Setting Up at Heroes Con...A Detailed Look

During the summer months, I find myself traveling a ton to set up at different Comic Conventions. Chicago, Orlando, Boston, San Diego, Charlotte...which is where I find myself this weekend for Heroes Con.

This is the 3rd year I have done this specific show and it’s turned into one of my favorites. Not because I make the most or anything like that but because the city is cool, I like the folks who run the show, and I get to chill with my cousins who now live here in the Queen City. This is us after playing some night disc golf a couple of nights ago.

Coming to a show that’s 9 hours away from home means renting a van and getting a hotel. Luckily I stay with family at this show so that saves me a bit but typically the expenses can get a bit crazy. Hotel, van rental, gas, & tolls are just some of the costs involved. That does not count the booth rental, electric, WiFi (like at this show which was $250!), parking. Basically, these shows need to be worth it financially in order to travel this far from home.

Setting up is always a bigger headache than breaking down. Carrying enough grid wall and shelving breaks the back, even with a handcart. It’s huge, bulky, heavy, and I usually pinch my fingers with them every show, making me want to murder someone with an axe because my thumb stings. Sounds a bit extreme...until it happens to you!!

I usually get 2 10x10 booths making it a 10x20 but this show I actually am rocking a 10x30. I like the extra space as it allows for everything to not be so crammed. Breaking down to go home usually only takes a couple hours.

We have a crazy huge selection of Funko Pops and years back started bringing them to the cons. Well, it slowly morphed into it being the primary item at our con booths as everyone loves them. Pops sell to such a wide variety of people. Young, old, boy, girl...everyone buys em so we do well. We definitely make a statement and it’s eye catching as folks stroll by.

Where we really do well and what separates us from the rest of the folks selling them ( they are everywhere on the convention floor ) is we bring an insane selection that puts a focus on lots of rare and hard to find pieces. Lots of retired and exclusives. Also, nobody comes close to our selection in sheer quantity either. Example is this show in which we brought over 1600 different pieces.

We also put a small focus on comics...mainly some hot variants and hot 1st appearances. We usually have an exclusive variant or two as well that we promote there. A small selection of CGC books will also be seen.

I get to see all the cool cosplayers and most are kind enough to not be grossed out with me and let me snap pics with them!

All in all, it’s a ton of work but we have fun doing it. It allows me to see different cities, and meet and engage with fellow customers. Many of which end up remembering us year after year, and whom keep in touch with us through social media.

It was a fun show, and I’ll definitely be back next year. Till then....