Planning my first Comic-Con: seeking practical tips on badges, hotel, and panels

[KennethPA]

I'm planning my first trip to Comic-Con this year and I'm already overwhelmed by the logistics, from securing a hotel downtown to the infamous badge sale process and planning my panel schedule. I'm most interested in the film and television previews and the artist alley, but I know I can't do everything. For seasoned attendees, what are your top practical tips for navigating the convention center, managing time between Hall H and smaller panels, and what are some often-overlooked experiences or preparation steps that made the biggest difference in your enjoyment of the event?