Anime Convention Travel Tips: Getting Ready for Con+Alt+Delete 2023

Con+Alt+Delete (CAD 2023), is fast approaching. Happening on December 15-17, 2023, it’s the big event of the year where folks who adore Japanese anime, gaming, manga, and everything nerdy can geek out and celebrate otaku culture.

The convention is jampacked with a long list of fun and exciting events that anime and gaming fans would never dare to miss. From cosplay to karaoke, there is something at CAD 2023 for everyone. Beyond the event itself, there's a whole city out there to discover, adding an exciting extra layer to your convention experience. Let's dive into how you can make the most of your CAD 2023 experience and how to make the most of your time when visiting Rosemont and Chicago.

About CAD 2023

CAD 2023 will take place in Rosemont, Illinois, it's right outside of Chicago, and is quite close to O'Hare Airport. This fantastic three-day event is known for being a family-friendly affair. It's where the biggest anime fans are expected to come together and celebrate everything nerdy. Scheduled for December 15-17, 2023, expect nothing short of a great time with fellow fans.

At CAD 2023, it’s all about all things otaku. Love Japanese anime? Interested in Japanese manga? Obsessed with video games? It’s an event full of geeky things attended by equally geeky people having fun and celebrating for the entire weekend. The gathering has also since become a notable platform not only highlighting the world’s fondness for anime but also of the influence of the Japanese culture. It’s where you, along with fellow geeks, can let your hair loose and have some fun — for three straight days!

What truly makes CAD 2023 stand out is that it's organized by AnimeCon.org. They're the same people behind seven other amazing anime cons happening throughout the year. You can trust they’ll know exactly what fans like. To say that they are dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences is quite an understatement. Just take a look at their impressive guest list and panels and you’ll easily see why.

Pre-Trip Planning

Getting ready for CAD 2023 involves some strategic, smart planning. You’ll want to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch, after all. CAD 2023 is taking place at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. A beautiful, spacious hotel, guests are assured of a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Plus, here's some great news: they've even slashed parking costs by 50% from the regular rates. That's a fantastic deal for convention goers who want to book a room and make the most bang for their buck!

Booking Your Room

If you want to make the most of your CAD 2023 experience, staying at the Hyatt Regency is the way to go. With rooms priced at $135 per night, that’s quite the steal for the kind of accommodation you are getting. Note though that the rate mentioned does not include taxes. When you reserve your room, you’ll be asked for a $50 deposit. Don't fret though as the deposit is going to be part of the total room bill, so you won't be charged extra.

Staying at the Hyatt Regency means you'll be right exactly where the heart of the action is. This ensures you can fully immerse yourself in all the activities the convention has lined up. On top of that, you get to enjoy a cozy and comfortable place to unwind after a fun-filled day at CAD 2023.

Budgeting and Accommodation

When planning your trip to CAD 2023, always take into consideration how much your budget is going to be. You don’t want to bite more than you can chew and it’s so easy to overspend in events like these especially when you get the chance to step into the Dealers Hall where tons of collectibles and convention-exclusive merch are on sale.

Spend time to decide how much your budget will be. Consider how much exactly is it you can conveniently afford. This means accounting for the convention tickets, food— although CAD 2023 has ConSweet which ensures you get access to unlimited ramen and soda the whole time— shopping, and any other activities you plan to do. With a clear budget, you’ll feel more confident you’ll make wise spending decisions during the trip.

Transportation

Getting to the CAD 2023 venue is an important part of planning for your trip planning. Here are some transportation options to consider:

• Flying: If you live somewhere far away, flying might be the best and most convenient option for you. Check for flights going to and from O'Hare International Airport, it’s the closest to Rosemont and the CAD 20203 venue is conveniently located nearby. Be sure to compare prices from different airlines. Also, the earlier you get your tickets booked, the better deal you’ll get.
• Taking a Train: Depending on where you’re heading out from, taking a train could be a comfortable option. Not to mention, it will be more affordable too. Amtrak is one option to look into but do consider other train services connecting to Chicago. Early reservation is key if you want to secure a spot. Remember that the event is happening close to Christmas, so it might get a bit busy.
• Driving: For those that are close enough to Rosemont, driving is always a great choice. Plus, it’s cost-effective option. If you do decide to go this road, be sure to plan your route ahead of time. More importantly, ensure your vehicle is in a state to make the trip to and from the event venue. The last thing you want is to deal with a car breaking down in the middle of nowhere. If you have friends who are coming along, carpooling is a great idea too. This way you can share expenses like parking and gas and have more funds to spend on con merch!

• Local Transportation: Once in Rosemont, you'll need to figure out how to get around the city. Research public transportation options in the area. Buses or trains and even cabs are worth looking into. They can help you move within Rosemont. They’re also great for exploring nearby areas and the rest of the city if you’re inclined. If you prefer rideshare services, download the apps ahead of time. Take time to figure out how they work too.

City Exploration

With all the convention details sorted out, you might want to consider exploring Rosemont and nearby Chicago. There's a lot to see and do here and naturally, you’ll want to make the most of your time.

Sightseeing and Local Attractions

• Rosemont Theater: If you’re into live performance, Rosemont Theater is one destination you want to check out. Check if there’s a show or a concert playing during your visit. It would make for a great side trip once the convention events are all over.
• MB Financial Park: Looking for the best restaurants and bars? This is Rosemont’s entertainment district. It even features a comedy club. If you want a night out with friends while in the city, this is one of the best and most fun places to head to.
• Fashion Outlets of Chicago: If shopping is your thing, Fashion Outlets is one spot you don’t want to miss. They offer great deals on designer brands. So, if you still have enough funds left after buying your haul of CAD 2023 con merch, this is one shopping destination you want to experience.

Local Cuisine

When visiting Chicago, the deep-dish pizza is one local offering you must try. Several pizzerias around can be found around Rosemont and Chicago and most serve this iconic dish. Chicago-style hotdog is another local specialty you don’t want to miss out on. Its toppings of onions, pickles, and tomatoes bring the flavor together. Almost every hot dog joint you’ll find in the area should have this on their menu. If you have a flair for international cuisine, Rosemont has its fair share of international restaurants, from Italian to Japanese.

Convention-Specific Considerations

When preparing for CAD 2023, there are a few crucial convention-specific considerations you’ll want to keep in mind.

Review the Convention Schedule

Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with the convention schedule. This will tell you what events, activities, and panels await you, along with their specific times and locations. The convention venue is quite massive. So, it wouldn’t hurt to take the time to familiarize yourself with the venue as well.

Mark down events or panels you really want to go to. It’s easy to get lost in all the fun and excitement of anime conventions. If you’re not careful, you might lose track of time and miss an event you’ve been looking forward to. CAD 2023 will have special guests who will also be doing autograph sessions. Be sure to check where this is happening and if you need specific tickets to access that

Packing for the Convention

No anime convention is going to be complete without the infamous cosplay. If you intend to attend the events dressed as your favorite character, ensure you have all your costume pieces and props ready and packed. If it’s a particularly detailed piece, have a checklist ready to ensure you won’t miss a piece when packing things.

While CAD 2023 encourages attendees to come in their best cosplay gear, it is really not a must. You can choose to dress normally if you wish to. If you do decide that cosplaying is not your thing, make sure to pack comfortable footwear and clothing. It’s a convention, after all. There will be lots of standing, walking, and waiting in line.

Registering for CAD 2023

If you’ve got CAD 2023 in your sight, be sure to grab your tickets ahead of time. The convention requires you to register to get in. You can do this way ahead of time or when you’re at the convention entrance.

However, registering beforehand is the best move. For one, it’s a great way to save money since you’ll be offered discounted prices. So, if you’ve already made up your mind that you’re going on December 15-17, be sure to register in advance. It would be a waste not to snag those savings. Registering for CAD 2023 is only $35— That's a super-low price for which will you enjoy the full three days of anime fun.

See you at CAD 2023!