A day in the life of a CCD Host.
CCD Host and blog author, Dave Keogh, with Storm Troopers at the 2015 edition of Dublin Comic Con.
As one of our largest public events, Dublin Comic Con, approaches, we prepare to welcome guests from all over Ireland and, of course, the superheroes themselves: Ironman, Spiderman, Batman, Wonder Woman and many more from across the galaxies. The day before opening is known as ‘Build Day’, when our halls, floors, meeting rooms and Auditorium are transformed for merchandising, exhibitors, guest speakers, cosplay, displays, hospitality and games.
Overseeing all of this is an Exhibition Manager, with support from the Host team, and it’s our job to bring all the pieces together so the experience runs seamlessly.
Preparing for Fun
As a Senior Host in Charge (SHIC), the first order of the day is the Hosts’ briefing, which is done alongside the Event Manager. Together, we review the host sheet, which contains all the information about the event from expected numbers to safeguarding protocols. My role is to make sure every Host is clear on their duties, has a working radio and knows exactly where they’ll be positioned during the day. For large events like this, we require a lot of manpower, so we welcome additional agency staff into the team and I take care to brief them too, as we are all part of the same team.
Once the briefing is complete, my next port of call is to meet the client. I introduce myself as their main point of contact and reassure them that our Hosts are ready to support them in every way possible. That personal connection with the client sets the tone for the day.
Outside, the queue forms around the building, I see hundreds of smiling, happy young people who are thrilled and excited to be with us. It’s our mission to ensure that they, their friends and families leave with those same smiles and excitement after having a safe and positive experience with us.
The Comic Con Experience
And then the fun begins! As we open our doors to an expected 7,000 guests, the energy is electric. VIPs, who get a head start on general access, meet their heroes, queues form at every turn and the buzz of conversation fills every floor. With so many people moving on the various floors, safety is always our priority. Together with the Hosts, we monitor the 12 escalators, three lifts plus the various stairwells, keeping the flow of people moving safely.
Part of our job is to record guests entering and leaving the venue to have an accurate picture of numbers in the building at any given time. Our radios keep us connected with each other and this helps us to respond quickly to anything that arises during the day.
As the day progresses, the Host team is there to be called upon for whatever our guests need. From helping locate some of our younger attendees who have wandered away from Mam or Dad, to managing queues and guiding those with accessibility needs; from looking out for lost property to helping exhibitors and merchandisers, a Host is always on! Sometimes we’re even asked to take photos for families or gently remind a ‘villain’ to keep their lightsabre in check!
Throughout it all, together with the Event Manager, I oversee this activity and make sure our team is cared for, breaks are taken, spirits stay high and no one feels that they’re on their own. We pride ourselves on looking after each other as much as we do our visitors and that’s one of the things I value most about working here.
Closing Time
And then, after eight hours of excitement, thrills and laughter, day one draws to a close. As the attendees leave, tired but happy, we wish them a fond farewell, knowing we’ve played a small part in creating those lasting memories. For us as Hosts, it’s about more than managing people around a venue. It’s about human connection, teamwork and the pride that comes from delivering exceptional experiences together.
David Keogh, Senior Host in Charge