COVID-19 strikes again, this time at the Emerald City Comic Con, scheduled for March 12 – 15 in Seattle, Washington, as a number of publishers and guests have pulled out over concerns of contagion.
Though the ECCC event organizers had previously released statements regarding the steps they were taking to keep facilities clean, that didn’t deter many from pulling out. As of this positing, DC Comics, Dark Horse, Random House Publishing, and CGC have made official announcements that they would not have a presence on the show floor.
Likewise, a growing number of creators have also announced they would not be at the convention.
Having gotten home this week from a fantastic time with amazing fans at C2E2–it’s with great sadness and regret that I am canceling my appearance at Emerald City Comic Con due to coronavirus concerns. Profuse apologies for any inconvenience and frustration this may cause.
— Jim Lee (@JimLee) March 4, 2020
Still, many exhibitors like Funko, and creators still plan on attending the event.
WE’RE IN!! We will be at @emeraldcitycon 2020, March 12-15, Booth #302! In the coming days look for our announcements for NEW exclusive reveals for #GwenStacy #WonderWoman & #HarleyQuinn !! #emeraldcitycomicon #ECCC #jscottcampbell #seattlewashington pic.twitter.com/XdOX4L7G3r
— J. Scott Campbell♠️🎨 (@JScottCampbell) March 4, 2020
So what do you do if you were planning on going to the convention? Reedpop still plans on hosting the show, but did issue the following statement for those that would like to get a refund, which is a departure from its previous policy.
Since its inception, fans have comprised the very core of Emerald City Comic Con and all of Reedpop. We speak daily (and at great length!) about how to always put our fans first in everything we do. The evolving situation with the COVID-19 virus and developments in and around the city of Seaמּle have most certainly been at the forefront of our minds as Emerald City Comic Con approaches. Our customer base is central to all Reedpop decisions, and this scenario is no different. We value all of your voices and the spectrum of feedback that we have been receiving. Knowing that no two fans are alike, we have decided to make an exception to our no refunds ticket policy for our fans who are unable or uncomfortable aמּending Emerald City Comic Con in light of current events.
We here at Reedpop remain dedicated to running Emerald City Comic Con but understand that not everyone will be comfortable with that decision; if you wish to forgo aמּending this year’s edition of Emerald City Comic Con, we absolutely respect your wishes and will refund your ticket purchase (details on just how to do this will be on our website).
We are committed to following the enhanced cleaning guidelines, precautions and procedures that we recently deployed at our PAX East event in Boston and C2E2 in Chicago. We also insist that all fans, guests and exhibitors adhere to good sense and all protocols as suggested by the CDC. We are fully prepared to adjust our plans as the situation in and around Seaמּle develops. We are following – and will remain in compliance with – all city, state and federal guidelines. If the direction from federal, state or local official public health authorities does change between now and the show, we will adhere to that guidance, act upon it immediately, and update you.
We recognize that not everyone will agree with our decision: it is our feeling that this community values coming together and building connections, even in difficult times; that artists depend on fan relations to keep their work and careers growing; and that the very vibrancy of what makes our community special is just the type of energy and optimism that can buoy us as a broader community through these challenging and anxious times. In short, we feel we owe it to the customer to grant you the personal choice of whether or not to aמּend.
Our staff are fans, too, and we will be offering them the same option regarding aמּendance and working the show. In addition to extended daily work hours to bring you the best experience possible, incredibly long hours are dedicated yearlong to building Emerald City Comic Con. Staff are stakeholders in this event as well and we will honor their personal preferences.
Please stay in touch with us via our website and social media channels as this situation evolves. We continue to enthusiastically look forward to seeing you in Seaמּle very soon.
I was rather surprised more was not made of the Coronavirus during C2E2, but it looks like events in Washington where nine people have died, changed everyone’s minds.
