We’ve made it to level three of the South African lockdown schedule, which means we can move around and work. But one thing remains banned, and will for the foreseeable future: Large gatherings of people. And if you’re at all part of the geek culture of South Africa, your main concern is Comic-Con South Africa.
Just a few years after we finally got our own Comic-Con event, 2020’s instalment was cancelled. But only in-person. The even will go forth as a digital-only event, and everyone is invited. “As people, we have heavy hearts – but as organisers, we know that this is the only responsible way to ensure the safety of Comic-Con fans, exhibitors, suppliers, and staff,” Comic-Con South Africa explains.
But how?
How will this work though? The organisers plan to bring the people some primo online content for the duration of the event. “On the originally planned dates of 24 – 27 September 2020 the Con MUST Go ON…line! Comic-Con Africa aims to break the internet, bringing a virtual Con to fans in their own homes. Comic-Con will be sharing a wealth of exclusive interactive content over the weekend including many of fans’ favourite elements of a real-life Con.”
This will include live chats, Q&As, panel discussions, meet-and-greets with celebrities, live draws, talks, gaming tournaments and streams, as well as artist panels. So basically everything you’d expect from Comic-Con, but this time all hosted on your screen.
The new digital world of business and pleasure brings more opportunities to innovate. Or that’s what we think here at Stuff. The pandemic taketh away and the pandemic giveth back. This may just be the start of a whole new digital future for events.