JULY 22, 2016
9:30 – 10:15 Fresh Start – Room 19
ComicsPRO, the retailer trade association, starts your Friday at Comic-Con with a cup of java, light snacks and lively conversation about the business of comics. Industry retailers, publishers and distributors are encouraged to attend. Bring your business card!
9:30 – 11:45 Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailing Award Video Parade – Room 19
Join Joe Ferrara (Atlantis Fantasyworld, CA), the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award facilitator, for a look at videos of this year's retailer award finalists. Engaging discussion about each nominated retailer, the store's display techniques, and other unique features every attending retailer can learn from. Steal some great ideas for your store here! The video display is 30 minutes long and will play on a loop.
10:15 – 11:00 Local Comic Shop Day® – Room 18
Last year it was just an idea. This year, Local Comic Shop Day® moves into its second year. LCSD highlights the locally owned and operated comic shops that are the backbone of the comics' industry. Join this discussion to look back on the success of LCSD 2015 and look forward with ideas to push LCSD 2016 to new heights. Local Comic Shop is November 19, 2016. Help us chart its course with this discussion.
11:00 – 11:45 Publisher Best Practices – Room 18
How can publishers be of more help to comic book specialty retailers? Marketing, Point of Sale promotional materials, FOC, those often confounding variants, advertising, Diamond Previews and more topics of conversation are all on the table. We all want to sell more comics and this discussion will illuminate ways publishers can help retailers. ComicsPRO retailers present proactive ideas publishers can take to make us all make more money.
DIAMOND LUNCH 12:00 – 2:30
3:00 - 4:00 PM So You Want to Be a Comics Retailer? Room: 25ABC (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)
A flourishing comics business means there's demand for more comic book specialty shops, especially in under-served areas. If you've ever dreamed of owning your own comic shop, then this ComicsPRO-sponsored event is for you! You've got questions and these veteran retailers have the answers! ComicsPRO director, Free Comic Book Day founder and panel host Joe Field (Flying Colors Comics, Concord CA) is joined by retailer Perry Plush (Zanadu Comics, Seattle WA), retailer Kelly Allen (Comic Quest, Lake Forest CA), Diamond Comic Distributors VP Chris Powell and other comics retailing professionals.