C2E2 (Chicago)

C2E2 punches well above its weight, delivering an artist alley experience that rivals #6 MCM London’s in quality though on a smaller scale. With 85,000 attendees in 2025, it hosts panels from major publishers like Marvel and DC, alongside 500+ indie creators—a 10% increase in guest artists over the prior year. Its welcoming Midwest atmosphere is reflected in a 90% attendee satisfaction score, 15 points higher than the industry average. This mid-tier event proves that curated programming can outperform larger conventions in engagement and community feel.