Wizard World Adding Second Chicago Show March 7-8

In order to expand its presence in the convention space even further in 2015, Wizard World is trying several different things. It’s already announced shows in new markets and the management of a previously existing event, Pittsburgh Comicon. Now it’s announced another wrinkle: adding a second show in one of its biggest markets.

Earlier this week, the company announced Wizard World Comic Con Presents Fan Fest Chicago (which for brevity’s sake, we’ll simply call Fan Fest Chicago), a new show that will take place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center on March 7-8. That’s the same facility that will host one of the biggest Wizard World stops, Wizard World Comic Con Chicago, in August.

Designed as a “thank you” for fans, Fan Fest Chicago will be specially priced at $25 for the weekend and $15 for single-day admissions. In addition, people with VIP or four-day passes to Wizard World Comic Con Chicago will get into the new event for free.

“The Wizard World Comic Con Presents Fan Fest Chicago is a great way for us to give back to the fans,” John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO, said in a press release. “We appreciate so much their having made Wizard World Comic Con Chicago the biggest show in the Midwest that we have put together a low-cost, high-energy show for all to enjoy.”

The announcement also hinted at a strong focus on cosplay at Fan Fest Chicago. There’s been a growing concern about cosplaying guests dominating some comic conventions to the exclusion of interaction with creators and other events, so giving fans a chance to show off their outfits at a smaller, less expensive show might be a test balloon to try alleviating some of those issues.

Still, Wizard World is promising celebrity and creator guests just like at its full-scale shows, with the roster announced shortly. More information on Fan Fest Chicago can be found at WizardWorld.com as it becomes available.

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