Today is the beginning of the San Diego Comic-Con, that annual event where geeks of all ages descend on sunny Southern California and then promptly spend several sweaty days inside a crowded convention center. While you'd think it would be easy to meet a cute geek at the biggest nerd event of the year, Comic-Con can get pretty crazy. Between the panels, creator signings, and the endless crowds of nerds buying Dr. Who statues, it can be tough to have a one-on-one connection with that cute guy dressed as Dr. Venture who you spotted by the Marvel booth. However, there are some surefire ways to increase your chances of getting lucky at this year's "nerd prom." But this advice isn't limited to Comic-Con-- use these tips for WonderCon, NY Comic Con, E3, DragonCon, Borders bookstore closings or any other public place where nerds gather.

5. Get to panels early - This is good advice in general, as the popular panels (Walking Dead, DC Comics, Twilight, etc.) tend to fill up fast. Not only will you score a primo seat for the Avengers panel, you'll have time to talk to the cute geek sitting next you about Game of Thrones season two news or the sweet StarScream/Cobra Commander convention exclusive he just scored.

4. Attend an after-party - Whether it's a sponsored event at a local bar, or an impromptu drink-up in your hotel lobby, there are plenty of parties to be found at Comic-Con. If you're looking to show off your Sailor Moon costume, hit up the annual Masquerade ball. Or head to local favorite Tin Fish to mingle with the nerd elite over some fish tacos and beer. Finally, there's the good old-fashioned hotel room party. How do you find them? Just follow the drunken Hobbits.

3. Compliment his costume - Comic-Con is basically a giant nerd fashion parade filled with fans who have waited all year to show off their homemade Boba Fett costumes. Costumed fans, or cosplayers, want you to take a photo with you. (Just be sure to ask nicely.) They love it when you compliment the paint job on their Optimus Prime costume or notice that they're dressed as the Alan Scott Green Lantern instead of Hal Jordan like everyone else. Look for your favorite character, take a photo, and then strike up a conversation. If they're busy getting photos taken, find them later at the Masquerade or another party. Chances are, they'll still be in costume.

2. Play some games - Between playable demos for new video games and scores of elves and wizards rolling multi-sided dice in the role-playing area, Comic-Con is one giant nerd playland. Joining in a game is a great way to meet new people and have fun at Comic-Con without having to stand in line for hours on end.

1. Dress up as Catwoman, "Slave Leia," Dr. Girlfriend, Power Girl, Leela from Futurama, Harley Quinn, or your favorite character - It's Comic-Con, the one place where costumed folks can be celebrities for a weekend. Join in the fun!

Are you attending Comic-Con? Ever been to a comic book convention? Did you see the trailers for Amazing Spider-Man and The Dark Knight Rises?