And THAT’s why Comic-Con International will never move to Vegas. Vendors want the disposable income that arrives in the pockets of attendees to be handed over on the convention floor, not in the casino.

But for a non-commerce event like this one Vegas is a perfect venue.

We chose Las Vegas for the first one because overall, it was the least expensive location; but we are not opposed to doing one on the East Coast if the first one works out.

This seminar is every year in NY and LA and open to both industry pros and unpublished authors and illustrators, while giving rookies a chance to show their portfolios to editors, peers and art reps. The first day illustrators got taught photoshop tricks by industry pros, followed by lectures in class rooms where publishers from different houses would give us submission tips .

There were speeches by recently published authors (Jay Asher) and a panel of agents who talked about how they did business and what they were looking for.

I couldn’t help thinking how many cartoonist hopefuls would attend a conference that featured speeches by cartoonists and syndicate editors.

Certainly would be something I’d go to if it were to grow and come to NY.

I’m excited because I’ve had very little opportunity to date to rub actual shoulders with my peers in the syndication world. I shall be a human sponge, soaking up everything I can from attendees and fellow presenters alike.

I’ll also come loaded with information on how my business works, obviously. Everything from building an audience and a community to shipping 1500 packages in a single day. I’m not sure how much of it will apply to those seeking self-syndication (ahh, alliterative!) but at the very least I shall be the bacon bits in Alan’s Salad Bar analogy.

(Unhealthy, tasting faintly of smoke, and ABSOLUTELY IRRESISTIBLE.)