Wizard World Chicago 2001 Attendance Tops 40,000
The annual multi-media and comics convention, Wizard World Chicago 2001, saw over 40,000 consumers attend the three-day event, which featured autograph signings, movie previews, panels and product presentations from exhibitors and guest stars. Wizard World's special guests included filmmaker Kevin Smith (JAY AND SILENT BOB STRIKE BACK) and numerous comics' artists and writers, along with 2001 guest of honor, painter Alex Ross. This year's attendance was a 12% rise from last year's crowds, filling the 275,000 square-foot hall of the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. Wizard Entertainment announced plans to launch an additional all-new convention spectacular, Wizard World EAST, in Philadelphia in May 2002.