Retailer Day
DATE: September 10th & 11th, 2026
LOCATION: Oregon Convention Center – Room F150
The Schedule
Thursday, September 10th
9:30 AM: Line Up Outside (NE Holladay Street)
Get ready for an exciting day! This is where you’ll get your exclusive Retailer Day badge. This invitation only event will showcase and connect publishers, distributors and retailers in a day full of panels, exclusive signings, announcements, and more! Don’t get lost: Map with image of entry
10:00 AM: Doors Open/Breakfast (F150)
Come on in! Enjoy some coffee and breakfast with fellow retailers, publishers, and more! Yum…
10:30 AM: Publisher Presentations Part 1 (F150)
Our incredible sponsors are pleased to bring you the latest news direct from their imprint. Connect directly with publishers, discover new stories before they hit shelves, and build stronger relationships across the comics community.
- Oni Press
- 1First Comics
- Ignition Press
- Battle Quest Comics
- A special word from the BINC Foundation
11:15 AM: ComicsPro Panel: Growing Readership: Finding and Converting New and Young Readers (F150)
Growing Readership: Finding and Converting New and Young Readers: With the success of shows and movies based on comic books, fandoms continue to grow. But how do we convert those viewers into comic readers? What are social media and marketing tips you can use to draw new readers into shows? How can you meet them where they are? And once they arrive how do you sell the books to them? We’ll talk about everything from marketing tips to building connections with other organizations to comp titles and determining age-appropriateness of recommendations for new readers walking through the door.
Featured speaker: Shannon Live
More details here
12:00 PM: Lunch Break(F150)
Get ready for more delicious food, thanks to Rose City Comic Con and Comics Pro! You can’t possibly enjoy Retailer Day on an empty stomach! On the menu, we have:
- Turkey and Harvarti Cheese on Multi-Grain
- Mediterranean Salad
- Chips
- Cookies
- Water/Soda
1:00 PM: Publisher Presentations Part 2 (F150)
More news from top publishers, filled with exciting announcements and updates!
- Mad Cave Studios
- IDW
- Dark Horse
1:45 PM: Dark Horse Keynote (F150)
Join Dark Horse Comics as it celebrates its landmark 40th Anniversary with this special Keynote. The legendary publisher will present exclusive programming featuring surprise creator guests, highlighting four decades of groundbreaking stories and iconic creators. Don’t miss this exclusive first look at what’s next for one of the industry’s most celebrated publishers.
2:00 PM: Private Signing, Swag Bag, and Networking (F149/F150)
Archie #1 writer Ben H Winters will join legendary artist Steve Lieber for an exclusive signing of a special limited variant cover created specifically for the RCCC x ComicsPro Retailer Day. During the signing, you will also be invited to collect your Retailer Day swag bag – these 2 events will be happening in F149. And finally, after all that’s done, join publishers back in F150 for networking and mingling at their tables.
More details here
4:00 PM: Happy Hour at Gigantic Brewing Sponsored By Lunar Distribution
You networked, you mingled, you enjoyed incredible publisher presentations. NOW? It’s time to go have a drink with fellow retailers and publishers! Head to the Gigantic Brewing for a wonderful Happy Hour Mixer sponsored by Lunar Distribution.
Location: 5224 SE 26th Ave. Portland, OR 97202
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Friday, September 11th
1:00 PM: Doors Open
Doors open to Rose City Comic Con
1:30 PM: Publisher Roundtables Session 1 (F150)
Join leading publishers and fellow comic retailers for engaging roundtable discussions covering industry trends, upcoming releases, best practices, and opportunities to grow your business.
Share ideas, ask questions, and gain valuable insights from some of the biggest names in comics—all in an interactive, collaborative setting.
3:00 PM: Lunch Break
Head out to the show floor and grab some food on your own or with a new friend you have made during the roundtable!
4:00 PM: ComicsPro Educators Panel: The Power of the Super Friends: Comic shops and Educators Working Together (F150)
The Power of the Super Friends: Comic shops and Educators Working Together: How can comic shops and educators partner to expand reading and writing programs for their shops, schools and libraries? Are there ways stores can help get comics into the hands of students? Who do you contact when you want to build a community partnership? Join us as we discuss ways that comic shops are teaming up with libraries and schools in their area to build programming for reading, writing, and imagination skills. From book distribution and discounts to creator visits and programs like comic workshops, and more, you’ll learn tons of ways to tap into the power of the super friends!
Featured speaker: Shannon Live
More details here
4:45 PM: Publisher Roundtables Session 2 (F150)
Join leading publishers and fellow comic retailers for engaging roundtable discussions covering industry trends, upcoming releases, best practices, and opportunities to grow your business.
Share ideas, ask questions, and gain valuable insights from some of the biggest names in comics—all in an interactive, collaborative setting.
6:15 PM: ComicsPro Educators Panel: Funnies & Fundamentals: Comics in Education (F150)
Funnies & Fundamentals: Comics in Education: With the success of books like Dog Man and the power of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the graphic medium has kids and young adults hooked on storytelling. But how do we, as educators, use this momentum to captivate students in a new way? How do we tap into the joy of sequential storytelling to inspire students to find their voice? Join TEDx speaker, educator, and Bat City Comic Professionals founder, Shannon Live to explore research-based best practices on how to use comics to generate excitement and improve reading, writing, and imagination skill.
Featured speakers: Shannon Live
More details here