MicroCon 2023 Chicago

Join us in Joliet, Illinois June 30-July 2, 2023.

MicroCon 2023

Held biennially in odd years, MicroCon is the world's largest regularly scheduled gathering of micronationalists, where we come together in friendship to engage in cultural diplomacy. The 2023 US edition of MicroCon will feature casual parties, a formal gala, feats of strength (sports), and 8 hours of educational programming.

Fun & Friends

Multiple social events are scheduled so all ages can have fun and get to know other micronationalists.

Scenic Photo-Ops

The Joliet area is part of historic Route 66, home of the Joliet Prison made famous by the Blues Brothers (among others), and is generally full of places for micronational photoshoots.

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Education

A full day of speakers, presentations, and a whirlwind tour around the micronational world awaits on Conference Day.

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Feats of Strength

Intermicronational sporting events in the shape of the Nemean Games will give participants a chance to win glory for your country.

Preliminary Schedule

It’s still early days and we expect to add additional events and shuffle a few things around, so everything shown right now is subject to change.

THU 17:30-22:30

Welcome Reception

Casual (please) arrival reception at the nearby pub. Drop by to meet other delegates and enjoy snacks, beverages, wings and micronational trivia.

FRI Afternoon Time TBD

Tour: Route 66

The tour will begin in historic downtown Lockport with craft beers and a very foodie-ish lunch, and then down the Route 66 Interpretive Corridor to the Old Joliet Prison and on to downtown Joliet for more history and fun photo opps.

FRI Time TBD

Nemean Games

The equivalent of the Micronational Olympics – win glory for your nation!

FRI 15:00-17:00

Display Set-Up

Stop by the conference hall to set up your table display or your poster presentation. If you have items you’d prefer to not leave unattended overnight, there will be time Saturday morning to finish set-up.

FRI Time TBD

Diplomatic Reception

Formal diplomatic reception (full dress uniform, if you like) at Oakwood House. In addition to traditional reception activities, there will be garden games (croquet, bags, etc.), and photo opportunities.

SAT 08:00-09:00

Conference Check-in

Come check-in and get settled for an exciting day of learning and cultural diplomacy.

SAT 09:00-16:15

Sessions

Speakers, presentations and “Show-and-Tell” talks. There will be a break for a buffet lunch around noon.

SAT 16:15-17:00

Awardsapalooza

To keep the evening Gala rolling, awards and honors may be presented to your fellow micronationalists during this time instead of during dinner. We will have a backdrop available for photos.

SAT 18:30-23:30

MicroCon Gala

Polish your tiaras and break-in your dancing shoes for the ever popular MicroCon Gala. The dress code is ultra formal and full regalia is appropriate.

SUN 09:00 - 12:00

Bowling!

Gather your micronation’s team and join us for friendly-yet-competitive bowling. More details to come, but we wanted to get it on your radar.

Chicago Tickets

There are three ticket types for MicroCon Chicago - The Conference Only Pass, Full Conference plus Dinner Pass, and Dinner Only Pass.

^$ 100
Dinner/Parties Only
Chicago (Jun 30-Jul 2)
- Parties and Socials Only
- Includes evening, white-tie Gala
- Does NOT incl. conf sessions
Buy Ticket

^$ 145
All Access
Chicago (Jun 30-Jul 2)
- All Conference Sessions
- Conference includes lunch
- All pre-event social events
- Includes evening, white-tie Gala
Buy Ticket

^$ 65
Conference Only
Chicago (Jul 1)
- Conference Only
- Lunch Included
- 9a-5p, Sat. July 1
Buy Ticket

Venue and Lodging

MicroCon 2023 will be held on Saturday, July 1st at the Rock Run Convention Center in Joliet, Illinois.

The new conference center has 4 hotels in the immediate vicinity and one of them, the Holiday Inn & Suites Joliet Southwest, is directly attached to the venue. You are welcome to stay at any hotel you like (and there’s a campground a few minutes up the road if that is more your style), but we have negotiated a special room rate for MicroCon attendees at the Holiday Inn and most activities will take place there.

Event Venue

Rock Run Convention Center
1471 Rock Creek Boulevard, Joliet, IL 60431

Conference Hotel

Holiday Inn & Suites Joliet Southwest
1471 Rock Creek Boulevard, Joliet, IL 60431

Special MicroCon Rate: $175/per night
To book, please call (888) HOLIDAY and use the group name “MicroCon 2023”
The special rate for the room block expires on May 9th, so please book before then.