ICON The Illustration Conference only exists because of people like you! All of the brainstorming, planning, wrangling, and the occasional kvetching is the result of selfless illustrators, art directors, reps, educators, students, and other devotees of the craft.
Whether you’re a natural leader, a high-functioning introvert, or a person who’s simply willing to hold something when someone asks, ICON needs your uniqueness!
Here are just a few ways you can be a part of the next ICON:
The easiest thing you can do is sign up and book your ticket to ICON The Illustration Conference. Once you experience the inspiration, creativity, conversations, and snacks, you’ll be hooked.
ICON The Illustration Conference accepts submissions for the juried Gallery Show, the Motion Commotion animation screening, Prisms: The Illustration in Education Symposium, and other programs.
See the 'Calls for Submissions' section of our homepage for more details.
Conference guests and local artists are invited to set up shop at the Roadshow marketplace on the opening night of the conference. If you create prints, books, or other beautiful ephemera, you can apply to be a merchant.
Roadshow applications will open 02.2026
As part of our commitment to education, we invite students in local college and university art programs to volunteer at ICON in exchange for free admission—and an unforgettable experience.
The ICON Board works year-round to seek out and book 50+ Mainstage presenters, workshop leaders, and other industry leaders to inspire, inform, and challenge conference-goers. Contact us to learn more about opportunities and submission guidelines.
Art directors: come and spot the best talent before someone else does. Those who work in the host city are invited to sign up and review work by students, emerging illustrators, and seasoned pros. Check out the upcoming conference website for details.
Once you’ve experienced ICON The Illustration Conference, you’ll likely realize there’s no way you can wait two more years to feel that creativity and community again. That’s when you cozy up to a board member and let them know you’d do just about anything to be nominated for the next ICON Board. To make it less weird, though, you can start by getting in touch. Applications are reviewed at the end of each conference.
