The relaunch of the Chicago Steampunk Exposition is now 41 weeks away!

Inspired by the 1893 Chicago World’s Exposition, we invite you to take a step back in time to an alternative history where technology and magic have accelerated the advancement of Victorian society at a much more rapid rate. Combine your imagination with immersion and experience the exhibits and wonders of the Exposition that neverwas.

Thematically for 2023, think 1893 World’s Fair meets Carnival Row! (see “Victorian Fae” below for more information)


Tea Time

This week has been rather a tea themed week, and we hope that you will join our Guests of Honor for an Afternoon Tea special event at the Exposition in 2023!

Tickets will go on sale soon, but meanwhile here is a list of what delightful things you can expect to be served this April:

  • Tea choices (English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Assam, & Darjeeling)
  • British scone with clotted cream and jam (pictured above)
  • Cucumber sandwiches
  • Egg salad sandwiches
  • Mini eclairs
  • Lemon tartlets
  • Fruit cup
  • Chessmen cookies (for tea dueling practice)

The Exposition Tea Room is located on the Lobby Level in the Cyan room.


Program Updates

For spring 2023, Chicago will see the largest program of Steampunk activities, presentations, and special events since . . . well, since the last Exposition!

Each week we shall preview some of the amazing things that you will be to experience at 2023 Chicago Steampunk Exposition, and this week we featured . . .

Be a Presenter!

If you have Steampunk related knowledge and expertise that you would like to share at the Exposition, then we invite you be part of the Program and submit your proposals for presentations.


Exposition Exhibitors

This coming April, the Exposition will offer a wide array of exhibitors and vendors to entertain, educate, and entice you.

Throughout the convention you will find them in our Main Exhibitor Hall, Artists’ Alley, Printers’ Row, Exhibitor Alley, and in our Special Exhibit Gallery; for more information visit our Exhibitor page.

As exhibitors are being confirmed we are adding them to the site and featuring them each week; our latest features are . . .

If you would like to be an Exposition Exhibitor, please submit an application HERE.


Special Exhibit – Victorian Fae

Each year the Chicago Steampunk Exposition hosts a Special Exhibit that sets the underlying “theme” for that year’s convention; for 2023 our special exhibit will be “Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Fantastic Discovery of the Fae World.” This exhibit will feature art, relics, and other items of interest collected around the Fae Academia following Doyle and his father establishing diplomatic contact with the Fae territories. The Exposition will celebrate the many cultures, achievements, and art of Faekind, and be joined by ambassadors and representatives of these magical realms as we welcome them to Chicago. In many ways this will be like Carnival Row, but unlike the Republic of the Burgue, Chicago embraces diversity and multicultural exchanges.

Starting in July, we shall be seeking entries from artists and inventors to display pieces in our Special Exhibit, which will be a curated gallery of artworks for admiration and sale. Details to follow (later this month).


The Venue

The 2023 Chicago Steampunk Exposition is being hosted at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg. This upscale hotel is a short drive from O’Hare International Airport with many facilities both in the hotel and surrounding it, plus FREE PARKING.

Visit our Venue Page to learn more about the layout of the show floors and what to expect from the Exposition new home.

Room prices and booking information are all listed on the Book Rooms page.


On the Horizon . . .

  • Special Events announcements
  • Updates on Featured Presenters
  • The immersive Steam & Sorcery LARP game
  • . . . and more!

Chicago Steampunk Exposition