Comic conventions are a tough go sometimes, especially if you’re not a people person or enjoy standing in a line for several minutes or hours. I fit under both categories.
People have criticized both the Toy Tokyo and Funko booth systems for NYCC, but are they warranted? If not, how should it be done?
To be honest, it’s not an easy fix. There’s always going to be flippers lurking around, trying to buy people’s spot on the line or even their ticket. The booth staff can only do so much.
While thinking of possible solutions, I was also preparing for my latest trip out to California to visit my sister, brother-in-law, and nieces. Suddenly, an idea popped into my head.
I don’t think Toy Tokyo had a good system at NYCC. With a limited amount of wristbands, it was basically asking for a free-for-all.
Funko, on the other hand, had the right idea, but the wrong execution.
There’s nothing wrong with their lottery system. It’s the fairest way, especially if what they said on Twiiter is true and that over 15,000 people submitted applications. Heck, even dividing the day into 3 different sessions is perfectly acceptable to me.
The issue is the line and this is where my trip planning sparked something.
Just think about it. When you fly out, there’s usually 3-4 different lines (or groups) at the gate. It’s sometimes divided by rope and clearly marked by signs.
Why not do this for the Funko booth?
Mark 3 different lines, one for each session. Funko’s big enough and can probably get enough space to make this happen. Have 1-2 staff members assigned to a line to make sure that you have a ticket, wristband, etc. for that particular session. If you have a 4:30 PM ticket and want to line up right after the convention doors open, that’s your choice.
I read people write about their Funko booth experience and it was mixed to say the least. People from different sessions were lining up early and staff reportedly wasn’t checking tickets or IDs. Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of the lottery then?
Funko’s going to do what they want and probably won’t change when it comes to future conventions. If that’s the case, it’s going to lead to even more unhappiness in the future and eventually people are going to get fed up.
Matt Norris