Wizard World, C2E2 offer virtual fan events ahead of conventions' return this fall
The whispers about the coronavirus started to get loud at the end of February 2020, which was also the last time a major pop culture convention was held in Chicago. As always, McCormick Place was packed with Stormtroopers and superheroes for C2E2, and even then some attendees were cautiously wearing masks - costume-appropriate or otherwise.
The convention missed its normal late winter/early spring slot this year. The suburbs' biggest event, Wizard World in Rosemont, didn't happen last August as planned. But both are coming back later this year.
Wizard Brands Inc. announced Monday that Wizard World Chicago will return the weekend of Oct. 15-17 to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont for its 23rd edition of what it calls its "flagship event." The C2E2 homepage promises that convention will return the weekend of Dec. 10-12.
What we do know: Wizard World Chicago will honor all tickets originally purchased for the canceled 2020 event.
What we don't know: when new tickets for either event will go on sale, how much they will cost, what artists and celebrity guests are coming and, well, pretty much everything else - including what social distancing precautions or restrictions will be in place.
Despite the lack of in-person conventions, Wizard World and C2E2 parent company ReedPop did not stay dormant for the last year and a half. Both have staged virtual events such as video call meet-and-greets with celebrities and livestreaming panel discussions. "Virtual events over the past 15 months have opened Wizard World up to fans across the globe, and we're looking forward to incorporating those elements into the re-imagined Wizard World live event format," said Scott Kaufman, Wizard Brands CEO and chairman, in a news release.
Wizard World's online events include a weekly schedule of panel discussions called the Signature Series, available for a $3.99 fee. Upcoming guests include "Flight of the Navigator" star Joey Cramer (noon Sunday), Keegan Connor Tracy and Raphael Sbarge from "Once Upon a Time" (noon July 11), and David Bradley of "Harry Potter" and "Game of Thrones" (noon July 18). See the full schedule and other online opportunities at wizardworld.com.
C2E2.com offers "Metaverse memberships" for $65 or $99 a year that add perks to its virtual events, while also giving members first access to ReedPop convention tickets and add-ons. Their most recent slate of virtual events that ended last Sunday included a live chat with the cast of FX's "What We Do in the Shadows," online comics workshops and a costuming "master class." Video links are available online at findthemetaverse.com.
• Sean Stangland is an assistant news editor who is considering cosplaying as Horace, "Cruella's" hilarious henchman, at Wizard World Chicago.