Best Upcoming Conventions Near Chicago
There's no question that Chicago is a convention town. The problem is that if you blink, you've missed the date, whether it's a comic or sci-fi con. But there are some, such as those of sports teams, travel and sporting equipment, that are still coming. To ensure attendance or figuring out hotel reservations, think ahead. Mark your calendar now to attend a convention or show where you want to find out what's ahead and hear the pros speak.
Chicago Cubs Convention
Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers
301 E. North Water St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(800) 325-3535 and (312) 464-1000
www.chicago.cubs.mlb.com
New players, management and coaches have Cub fans believing the team is finally overcoming the goat curse. Held Jan. 15-17, 2016, again at the Sheraton Chicago, the convention is the place to take photos and hear expectations. Even though several rookies made remarkable appearances in 2015, it is also nice to hear and meet the Cubs Minor League stars. Guests also include past players and broadcasters. The convention is the place to meet the hall-of-fame players of tomorrow, so bring pencils for autographs. It's also a great opportunity to pick up Cubs paraphenalia and maybe a Harry Carey pair of glasses.
SoxFest
Hilton Chicago
720 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 922-4100
(877) 865-5321 (reservations)
www.whitesox.mlb.com
SoxFest is Jan. 29-31 at Hilton Chicago, but you need to make your reservations as soon as possible; it sold out last year. The convention is a chance to get autographs from past Sox stars, take photos of current players and attend Q&A sessions where you will hear what coaches expect in the 2016 season. Of course, there will be tables covered with Sox shirts, caps, mugs and probably items you never thought of.
Travel And Adventure Show
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
5555 N. River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
(203) 878-2577 x100
www.travelshows.com
Imagine a convention where you can hear travel gurus such as Pauline Frommer or Samantha Brown give destination and packing tips or a convention with perks such as camel rides and exotic foods. The Travel and Adventure Show at the Stephens Convention Center Jan. 23-24, 2016, is a great opportunity to get ideas for the next vacation or girls getaway. The hall is filled with visitors' bureaus and resorts from across North America. There are even booths from other countries. They have brochures, fun items such as pens or key chains and bags for schlepping all the stuff you will want to take home.
Muscle Car And Corvette Nationals
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
5555 N. River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
(586) 549-5291
www.musclecarandcorvette.com
Car enthusiasts should stop at the Stephens Convention Center when the Muscle car and Corvette Nationals take place Nov. 21-22. Collectors come to talk with each other about latest possession, how fast their car/s go and prizes. But you don't have to be a collector to enjoy the event. Just come to "ooh" and "aah" and ask the owners and sellers what started them collecting, what they had to do to their car and why they love it. The show also has auto-related venders.
Days Of The Dead
Schaumburg Marriott
50 N. Martingale Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 240-0100
www.daysofthedead.net
Although some of the horror conventions have already come and left Chicago, Days of the Dead lies ahead. Be sure to wear a costume. Features guests are Elvira, Mistress of the Dark and Bret "The Hitman" Hart. But there are plenty of other characters who got theirs in films such as "Jaws." You just don't know whom you will be passing in the hall but expect photo ops, movies, performances and awards.
Related: Mortal Combat X: A ChicagoVideo Game's Most Violent Baby
Jodie Jacobs is a veteran journalist who loves writing about Chicago, art, theater, museums and travel. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.