Welcome To MO*CON (2026)
Mo*Con = Maurice Convention
Mo*Con is an annual Writers Gathering that focuses on Creativity, Conversations, and Community.
Mo*Con is all about Writers, Authors, Artists, Agents, Editors, Publishers and others from around the United States or other areas, and the point of the convention is to gather and hang out with each other, to have some meals together, and also to have great conversations together about Creativity and Community.
Maurice brings in several Guest of Honors, Special Guests, and also Guest Artists. Even though each years topics, focus points, and Guests may change. We plan out panels, meals, and other fun things to attend.
Mo*Con is focused more on the writing business as a community and less about a rigid convention schedule. So you should feel that it is a more laid back and relaxed vibe.
Note: Mo*Con runs on an "ish" schedule. (so our times might be a bit off, and we can run late on start times, so when that happens: Sit down & start a conversation with someone at the gathering, visit the bar, or grab a snack at one of the shops)
Mo*Con 2026: Mo*Con Academy
THURSDAY EVENING
Save the Date!
Thursday, April 30th - Sunday, May 3rd
Believe it or not, the first Mo*Con was in 2006 making this year it’s 20th Anniversary! We can’t let that achievement go uncelebrated, so we’re bringing back some old friends and welcoming some new ones! Mo*Con 2026 runs April 30th (coincidentally my birthday) through May 3rd.
Look at these legends we’re honored to call friends:
Guests of Honor: Victor LaValle, Dr. Chesya Burke, Dr. Regina N. Bradley, and Dr. Kinitra D. Brooks.
Poet Guest of Honor: Linda D. Addison
But wait, there’s more special guests blessing us with their presence:
Editor Ann VanderMeer; Agents Bridget Smith and Jen Udden
We’ll feature some special local artists (to be announced later) and have some SURPRISES for you along the way. We’re capping attendance at 100 people (ish) so register now.
Register Now and Join us as we continue to work toward the future we want to see: a diverse, inclusive, mutually supportive community where all folks are welcomed.
More details and surprises will pop up here throughout the next few months, so bookmark this page and keep an eye on my socials.
FAQs:
How much does it cost? We’re keeping Mo*Con free (thanks to a very supportive literary community!) But you do have to register to attend
Does this include meals? Yes. Seriously? It really does include a Friday night dinner as well as Saturday lunch. And a Sunday brunch!
Is Mo*Con invite only? No. Seriously? Every year folks seem convinced that there’s a special invite that goes out, but all are welcome (however, did I mention, register at the Event Brite link!)
Mo*CON Conference Schedule
Click on a Day below (Thurs - Sun) to see the Schedule for that day:
Note: Mo*Con runs on an "ish" schedule. So our times might be a little off, and we can run late on start times. So when that happens: Please Sit down & start a conversation with someone at the gathering, visit the bar, or grab a snack at one of the shops. (Remember Mo*Con is about Creativity, Conversations, and community)
6:30 PM: The Scholarship of Genre Fiction: An Evening of Black Brilliance featuring Dr. Chesya Burke, Dr. Kinitra Brooks, and Dr. Regina N. Bradley at Ujamaa Community Bookstore (2424 Doctor M.L.K. Jr St, Indianapolis, IN 46208)
8:30 PM: After party at the Ritz Lounge (Ritz Lounge, 2628 N Harding St, Indianapolis, IN 46208)
Hotel Information
Mo*Con 2026 Hotel Discount Available!
We have reserved 20 discounted rooms at the Candlewood Suites.
If you have any issues, please contact the hotel directly at 1-317-343-6405
Booking Link:
Click Here for Booking a Hotel Room
Candlewood Suites
7040 E. 21st St
Indianapolis, IN 46219
Locations to Know
Ujamaa Community Bookstore - Thursday Night Event Space
2424 Dr Martin Luther King Jr St
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Ritz Lounge - Thursday Night - After Party Location
2628 N Harding St
Indianapolis, IN 46208
THE AMP at 16 Tech - Main Mo*Con Space - Fri Evening & Sat all day
1220 Waterway Blvd
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Alkhemy CWB Center - Fri & Sat Night - After Party Location
3802 N. Illinois St.
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Transportation Notes
*WARNING* - INDIANAPOLIS ROADS MIGHT HAVE CLOSURES (Sat)
The Indy 500 Mini Marathon will be taking place Saturday right around the corner from The AMP (Where Mo*Con takes place) The race wraps up around 12 (Noon) but since it's so close, that means there could be road closures or delays
DIRECTIONS FROM THE HOTEL:
That being said, the following directions should get you to the AMP without issue from the Candlewood Suites.
Click Link below for the recommended directions coming from Candlewood Suites:
Map: Candlewood Hotel to The AMP
** NOTE**: Make sure your route DOES NOT take you on 10th street. We suggest arriving via 16th street. Runners are on the roads until 12:30 pm or so. (Saturday)
MINI MARATHON INFORMATION - SATURDAY
Saturday, May 2nd, is yet again the day of the Indy 500 mini marathon, and it is going to take place near The AMP. (note: This means some Indianapolis roads get blocked off, and etc...).
Below is a link to the 2026 race map with predicted times roads will open up. *Keep an eye out on this page for an updated map*
THE MINI MARATHON RACE ROUTES: SATURDAY
To find the Mini Marathon Course Map (with predicted times roads will open back up):
https://indymini.com/spectators/navigating-the-course/
PARKING Notes - THE AMP
FRIDAY EVENING & SATURDAY ALL DAY
PARKING AT THE AMP AT 16 TECH - (1220 Waterway Blvd Indianapolis, IN 46202)
Below is a map of parking available at the Amp:
It is a mixture of PAID & FREE Parking Options.
- PAID HOURLY PARKING (Surface lots) : Monday - Saturday 7 am - 10 pm
- (NOTE: IF YOU PARK IN THE LOT, YOU CAN BE TICKETED IF YOU DON'T PAY)
- FREE PARKING: Along GENT AVE
Keep an eye on this page for any updates on parking vouchers as we work with our Community Partners.
PARKING Notes - AFTER PARTY - CWB CENTER
AFTER PARTY - FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHTS
PARKING AT ALKHEMY CWB (KHEPRW INSTITUTE: 3802 N. Illinois St. Indianapolis, IN)
Below is a map of FREE Parking that is available at the CWB (Kheprw Institute) Center
The Location is right on the corner of 38th and Illinois Street.- There is a small parking lot at the front of the building (off of 38th street)
- There are some Street parking spots on Illinois Street (Just North of 38th Street)
- There is a Church Parking Lot we can use (At the Corner of Illinois & 39th Street)
This is a BYOB (Drinks) / Snacks / ETC...place. It's just an open space for the Mo*Con to gather & continue our conversations after the other place have closed for the night.
If you'd like to help keep the conference free for community, you can donate to PayPal account below. (Please leave a message of "Mo*Con")
Mo*Con Sponsors
