ClickCon announced on December 20, 2020 that they will not be having a conference in 2021, instead they changed everybody’s tickets to their virtual conference through their app “ClickCon Nation” which in my personal opinion is a huge failure on many levels.
If and when ClickCon does have a conference again I likely won’t be attending for several reasons:
- Hotels in Chicago are outrageously expensive.
- Lack of parking in Chicago & where you can park it’s all paid parking.
- Lots of crime in Chicago area.
- Iowa Carry permit is not valid in Illinois.
- ClickCon is a direct competitor of ShutterFest.
When I planned to go to ClickCon in 2021 I was going to ride up with my buddy and share hotel expenses and stuff & I could do that in the future but at this point I’m simply not too interested in making it happen.
Here’s the complete e-mail announcing that ClickCon is canceled for 2021 minus their virtual events.
Dear ClickCon Attendee, Models, HMUA & Speakers:
This has been an extremely hard year for the entire industry, and 2021 looks like it will continue to be difficult, but with a better outcome. There’s uncertainty surrounding virtually every aspect of the 2021 conference. We don’t know when large gatherings will be permitted, how long will it take for the economy to recover, and when will the vaccine be readily available, not mention splinter groups who are suggesting we not take the vaccine!
We have no choice but change the 2021 conference. We will direct our efforts and resources to ClickCon Nation live streaming and in person meetups for 2021. We are looking at 2021 as a rebuilding year for everybody. We are passionate about helping our imaging community continue to learn and find the building blocks to relaunch successful businesses. We will work extremely hard to continue helping you connect with the ClickCon community throughout the new year.
What does this mean to you, our loyal ticket holders?
Depending on your ticket level, you will receive a virtual conference for your original ClickCon 2020 conference ticket plus all the following support.
For ClickCon Conference Only Ticket Holders:
Access to all of ClickCon Nation Virtual Classes from January - MAy 2021. There are 20+ LIVE educational classes from some of the industry's top speakers. (Please see the complete schedule on ClickCon.us)
Access to all recorded classes from ClickCon Nation 2020 & 2021. There are 100+ hours of valuable information and education available to you on-demand!
Immediate access to ClickCon participating vendors through our ClickCon Nation App.
Prize giveaways and vendor specials.
ClickCon Swag Bag to be picked up at designated locations by May 30, 2021. These locations will be announced by February 28th. You may request to have the bag shipped for a $15 shipping fee. Please email [email protected] if you request shipping.
For ClickCon Conference and MAX Day Ticket Holders:
All of the ClickCon Conference Only benefits above.
One ClickCon in-person meetup for 2021. These are small, live photo sessions with professional models, HMUA and speakers where you will gain valuable hands-on coaching and experience. (Please see a complete list of meetups on Clickcon.us). Please send your meetup selection to Melissa Digue
For Model Participation Ticket Holders
Participation in one ClickCon in-person meetup for 2021. (Please see a complete list of meetups on Clickcon.us). Please email your selection to [email protected]
Access to the HMUA/ Model virtual education day in 2021.
All of the ClickCon Conference Only benefits.
What you need to do next...
Look for the upcoming events on the ClickCon Nation schedule.
If appropriate, select the meet-up that you would like to attend and send your selection to [email protected].
Watch for the Swag Bag announcement on February 28th.
ClickCon is the only conference offering themed, in-person meetups staffed with speakers, models and professional hair and makeup artists all over the United States. We have made these meetups safe for our members by adhering to city and state Covid restrictions, no touch temperature checks, our bracelet ID system and plenty of shooting space to spread out.
Redirecting our 2021 conference, while it all makes sense because of the uncertainties in your lives, does not change how heavy our hearts are at this time. Because this is a conference built by photographers, for photographers – we’ve all experienced the decline in business. The entire ClickCon staff has been volunteering their time for the past nine months to make sure ClickCon survives this pandemic and continues to have a home in Chicago.
We hope you; your family and friends are in good health as we round into the holidays. You are all in our thoughts and prayers as we proceed into 2021.
Sherry Hagerman
My guess is 2021 will be a lot like 2020 where we are restricted to our homes and no social events such as conferences will be held now that Biden is in office.