Dust off your cape and pull that colorful spandex out of storage—San Diego’s world-famous comic convention is just around the corner! Forbes has deemed Comic-Con International the “largest convention of its kind in the world.” It’s also one of the country’s most vibrant and culturally infused events. In order to accommodate the massive crowd, top-notch offerings are expected. And when you have a convention center full of nerds (we mean that affectionately), you better be ready to shock and awe with technology. As a meeting or event planner, this is the ideal case study for learning about the latest tech in our industry. Here are some of the most exciting attractions to look forward to from July 20 through 23.
Twitter Live Stream
Since Twitter first tested live-streaming at Wimbledon last year, the company has covered many types of events, including news, concerts, NFL Thursday Night Football games, college sports and many more. In conjunction with a new IGN partnership, Twitter will also be live-streaming Comic-Con. The streams will include interviews from ABC, AMC, Lionsgate, Marvel, Netflix, Starz, TBS and other major players, along with pre-and post-show commentary. Up to 13 hours of live coverage will be broadcast from July 19 to 22.
Virtual Face-to-Face with Stan Lee
Fans will be able to meet Stan Lee in person and virtually at this year’s Comic-Con. The virtual reality project, called “ICONS: Face to Face,” was created by Legion M, the “first fan-owned entertainment company” in the world. A VR headset will present Lee’s interview with Supernatural actress and nerd culture icon Felicia Day and former Mythbusters host Adam Savage. The technology is part of the “Stan Lee & Friends: A Celebrity Tribute to the Comic Legend” panel, which will be held on Friday, July 21 at 12:30 p.m.
FXhibition Experiments with Mixed Reality
Cable network FX is using Microsoft HoloLens to give attendees a taste of mixed reality. In a 10-minute experience based on the Marvel Comics-inspired show Legion, viewers are pulled into several scenes from the first season and get a few glimpses at what’s in store for the second. The experience combines the HoloLens headset, which allows users to interact with holograms, with live actors to give participants realistic depictions through the eyes of the show’s lead character.
Directed by Justin Denton from VR production company Here Be Dragons, Legion sessions will be part of FXhibition 2017, the television network’s interactive installation near San Diego Convention Center. It will also offer activations from other popular FX shows, including American Horror Story, Atlanta and The Strain.
The (Virtual) World of Blade Runner 2049
Even though the highly anticipated film won’t be released until October, fans can get an extensive inside look during Comic-Con weekend. The Blade Runner 2049 experience will be available in San Diego’s famed Gaslamp Quarter. It will begin with an art gallery, followed by an Oculus VR experience. In the final phase, participants will walk through a neon-lit Los Angeles street scene, where they are tasked with spontaneous tests to identify humans and replicants. Many film exclusives will also be on display, including the actual Spinner and some costumes.
The Blade Runner 2049 experience will be located across the street from the Convention Center. Registration will open for same-day appointments, but guests can also wait in line. Admission is free.
The Walking Dead’s 3D Creation
A realistic model of the Walking Dead’s main villain, Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), has been made available by Gentle Giant using 3D imaging technology. The item even comes with a limited certificate of authenticity. Gentle Giant’s Premiere Guild members can pre-order the figure while others can take test their luck at San Diego Comic Con at Gentle Giant’s booth. The models will be going for $120 at the convention.
