Professional Programming
Connect, learn, and grow with programming designed for industry professionals across comics, entertainment, retail, and literary spaces — from panels and portfolio reviews to networking opportunities, signings, and more.
More Than Panels. A Professional Experience Built for Your Career.
NYCC Professional Programming brings together the people, ideas, resources, and experiences that help industry professionals build relationships, sharpen their skills, and stay ahead of what’s next.
WHERE
River Pavilion, Javits Center. Access through the Crystal Palace after registration and security
WHEN
Wednesday - Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Learn. Connect. Advance. Get Access. Discover What’s Next.
LEARN: Build your knowledge with expert-led programming across comics, publishing, entertainment, education, libraries, retail, and more.
Industry Summit & Mixer, ICv2 Insider Talks, NYPL Pro Panels, Content Creator Track
CONNECT: Meet peers, creators, executives, and industry leaders through dedicated networking and professional events.
Retailer Day, Industry Summit & Mixer, Press & Pro Lounge
ADVANCE: Get practical feedback, develop your skills, and build your career.
Portfolio Reviews, Film Industry Sessions, Legal Masterclasses
GET ACCESS: Experience exclusive programming, conversations, and events designed for the professional community.
Harvey Awards, Popcultr Marketing Summit, Creator Signings
DISCOVER WHAT’S NEXT: Stay ahead of the trends, talent, and ideas shaping the future of comics, publishing, entertainment, retail, and fandom.
Who Can Attend?
Professional Programming is designed for industry professionals with eligible badges types such as Artist Alley, Writers Block, Pro Thursday, Pro 4-Day, Press, Content Creator, Panelist, Exhibitor, and Sidekick.
New this year, select Professional Programming panels will also be available to fans through our Aspiring Professional Program on Saturday and Sunday. Fans with Single Day or 4-Day Weekend tickets can reserve a limited number of spots for participating panels. Reservations will open one week before the show and are available while supplies last.
Pro and Industry badge holders do not need a reservation for these panels. Just walkup to attend.
Who Can Attend?
Professional Programming is designed for industry professionals with eligible badges types such as Artist Alley, Writers Block, Pro Thursday, Pro 4-Day, Press, Content Creator, Panelist, Exhibitor, and Sidekick.
New this year, select Professional Programming panels will also be available to fans through our Aspiring Professional Program on Saturday and Sunday. Fans with Single Day or 4-Day Weekend tickets can reserve a limited number of spots for participating panels. Reservations will open one week before the show and are available while supplies last.
Pro and Industry badge holders do not need a reservation for these panels. Just walkup to attend.
Press & Pro Lounge
The Press & Pro Lounge is a dedicated space for industry professionals and members of the press to recharge, network, and get work done between events. It is located at the back of the River Pavilion.
Recharge
Plush couches and comfortable space between programming.
Network
A networking hub designed to spark new connections.
Work
Rentable media suites and private offices for editing, recording, interviews, or catch-up work.
Host
Dedicated space available for catered lunches and professional gatherings.
RESERVE A PRIVATE SPACE
Need a private space during the show? Rent a 10' x 10' meeting room by contacting Mike Negin at mikenegin@reedpop.com.
Two Stages. More Insights for Pros.
The Professional Programming experience features two stages dedicated to workshops and panels, with sessions led by experts across comics, entertainment, education, libraries, and retail.
Portfolio Reviews by DC Comics
Review sessions are designed for artists and required a valid NYCC badge. Artists will submit their portfolios at a location coming soon.
Two Stages. More Insights for Pros.
The Professional Programming experience features two stages dedicated to workshops and panels, with sessions led by experts across comics, entertainment, education, libraries, and retail.
Portfolio Reviews by DC Comics
Review sessions are designed for artists and required a valid NYCC badge. Artists will submit their portfolios at a location coming soon.
Programming Highlights
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026
NYCC Legal Masterclass Series
New York Comic Con presents In association with Thomas A. Crowell, Esq. And The National Academy of Continuing Legal Education
Earn CLE credits at NYCC with three practice-ready courses created for attorneys working across comics, publishing, entertainment, media, and licensing. Each session is approved for 2.5 NY CLE Professional Practice credits and 2.5 NJ General credits.
2026 CLE Courses
Wednesday, October 7
Defining the Author: Mitigating Legal Risk in AI-Generated Works
Thursday, October 8
From Script to Shelf: New Developments in Comic Book Publishing Law
Friday, October 9
Navigating Licensing Pitfalls in Media and Merch
Registration options include a Professional Thursday or Professional 4-Day Badge. Space is limited.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2026
Comic Book Retailer's Day
Join us for exclusive Publisher presentations, keynotes from Stephanie Philips and Todd McFarlane, retailer conversations, industry discussions, and select creator signings. Speakers from Dark Horse, eBay, Ignition, Universal, Women in Comics Collective, and more.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
ICv2 Insider Talks and Comic Industry Social Hour
Since the first New York Comic Con in 2006, ICv2 has hosted industry conferences as part of the show, bringing together the leaders of the comics and graphic novel industry to discuss the issues of the day. This year's event will be a special 20-year anniversary edition, looking ahead to the future in the three segments that changed the industry during that history: graphic novels, manga, and digital. And the Comic Industry Social Hour is a great opportunity to meet, mingle, and network with other leaders of the industry.
The ICv2 Insider Talks will kick off with the Comic Industry Social Hour and registration, followed by two hours of programming, including the ICv2 White Paper and panelists from across the comics and graphic novel business. This is a free, ticketed event (via ICv2) for industry pros only.
The Comic Industry Mixer Presented by Comic Sketch Art
An evening networking event with keynote speakers, light food and beverages, and sponsor-supported activations. Open to all Industry Badge holders such as Artist Alley, Writers Block, Pro Thursday, Pro 4-Day, Press, Content Creator, Exhibitor, Panelist and Sidekicks.
Innovative Professional Development Programming for Educators and Librarians
New York Comic Con, in partnership with the New York Public Library’s Center for Educators and Schools and the NYC Department of Education’s Civics for All Comics Group, is excited to present another fantastic year of curated panels and professional development for librarians and educators.
Programming highlights from the NYC Department of Education include:
Weaving LGBTQ+ History into the Narrative with Hidden Voices and Comics!
Know Your Rights: New York City’s Innovative New Comic Book
Hard History Through Comics, featuring Eisner Award-winning author and political cartoonist Ben Passmore
Highlights from NYPL and its programming partners include:
CENTRO Library & Archives’ Lunch Hour Live: Brown Gay Ink Featuring Ivan Velez Jr.
Panels, Pages, and Patients: Teaching Empathy Through Graphic Medicine
And so much more!
Most of this programming will take place on the Pro Programming stages in the River Pavilion, with select sessions available to all badge types on fan-facing stages throughout the Javits Center. Check the schedule for details.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026
Popcultr Marketing Summit
Brought to you by Experience12, this B2B summit focuses on one question: what earns people’s time?
Sessions cover entertainment, games, anime, publishing, tabletop, licensing, consumer products, community, creators and the brands that want to reach those audiences.
The panel lineup includes:
- Fandom Doesn’t Sit Still - What changing audience behavior means when discovery, identity, and community cross every boundary
- Cards on the Table - The boom, the seasons, and the marketing underneath both
- IRL: The Feed is not Enough - Nothing online feels like being in the room
- The Popcultr Edit - The marketing that earned people’s time, and what comes next
All sessions are on Pro Stage 1 in the River Pavilion.
The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards is Presented by VIZ with Support from Comixology, Dark Horse, and Harper Collins.
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic industry's oldest and most prestigious awards. Recognizing outstanding achievement in multiple categories, the Harvey's have been a fixture of the comic industry since 1988. The Harvey Awards are once again taking place at New York Comic Con on Friday, October 9th in the River Pavillion. The event is invite only, but find out more at www.harveyawards.com.
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10 – 11, 2026
Content Creator Collective
Ready to take your content to the next level? This exciting panel series is built for creators (and inspiring creators) who want to create better content, grow their audience, build their brand, and connect with their community. Get practical tips on everything from fast, effective video editing to building a brand without quitting your day job- and discover how creators are turning their passions into careers.
Plus, meet your next collab partner! Whether you’re a seasoned creator, aspiring influencer, gamer, cosplayer, editor, or just getting started, these panels are packed with real-world advice, fresh ideas, industry insights, and opportunities to connect with fellow creators.
Create. Connect. Grow. Your next big idea might start here at NYCC!
NYCC Film Industry Masterclass Series
Go behind the scenes of film and television with professional prop makers and practical effects artists Robin Careless and Ian Campbell. This three-part series explores breaking into the entertainment industry, practical sculpting, and special effects for indie horror through industry insights and live demonstrations.
Complete all three sessions to take part in the NYCC Film Industry Masterclass Passport and be eligible for a special raffle.
From Page to Screen: How TV Executives Acquire and Produce the Next Hit Series – Like Matt Dinniman’s Dungeon Crawler Carl
From novels and comics to podcasts, games and articles, compelling stories can emerge from anywhere. But what does it take for a story to translate to television?
Join Universal Studio Group executives Jordan Moblo (EVP, Creative Acquisitions & IP Management, USG), Kelsey Balance (EVP, Scripted Series, Universal Global Television) and Vivian Cannon (EVP, Drama Development, Universal Television) in conversation with Matt Dinniman, author of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, as they provide a rare look inside the decision-making and collaboration that drives series adaptations today.
Ready to Participate? Apply for a Professional Badge!
Work in comics, publishing, entertainment, retail, gaming, libraries, education, or another area of the pop culture industry? Apply for an NYCC Professional Badge and experience the show with access designed specifically for industry professionals.
Professional attendees can take advantage of dedicated programming, industry networking, educational opportunities, and professional resources throughout NYCC.