SPX 2012 DAY 1 PRIMER

Here’s a quick rundown for first-time attendees!

GETTING TO SPX

First off, you’re coming via plane, train or automobile to the Bethesda North Marriott on Marinelli Road, right off of Rockville Pike. White Flint Metro is an easy walk and you can also find free parking at the metro station over the weekend. Hotel parking is plentiful but will set you back cash better spent on comics! Here’s a handy map:

GETTING IN THE DOOR

The show opens at 11AM on Saturday and there are typically long lines at the beginning of the day.  We’ll have extra cash registers and several iPads taking credit cards over and above what we had last year so hopefully things will roll smoothly and we can get everyone into the hall with a minimum of fuss!

Admission is $10 for one day, $15 for the weekend.

PROGRAMMING

Programming starts at 11:30 and there are two tracks running simultaneously staggered on the half hour.  This means that you won’t be able to catch everything, but we’re aiming to have most sessions available on video following the event.

MEETING THE ARTISTS

We know you’ll have artists in mind that you want to see and maybe get something signed. Most folks are very accessible at their tables.  For special guests, a schedule for all signings will be posted outside the hall and (hopefully) online in advance of the event.

FREEBIES & TRADES

There is always a plentiful freebie table out in front of the hall. Feel free to bring and take and share what you find there.  Likewise many artists in attendance may be open to trade with you.

People are definitely looking to make money at SPX - books are expensive to produce but there will always be room for sharing your work and having that returned in kind. We’re quite conscious and proud of this thin line between our exhibitors and attendees Definitely a key part of SPX culture!

IGNATZ BALLOTING

You have a solemn duty at SPX to submit a ballot for our Ignatz Awards which celebrate excellence in independent comics. Ballots will be available at the front desk and at the SPX table inside the show hall. Those that vote get a cool little something, new for this year!

LUNCH

By mid-day on Saturday the show floor will be crazy crowded! But you’ll also have an armload of books and an appetite.  One of the big questions everyone has is, where can I get something to eat.  Well, thanks to our buddy R.M. Rhodes (tables H1-H2) , we’ve got that covered.  He pulled together another handy map covering SPX-area vittles:

RECHARGING YOUR WALLET

Over the past several years we’ve seen more and more issues with keeping the cash flowing at the hotel cash machine and other nearby ATMS (there is a bank out the back of the hotel and a 7-11 off to the right in the front).

This year we’ve taken matters into our own hands and SPX is supplying an additional ATM right on the show floor. We’re also taking credit cards for SPX-related merch and admission so that should reserve more of your cash for comics!

DID YOU MENTION SPX MERCH?

Why yes I did! We’ll have a cool selection of stuff at the SPX table including copies of the SPX 2012 Chris Ware poster that you may have seen all over the web, several copies of the Womanthology package set and our own limited edition print sets (details forthcoming on that later in the week). Definitely swing by the table and check this stuff out!

IGNATZ AWARDS

On Saturday, SPX runs until 7PM at which point we’ll promptly break down the hall and close the doors. Generally folks disperse for dinner in the vicinity of the hotel and then reconvene for the Ignatz Awards, hosted this year by Jerzy Drozd.

We’ve moved the Ignatz to a larger room but it will still probably be a packed house with overflow into the hallway. Luckily food and drink will be in full effect, so the pre-party should blend seamlessly into the afterparty with some clapping in between.

All are welcome to attend both events! We’ve got Super Art Fight providing post-Ignatz entertainment in the amphitheater.  Should be a pretty great time all around!

Next up, Sunday!