Anime Central in Chicago was super fun. Lots of artists making prints badges shirts and body pillow covers. They had arcade machines set up in the back, and multiple fighting game tournaments. Some Wit Studio animators for Spy x Family were there to observe the cosplay meetup and later gave a panel about how the OP was animated.
My only regret is that I didn't get a hotel closer to the convention center.
I live on the north side of Chicago metropolitan area so it was about 40 minutes of travel one way.
We weren't able to find any rooms in the adjacent hotels for a remotely reasonable price. I think the best strategy is to make friends and make plans to room with a group.