Wizard World Chicago joins FAN EXPO HQ
(August 10, 2021, 7:00 a.m. PT/10 a.m. ET – Toronto, ON): Today, FAN EXPO HQ shared big plans to change the
fan convention industry in North America forever, when it announced six of Wizard World’s (OTC:WIZD) largest
U.S. shows will join its portfolio, including Wizard World Chicago. Wizard World’s events in Philadelphia, New
Orleans, Portland, Cleveland, and St. Louis will also be rebranded as FAN EXPO events in 2022. FAN EXPO will run
17 shows in North America, making it the largest producer of fan conventions in the world. Wizard World Chicago
2021, set to run October 15-17 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, will continue as originally planned,
as the last Wizard World Chicago event.
“FAN EXPO HQ is devoted to creating unmissable, exceptional fan experiences. We’re beyond thrilled to be able
to offer that to fans in six new locations and pleased that Wizard World recognized our ability to elevate guest
experience to the next level. We’re looking forward to getting to know the local community, learn what they’re
looking for, and raise the bar!” said FAN EXPO HQ President, Aman Gupta. “Personally, I’m eager to contribute to
the incredible legacy of the Chicago event, the second oldest comic event in North America, and restore it to its
former glory and beyond.”
The Chicago show, which started as Chicago Comic Con in 1972 and became Wizard World Chicago in 1998, has
attracted tens of thousands of fans a year as well as celebrities and creators like Stan Lee, Michael J. Fox and
Carrie Fisher. FAN EXPO HQ is currently collaborating with Wizard World on a smooth transition and will honor all
prior commitments with fans, exhibitors, and artisans. Plans for FAN EXPO Chicago 2022 will be announced later
this year, and fans can expect a new, reinvigorated brand and revitalized attendee experience. Wizard World will
continue to operate the Wizard World Vault and will be participating at all FAN EXPO events.
FAN EXPO HQ’s existing roster includes FAN EXPO Canada (Toronto, ON), MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Dallas,
FAN EXPO Boston, Calgary Comics & Entertainment Expo, FAN EXPO Vancouver, Toronto Comicon, Dallas FAN
FESTIVAL, Edmonton Comics & Entertainment Expo and various other special events. It also includes FAN EXPO
San Francisco, a new event launching in fall 2022, and FAN EXPO Denver, previously Denver Pop Culture Con,
which will return with an introductory SPECIAL EDITION show this fall before fully returning in 2022. FAN EXPO
HQ events are expected to attract nearly 1 million fans in 2022 and will cover more than 10 million square feet of
exhibition space.
“Every fan, at every single one of our 17 events across North America, will benefit from this game-changing
announcement,” said Gupta. “As the largest producer of fan events in the world, we will be able to offer even
more exclusive access to superstar talents, international brands, and innovative experiences. 2022 will be the
most exciting year in our company’s history, and I know Chicago’s fans will feel that pride and excitement.”
Tickets for Wizard World Chicago, October 15-17, 2021, are available now via wizd.me/Chicago.
