FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Annual MAS-ICNA Convention is the largest and most diverse Islamic conventions in North America. The convention takes place in Chicago, Illinois every December during the winter holiday season. By the grace of God and the unique effort of over 300 volunteers, the number of attendees has successfully grown from 1,500 in 2001 to over 30,000 in 2022.
The Muslim American Society (MAS) and Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) are dynamic, religious, and educational organizations that offer unique programs and services that seek to better the individual and in turn, the greater society by imparting Islamic knowledge, promoting community service, and much more. With similar goals and missions, both Islamic organizations teamed up to produce two successful conventions every year: the MAS Convention in Chicago, Illinois and the ICNA Convention in Baltimore, Maryland.
As a family oriented event, every year MAS-ICNA Convention chooses a theme that fulfills the needs of the Muslim American family. The themes are often categorized in topics of spirituality, activism and knowledge. The MAS-ICNA Convention offers a wide variety of simultaneously run programs for different ages and interests. Lectures for young adults and youth not only teach the fundamentals of Islam but teach them how to implement the teachings of the Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) in their daily lives and encounters. This year’s theme is “With Hardship Comes Ease” – This year the convention will be held at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL.
What are the dates of the convention?
The convention will begin Thursday , December 28th at 10:00am and end at 11:30pm on Saturday, December 30th.
Where is the convention taking place?
The convention will be held at the McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
What is the knowledge retreat and when is it?
The Knowledge Retreat is a two-day classroom style learning event that will be held prior to the convention on Tuesday, December 26th – Wednesday, December 27th.
Where is the knowledge retreat taking place?
The Knowledge Retreat will be held at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL.
How can I attend this convention?
You can purchase tickets for yourself and family online or in person. We do not reach capacity for the number of attendees for the convention. When you arrive at the convention center, please make your way to the registration area and retrieve your badge to head into the lectures and bazaar.
How can i attend the convention if i don't live in illinois?
You can attend by purchasing tickets directly from our website or by purchasing tickets as groups by reaching out to [email protected].
Is the hotel included in the price of the ticket?
No, hotel rooms must be reserved separately. In order to reserve the hotels at a cheaper rate you need to go through our website and follow the link
Does the ticket include food?
No, only for the kids in the school and young youth programs.
Will you offer shuttles to the downtown Chicago area?
No, but there are always taxis right outside and you can always Uber.
Will there be motorized wheel chairs for rent?
Yes
Will there be a coat check?
No
What is the private dinner?
The private dinner is held the second night of the convention. The chefs at The McCormick Place Convention Center will be serving a fantastic meal while you listen to the guest speaker. Tickets can be purchased throughout the convention. The money raised from ticket sales and from the fundraising that night are used to support The MAS Convention.
What can I do if I need medical attention while at the convention?
There is an EMT office located on the 2nd level of the convention foyer.
If I am separated from my child, where will security take them to be found?
The security desk by the entrance to Hall B.
I am from out of the country, can you send me an invitation to come?
No we absolutely do not send international invitations to help get attendees visas for travel. NO EXCEPTIONS
Which hotel should I book with?
MASCON has partnered with three of the most prestigious hotel chains in the world: Hyatt®, Marriott®, and Hilton Triplex® to offer you reduced rates during your convention stay. With three hotels that are now connected to the 2.6 million square foot McCormick Place convention center, you can rest assured knowing you can remain indoors on your way to your favorite sessions. For booking information, click here.
Does mascon offer any financial assistance?
Due to our generous sponsors, MASCON opens the door for anyone who cannot otherwise afford to participate in the convention to request financial assistance during a designated pre-registration period. Financial Assistance is now closed.
How much is parking?
Lot A: The parking rate is $23 for up to 16 hours and $36 from 16 to 24 hours. There are no in-and-out privileges.
Lot B: The parking rate is a flat fee of $16 per day with no in-and-out privileges.
Lot C: The parking rate is a flat fee of $25 per day with no in-and-out privileges.
REGARDING COVID-19
Am I required to be vaccinated to attend the convention?
No, However, it’s highly recommended to be vaccinated.
Am I required to wear a mask?
No, face masks are required, however, if you are high risk you might want to consider having face mask to prevent any risk of getting sick.
What should I do if I experience covid-19 symptoms?
Anyone who experiences symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should isolate themselves from others, not enter McCormick Place, be clinically evaluated and tested for COVID-19.
In the event an MASCON participant falls ill with COVID-19, MASCON will adhere to local, state and federal guidelines and will coordinate with Chicago Public Health authorities to ensure the proper steps are taken and protocols are followed for positive test results.
FOOD
AM I REQUIRED TO BE VACCINATED TO ATTEND THE CONVENTION?
No, However, it’s highly recommended to be vaccinated.
AM I REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK?
No, face masks are required, however, if you are high risk you might want to consider having face mask to prevent any risk of getting sick.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I EXPERIENCE COVID-19 SYMPTOMS?
Anyone who experiences symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should isolate themselves from others, not enter McCormick Place, be clinically evaluated and tested for COVID-19.
In the event an MASCON participant falls ill with COVID-19, MASCON will adhere to local, state and federal guidelines and will coordinate with Chicago Public Health authorities to ensure the proper steps are taken and protocols are followed for positive test results.
KIDS PROGRAMS (DAYCARE, SCHOOL, YOUNG YOUTH)
What are the hours for the kids program?
THURSDAY
9:45 Check-In
4:30 Check-Out
6:45 Check-In
8:35 Check-Out
FRIDAY
9:45 Check-In
4:30 Check-Out
6:45 Check-In
8:45 Check-Out
SATURDAY
9:45 Check-In
4:30 Check-Out
My child has special dietary concerns (gluten free, allergies) will you provide an alternative lunch for them if they cannot eat what is provided?
No, you can bring them a lunch they can eat, or pick them up from the program to take them for lunch. No refunds for lunch will be given.
If my child does not like the food that is served (picky eater) will you find something else for them to eat or contact me?
No, the meals provided will be posted and you can speak to your child about eating lunch that day.
What will happen if my child becomes sick while in the program during the convention?
You will be called immediately and the child will be removed from the classroom. Please be sure to have your phone available at all times with a back-up phone listed.
Is the lunch included in the price of registration?
No. The MAS-ICNA Convention is providing lunch for all kids for free. It is not considered part of the registration.
Can I put my child in a class with a friend or sibling that is an older age?
Friends and siblings may be out together, but they will be put in the younger age group of the two.
YOUNG YOUTH
Are boys and girls separated the whole time?
Yes
Do they pray while in the program?
Yes, you can find it in the schedule when you drop off your child.
Is the food for lunch halal?
In general no, but sometimes the food vendor can make it halal last minute and if possible they do it. They do make sure there is no pork products in the kitchen or shared spaces with the lunch food.
Can you accommodate special dietary restrictions?
We cannot. Although sometimes it may be possible. For example, If the menu is for cheeseburgers and your child has a milk allergy we can ask for the burgers without cheese. Simple changes for an allergy can be done, however we cannot provide a whole different lunch.
Is lunch included in the price of registration?
No, lunch is provided free of charge by the MAS-ICNA convention.
My child has to take medication while in the program, will you allow them to take it on their own or administer it to them or do I need to come do it?
You will need to come to the program to administer medication to your child.
How can I attend this convention?
You can purchase tickets for yourself and family online or in person. We do not reach capacity for the number of attendees for the convention. When you arrive at the convention center, please make your way to the registration area and retrieve your badge to head into the lectures and bazaar.
Is the hotel included in the price of the ticket?
No, hotel rooms must be reserved separately. In order to reserve the hotels at a cheaper rate you need to go through our website and follow the link
