First-time Comic-Con planning: passes, schedules, artist alley, and panels

[Scott90]

I'm planning my first ever trip to Comic-Con this year, and while I'm incredibly excited, the logistics are already feeling overwhelming between securing passes, planning my schedule, and figuring out how to navigate the massive convention floor and off-site events. I'm primarily interested in the comic book artist alley and smaller panel discussions rather than the huge Hollywood Hall H presentations, but I don't want to miss out on the unique energy of the main event. For seasoned attendees, what are your top practical tips for a first-timer to maximize the experience without burning out? How early do you need to line up for popular but non-Hall H panels, and what's the best strategy for meeting artists or getting signatures without spending the entire day in a queue?