sit, recharge physically, mentally, and electronically has its value if you can afford it. I also recently learned that there are dedicated quiet rooms for people with auditory processing issues to take a break; which makes me and my noise cancelling headphones very happy. Press Pass includes press lounge access. A less hectic place to detach from the chaos, work on some content, or prepare for your next exclusive interview. It also comes with the feeling that I can walk up to a booth and be nosy and curious and Exhibitors don't have to feel like its just an interaction that will disappear immediately but maybe help promote the brand.
Like, did you know that the Lionel Train company is the same company that had Kiddie City, a Toy Store that rivaled Toys "R" Us and KB Toys back in the 80's and early 90's? Because I did not. The gentleman I nosily asked at their booth gave me a breakdown of the company since then and how they're doing now. I wish I had a more professional camera, microphones, some prepared questions, and good B Roll to make a short video about it. As Illidan Stormrage told me back in 2007, I was not prepared.
The Press Stuff
Press Access: Interview Opportunities. Full PR Access; Press Kits, Key Art, Trailers. Ultimately there is no pressure to force something out that you aren’t comfortable with. In my pursuit to not become a Content Farm or a Valnet Clone, it can feel like getting access means you have to put out an article to gain more credibility. Every and any opportunity you’ve been messaged about needs to become a post whether it gets traction or not. And I guess that’s the game. Quantity over Quality. However, what I’ve learned from each email from a PR professional and from ReedPop was “attendance is not required to maintain press access nor is writing about an opportunity that was extended required.” So pressure immediately off. I can keep my content centered on things I’m passionate about. Which in and of itself is amazing. The badge gives access. It does not make demands. That said, I genuinely feel like I didn’t have any time to plan for meeting Press Opportunities. Throwing up an article with Press Kit resources feels like a shill to meet requirements that don’t exist. I also did not want to join a press pool unprepared. Imagine meeting with actors and directors and saying, "I only found out I'd be here yesterday." Or not having enough time to research the work, or fully knowing who you're speaking with. I expect better from myself.
So What Do I Do Now?
Adjust. Follow the excitement, not the algorithm. I don’t want this to be a clout chasing content farm. So I need to pivot comfortably to something that makes sense. Content that makes sense for me. Content that I’ll enjoy writing. Even if its just covering the vibe of the 4 day experience. Maybe like a Content Creator/Press Hybrid? Well, I have a ✨plan✨!!
But also I've been building some things that I hope I can share in a few months :3
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