As we say goodbye to 2023, and we ring in the new year, CoCoFest will be here in a few short months. I’m excited to see what this years CoCoFest will bring. I have already heard that there will be some rare hardware and several new projects that people are working on. Don’t forget that this year’s theme is Star Wars since the fest is on May 4th. I am encouraging all the vendors to decorate their tables in the Star Wars theme.
We have opened the registration for all exhibitors and attendees. We were able to keep the prices the same as last year. We will be selling 8-foot tables for $40 each, and 6-foot tables for $30 each. This year I have increased the maximum number of tables from 2 to 3. If you are thinking about getting a table, please get it now before they are all gone. Tables are going extremely fast this year. This is a good problem to have, and I have already been working with the hotel about setting up additional tables in another room and in the hallway of the hotel. I will be posting updates on the Glenside website, Discord, and the Facebook groups. Since tables are in such high demand, we will not be taking payment for the them at the door this year. The tables MUST be paid in full no later than April 17th. This way we can be sure that all the tables will be used and sit empty. If you would like to sign up for tables, you can do that at Tandylist.
If you would like to join us for this year’s for CoCoFest, you can. We will be at the same location as last year at the Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago-Carol Stream (Wheaton), in Carol Stream, IL. The cost to attend this year’s fest will be free this year. The hotel has provided us with a block of rooms at a discounted rate. To book a room at the Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago-Carol Stream, you can book your room online by clicking here. You must book before the cutoff date of Midnight Chicago time, April 17, 2024 for the special CoCoFEST! rate of $120 a night plus fees taxes for two queen beds, or a one king bed. There is an option for two rooms suite with a king bed for $135 a night plus taxes. They also have a two-room suite with two queen beds upon request. Please reach out to Grant Leighty if you are interested in this room. To get this rate, you must select any days between and including May 2nd to 5th and enter the CoCoFEST! group rate of GTS. You may alternatively call the Front Desk to book your room at 630-665-3000 and provide them the Group Code of GTS.
We will continue the tradition and will be having a buffet style dinner on Saturday night at the hotel. This year we will be offering a BBQ Buffet.
- Garden Salad with two dressings
- Smoked BBQ Brisket, and Pulled Pork with BBQ sauce
- Baked Bean
- Macaroni & Cheese
- Desert
The cost of the Saturday dinner is $45 per person. You can register for the dinner at Tandylist. The dinners must be ordered and paid for no later than April 17, 2024. If you have a special diet need, please send me an email to cocofest@glensideccc.com and we will try to accommodate your needs.
This year’s theme will be Star Wars since the fest is held on May 4th. I encourage everyone to decorate their tables this year, and even wear Star Wars costumes to the show. We will be giving a prize to the best decorated table. Also, we will be selling t-shirts this year on our store website. Salvador has created one design option, and you can see it on the Glenside website. If you have an idea for a t-shirt design, please send it to me at cocofest@glensideccc.com.
One last thing, if you would like to give a presentation at this year’s CoCoFest, please send me an email with your presentation idea and I will get you added to the schedule. Presentations will be limited this year to only Saturday to allow more time for people to attend the booths. Remember that attending the CoCoFest is free this year. If you want to become a member of the Glenside Color Computer Club you can purchase a membership on Tandylist for only $15. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please send me an email at cocofest@glensideccc.com. I hope to see everyone later this year at the 32nd Annual “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST.
