San Diego Comic-Con is the latest in a string of conventions to announce its cancelation for 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. An official announcement was made earlier today via the organization’s website, which expressed regret for the first cancellation in its 20-year history.
The event will instead return to the San Diego Convention Center from July 22-25, 2021. The announcement also reiterated that WonderCon Anaheim, which was to have been held April 10-12, 2020 is also taking a year off.
“Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures and while we are saddened to take this action, we know it is the right decision,” said David Glanzer, spokesperson for the organization. “We eagerly look forward to the time when we can all meet again and share in the community we all love and enjoy.”
Importantly for those directly affected, SDCC’s announcement confirmed that individuals who purchased badges for Comic-Con 2020 will have the option to request a refund or transfer their badges to Comic-Con 2021.
Similarly, exhibitors for Comic-Con 2020 will also have the option to request a refund or transfer their payments to Comic-Con 2021 and can expect an email also.
Finally, for those who had already made a hotel reservation with Comic-Con’s official hotel affiliate, OnPeak, the company will be refunding all deposits made automatically.
The effects of COVID-19 have been felt across industries relevant to nerd culture. Microsoft, for example, confirmed that all events in 2020 would be digital, while major video game releases such as The Last of Us Part II have been delayed as a result of logistical challenges presented by the pandemic.
