San Diego Comic-Con Issues Statement on Coronavirus

[Shoo]

Uh-oh.

San Diego Comic-Con Issues Statement on Coronavirus

Concerns over coronavirus continue to mount as more cases are discovered across the globe, causing entertainment executives to determine the best course of action for the upcoming slate of annual public events that include CinemaCon, CineEurope, and San Diego Comic-Con. Companies all over the globe are making, cancelling, or altering plans in response to the spread of coronavirus, causing many fans to wonder whether events like Comic-Con are still a viable travel destination this summer. ComicBook.com has reached out to the organizers of SDCC, asking about how organizers are dealing with the potential threat of coronavirus.

"Comic-Con is working with local officials as it pertains to the COVID-19 situation and continues to monitor developments closely," Comic-Con International reps said.

While SDCC is still nearly five months away, many companies are having to finalize their plans for logistical reasons, such as travel and boarding. And though thousands and thousands of people descend upon the San Diego Convention Center every summer, the threat of outbreak must be taken very seriously.

CinemaCon in Las Vegas has consistently been one of the biggest showcases for new films releasing every year, and they've already seen distributors from China back out from attending.

AnimeJapan 2020 was cancelled due to the rise of infection rates in the country. The event is one of the biggest anime conventions in the world, and was supposed to take place in March.

PlayStation, Microsoft, Epic Games, Electronic Arts, and other companies have also pulled out of Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, which is still taking place despite the city's mayor London Breed declaring a state of emergency due to fear of coronavirus outbreaks.
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It remains to be seen what precautions will be taken for San Diego Comic-Con or how drastic they will be; there's also the possibility that the event could be outright cancelled much like AnimeJapan. But the organizers are committed to working with San Diego officials to create a safe environment for another event, despite the fear of outbreak.

2020 Comic-Con International is currently set to take place in San Diego from July 22nd to July 26th.

[AC_808]

Well ...that was to be expected. Still would suck if they cancelled, tho.

[SickleClaw]

Hopefully Wondercon doesnt get cancelled or delayed..

[nearmint]

I'm not optimistic. Emerald City Comic-Con postponed.

South by Southwest cancelled.

BNP Paribas(huge tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California) postponed.

[Shoo]

And here... we.. go...

San Diego Comic-Con 2020 Cancelled

For the first time in its 50 year history, the show will not go on. Comic-Con International announced that there will be no San Diego Comic-Con in 2020 — and the next planned event will be July 22-25, 2021.

Badge-holders will receive an e-mail in the coming week with instructions on how to either request a refund for their 2020 badge, or to transfer their badge to Comic-Con 2021. For anyone who had purchased an Early Bird hotel through onPeak, hotel reservations will be cancelled and refunded, despite being “non-refundable” when booked. Please have patience on this process — it may take a few days, but there is no need to take any action.

“Recognizing that countless attendees save and plan for its conventions each year, and how many exhibitors and stakeholders rely upon its events for a major portion of their livelihood, they had hoped to delay this decision in anticipation that COVID-19 concerns might lessen by summer. Continuous monitoring of health advisories and recent statements by the Governor of California have made it clear that it would not be safe to move forward with plans for this year,” Comic-Con International said in a statement.

Additionally, while initially WonderCon — which was originally set for April 10-12, 2020 — was announced as being “postponed”, it is also now officially cancelled for the year. Organizers hope it returns to the Anaheim Convention Center on March 26-28, 2021.

[Asgard]

I don't think there will be a fair this year.

[nearmint]

Time to cancel my Airbnb.

[SDguy]

Well this is interesting... got an email today for upcoming registration. Wonder what it will consist of....

[nearmint]

I don't hold out much hope. The show is Friday-Sunday, which means set-up day would be on Thanksgiving. I've already spoken to multiple comic dealers who always exhibit at SDCC, but have no interest in this show on those dates.

[SDguy]

I wonder if they had to do something, anything, just for business reasons. I really don't see the point otherwise.