Just one month from today, the 32nd Annual “Last” Chicago CoCoFEST! will officially kick off at the Carol Stream, IL Holiday Inn. For 2024, we’ve taken over the entirety of the show space at the venue, not only filling the entirety of the main hall, but also taking over space across the hallway. CoCoFEST coordinator Grant Leighty is busy finalizing the presentation schedule, which will be posted along with hotel reservation information and exhibitor details at https://www.glensideccc.com/cocofest/. For the second year, CoCoFEST! is sponsored by Retro Rewind. Please stop by their booth at the show.
Speaking of hotel accommodations, they’ve noted 102 nights have already been reserved, though they are holding the block rate open until April 17. 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.
Whether you’re planning to attend in person or join virtually via our streams, be sure to show off your show spirit by grabbing some of the show apparel. In addition to t-Shirts, hoodies, caps, beanies, and shorts, you can also pick up a CoCoFEST! mug, bottle, backpack, apron, laptop bag, button, magnet, or fanny pack. If there are babies in your life, nothing says you’re a great influence for that child more than a CoCoFEST branded onesie or bib! Sadly, there’s no plush CoCo Cat due to copyright concerns, but I do think the teddy bear is quite cute! No matter what you fancy, you can sport either one of our show graphic designs.
No matter why you’re planning to attend, we’re excited to share this event with you, a CoCo Connoisseur. Beyond the exhibits, presentations and the even popular No Minimum Bid Auction(tm), I hope you are able to enjoy making new friendships and strengthening existing ones. Given all of the demands on our time, I think it’s important to take a weekend like this to focus on the relationships in the community. If you have an opportunity, stop by my table at the show and say hello.
To no one’s surprise, this event would not exist without the efforts of the event staff, coordinated by showrunner Grant Leighty. I’d also like to thank Randy Weaver for assisting on the TandyList automations. If you have an opportunity at the show, please take a moment to thank our volunteers, without whose help, CoCoFEST would be nothing.
about this month’s meeting, but I’m actually early. In December, attendees voted to move the meeting to the second Thursday of the month, which is January 11, to hopefully avoid some conflicts. I hope this new date allows each of you more flexibility to join.