Press

San Diego Comic Convention (SDCC) welcomes press from all over the world to participate and cover WonderCon and Comic-Con. We consider applications from a diverse range of press outlets operating in fields such as comic books, book publishing, animation, film, television, gaming, and other popular arts-related industries.

2024 PRESS OUTLET APPLICATION IS OPEN!

  • This application is for consideration to attend both WonderCon and Comic-Con 2024 as a member of the press. 
  • Only ONE application per outlet will be accepted.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Toucan – the official blog of Comic-Con and WonderCon – for the most up-to-date information.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, January 26, 2024

*Applications submitted after this date will only be considered for WonderCon 2024 on-site press registration. Approval is not guaranteed.


Press Qualifications

We require that applying press outlets demonstrate a minimum of 18 months of continuous coverage. Freelance press members are required to provide an assignment letter from the outlet they wish to represent.

Press outlets are classified into five media types:

  1. Blog/Podcast
  2. Broadcast Media (television or radio)
  3. Digital Media (online)
  4. Documentary
  5. Print Media (newspaper or magazines)

Only one application per press outlet can be considered. The application must be submitted by the designated Outlet Key Contact (OKC), who will act as the primary liaison between the press outlet and SDCC. While there can be only one OKC per press outlet, it is permissible for an OKC to represent multiple outlets.

It’s important to note that individuals covering solely on social media platforms or community forums do not meet our criteria for press badges.


HOW TO APPLY AS PRESS

New outlets and returning outlets marked as “NOT QUALIFIED” must submit the Press Outlet Application to be considered for press badges at our conventions. Returning outlets can view their verification status via the “My Outlets” section of the Outlet Key Contact’s Member ID account. 

To apply, please have the Outlet Key Contact* of your outlet visit the link below to submit a 2024 Press Outlet Application.

 To access the 2024 Press Outlet Application visit: https://bit.ly/2024PressOutletApplication

The Press Outlet Application includes consideration for both WonderCon and Comic-Con 2024. There will only be ONE application for both conventions. Press outlet verification approval status is valid for two consecutive years, under Comic-Con’s discretion.

Once the application has been reviewed, the Outlet Key Contact will receive an email and the verification status of the outlet will be updated accordingly in their Member ID account. Are you freelancing? Freelance press members who would like to apply must submit a Press Outlet Application as their own Outlet Key Contact. The assignment letter must be from the press outlet assigning you. Freelance press members’ verification will only be valid for the year approved.

Outlet Key Contact

*The Outlet Key Contact (OKC) is the primary person responsible for facilitating communication between the press outlet and WonderCon/Comic-Con. There can only be one OKC per press outlet. However, an OKC may be the OKC for multiple outlets.

In order to submit the Press Outlet Application, the Outlet Key Contact must have a Comic-Con Member ID account. To create a Member ID, please click here.

Verification Materials

Verification materials, such as an assignment letter and information/examples of work, must be submitted with your application. These materials are based on the “Media Type” indicated on your outlet’s application.

For additional information, please review our Press FAQ.


Press Terms and Conditions

Press members of approved press outlets must register online each year they plan to attend. Press outlet verification approval status is valid for two consecutive years (for example, approved press outlets for our upcoming convention will be valid for 2024 and 2025) unless earlier verification is requested by WonderCon. Freelance press members’ verification will only be valid for the year approved.

A WonderCon press badge is good for entry to all of the events held at WonderCon (space permitting). However, it does not allow for early entry into the Exhibit Hall, programming rooms, or official WonderCon events; and does not guarantee seating. Please keep in mind that press registration is a courtesy and a WonderCon press badge is non-transferable. You may not transfer or sell a WonderCon press badge. A complimentary press badge does not allow for plus-ones, guests, or child badges. A press badge has no monetary value and you are not entitled to a refund of any amount for your complimentary press badge. Duplicate badges of any type are not allowed.

Registered press members are prohibited from entering the Exhibit Hall prior to public hours on Friday, March 29, 2024, or during closed Exhibit Hall hours. There are no exceptions. Any pictures taken within the Exhibit Hall prior to public hours on Friday, March 29, 2024, and posted for public viewing will result in the forfeiture of the WonderCon press badge.

Film crews must be limited to a four-person ENG-type crew with handheld gear. Because of a variety of rules governing the Anaheim Convention Center and WonderCon, wheeled carts or handcarts are not allowed in the convention center. Additionally, camera crews, while free to roam the center, cannot set up equipment in a fixed manner (i.e. tripods, lights, chairs, signs, etc.).

Posting or airing more than 15 minutes of a panel without prior consent from WonderCon is not permitted. Live streaming is also not permitted. Registered press members who would like to videotape, film, and/or record any matter that will be used for commercial purposes (non-news) must first obtain written permission from WonderCon and any other participants being recorded. To request the appropriate consents, please email pr@comic-con.org with detailed information regarding your interest in recording at WonderCon.

Names, outlets, titles, email addresses, and countries of registered press members will be made available to participating studios, exhibitors, programming participants, etc., prior to each convention (WonderCon Press List).

As always, the issuance of a press badge is at the sole discretion of WonderCon. Please be respectful to all attendees. A press badge is provided as a courtesy to cover WonderCon. WonderCon does not tolerate coverage that includes stunt-type events, ambush interviewing, or any sort of action that could make any attendee feel unsafe or uncomfortable. All registered members of the press must comply with Comic-Con and WonderCon’s Code of Conduct and all other convention policies.

 For terms and conditions related to our COVID-19 Policy and badge registration, please CLICK HERE