MicroCon 2023 Archive

MicroCon Chicago 2023

June 29 – July 2, 2023 • Joliet, Illinois

The 2023 US edition of MicroCon brought together 132 delegates, observers and guests from across North America and beyond for a weekend of cultural diplomacy. From the athletic "feats of strength" at the Nemean Games to the white-tie elegance of the Gala, the event served as a landmark gathering for the micronational community.

Thursday, 29 June: Welcome

29 Jun
Welcome Reception & Trivia

An informal opening gathering at Burger Theory featuring the second biennial Micronational Trivia Championship.

Friday, 30 June: History & Athletics

30 Jun
The Nemean Games

Athletic competitions hosted on the estate of the Queen of Ladonia, featuring traditional micronational "feats of strength."

Route 66 Historical Tour

Delegates visited the Old Joliet Prison and the Route 66 Interpretive Corridor for architectural photography.

Evening Diplomatic Reception

A formal gathering at Oakwood House. Attire: Full Dress Uniforms and National Regalia.

Saturday, 1 July: The Summit

The primary diplomatic summit was held at the Rock Run Convention Center.

09:00
Opening Keynote Address

Carolyn Shelby (Ladonia)

Lecture
Micronations and the Threat of Cyberwar

George Bragg (Slabovia)

Lecture
Trans Rights in Micronationalism

Christina Nowell (Cycoldian Imperium)

Lecture
The History of Micronational Sports

Matthew Salzer (Ladonia / MOF)

Lecture
Misconceptions Towards Women in Politics

Mariana Kataoka (Democracy of Maristan)

Lecture
Doctors With A Very Poor Understanding of Borders

Eric Lis (Aerican Empire)

Briefing
Joint Micronational Rescue Operation: A Photographic History

Rankin Macgillivray (Slabovia)

Briefing
The World's Smallest Spy Agency

John Farr (Republic of West Who)

Lecture
Pomp and Royal Circumstance

Anna Ralls-Ulrich (Belmoor)

Academic
The "Why" of Micronationalism: Dissertation Research

Robert Motum (University of Toronto)

Lecture
The Path to Citizenship

Katie Bellis Miller (Republic of Molossia)

Academic
Friends and Allies of Micronationalism

Phillip Pillin (Pibocip)

Showcase
Oral National Show-and-Tell Presentations

Asa Ward (Curnon), Connor Hetner (Cotter Menaceland), King James (Jamestown), Andrew Perdomo (Pontunia)

16:00
Awardsapalooza

The informal exchange of honors and inter-micronational decorations.

19:30
The 2023 MicroCon Gala

A white-tie formal dinner and ball held in the Shakespeare Ballroom, includes the induction of the second class of the Micronational Hall of Excellence Inductees and Norton Award winners.

Sunday, 2 July: Departure

02 Jul
Inter-Micronational Bowling

The weekend concluded with a friendly tournament at a local Joliet lanes before final departures.

Venue Archive

The 2023 Summit was hosted at the Rock Run Convention Center and the Holiday Inn & Suites Joliet Southwest. These venues served as the official seat of the conference sessions and the main delegate residence.