10/21/2026
Taking Its Final Bow… For Now. ❤️
This is one of the hardest announcements I’ve ever had to make, and one I’ve struggled to find the words to share.
After 16 incredible years, I have made the heartbreaking decision to bring CIL-Con to a close for the foreseeable future.
For those who know me, you know that CIL-Con has never been just a convention. It has been my passion, my dream, my labor of love, and in so many ways, a part of who I am.
Over the years, we’ve brought together people from all walks of life. We’ve celebrated the paranormal, horror, anime, gaming, cosplay, and everything wonderfully geeky in between. We’ve watched friendships form, families make memories, and people find a place where they could simply be themselves.
And somewhere along the way, we became more than a convention. We became a family.
Unfortunately, the reality of keeping an event like CIL-Con going has become increasingly difficult. The economy has taken a toll on so many of us, and we’ve felt that impact through declining vendor participation, attendance, and donations. For an event that has worked so hard to remain free and accessible to our community, these challenges have become increasingly difficult to overcome.
There isn’t one single reason behind this decision. It’s a combination of circumstances, and as much as my heart wants to keep pushing forward, I’ve had to accept that sometimes we need to know when it’s time to step away.
But I want to make one thing very clear. I’m not giving up on the dream.
My hope is that someday, when circumstances are better, we can bring CIL-Con back. Maybe a little different, maybe with some fresh ideas, but with the same heart and spirit that made it so special.
I’m not ready to say never again.
For now, though, it’s time to close this chapter and focus on what comes next.
🖤 And speaking of what comes next… we’re not disappearing!
We’re excited to announce that we’re planning a SECOND KarmaKon in the fall, and this time we’re embracing the spooky season!
Think of the metaphysical, mystical, healing, and artisan experiences you love about KarmaKon, but with a delightfully spooky twist! 🎃🔮👻
It’s a chance to continue bringing people together, supporting our amazing vendors, and celebrating the unique and wonderful community we’ve built, just on a smaller, more manageable scale.
More details about our fall KarmaKon will be coming soon!
Before I close, I want to say something from the bottom of my heart.
To every vendor, guest, sponsor, volunteer, and attendee who has been part of CIL-Con over these 16 years: thank you.
Thank you for believing in a dream. Thank you for showing up, year after year. Thank you for the laughter, the friendships, the memories, and the countless moments that made all the hard work worthwhile.
I’ve always said that our attendees are family, and I have meant every word of it.
You were never just a number through the door. You were the reason we kept opening those doors.
I hope when you look back on CIL-Con, you remember the fun, the costumes, the excitement, the friendships, and most importantly, the feeling that you belonged.
Because that’s what I wanted CIL-Con to be. A place where everyone was welcome, where being different was celebrated, and where we could all come together over the things we love.
Sixteen years. Countless memories. One incredible family.
This isn’t the ending I envisioned, and I won’t pretend it doesn’t hurt. But I am so incredibly proud of what we created together.
So, rather than saying goodbye forever, I’m going to say…
Until we meet again, CIL-Con family. ❤️
And who knows? Maybe someday we’ll get to say those magical words one more time…
WELCOME BACK TO CIL-CON!
