I was going to write a post about why I think it would not be a good thing for the Comic-Con International to move to Los Angeles but my pal Steven Grant has done the work for me. So I'll just pile on here…
The L.A. Convention Center is a terrible, terrible venue to have a convention. The building has a confusing and awkward layout where everything feels like a mile walk from everything else. The parking in the convention center itself is inadequate and you also walk forever. The parking in neighboring lots is also insufficient and there are times when the operators jack the prices up to grotesque levels. You know my annual joke, which is just about due, about how if you're going to the con in San Diego in July and expect to find a parking space, you should leave now? Well, if the con moves to the L.A. Convention Center in 2013 and you'll need a parking space, leave now.
There are not very many hotels around. There aren't all that many restaurants and when you go to them, you're competing for tables with people attending a Lakers game at the adjoining Staples Center, people attending a rock concert at the adjoining L.A. Live, etc.
I have been to comic book conventions at the L.A. Convention Center. I don't think any of them have been particularly successful and the facilities are a big reason. I have also been to trade shows of other kinds there. The more I recall them, the more I recall how much I dislike the place. I've complained about it here and here and probably other places on this blog…and I guess I've made my point which, come to think of it, Steven Grant already made.