MAS-ICNA Convention 2023: What to Expect
What is MASCON 2023?
Muslim families from around the country will head to Chicago, Illinois, in December 2023 for one of the biggest Islamic conferences in America—the 22nd annual MAS-ICNA Convention.
This annual event, which takes place in Chicago every December, grew from 1,500 attendees in 2001 to more than 25,000 by 2019. After a break in 2020, it resumed successfully and broke attendance records with 30,000 in 2022.
This family-oriented event for American Muslims is focused around a variety of lectures and workshops for adults and youth featuring acclaimed speakers, as well as a huge bazaar with more than 500 booths, a carnival for children, and entertainment sessions. Multiple events occur at any given time, so attendees can choose topics of interest to them.
Speakers include Dr. Omar Suleiman, Sh. Suhaib Webb, Sr. Dalia Mogahed, and Sh. Yasir Qadhi.
Each year, the lectures focus on a different theme relevant to Muslim American society. This year’s theme is “At the Crossroads: Faith, Vision & Resilience.”
Guidance Residential at MASCON
Guidance Residential is a platinum sponsor of the MAS ICNA convention 2023.
Experts from Guidance Residential also will lead a session on Friday, Dec. 29, at 10:30 a.m. in room S106, on the ins and outs of Islamic home financing. Guidance Senior Vice Presidents Hussam Qutub and Abdessamad Melouane will share how Guidance Residential has helped 40,000+ families buy homes without compromising their faith, and how we can assist you too.
A Guidance team also will be at booth #M60 with information and door prizes.
Got questions now or want to learn more? Connect with us and we’ll be in touch soon.
Everything You Need to Know About MASCON 2023
When
This year’s MAS ICNA convention will run all day Thursday, Dec. 28, to Saturday, Dec. 30, when many people are off from work and school. Sunday, Dec. 31, is the departure day.
A separate intensive Knowledge Retreat is available before the main conference, on Tuesday-Wednesday, Dec. 26-27.
Where
This year’s MAS ICNA convention will be held at McCormick Place in Chicago. The largest convention center in America, McCormick place is near Lake Michigan, just south of downtown Chicago.
Accommodations are available at reduced rates at nearby Sheraton, Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton hotels. Several hotels are connected to the convention center, so attendees can walk from their rooms to the lectures without stepping outside. MASCON offers a portal for attendees to find and reserve a hotel room. A limited number of rooms is available, so it is recommended to make reservations early.
Parking is available in the convention center lot for $23 for 16 hours, or $36 per day for up to 24 hours. Vehicles cannot leave and return during that time. The partner hotels offer reduced rates for their overnight guests, and most allow vehicles to leave and return.
Food will be sold in the hotels and in the convention center.
Ticket Pricing + Discount Code
Tickets for the main convention on Dec. 28-30 cost $99 for adults, $89 for college students and seniors, and $79 for children 0-17 years old. An additional fee of $1.99 is charged per person.
Tickets to the intensive retreat on Dec. 26-27 are $40 each, for all ages.
A coupon code of MAS20 provides a discount of 20% off.
What to Expect at MAS-ICNA 2023
Last year’s convention was a resounding success. More than 30,000 attendees came out to hear talks by renowned scholars and community leaders, to see friends, and to shop at the gigantic bazaar. This year’s event is predicted to be even bigger.
This year’s convention is expected to feature the following:
- 35,000 attendees from almost every state and continent
- Two days of pre-convention Knowledge Retreat, and three full days of convention program and activities.
- Over 600 exhibitor and sponsor booths
- Over 170 sessions and workshops
- Over 60 scholars, acclaimed speakers, and world leaders
- Unique programs for all ages and interests
- Activities for children and toddlers
Main program
During the main program, speakers will tackle pressing issues facing American Muslims and the greater society. Attendees can expect to gain knowledge and find inspiration to take action. This program is geared toward adults.
Main program parallels
Parallel sessions delve deeper into an array of topics facing Muslim American society in a smaller setting. Participants can choose from among many speakers—including highly respected contemporary scholars—to hear about Islamic research and education, and to get answers to questions on topics from religion to current events. These are also geared toward adults.
Bazaar
While knowledge is the primary purpose of this convention, the bazaar is always a major attraction for American Muslims across the country. More than 600 vendors are expected to set up booths selling clothing, books, toys, and much more, or providing information about organizations serving the community.
Booth registration is open now for individuals and businesses that would like to reserve a spot as a vendor.
Quran competition
Attendees have the opportunity to compete in what is billed as the largest Quran competition in North America.
Knowledge Retreat
An intensive Knowledge Retreat will precede the main convention. This is for participants interested in serious study and self-improvement. Separate registration is required.
Singles event
Singles can take part in this special programming intended to help them find a spouse.
Funville carnival
Carnival attractions are available to entertain children during the convention.
Training workshops
Workshops at the convention will provide hands-on training in a small setting. Topics include leadership, dawah, community service, education, family issues, health, and activism, with special sessions also available for groups including Latino Muslims and reverts to Islam.
Yaqeen/MAS academic conference
This portion highlights work by Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, a research institute that aims to instill conviction and inspire contribution among Muslims, based on the study of mainstream Islamic texts.
Youth program/Young youth program
High-school students will find talks geared specifically to them in the youth program, offered in a more open and relaxed setting. Cafe time is a popular addition.
Meanwhile, a slightly younger crowd of 9- to 13-year-olds will find content just for them as well. The young youth program is meant to provide a sense of community and belonging. It includes interactive lectures, team-building activities, and sports to both educate and entertain.
School/Daycare
The Fun Land Program entertains kids ages 3-8 with arts and crafts, activities, and kid-friendly performances, while certified and experienced counselors are available to care for babies and toddlers age 2 and younger in the daycare.
These programs allow parents to focus on seeking knowledge without worrying about entertaining young children.
Guidance Residential will be a PLATINUM SPONSOR at MASCON 2023! Connect with us and say hello.
Originally published in November 2022, updated December 2023.
