The Silicon Valley pop culture event SiliCon has been canceled for 2023, with organizers citing “unforeseen circumstances and challenges.”
The event was formerly known as Silicon Valley Comic Con, but rebranded in recent years as SiliCon with Adam Savage, to include the name of the previous host of the TV show “MythBusters.” The convention had been scheduled for Oct. 14-15 at the Santa Clara Convention Center.
Organizers, describing the event as a “science, technology, maker and pop culture” convention, did not give details about why it was canceled.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances and challenges beyond our control, we have had to make this incredibly difficult decision,” organizers wrote in a statement on the event’s website on Friday, May 5. “We were looking forward to bringing together industry experts and celebrities, showcasing cutting-edge technology, creativity and the best of pop culture, and providing a platform for meaningful discussions and experiences.”
A Q&A section on the website mentioned the COVID-19 pandemic as impacting the decision:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant disruption to public gatherings and events, and we have seen a slow return to normalcy. We continue to face challenges and uncertainties. The economic impact has been severe, and many individuals and businesses continue to face financial hardships. We hope to resume SiliCon in the future, and we appreciate your understanding and support during these challenging times.”
The Biden administration ended the COVID national state of emergency last month, and plans to lift the companion public health emergency on Thursday, May 11, the date officials had publicly announced early in the year.
Organizers held scaled-back versions of the convention in San Jose in 2021 and 2022 due to pandemic safety measures. In addition to Savage, last year’s convention featured appearances by several prominent actors, including George Takei of “Star Trek” fame and Christopher Lloyd from “Back to the Future.”
Organizers promised refunds for tickets and sponsorships for the 2023 SiliCon. Ticket refunds will be processed within 14 days via the original payment method, according to the website.
“We are already exploring options for the future,” organizers wrote. “We remain committed to delivering a top-notch conference in the coming years.”
Reach Sophia Bollag: [email protected]; Twitter: @SophiaBollag
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
