I spent my weekend ensconced in pop culture goodness at C2E2 (Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo). Held at McCormick Place, C2E2 is full of celebrities, artists, authors doing signings, photo ops, panels and more.
Debuting in 2010, the first C2E2 drew an estimated 25,000 attendees. This year, more than 100,000 people are expected. With attendees coming from all over the country, nearby hotels filled quickly, especially the nearby Hyatt Regency and Marriott Marquis. Founded in 2006, C2E2 organizer ReedPOP also runs 30 other events worldwide, including Comic Con Seoul, the Star Wars Celebration and New York Comic Con.
Legendary horror host Svengoolie (Rich Koz) has entertained people for more than 40 years. Koz has won multiple Emmy awards since he became the hand-picked successor to the original Svengoolie. Svengoolie is always a hit at C2E2 and anywhere else he appears. Sven and his Executive Producer Jim Roche work extremely hard at accommodating all fans, who range in age from youngsters to the elderly.
Chicago native and wrestler-turned-actor CM Punk was a huge hit with fans. Usually private, he enjoyed his hometown crowd. He talked to me about his burgeoning acting career, his love of comic books and travel. Outside of work travel obligations, he prefers discovering interesting places in Chicago.

Kara Eberle

Barbara Dunkelman
Two other of the nicest celebrities were actresses Kara Eberle and Barbara Dunkelman. Each expressed an appreciation for Chicago, wishing they had time to dine at more legendary restaurants.
Hundreds of creators filled Artist Alley. This is always the area of most interest to me. These folks produce such beautiful and original work, much of which we have seen throughout pop culture without knowing its maker. These are the underrated folks who are the lifeline of the industry.
Local artist Ali Cantarella surprised me with a fun caricature of me. Ali is more known for her animal caricatures, but anything she creates is awesome. My caricature will be hung soon in my place with other artwork I have gotten previously at C2E2. The interview my friend Joey Roth an I did with Ali can be found here.

Roxi Heart (Loki) and Joey Roth (the Champ)

Cosplay Central
Cosplay (costume playing) has become a huge part of C2E2. It started with attendees dressing in character for fun to having a whole section of the convention floor dedicated to the thousands of folks in elaborate costumes.
C2E2 also gives back to the community through the Power Up to Read program. Students from participating schools have the ability to earn a weekend pass by reading eight books from the school’s library. The Power Up to Read program rewards students for reading while also adding a younger vibe to the event.
I reconnected with so many friends, both in and out of the industry. In many ways, C2E2 is like a big reunion. That is truly one of the best parts for me.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
Read This Next

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedSlideshow
Jun 16, 20256 Reasons to Put Baltimore, Maryland, on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Baltimore, Maryland, with us.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination
Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.
Daily
Jun 16, 2025Introducing The Nickel Hotel: Charleston’s Newest Luxury Boutique Hotel
On Charleston, South Carolina’s, historic Upper King Street, you’ll find brand-new The Nickel Hotel, a 50-room luxury property that perfected the right blend of Charleston’s charm with chic décor.
Airlines
Jun 15, 2025Brussels Airlines Enhances Long-Haul Business Experience
As of April 1, Brussels Airlines elevated its business-class experience. Earlier this year the airline partnered with star chef Arabelle Meirlaen.
Sponsored Content
Smarter Business Travel: 12 Tips from IHG Business Edge
For small- and mid-sized businesses, travel is often a necessary part of growth — helping to strengthen client relationships, explore new markets and attend key industry events. But with rising costs and limited resources, keeping business travel efficient and budget-friendly is more important than ever.
June 2025
Jun 14, 2025Sea Island, The Broadmoor and Windstar Cruises Launch Honeymoon Offer
Sea Island and The Broadmoor announced an exclusive cross-brand promotion with Windstar Cruises. Couples who celebrate their wedding at either Sea Island or The Broadmoor can take advantage of great savings on a seven-night, all-inclusive honeymoon cruise through French Polynesia on board a Windstar yacht.
The Ritz-Carlton Debuts in Suzhou, China
Hotels
Jun 14, 2025East Naples, Italy, to Undergo Revitalization
Daily
Jun 13, 2025Daily
Jun 12, 2025Hadiprana Hospitality Launches Indonesian Cultural Experiences
The legacy of renowned Indonesian architect/designer Hendra Hadiprana is being honored by his family with the launch of Hadiprana Hospitality, a collection of four exceptional properties (three currently available and one upcoming) showcasing and preserving the country’s rich cultural traditions and art while celebrating Hadiprana’s dedication to sustainability and authenticity. Hendra’s daughter, Puri Hadiprana, leads the company.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
Daily
Jun 12, 2025The Langham Hotels and Resorts Announces Partnership with Lucid Motors
Ahead of its 160th anniversary this month, The Langham Hotels and Resorts introduced pink, all-electric Lucid Air house cars at The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue, and The Langham, Huntington, Pasadena, Los Angeles. The two properties are the first to offer the Lucid Motors pink house cars with a broader rollout in the coming months.
ShareThis