It has just been announced that the homegrown convention Comic-Con International will be staying at the San Diego Convention Center for the next five years. This despite a strong run at stealing the convention by neighboring Orange County’s Anaheim, a city known as the home of Disneyland, and not much else.
Undoubtedly this news is a boon to local restaurants, corporate housing in San Diego, pedicab drivers, and anything remotely related to the tourist trade in downtown San Diego. The four-day convention brings in an estimated $160 million to local coffers. Of course, the San Diego fans of the comic book/sci-fi/fantasy convention are overjoyed.
Started in 1970 by local fanatical comic book collectors, Comic-Con has grown exponentially over the years, and now typically has over 130,000 attendees. The convention features sci-fi and fantasy memorabilia, movie previews, panel discussions, and Hollywood celebs galore. The event has attracted such stars as Angelina Jolie, Robert Downey Jr., Chuck Norris, and fantasy/sci-fi legends Stan Lee, Ray Bradbury, and Joss Whedon.
Next year’s event will run from July 21st through July 24th. If you’re in town on business, be sure to book your hotel room early, and take a stroll down to the convention center and take in the spectacle that is Comic-Con.