The big change in this year's Comic Book Expo is the timing of the show.  In previous years the show was held on Tuesday and Wednesday, the busiest days of the week for many pop culture retailers.  This year the Comic Book Expo will be held on Sunday, July 22nd and Monday, July 23rd a move that organizers hope will boost attendance.  Programming will begin on Sunday, the last day of the consumer show, and the exhibit hall will be open Monday afternoon.  The list of exhibitors (see 'Comic Book Expo Exhibitors') contains most of the major suppliers of comic book retailers, though low retailer attendance in previous years means that fewer suppliers will be at the Expo than will be attending Diamond Comic Distributors regional seminars.  With the exception of Wiz Kids very few gaming companies will be represented, something that might be attributed to the overwhelming interest in comics that characterizes the San Diego Comic Con and the Comic Book Expo. 

Programming also reflects this interest in comics.  Marvel Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada provides the opening address, while the Punchline Live seminar deals with 'grading comics.'  All the major comic publishers will preview their publications in a series of presentations on Sunday afternoon.  Other seminars include topics like 'Comics in the Classroom,' 'Working With Other Retailers,' and 'Making Your Store An Entertainment Destination.'  One of the Expo's big highlights is the 'Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Awards,' which will be presented at a special breakfast on Monday morning.   For a complete list of programs, see 'San Diego Comic Book Expo Programming.'

Retailers interested in attending can pre-register until Saturday, June 30th.  After that time all registration will be on-site.  For registration information, click here to visit the Expo website.