C2E2's Update Presents Questions for Fans

ReedPop, the organizers behind the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo, also known as C2E2, have shared another major update for the upcoming event. They’ve announced that masks and the vaccine have been dropped as requirements for entry. This comes not long after ticket sales went live with the guidelines from the previous show still in place. 

C2E2 was last held in December after some delays and cancellations. Masks were required, as well as proof of vaccination or negative test results. This decision was met with some pushback, as some people stated they wanted a refund on their tickets and others outright refused to attend. 

As anticipated though, this news presents the community with the flipside of the issue. Now that those requirements have been lifted, what about the people who aligned with those measures? There was comfort in knowing guidelines were in place to protect people and that everyone there was aligned with it, at least at the time, for the enjoyment of the event. 

I can imagine this change will put some potential attendees in a state of unease ahead of the show. With so much time left until then, it gives people time to decide. I’ve not stopped wearing a mask when out in public and am still planning to attend this year’s convention. Being mindful of spacing around others is still a good idea. With that said, I have no problem admitting how lax I am when digging through the long boxes. That’s the life of a collector. What can you do? 

This is one of the industries that’s been in a unique position regarding navigating COVID during this period with the return of larger events and looser restrictions. It’s also one of those situations when, as the host, you plan and go in knowing you can’t please everyone. Then you must ask: Why make the change? Is it to align with local guidelines? Or is it a response to public opinion? The phrase “A little bit of column A, a little bit of column B” seems fitting. 

What do you think of this update? Does it change your decision on attending the convention? Have you maintained any safety precautions, such as continuing to mask up or maintaining some distance from others? Sound off in the comments. 

C2E2 2022 will be held on August 5-7 at McCormick Place.