Zach Michaels, Director of Events at Fandom, returns to The Comic Source to preview one of San Diego Comic-Con's most sought-after opening-night events. He discusses how fans can win invitations, the work required to produce the massive celebration, and why San Diego provides an experience unlike any other major convention.

Zach also reveals some of this year's entertainment and activations, including The Coverups led by Billie Joe Armstrong, Xbox and Halo: Campaign Evolved, Suntory's -196 brand, Z2 Comics' And Out Comes the Wolf, and an unconventional pep squad that will be part of the performance.

Beyond the party, the conversation explores Fandom's larger mission of providing a place where every interest—from comics and gaming to anime, movies, television, and reality shows—can be celebrated without one community being elevated at the expense of another.