F.A.Q.

General rules and policies

1. Thirteen General Rules and Policies

1. You must wear your badge at all times to be admitted to any Emerald City Comicon function.

2. Alcohol is not permitted in the common areas of the Washington State Convention Center. Possession of alcoholic beverages by anyone under 21 years of age is grounds for criminal charges along with expulsion from the convention without refund.

3. All behavior that polite fans would find offensive in public should be kept home or in your hotel room.

4. Cameras and other recording devices are permitted at the Emerald City Comicon. However, please see individual rules concerning their use. Flash photography will not be allowed during the Costume Party or any of our panels; please check with Costume Party personnel for scheduled pre or post Costume Party photo sessions.

5. We'll offer sympathy, but Emerald City Comicon is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged property, or for injuries sustained during the course of the convention.

6. Announced events and guests are subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. Every effort will be made to announce any changes via the Internet and pre-convention publications and our onsite newsletter, but sometimes last-minute changes will occur.

7. We reserve the right to ask you to leave the convention and refuse to refund your badge money if you are behaving in an inappropriate fashion.

8. There is an outdoor smoking area at the Convention Center but, in accordance with Washington State Law, smoking is prohibited anywhere inside the building. Violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

9. Please abide by our weapons policy: All weapons must be non-working and peace bonded. No functioning projectile weapons includes water pistols, silly-string guns, and ping-pong pistols. Bladed weapons must be cased or sheathed at all times. No clowning around or showing off in the common areas. Any weapon used in an offensive manner will be confiscated and rule #7 enforced. We expect you to use good judgment; with your help, we can continue to allow peace-bonded weapons - thanks!

10. Especially in the harsh reality of our times, ECCC security staff, Convention Center security, and local law enforcement officials will treat anything that looks like a real gun as a real gun. ECCC will not post your bail should you be found in violation of this rule.

11. Please do not abuse the convention facilities. This includes putting signs on walls. There will be a public location for notices provided should you need to use it.

12. Cosplayers, remember that no costume is NOT a costume, and there are public nudity laws in Washington. Please wear appropriate (or at least enough) clothing while attending the show.

13. All Emerald City Comicon members and attendees at ECCC are prevented from taking, recording, or creating film, or digital pictures, videos, tapes, sound recordings, or any other visual or auditory recreation of any kind whatsoever, of any ECCC guest, member, volunteer, or employee, or of any ECCC event, including but not limited to any ECCC forum, seminar, session, dance, or performance, for any commercial use, or for the solicitation of funds for any commercial or other purpose, without the express written permission of Emerald City Comicon Corp.

Click on a question below to see the answer.

About The Show

1. What is Emerald City Comicon?

The Emerald City Comicon (ECCC) is an annual comic book & pop culture convention taking place in beautiful downtown Seattle, Washington. Started in 2003 and originally taking place at CenturyLink Stadium (formerly Qwest Field), ECCC changed venue to its current home at the Washington State Convention Center in 2008. In 2011, the show expanded to become a three-day event. 2012 marks the beginning of it's second decade of existence.

2. Is Emerald City Comicon a Star Trek Convention?

Nope. Emerald City Comicon bills itself as "The Premier Comic Book & Pop Culture Convention". It has many components, and Star Trek is one of them, but we offer many events under one roof for a reason. Most of the fans interests cross over into the various events.

3. How long has Emerald City Comicon been around?

The Emerald City Comicon was started in 2003.

4. I have never been to an event like this. What happens?

The Emerald City Comicon is an all-ages event for fans of pop culture! The show has a diverse array of exhibitors, guests, artists, writers, gaming, programming, Q&As, workshops and much more for attendees to enjoy! If that isn't enough for your senses, there are also exhibits from major companies showcasing their latest products and the largest retailer area in the Pacific Northwest where you will find all kinds of unique and limited items. These are just some of the many reasons why you should come experience Emerald City Comicon for yourself!

5. What can I expect during my weekend at ECCC?

Well, aside from the greatest artists, writers and exhibitors around? You can expect a lot of excellent panels and workshops, costumes from the most skilled and dedicated cosplayers in the country and, of course, an opportunity to meet your favorite celebrities. We work hard to bring you the best of the best for all things pop culture, so start planning for one of the greatest weekends you’ll have all year!

If this is your first time joining us, please keep in mind you can also expect lines, a healthy amount of walking and a need to layer in our fine Seattle weather.

General

1. What happened to the F.A.Q.?

Due to some serious geek on geek violence, all the data for our website and the back-ups are gone. We'll be replacing the F.A.Q. as quickly as possible throughout February.

2. What is Emerald City Comicon?

The Emerald City Comicon (ECCC) is an annual comic book & pop culture convention taking place in beautiful downtown Seattle, Washington. Originally taking place at Qwest Field (currently CenturyLink Stadium) at the West Field Plaza and then at the Event Center, ECCC changed venue to its current home at the Washington State Convention Center since 2008. In 2011, the show expanded to a three-day event.

3. How long has ECCC been around?

The Emerald City Comicon was started in 2003.

4. How much does it cost?

All information on ticketing can be found on our Tickets page.

5. I have never been to an event like this. What happens?

6. When is it?

The Emerald City Comicon runs from March 1st through March 3rd, 2013.

7. Where is it?

The Emerald City Comicon takes place at the Washington State Convention Center, which is located in beautiful downtown Seattle, Washington. The main entrance is located at 7th and Pike St.

Address:

Washington State Convention Center

800 Convention Place

Seattle, WA 98101-2350

The Convention Center is easily accessible by automobile and other modes of transportation.

From I-5 North

- Madison Street exit (#164A)

- RIGHT on Madison Street

- LEFT on 8th Avenue

(Garage entrance is located on the right)

From I-5 South

- Stewart Street Exit (#166)

- LEFT on Boren Avenue

- RIGHT on Seneca Street

- RIGHT on 8th Avenue

(Garage entrance is located on the right)

From The Eastside

- I-90 West to Seattle

(then follow I-5 North directions)

- I-520 West to Seattle

(then follow I-5 South directions)

Parking:

The Convention Center operates two covered parking garages that adjoin each other and the Convention Center. Parking is located in close proximity to the two I-5 exits and is accessible from the eastside of the freeway.

Public Transportation:

Please check the King Country Metro website for assistance in finding the appropriate route.

Airport Information:

The main airport to fly in to is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (airport code: SEA). SeaTac is located south of Seattle, so follow the I-5 North directions above if driving from the airport.

Sound Transit offers Light Rail service from SeaTac airport to downtown Seattle. Take the Light Rail to the Westlake station (final stop), which is located 3 blocks from the Convention Center. Fast, easy and convenient!

8. What are the hours?

Friday: 2:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 7:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am - 5:00pm

9. What is a Panel?

A panel is a group discussion on a topic that the group collectively enjoys. The panelist speakers are often fans or professionals who work in the related industry. It is a great opportunity to ask questions and discuss why things are they way they are.

10. What is an autograph session?

This is an organized session of time set aside by our guests to sign items that you have brought or purchased. Most autographs are available for free with your admission, but for some guests, usually the media guests, there is an additional fee.

11. How does the autograph session work?

Most autographs from our guests work on a first come, first serve basis. Most guests do not charge for an autograph, but a few do. Be sure to check your ECCC program for a schedule of autograph sessions. Not all guests sign every day, so you don't want to miss anyone.

12. Is Emerald City a Star Trek Convention?

No! Emerald City has many components, and Star Trek is one of them, but we offer many events under one roof for a reason. Most of the fans interests cross over into the various events.

13. What are the rules of photography and videotaping?

Photography/Videography is not permitted in the Celebrity area--you will be removed from the floor and have your badge confiscated, so please do not do this!

Please use common sense when taking photographs and videos and always ask permission to photograph anyone else on the show floor--this does include cosplayers. They have permission to tell you 'no photos'.

Video is also not permitted during stage presentations/panels.

14. What are this year's guests?

Please check our "guest" links for the most updated list of who will be appearing at this year's Emerald City Comic Con.

15. Why didn't you invite the guest that I've been requesting?

Emerald City strives to get the guests that a majority of fans will want to see. We also try to have different guests for each convention in order to attract people that have visited us before. The number one reason for a guest being unable to attend a convention is their schedule. All of these people have very busy lives, so sometimes it is difficult to find the time to attend. If we did not get your favorite guest last year, just stay tuned, we may have them this time.

16. Your convention advertised a guest I really wanted to see but I could not find him/her at the convention, what's with that?

Every year a very small percentage of our guests cannot join us as planned. The reasons are endless, but in the end we usually do not have enough time to react as far as changing the schedules and advertising. If a guest cancels we will give as much notice as possible, but sometimes it is not possible when emergencies occur. Also, not all guest attend the Convention for the entire operating hours of the show. If you are only visiting the Convention for a couple of hours, you will not see all of our guests as they are scheduled for different events throughout the three days. Please join us for the whole weekend and don't miss out!

17. Will you post a tentative schedule?

A schedule will be posted in Mid-February that will cover programming, some comic guest signings, celebrity signings and photo ops. The final version appears in the Convention program guide every year which you will receive at admissions.

18. Will you be posting/emailing the schedule?

As mentioned in the above paragraph, our guests are busy people and with that comes the difficulty of making a schedule well in advance. The Convention will try and set up a schedule for the fans as soon as possible, but please be aware that things often change and may change day-of. We do our best to prevent this from happening.

Hours and location

1. When is Emerald City Comicon?

In 2013, the Emerald City Comicon runs from Friday, March 1st to Sunday March 3rd.

2. What are the hours?

Friday, March 1st: 2:00pm - 8:00pm

Saturday, March 2nd: 10:00am - 7:00pm

Sunday, March 3rd: 10:00am - 5:00pm

3. Where is Emerald City Comicon?

The Emerald City Comicon takes place at the Washington State Convention Center, which is located in beautiful downtown Seattle, Washington. The main entrance is located at 7th and Pike St.

Washington State Convention Center

800 Convention Place

Seattle, WA 98101-2350

4. How do I get to Emerald City Comicon?

Driving Directions:

From I-5 North

- Madison Street exit (#164A)

- RIGHT on Madison Street

- LEFT on 8th Avenue

(Garage entrance is located on the right)

From I-5 South

- Stewart Street Exit (#166)

- LEFT on Boren Avenue

- RIGHT on Seneca Street

- RIGHT on 8th Avenue

(Garage entrance is located on the right)

From The Eastside

- I-90 West to Seattle

(then follow I-5 North directions)

- I-520 West to Seattle

(then follow I-5 South directions)

Public Transportation:

Please check the King Country Metro website for assistance in finding the appropriate route.

Airport Information:

The main airport to fly in to is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (airport code: SEA). SeaTac is located south of Seattle, so follow the I-5 North directions above if driving from the airport.

5. Is there parking available?

Admission

1. How much does it cost?

Tickets to Emerald City Comicon vary in price according to how many days you attend. The prices for the 2013 show are:

A 3-day pass is $65.

Friday only is $25.

Saturday only is $35.

Sunday only is $25.

Children's passes are $10 each and last for all three days of the show.

There are additional fees for guest autographs, merchandise, and art. Please visit the Guests section of this site for more information.

There is no military discount for admission to the convention.

2. Who needs a badge?

Everyone above the age of 2 years old will need a badge. Children 2 and under are free with a paid adult admission. Children 3 -10 will require a Kid's Badge for admission into the show. Please note that all children 16 and under need to be accompanied by an adult (18+) at all times.

3. Ticket vs Badge. What's the difference?

If you pre-purchase a ticket to the Emerald City Comicon it means that you have pre-bought a guaranteed badge to the show in advance. Keep in mind that when you get to the show, you will still need to exchange your ticket for a badge.

4. How do I get a ticket?

You will be able to purchase tickets in advance online beginning Wednesday, September 5th. You will also be able to purchase tickets from many Seattle area comic shops on that day as well. A full list of comic shops that will have tickets will be provided the week before they go on sale.

5. Is there a refund policy?

Tickets are refundable within 30 days of purchase. If you need a refund, please visit the Eventbrite website and request one via them.

6. Do I need to bring cash?

While some vendors might accept credit cards, the majority do not. Plan ahead and make your ATM stops before you arrive at the show. We also have ATM’s available at the Convention Center, but they will be most likely have long lines the whole weekend, so save yourself some time and trouble by arriving prepared.

7. Can I leave tickets at will call?

We do not have a will call. Please make arrangements to get any tickets that a party member will need in advance.

8. Do you offer group discounts?

At this time, no group discounts are being offered.

9. I have a ticket. Do I need to do anything else?

Once you have a ticket you are guaranteed admission to the show. Simply exchange the ticket for a badge when you get to the show.

10. If I don't know who is attending with me, what names do I put down when purchasing via Eventbrite?

You can purchase all the tickets under your own name and redistribute them however you'd like. Eventbrite requires the name so that in case of any issues they can assist you quickly.

Celebrity Guests

1. What is a "celebrity autograph session"?

This is an organized session of time set aside by our celebrity guests to sign items that you have brought or purchased. Most celebrities charge an additional fee for their autograph but that is up to the celebrity. ECCC does not control what celebrities do and do not charge. As guests are announced, we will do our best to make sure that information is included in the announcement.

2. Do all celebrity guests charge a fee for autographs?

It is ECCC's sincerest wish that your paid admission to the show will be the only fee you are charged but most all our celebrity guests will charge an autograph fee. Ultimately, this is the individual guests decision. We will always endeavor to include who is charging an autograph fee on our website but please keep in mind that it is always the individual guests decision and right to charge a fee or not for their autograph.

3. How does the autograph session work?

All celebrity guests will have scheduled times that they will provide autographs. The guests will sign on a first come, first served basis. Keep in mind that not all guests sign every day of the show. Be sure to check the ECCC website in the days leading up to the show and, once you are at the show, your ECCC program guide for a schedule of autograph sessions.

Also, most celebrity guests sign only until their lines have gone, so make sure to arrive early at a scheduled time since once the line dries up, that celebrity will leave and not show again until their next scheduled start time.

4. Who are the celebrity guests this year?

Please check our "Guests" link for the most updated list of who will be appearing at this year's Emerald City Comic Con. We continue to add guests all the time so check back frequently.

5. Your convention advertised a celebrity guest I really wanted to see but I could not find him/her at the convention, what's with that?

Every year a very small percentage of our guests cannot join us as planned. The reasons are endless, but in the end we usually do not have enough time to react as far as changing the schedules and advertising. If a guest cancels we will give as much notice as possible, but sometimes it is not possible when emergencies occur. Also, not all guests attend the Convention for the entire operating hours of the show. If you are only visiting the Convention for a couple of hours, you will not see all of our guests as they are scheduled for different events throughout the three days. Please join us for the whole weekend and don't miss out!

6. Why didn't you invite the guest that I've been requesting?

Emerald City Comicon always strives to get the celebrities that a majority of fans want to see. We also always try to have different celebrity guests each year of the convention in order to attract people that have not visited us before. With those things in mind, the number one reason for a guest being unable to attend a convention is their schedule. All of these people have very busy lives, so sometimes it is difficult to find the time to attend. If we did not get your favorite guest last year, just stay tuned, we may have them this time.

7. Where do I buy celebrity autographs?

The Newsletter

F.A.Q.

About The Show

General

Hours and location

Admission

Celebrity Guests

Super Sponsors