5 things first-timers found useful at the San Diego Comic-Con

Coverage by Daniel Blunck

"Wow, its so big."

That's what she said. And that's what he said, too. A lot of people said it.

Comic-Con International: San Diego 2015, with the Convention center in the Marina district as the nucleus, was like a giant living entity. Its reach could be seen throughout the Marina district and into the adjacent Gaslamp Quarter. The sheer magnitude of it all could easily overwhelm a first-timer, but here are several things about Comic-Con 2015 that made it easier.

1) The free giant tote bag that doubles as a backpack was a godsend

San Diego Comic-Con, Photos by Daniel Blunck

You may think this is a peculiar item to be listed number one on a list of things that made things easier for first-timers at Comic-Con International. But it really was the answer to many questions for an attendee. You bought this cool, rare toy and don't know where to put it til you get back to the hotel? You're in your cargo shorts and comfy sneakers but want to go out on the town later that evening but don't want to go back to the hotel just to change into your dress-to-impress wear? Have a sandwich and a bottle of water but certainly don't want to be holding both as you peruse the items in the exhibition hall?

The answer: free giant tote bag that doubles as a backpack.

Oh, did I mention that these are collector's items? Yup, these aren't just some generic tote that Comic-Con passes out year after year. Nope, the designs on them are exclusive to the 2015 Comic-Con. Now, we're not advocating that anybody turn around and sell these totes as collector's items, but we can't stop them if they did. Just remember that San Diego Comic-Con handed you it as soon as you picked up your badge, for free.

2) Comic-Con was well-staffed and they were easily recognizable

Event staff members were everywhere. All of them were friendly and knowledgeable. And they wore very distinguishable yellow-and-black uniforms. Which was wonderful because a typical first-timer had a lot of "How do I get to... ?" and "Where is... ?" questions. There's few feelings worse when you're a rookie to a big event than to be looking for somebody to help you and not knowing who to look for.

San Diego Comic-Con,
Photos by Daniel Blunck

3) Trolley service

A San Diego metropolitan transit system (MTS) trolley could drop off a first-timer practically on the doorstep of the convention center. First-timers could even get the free MTS mTicket app and purchase tickets from their phone, which made for one less thing to worry about. The MTS website even had a page devoted to providing information specific to attendees of Comic-Con.

4) The bars and restaurants

First-timers often need to step away from it all for a bit to recharge and regroup. But there was no need to go all the way back to the hotel. Most restaurants and bars in the Gaslamp Quarter have front patio areas. So, an attendee could relax without feeling like they were missing out on all the fun sights and sounds of the Comic-Con experience. And if a first-timer needed directions? Hosts and hostesses were great for that.

San Diego Comic-Con,
Photos by Daniel Blunck

5) The attendees

And, lastly, the attendees themselves. Comic-con has a fun, festive atmosphere about it. And many are veterans of Comic-Con and will gladly answer a quick question about which direction to go in order to find the nearest restrooms.

San Diego Comic-Con,
Photos by Daniel Blunck

If you ever plan on going to the San Diego Comic-con, here are a few tips for you:

1) Good communication

Cell phone reception isn't the greatest inside the convention center, so always communicate clearly with others in your party about where you'll be and when and where you'll meet up. Even something as simple as, "hey guys, I'm going to the bathroom. I'll meet you at that booth with all the Transformers" will go a long way to ensuring everybody's whereabouts are accounted for.

2) Prepare to walk a lot

That means proper footwear and plenty of water. If you're in a costume, find the best compromise between achieving the proper look and comfort.

3) You can't see everything

Yes, there will be some decisions to make. Now, just because you can't see it all doesn't mean you can't see a lot. Because you will definitely see a lot. So, focus on all that you do experience instead of whatever you may have to miss.