# Topps Uses NextMe to Power Exclusive Product Drops at Comic-Con > Learn how Topps and NextMe turned a potential security challenge into a safe, premium, and profitable brand activation at San Diego Comic-Con 2025. Source: https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/topps/ [Case studies](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/) · [Events](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/?industry=events) At San Diego Comic-Con 2025, Topps partnered with Marvel to host an exclusive “Sign & Sell” activation featuring live artist signings and limited-edition card drops. With limited inventory and massive demand, Topps quickly realized that they needed a way to control the crowds of eager collectors. ![Topps](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/topps.B7lojgrT_18BLyd.webp) - **Topps** Client - **Events** Industry - **September 22, 2026** Updated Key outcomes - **30,000+** daily form visits handled without issue ## The challenge After a chaotic preview day, the Topps team introduced NextMe’s virtual waitlist solution to help alleviate some of the pressure their booth faced: - **Flash-sale demand.** The limited edition card drops were so popular that thousands of fans were rushing to the booth at the same time to secure their spot. - **Security concerns.** SDCC’s security team flagged the activation as a risk due to long lines blocking aisles and exhibitors. - **Operational pressure.** Staff couldn’t manage the crowds while also servicing signings and sales. - **Brand risk.** If not resolved, the activation faced potential shutdown by Comic-Con organizers. ![A fan holding a limited-edition Marvel Mint trading card at the Topps booth](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/marvel-mint-card.DNBJTDA__1cMaC9.webp) ## The solution Using NextMe, fans could join the wait digitally without overwhelming the show floor. This integration allowed their booth to quickly adapt to the incredibly high traffic and stay compliant with SDCC’s strict security and exhibitor requirements. Topps was able to turn a potential security challenge into a safe, premium, and profitable brand activation, proving that even under extreme demand, virtual queues can elevate the fan experience at immersive events. Topps partnered with NextMe to streamline the fan experience, curb the chaos, and keep their booth compliant: - **High volume virtual check-in.** Instead of fans lining up physically, Topps posted a [self check-in](https://nextmeapp.com/self-check-in/) link on their Instagram story that fans used for a chance to secure their spot. This form was rotated daily to prevent abuse and would often fill up in under a minute. - **Branded waiting room.** Fans could browse available products while waiting virtually. This sped up operations as fans arrived already knowing what they wanted to buy. - **Controlled batching.** Attendees were called back in waves to keep lines short and manageable. - **Scalper protections.** After noticing people trying to game the system, Topps added a Badge ID field to verify customer identities and leveraged repeat recognition to turn away people attempting to return more than once. ![Sign at the Topps booth telling fans to follow Topps on Instagram, where the registration URL is posted](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/instagram-registration-sign.CAu0NtIp_1yu47h.webp) ## The results Topps and NextMe turned a high-risk activation into a showcase of experiential marketing success: - **Prevented shutdown.** First and foremost, NextMe helped alleviate the crowd buildup that would have otherwise resulted in booth shutdown by SDCC security. The activation was able to stay compliant and open throughout Comic-Con. - **Successfully managed outsized demand.** NextMe was able to handle an unexpected amount of traffic (30,000+ daily form visits) without issue. - **Boosted sales.** Fans stayed engaged and were more likely to complete purchases after browsing available products on the [virtual waiting room](https://nextmeapp.com/virtual-waiting-room/). - **Improved flow.** Short, controlled standby lines eliminated aisle congestion and exhibitor conflicts. ![Topps’ branded virtual waiting room listing Marvel Mint cards and SDCC 2025 exclusive comics with prices](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/branded-virtual-waiting-room.D3bYR4aR_ZE9SHe.webp) Topps’ Virtual Waiting Room included a product list and pricing so that fans were primed to purchase when they arrived at the booth. > “NextMe honestly made my life way easier this year. Fans knew exactly where they stood in line, so I didn’t have to deal with all the stress and constant questions. It kept things much more organized.” KevinBrand Ambassador, Topps Booth ## More event case studies - [NextMe Powers the Visit Anaheim Gifting Suite at Connect Marketplace with Cultivate](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/visit-anaheim/) — Events · NextMe ran the Visit Anaheim gifting suite at Connect Marketplace, serving over 900 hosted buyers with 84% retention and turning the wait into brand time. - [NextMe Powers the Virtual Queue for The Shop at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/the-shop-at-fanatics-fest/) — Events · See how NextMe ran the virtual queue for The Shop at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026, giving nearly 800 fans their festival time back while staying engaged. - [How Hello Kitty Cafe Chicago Managed 4,600+ Guests at the World’s Largest Grand Opening](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/hello-kitty-cafe-chicago/) — Events · When Chicago police threatened to shut down the world’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe grand opening, NextMe’s hybrid queue moved 4,600+ guests off the sidewalk.