Author: JP Dean

Three Months until the Exposition!

Post author By JP Dean
Post date March 1, 2025

Myth of Man

This week we had the BIG announcement of a bonus Thursday (5/29/25) special event, a screening of the new Steampunk film Myth of Man followed by a Q&A session with film director Jamin Winans and producer Kiowa Winans! SEE BELOW for more details.

We are now just THREE months (13 weeks) away from when the Exposition will once more open the portals that invite you to step back in time to 1893 and experience dimensions of the Chicago World’s Fair that neverwas! SEE BELOW for our latest updates regarding the Exposition’s exhibitors and program,

“Whispers in the Dark” – Part Two

Last week we started the “Whispers in the Dark” chapter of the Curse of Cthulhu storyline with journal excerpts from Charles Sumner Tainter, assisting Alexander Graham Bell with his research into phonic devices, who found far more than that for which he was searching. This week the story continues with another clue . . .

Each year there is a mystery to be solved at the Exposition as part of our Steam & Sorcery LARP Game; this time around it began with a fire . . . from ice? Every week between now and the end of May 2025, we shall release another Clue Card to help you solve the mystery game that begins during Opening Ceremonies on Friday, May 30th, 2025.

Save these Clue Cards to a folder on your phone and prepare your investigation into our “Curse of Cthulhu” LARP Game.

Click Here to see all of the

“Curse of Cthulhu” clue cards thus far.

Program Updates

Here are some details about presentations that will be part of the program in May 2025.

If you have a presentation, workshop, or some other fun activity that you would like to propose for the 2025 Exposition Program, please fill out our PRESENTER APPLICATION FORM. We are also looking for GAMES MASTERS to run tabletop games, and we are always on the search for talented PERFORMERS.

Exhibitor Updates

Exhibitors at the Exposition are divided into three main locations: The Underground Market (Sienna), The Palace of Fine Arts (Slate), and The Midway Plaisance (Atrium Lobby).

This week we featured the following exhibitors:

Tickets

Click on the Box Office image below to purchase your tickets today! Please note that for 2025 we will be printing your name (in a fancy font) on the badge, so include “badge names” in the “Order Notes” section of the check out form. In addition to your name, badges will also be labeled with your order number for reference in case lost badges get turned into Registration; that said, however, please remember that lost badges that are not turned in can not be replaced and a new purchase will be required.

Afternoon Tea Parties & Banquets

New for 2025, the Exposition will offer a limited ticket banquet on Friday and Saturday evening. We are currently working on the menu and pricing, but this meal will also offer patrons the opportunity to sit with one of our guests of honor for a meal and pleasant conversation. Details coming in our next countdown update, but meanwhile tickets for our Afternoon Tea Parties are on sale now.

Get Involved!

We are looking for Presenters, Performers, Games Masters, and other people to run sessions for the 2025 Chicago Steampunk Exposition program. Applications are now live; please click on the appropriate image to access the form.

Hotel Rooms

For April 2024, the Exposition hotel was actually sold out. Admittedly not all the people staying at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg that weekend were there for the Exposition, but nonetheless the hotel was sold out. To avoid getting locked out in 2025, we recommend booking your room early (you can always cancel later if needs be).

Social Media

- LIKE the Chicago Steampunk Expo page on Facebook for regular updates!
- RSVP to our Facebook event page!
- JOIN the Chicago Steampunk Exposition Adventurers’ Club group of Facebook to make plans with other steampunks!
- Yes, it’s all Facebook, but when we start posting on other platforms, we’ll be sure to add them to this list.

On the Horizon . . .

A really BIG announcement regarding an exclusive event!
Who is Steampunk Stanley?
Exposition 2025 Design Contests.
The new Steam & Sorcery adventure!

Program

Fashion Show

Post author By JP Dean
Post date February 27, 2025

Presented by Cap Piehler of . . .

Here is your chance to walk the catwalk!

The attendee costume promenade.
Sign-up at registration to bask in the spotlight as you walk the runway and show-off your finery.
Clothing vendors will be searching for models of all shapes, sizes, ages, genders and abilities.
Please see Cap (pictured below on the far right) at the As They Sew In France/Captain Wiloby’s Emporium booth before 2pm on Saturday. He will match you up with vendors. The sooner you connect with him, the better.

See the Current Program

Buy Your Discount Exposition Tickets

Exhibitors

Creating Meraki Studios

Post author By JP Dean
Post date February 26, 2025

Meet Micaela, Paul, Harlow, Blu and Dr. Marmetus von Tubesnoot – the steampunk otters traveling through life learning how to live full lives!

For example – Micaela is an inspiration that broken things can be repaired.

Original artwork printed on fabric make this a truly unique and completely handmade messenger bags, zippered pouches and stickers.

Click on the banner to learn more about them . . .

To see our full lists of confirmed Exhibitors, please visit . . .

The Underground Market (Sienna) for Vendors.
The Palace of Fine Arts (Slate) for Artists, Musicians, & Writers.
The Midway Plaisance (Atrium Lobby) for Organizations and Fan Groups.

Buy Your Discount Exposition Tickets

Program

“Myth of Man” Screening and Q&A with Director Jamin Winans

Post author By JP Dean
Post date February 25, 2025

Presented by Jamin Winans & Kiowa Winans

No Extra Ticket Required

The Exposition is thrilled and honored to announce a bonus exclusive one night only pre-event for the evening of Thursday, May 29th, 2025!

We shall be hosting a screening of the new Steampunk epic film Myth of Man followed by a Q&A session with film director Jamin Winans and producer Kiowa Winans!

Myth of Man is a work of Steampunk beauty in which the deaf and mute Ella (Laura Rauch) embarks on a whimsical odyssey between life and death, convinced she has received a message from her creator.

Similar to Winans’ viral short film, Spin (also known as “God is a DJ”), Myth of Man has no spoken dialogue, but is a musically-based fantastical odyssey. Winans doesn’t call the film a musical, but rather, “musically driven” – he wrote the script and scored the film in tandem over the course of three years and produced with long-time collaborator and wife Kiowa Winans.

“Jamin wanted Myth of Man to break new ground cinematically. The film is grandiose and magical, but equally personal and hand-crafted. The no-dialogue nature rewards your full attention and we are excited for audiences to share the experience on the big screen.” – Kiowa Winans, Producer

Myth of Man stars an international cast with Austrian actor Laura Rauch (Un altro Ferragosto, Sturm der Liebe) and Winans alumni Anthony Nuccio (The Frame, Criminal Minds). Also starring London-based Martin Angerbauer (Mars, The Witcher), Jason Stoval (The Frame, 11:59), and young newcomer Ian Hinton.

“Myth of Man is visually transcendent and is a work of art in every sense of the word. It’s why people fall in love with cinema.” – Sean Evans (Back to the Movies.com)

Jamin Winans created Double Edge Films in 1998. Winans plays various roles in each film, most significantly as writer, director, and editor, and more recently composing scores.

Kiowa Winans produces, but also has various other roles in art direction, sound design, costume design, and computer animation.

PHOTO CREDIT: MIKE FLANNAGAN

See the Current Program

Buy Your Discount Exposition Tickets

Exhibitors

Dr. Mike’s Shaving Emporium

Post author By JP Dean
Post date February 24, 2025

Dr. Mike’s Shaving Emporium joins the Exposition this year with their classic grooming supplies for shaving, beard maintenance, and hair care.

The company was founded in June of 2015 with the idea of revitalizing the culture of classic shaving and grooming. At Dr. Mike’s Shaving Emporium, they search for the best products created by local and United States based artisans.

All of the products that they carry have personally used, researched, and tested. Dr. Mike’s stand behind the products they sell and they love their vendors and providers. Quality, loyalty, and excellent customer service are foundational to Dr. Mike’s Shaving Emporium.

Click on the banner to learn more about them . . .

To see our full lists of confirmed Exhibitors, please visit . . .

The Underground Market (Sienna) for Vendors.
The Palace of Fine Arts (Slate) for Artists, Musicians, & Writers.
The Midway Plaisance (Atrium Lobby) for Organizations and Fan Groups.

Buy Your Discount Exposition Tickets

Exposition Updates

14 Weeks until the Exposition!

Post author By JP Dean
Post date February 23, 2025

“Whispers in the Dark” – Part One

Only fourteen more weeks remain until the Exposition once more open the portals that invite you to step back in time to 1893 and experience dimensions of the Chicago World’s Fair that neverwas!

SEE BELOW for our latest updates regarding the Exposition’s exhibitors and program,

This week we start the “Whispers in the Dark” chapter of the Curse of Cthulhu storyline with journal excerpts from Charles Sumner Tainter, assisting Alexander Graham Bell with his research into phonic devices, who found far more than that for which he was searching . . .

Save these Clue Cards to a folder on your phone and prepare your investigation into our “Curse of Cthulhu” LARP Game.