This past weekend, the second annual Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) took place at McCormick Place for three days of comics, real-time strategy, toys, cosplay and overall general nerdery. Last year's expo was a nice surprise and had its share of sights and sounds, but this year upped the ante. Thor's Chris Hemsworth was the guest of honor and was joined by a respectable list of entertainers, artists and authors including Eliza Dushku, Danny McBride and Patton Oswalt. There were a bevy of industry panels and film screenings, including the gritty, independent Boy Wonder. But while C2E2 continues to grow and make a name for itself among the comic industry's lengthy list of conventions, what makes the expo so entertaining is the people that attend. Dressed as superheroes, anime characters, fairies and wookies, it's the fans that will always be the lifeline of a comics convention. Have a look for yourself in our gallery. more ›

McCormick Place will remain home to the National Restaurant Association's annual trade show, under a new agreement signed between the Association and the McPier Authority today. Changes made by Governor Quinn to reduce expenses to convention holders were sufficient enough for the NRA to keep its convention in Chicago through 2016. more ›

Just a week after the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society announced it was moving its 2012 convention from Chicago to Las Vegas, another major convention is also bolting the Windy City for a warmer climate. Today the Society of the Plastics Industry announced they would be moving their next two conventions to Orlando, Florida. The convention, held every three years, was last in Chicago this June but will be relocating for at least its 2012 and 2015 conventions. The reason? Cost. According to CBS 2: more ›

Palin (she's gone from "unqualified" to "Goddamn frightening" in the space of a week) have been formally nominated by the GOP, let's take a look back at previous Republican conventions. more ›

Harry Potter fans from around the world will be converging on the Hilton Chicago Hotel this weekend for Terminus, a five-day conference revolving around all that is "wizard". Attendees can expect “academic presentations and lectures, educational workshops, a Quidditch tournament, a bon voyage ball, and certainly, lively discussion about Harry Potter.” Other planned events: a pre-conference Wrock (wizard rock) concert, featuring over 30 wizarding bands over three stages, and the chance to attend the wedding of two Potter fans. more ›