#11: New Comic-Con Rules, Special Technology Edition!

First rule of Comic-Con: have fun. Second rule of Comic-Con: we have some rules that help everyone have fun. As technology changes, so do those rules, and this year we have a few new ones that are important to know and understand in advance.

No Selfie Sticks or Similar Devices at Comic-Con

We know you want that perfect photo of yourself and the gang at Comic-Con and your arms just aren’t long enough, but please be aware that selfie sticks, GoPro poles, or any device that extends your camera or phone away from your hand, are not allowed at Comic-Con. With so many people in attendance, protruding cameras or phones sticking up in the air are a definite hazard. If you’re caught with a selfie stick, you will be asked by security to put it away and not use it at Comic-Con. This includes all of the Convention Center: Exhibit Hall, Programming and Event rooms, etc., and on Convention Center grounds outside, and any official Comic-Con events outside the Center, including the Marriott Marquis, Manchester Grand Hyatt, Hilton San Diego Bayfront, and Omni San Diego hotels, the Horton Grand Theatre, and the San Diego Central Library.

No Live Streaming of Any Program or Event in Any Programming Room at Comic-Con International, Plus Google Glass Guidelines

Technology is now at the point where live streaming video on your phone, tablet, laptop or other electronic device has become a reality. While the ease of doing this might have improved in the past few years, it’s something you cannot do at Comic-Con. Please do not use any kind of live streaming app or platform on any electronic device (smart phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) in any of the onsite or offsite official Comic-Con Program and Event rooms.

Please remember recording of footage on the screens during panels is prohibited.

This includes Google Glass. You cannot wear Google Glass during footage viewing in any program room. If your Google Glass is prescription, please bring a different pair of glasses to use during these times.

Also, please turn off your device's (phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) screens and put them away during the screening of panel footage. Not doing so interferes with everyone’s viewing quality and causes security to think you’re recording.

No Smoking at Comic-Con, Including E-cigarettes and Vaping Products and Devices

No smoking at Comic-Con includes traditional cigarettes, pipes, cigars, plus E-cigarettes and any vaping product or device. If you must smoke, please go outside the Convention Center to the designated areas on the front walk. Comic-Con has a strict policy on no smoking of any kind at the event; non-compliance may result in you being ejected from the convention.

No Drones or Flying Devices of Any Kind Allowed at Comic-Con

No devices may be flown or tethered within the confines of the Exhibit Hall or in any of the Program Rooms at Comic-Con, including inside or outside the Convention Center, and the offsite Programming venues. This includes helium balloons and helium filled products, drones, or any lighter than air objects either powered or unpowered.

All of this information appears on our Convention Policies page, along with other important things to remember while attending Comic-Con. Click here to visit the Convention Policies page.

Remember your first, best, and most accurate source for information—including our daily Toucan Tip—is right here on the Comic-Con website and Toucan, the only OFFICIAL SDCC blog. Bookmark Toucan and the Comic-Con Front Page for the latest updates for the big show!