Behind the Scenes: Life at a Comic Convention with Comics On Coffee

Ever wonder what it’s really like to be on the other side of the booth at a comic convention? As the team behind Comics On Coffee, we’ve seen it all—from the adrenaline-pumping rush of set-up day to the bittersweet exhaustion of load-out. Here’s a peek behind the curtain at the real, unfiltered life of a convention exhibitor.

The Road to Adventure

Our journey begins long before the convention doors open. We hit the road before sunrise, our van loaded to the brim with fresh coffee, and dreams of connecting with fans. The drive is filled with anticipation—and maybe a few too many cups of our own brew.

Move-In: The Calm Before the Storm

Arriving at the venue, we’re greeted by a sea of trucks, forklifts, and crates. The air buzzes with energy as crews rig up lighting, run miles of curtain walls, and transform empty halls into a geek paradise. Watching the venue come alive is nothing short of magical.

Set-up day is a marathon. We haul boxes, assemble displays, and fine-tune every detail to make our booth a hero-worthy destination for fans. There’s no time to eat, and restroom breaks are a luxury. Our feet ache, our backs protest, and we wonder if we’ll ever feel our toes again—but the excitement keeps us going.

The Grind: 18-Hour Days and Endless Smiles

Once the doors open, it’s showtime. The days are long—sometimes 18 hours straight—but the energy from the crowd is infectious. We get to meet fans who share our passion, swap stories with fellow vendors, and even share a laugh (or a coffee) with celebrities!

Food? If we’re lucky, we sneak a snack between customers. Rest? Maybe next week. But every tired moment is worth it when we see someone’s face light up at their first sip of Comics On Coffee.

The Unsung Heroes

Behind every epic convention is a team of unsung heroes: the electricians who keep the lights on, the plumbers who make sure everything flows, the forklift operators who move mountains, and the crews who work through the night. We’ve come to know and appreciate these folks—they’re the backbone of every show, and their stories are as legendary as any comic book saga. Let’s not forget about who puts on the show: the FANEXPO & ReedPop crews are incredible. How they manage to run their 100k+ fans shows are beyond my comprehension. We’re just grateful that they continue to invite us every year!

Found Family

One of the best parts of con life? The community. Other vendors become like family. We share tips, lend helping hands, and celebrate each other’s wins. After the crowds leave and the lights dim, it’s these connections that make the exhaustion fade and the memories last.

Tear-Down: The Final Act

When the convention ends, the teardown begins. In a matter of hours, the vibrant world we helped build disappears, packed away until the next adventure. It’s bittersweet, but as we drive home—exhausted, sore, and happy—we know we wouldn’t trade this life for anything.

Until Next Time

Life at a comic convention is glamorous, and it’s filled with passion, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments. We’re proud to be part of this incredible community, fueling the fandom one cup at a time. See you at the next con—cape, coffee, and all!