Publisher Panels | Comic-Con Conference for Educators & Librarians

Comic-Con International and San Diego Public Library have teamed up for the Comic Conference for Educators and Librarians (CCEL). This FREE five-day conference will take place at the San Diego Central Library during Comic-Con® from July 24-28, and will explore the role comics play in promoting education and literacy for all ages. Those in the library and education fields are invited to learn creative and exciting ways to incorporate comics and other popular arts into their work. Through presentations and panel discussions, the Conference hopes to engage the community and promote comics as a medium for learning. Seating is not guaranteed and is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration is for interest only and does not guarantee a seat.

Please join us for the following Publisher Day panels at CCEL on Friday, July 26th:

10:00–11:00 Creating Captivating Characters

Graphic novel authors, Emmanuel Guerrero (Cactus Kid: The Battle for Star Rock Mountain), Gabriel Valentin (Digital Lizards of Doom Book Two: Commander EKO), Brenna Thummler (Sheets Trilogy), and Richard Ashley Hamilton (Scoop Vol. 2: Buried Leads), in conversation with moderator Tina Lerno (digital content librarian and comics specialist at Los Angeles Public Library), share their process in creating their middle-grade and YA protagonists and characters, from idea to sketch to final form!

11:00–12:00 Action Packed and Adventurous

Graphic novel authors, Art Baltazar (YAHGZ: The Craynobi Tales, Flash Gordon Adventures), Jeremy Lambert (The Night Mother Vol. 1), Gene Luen Yang (The Books of Clash), and Steve Breen (Sky & Ty 1: Howdy, Partner!) talk about their novels with moderator Christina E. Taylor (youth services consultant, Texas State Library and Archives Commission) and discuss how middle-grade action-packed adventures explore beyond the page to what we envision for our world and ourselves. 

12:00–1:00 Keep Bans Off Our Books!

The topic of book banning has risen as more and more books are taken off the shelves, especially graphic novels. In conversation with moderator Jack Phoenix (collection development manager at Cuyahoga Falls Library), authors Joe Cepeda (The Best Worst Camp Out Ever (I Like to Read Comics)), Frederick L Jones (Clock Striker), Jennie Wood (Paper Planes), Shawneé Gibbs (Ghost Roast), and Shawnelle Gibbs (Ghost Roast) speak about graphic novels and literacy, what can be done about censorship in communities, and how to keep bans off our books! 

1:00–2:00 Comics Catalog: A History of Comics in Libraries

Led by Barbra Dillon (editor-in-chief, Fanbase Press), library professionals and comics historians discuss the incredible history of comics being embraced by libraries, as well as the opportunities and challenges present in providing access for library patrons to the breadth of comic book content now available. Featuring Moni Barrette (director of Collection Development & Publisher Relations, Library Pass), Jack Phoenix (collection development manager, Cuyahoga Falls Library), Jason Larsen (comics studies librarian, MSU), Pamela Jackson (comic arts librarian, SDSU Library), and Betsy Gomez (program officer, American Library Association). 

2:00–3:00 Empathy in Asian American Graphic Narratives

Distinguished K12 educators Erica Aguirre (ABC Unified), Virginia Nguyen (Irvine Unified), Amanda Sandoval (Corona-Norco Unified), and Dianne Wen (Centralia Elementary School District) hold a compelling session that delves into the integration of graphic novels and comics in Asian American Studies, highlighting Cambodian American, Hmong American, and Vietnamese American histories. Learn about the innovative approaches these educators use to employ graphic storytelling as a tool to foster empathy, connect students with diverse cultural perspectives, and create a more inclusive learning environment. The session will also showcase how graphic novels capture complex emotions and societal issues, making them ideal for teaching sensitive and multifaceted subjects. 

3:00–4:00 Developing Future Talent for Careers in Entertainment

Panelists explore how collaborations among education, industry, and entertainment unions are redefining career pathways in the entertainment industry through the Arts, Media, and Entertainment High Road Training Partnership initiative. Hear from Tom Antl (arts, media, and entertainment coordinator, San Diego Unified School District), Allison Frenzel (co-founder, Entertainment Equity Alliance), Marco Robles (business agent, IATSE Local 80), Xochitl Torres (program director, Arts, Media, and Entertainment High Road Training Partnership), and Nathan Harrenstein (director of education San Diego Theatrical Training Committee; IATSE 122), with moderator Jewyl Alderson (San Diego County Office of Education), as they discuss the first-ever IATSE registered apprenticeship program in San Diego. From educators shaping the curriculum to employers seeking skilled talent and unions advocating for workers' rights, each perspective will showcase the transformative potential of partnerships between schools, employers, and labor partners. Discover best practices and how you can get involved or replicate this work in your region. These collaborations are not only bridging skill gaps but also paving the way for inclusive, sustainable career opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment.

4:00–5:00 Teaching Comics to Youth: The Power of Partnerships

Comics and graphic novels help us feel connected and show us that we belong. For youth, a sense of belonging gives them the confidence to build valuable and meaningful connections. Led by Jessica Buck (San Diego Public Library), this panel—including Matthew Cisneros (student), Marcie Colleen (children's comics author), Melinda Cooper (program director for Words Alive), Michelle DeFazio (San Diego Public Library), Maia Felton (student), Aubri Robinson (Little Fish Comic Book Studio), and Razmig Sutton (student)—will feature a discussion about how different San Diego organizations have utilized community partnerships to successfully teach comics to youth and create a community of readers. Panelists will share success stories and lessons learned. A Q&A will follow the discussion. 

5:00–6:00 The Benefits of Reading Comics: Reading for Pleasure, Promoting Literacy

San Diego Library staff members Steven Torres-Roman, Helen Schalk, Iris Thompson, and Caitlynn Jackson discuss both research and personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs in using graphic novels to promote literacy when working with children and teens.

Comic-Con badge-holders with valid single same-day or four-day badges are welcome to attend and are not required to register. 

In addition to CCEL, San Diego Public Library hosts themed San Diego Comic-Con programming leading up to and through the days of the conference. Please visit our website for more information.