And another one bites the dust. With the coronavirus pandemic remaining prevalent throughout the U.S., ReedPop has announced that 2020 New York Comic Con will a growing list of festivals and conventions who have been forced to adjust to the unprecedented times and take their events online.
With a partnership with YouTube, the adjusted New York Comic Con, occurring Oct. 8-11, will run the New York Comic Con YouTube channel which will host a number of livestream panels. Star Trek, American Gods and Hulu/FX were the first three panels to be announced by organizers.
“We are thoroughly disappointed that we can’t gather together, in-person for the New York Comic Con we love to build and our fans love to revel in,” ReedPop president Lance Fensterman said in a statement. “We look forward to this weekend all year long, just like you, and with this being our 15th edition, we were particularly excited. I will miss walking up and down artist alley and seeing friends that I’ve made since we were in the basement at the Javits Center. While this year will definitely be a different experience, we are going to look to bring the best and most engaging event to our fans, exhibitors, and studios through our partnership with YouTube.”
Via YouTube’s community and live chat features, fans will be able to interact with NYCC panels, as well as Reed Pop’s Discord channel. As one of the features of the interactive element for the convention, talent Q&As are being planned. ReedPop will also make a virtual marketplace available for fans and exhibitors, adding the opportunity for personalized autographs, videos and professional workshops during October.
In the coming weeks, ReedPop says more will be announced, including further details of additional premieres and fan contests. The company is also planning to host further virtual events throughout the fall.