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 25,000 in 2019.
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.
The convention will begin Monday, December 26th at 10:30am and end at 11:00pm on Thursday, December 29th
The convention will be held at the McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
The Knowledge Retreat is a two-day classroom style learning event that will be held prior to the convention on Monday, December 26th -
The Knowledge Retreat will be held at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place.
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.
You can attend by purchasing tickets directly from our website or by purchasing tickets as groups by reaching out to groups@masicna.com.
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
No, only for the kids in the school and young youth programs.
Yes. It will be $50.
No, but there are always taxis right outside and you can always Uber.
Yes
No
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.
There is an EMT office located on the 2nd level of the convention foyer.
The security desk by the entrance to Hall B.
No we absolutely do not send international invitations to help get attendees visas for travel. NO EXCEPTIONS
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.
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.
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.
REGARDING COVID-19
No, However, it's highly recommended to be vaccinated.
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.
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
No, However, it's highly recommended to be vaccinated.
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.
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)
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.
No, the meals provided will be posted and you can speak to your child about eating lunch that day.
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.
No. The MAS-ICNA Convention is providing lunch for all kids for free. It is not considered part of the registration.
YOUNG YOUTH
Yes
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.
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.
No, lunch is provided free of charge by the MAS-ICNA convention.
You will need to come to the program to administer medication to your child.
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.
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