Fans who are planning their attendance at the 2021 Chicago Comic may have an idea of what to expect when exploring the convention show floor, but C2E2 goes beyond scratching the surface of just the Exhibitor Hall and Artist Alley. Whether this is a first convention or a yearly pilgrimage back to the McCormick Place, the show floor is brimming with attractions for all.
C2E2 AFTER DARK: Keep the excitement of attending the convention alive after the show floor closes and the night approaches. Plenty of nightlife is provided by ReedPop, including karaoke gatherings, film screening events, and other fandom-inspired social outings. The McCormick Place's lobby is directly connected to Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, which grants direct access to the hotel's bar for fans who are over 21-years-old and looking to grab a drink.
COSPLAY CENTRAL: Comic conventions, especially C2E2, are known for their encouragement of attendees showing off their best cosplay. Cosplay Central is the epitome of C2E2's costumed crowd and hosts the Cosplay Central Crown Championships of Cosplay. United States finalists from ReedPop conventions from C2E2 and beyond will then travel to London to compete in the world champion showcase held at MCM London 2022.
COSPLAY SHOWCASE: For those who love to look like their favorite characters on a less intense level, C2E2 gives fans the opportunity to participate in their Cosplay Showcase. The Cosplay Showcase is open to all who have made their own attire by hand, and registration will be open to those who wish to compete at the Cosplay Central administration desk. Prizes will be awarded to qualifiers age 18 and older, though the Cosplay Showcase welcomes all. Junior competitors (13-17) and family groups are equally encouraged to participate. The Cosplay Showcase is held on the C2E2 Main Stage on Sunday, December 18.
FAMILY HQ: Originated at the C2E2 2020, Family HQ returns to C2E2 2021. From interactive play zones featuring Lumos Quidditch, Medival Times, and an interactive performance by Storytow Improv, C2E2 creates a family-friendly space for all ages. Young fans can become one with the Force while meeting the 501st Legion: Midwest Garrison, Chi-2 D2, the Chicago division of R2-D2 droid replicant builders, and ChiLUG: Chicago Area LEGO Users. ChiLUG will provide their own LEGOs for families to build something on the show floor together.
LOONEY-TUNES: The kindling of the creative spirit encourages the younger crowd attending the convention to become artistically hands-on. The Chuck Jones Center of Creativity will host Looney Tunes-themed activities, including free art classes that guide congoers on how to draw their favorite characters. Princess Etch will offer presentations on how to master the Etch A Sketch from a professional's point of view. Free play areas located in Family HQ allow access to art supplies and toys for families to use throughout the show.
TATTOO PAVILION: Marc Draven’s Ink Fusion Tattoo Empire is the original and leading tattoo program for entertainment shows and comics conventions worldwide. Marc Draven is the first tattoo artist in history to be licensed by Lucasfilm LTD and endorsed by comic book legend, Stan Lee. Ink Fusion Tattoo Empire are professional, licensed and Board of Health approved for every convention they’ve attended as well as every artist on staff being certified in Bloodborne Pathogens, CPR, and First Aid. Ink Fusion Tattoo Empire works with hundreds of award-winning artists Internationally. Get inked at C2E2 and make a memory that will literally last a lifetime!
GAMING ZONE: Much like Family HQ makes its return, Gaming Zone is another fan-favorite feature on the 2021 show floor. Chicagoland Games has partnered with C2E2 to dedicate Room S501 to Dungeons & Dragons alone; Dice Dojo presents their First Look at Chicagoland games and showcases the work of upcoming game designers. Those who are current game designers or those looking to jump into the industry can attend the Chicago Boardgame Designers Meetup.
RETRO ARCADE: Galloping Ghost is to sponsor an in-house retro arcade. Featuring over 735 arcade games, Galloping Ghost is prided as one of the largest arcades in the world and will provide some of their classics for those to play at the Gaming Zone. Gaming tournaments will run throughout the weekend, and free-to-play tabletop games are open for fans to browse through C2E2's Lending Library. Organized tournaments based around deck-building and tabletop games will also take place at the Gaming Zone.
ESCAPE ROOMS: A majority of the show floor attractions are free for fans to partake in, though, for those looking to elevate their experience, tickets for Escape Rooms at C2E2 can be purchased at an additional charge. Those looking to participate in Escape Rooms can choose between Secret Starboard Starship Astreus, Detention: Escape from the Cursed High School, or test their limits and break out of each. Teams of up to 10 individuals can come together to conquer the escape rooms hosted inside of the convention center.
C2E2 2021 is the largest pop culture and comic convention in the Midwest and has arrived at the McCormick Place on a yearly basis since 2010. Outside of show floor features through the Exhibitor Hall and Artist Alley, C2E2 prioritizes fan experiences through panels and ticketed meet-and-greets with featured guests. Tickets for C2E2 2021 be purchased here.
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