MicroCon 2023 Chicago

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.

Schedule of Events

This schedule is rapidly approaching “set in stone” and we expect little to no change after this point.

THU 19:00-22:30

Welcome Reception

Casual (please) arrival reception at Burger Theory (inside conference hotel). Drop by to meet other delegates and enjoy snacks, beverages, wings and compete for the micronational trivia championship belt.

FRI 10:00-12:00

Nemean Games

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

FRI 12:30-17:00

Self-Guided Tour of Route 66

The tour will begin in historic downtown Lockport with lunch at Lock And Mule (or one of the other nearby eateries), and then make your way down the Route 66 Interpretive Corridor to the Old Joliet Prison and on to downtown Joliet for more history and fun photo opps.

FRI 19:00-22:00

Diplomatic Reception

Formal diplomatic reception at Oakwood House. Dress is Formal/Full Dress Uniform/National Attire. In addition to traditional reception activities, there will be garden games (croquet, etc.), and photo opportunities. For All-Access and Party Pass holders.

SAT 08:00-09:00

Conference Check-in

Come check-in and get settled for an exciting day of learning and cultural diplomacy. (This is also the time to set up your table display!)

SAT 09:00-16:00

Sessions

Speakers, presentations and “Show-and-Tell” talks. There will be a buffet lunch served at Noon. For All-Access and Conference Pass holders.

SAT 16:00-16:30

Awardsapalooza

This is the time to present awards and honors to your fellow micronationalists. We will have a backdrop available for photos. We have a hard stop at 4:30p so the venue can reset the ballroom for the gala.

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. For All-Access and Party Pass holders.

SUN 12:00-14:00

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.