FAQs
ICON The Illustration Conference is held every other year in a new and different city. The host city for the next ICON will be announced soon.
ICON is a four day conference with workshops, educational papers (Prisms), animation screening (Motion Commotion), marketplace (Roadshow), and talks and keynotes (Mainstage). Every evening there are events such as an attendee gallery show, cocktails and parties. It’s a jam packed schedule punctuated with opportunities to connect with friends and colleagues from across the country.
Your ICON ticket includes all Prisms education papers presentations, all Mainstage talks and keynotes and evening events – Roadshow, Motion Commotion, Gallery Exhibition and the Closing Night Party – over four full days.
Workshops and Portfolio reviews are a la carte add-ons.
While some light snacks might be provided, breakfast, lunch, dinner, travel and lodging are not included.
ICON is for illustrators and their art and design collaborators, including art directors, designers, curators, educators, representatives, students and fans. Everyone who loves illustration is welcome at ICON.
No, ICON is an in person, gotta-be-there-to-see-it type of event.
ICON speakers are selected at the board's discretion. If you would like to submit a proposal, please contact us, and we will pass it along to the Mainstage Programming Chair.
Yes! ICON is set up as a one-tent experience where everyone enjoys the education, main stage and evening events together.
The only exceptions are the Workshops and Portfolio reviews which are add-ons that take place during Prisms Education Symposium program.
Learn more about ICON13.
Please see the registration area where you picked up your badge and tote bag to claim any lost-and-found items.
Meals are not provided at ICON. Sometimes we are able to offer snacks or beverages, but meals are each attendees responsibility. On each ICON conference site, we create a map of the nearby area and note cafes, coffee shops and restaurants.
We sell tickets via Eventbrite and will include links when tickets for the next conference are available for sale.
Due to financial constraints we are not able to refund conference tickets. You may sell or gift your ticket to a friend or colleague. To transfer your ticket, send an email to the office with the name of the original ticket holder and the name and email of the person taking your ticket and we’ll make the switch. You must cancel any other travel and hotel arrangements on your own.
Yes. If you have a group of six (6) or more, please contact Mark Heflin at mark@theillustrationconference.org for group ticket pricing.
Every ICON has a registration area which will be communicated to all attendees in advance via email, the ICON app, and social media.
No, each attendee must pick up their own badge on site. Please note your government issued ID should match the last name of your Config ticket for badge pickup.
MOBILITY
ICON is held in a different city and different venues for every conference, and we do our best to rent venues that are accessible to all. If you require mobility assistance on site, please contact one of the ICON Directors at office@theillustrationconference.org, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
DEAF/HARD OF HEARING
ICON will offer ASL support on an as-needed basis. For attendees who use ASL, please contact one of the ICON Directors at office@theillustrationconference.org, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
ICON is held in a different city and different venues for every conference, and we do our best to rent venues that are accessible to all. If you require mobility assistance on site, please contact one of the ICON Directors at office@theillustrationconference.org, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Service animals are allowed at ICON if the venue we have rented permits service animals.
Yes, ICON secures blocks of rooms for every conference and this information is shared with ticket holders via email and social media posts.
The ICON team is not able to assist with accommodation changes. Please coordinate with your hotel directly to make any changes or cancellations to your stay.
Attendees are responsible for getting to the conference location each day on their own. However, if the conference hotel is not adjacent to the conference, ICON will provide limited shuttle bus service in the morning and evening. ICON will also provide sources for city public transportation.
If you need emergency medical assistance, dial 911. Otherwise, seek out an ICON volunteer, board member or staff, who can direct you to First Aid materials at any ICON venue.
The safety and security of ICON attendees is our top priority. All ICON attendees are required to wear their ICON badges to all events. ICON volunteers and venue specific employees will be checking badges at all times. Valid government issued identification is required at badge-pickup.
All 18 years of age and over are welcome. As a professional event, ICON is not designed for younger audiences. Every attendee at ICON requires a ticket and badge.
ICON follows general COVID guidelines. While encouraged, vaccination and masks will not be required at ICON13. Should the need arise, we reserve the right to implement testing and masks before the event. If so, attendees will receive ample notification. As always, please stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms or have been exposed—we all need to do our part to keep one another healthy.
If you're a member of the media, please send an email to Mark Heflin at mark@theillustrationconference.org.
Please reach out to one of our Directors at office@theillustrationconference.org, and someone will get back to you within 48 hours.
There are photographers and videographers throughout the venues at ICON to capture the event. ICON may use and share photographs and videos of you publicly, including on websites, social media channels, and in print for purposes like development and marketing.
By participating, you are consenting to the use of your name, likeness, or interview.
ICON The Illustration Conference | Code of Conduct
ICON The Illustration Conference is a space for illustrators, designers, educators, reps, art directors, students, newcomers, legends, and anyone else who loves visual storytelling. Our event is held in different cities and venues, and we aim to uplift and respect our host cities, educational institutions, venues, and arts communities. But this only works if it’s safe, inclusive, and respectful for everyone.
So let’s be clear:
No harassment. No threats. No slurs. No unsafe behavior. No unsolicited commentary on someone’s identity, body, background, or existence. This includes, but is not limited to, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, religion, or politics. If you’re told to stop, stop. Immediately. No debate.
This community’s safety, security, and satisfaction come first. Anyone who violates this policy may be expelled from the conference without a refund at the discretion of the Directors. Future access to ICON will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
If someone makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, speak up. Tell a venue security guard, if available, an ICON board member, or stop by the registration area and speak to a volunteer who can contact someone to help. We’ll listen, and we’ll act—whether it’s calling security, walking with you to the next event, or just making sure you’re okay.
We’ve got you.