Like clockwork, another year brings another “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST! Just one month from today (May 2 and 3, 2025), we’ll all be congregating at the grand ballroom of the Carol Stream, IL Holiday Inn to kickoff the 33rd annual pilgrimage to the Chicago area. Just as in 2024, exhibits will occupy multiple spaces in the hotel, including the actual hallway. Though probably not as scary as his other hobby of stormchasing, CoCoFEST coordinator Grant Leighty is trying to cram all of the presentations into the 2 full day Friday/Saturday speaker schedule, which will soon be available at https://www.glensideccc.com/cocofest/.
Did you catch that? Yes, for the first time in 2025, the show is moving from a full Saturday and a partial Sunday show to a full day Friday and full day Saturday show. Sunday will now be reserved for teardown and cleanup. We know many folks travel from far off places every year, and this should provide more travel flexibility. We’re always looking for ways to make the show more enjoyable for you, so let us know your thoughts on this change and how else we could improve the show.
Contrary to rumors, the “Last” in quotes in the event name does not mean we’ve decided forgo holding a future one. But, it does take funds to put on a successful event. I want to thank in advance our vendors and exhibitors, who have purchased tables, as well as all of those folks who bid on the “No Minimum Bid Auction” items. All of those proceeds are earmarked to pay for the event space. I also want to once again thank 3rd year show sponsor Retro Rewind, who will have a booth at the show and would love for you to visit.
If you’re considering joining us in Carol Stream, there’s no better time than now to take advantage of the room rate. Like last year, attendee admission is free, though we really appreciate pre-registration via www.tandylist.com. Also as in previous years, we are offering a catered evening meal at the hotel, and you can order tickets at that web site. Finally, please consider joining GCCC or renewing your membership during your pre-registration.
You still have time, but a month goes by quickly. If you’ve not yet made plans, now is the time. And, if you’re presenting or exhibiting, time is running out! We hope to see you May 2 and 3 for the 33rd Annual “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST!