Frequently Asked Questions

Who should attend Monsoon Con?

Monsoon Con is for anyone and everyone who has an interest in the Monsoon that arrives every summer in the Southwestern United States. Topics are tailored for a wide range of interests, from beginners to experts, from photography to meteorology and forecasting, from personal journeys to issues that affect the whole world. Whether you're someone who just enjoys the experience of intense storms and lightning over the desert landscape, or a seasoned storm chaser who has been following supercells for years, you'll find community at Monsoon Con.

How do I get there?

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is located a few miles west of the city of Tucson, Arizona. Although the Museum is not served by public transportation, the drive out from the city takes you through the amazing saguaro-studded landscape of Tucson Mountain Park, and Saguaro National Park (West). Full directions here.

What are the Do's and Don'ts at the venue?

Do wear sunscreen and bring a water bottle. Sunscreen is available in all Museum public restrooms, and water stations to refill your bottle can be found throughout the grounds. Consider purchasing a Monsoon Con sports bottle to bring with you!
Don't smoke (including e-cigarettes) outside of the designated smoking areas. The closest designated area is just inside the Special Events gate.
Don't bring your pets. They are not permitted on Museum grounds, and must not be left unattended in vehicles. Service animals are welcome.
Don't bring your drone - for the safety of animals and guests, the use of drones is strictly prohibited.
Do bring your camera! Personal photography and filming at the Museum is encouraged for non-commercial use. However, written permission must be obtained from the Desert Museum to publish any images taken on Museum grounds commercially.
Don't bring weapons, noisemakers, balloons, or masks - these items are prohibited on grounds.

I'm very shy - will I have a good time?

Even if you don't know anyone else attending, you'll find that Monsoon storm chasers are a very friendly bunch and happy to socialize with newcomers. However, even if you'd rather stick to yourself, you will find the presentation topics fun and informative, and you will be free to choose whether to share your lunch time with others, or in solitary contemplation of nature.

Last time I went, it took forever to buy lunch. Will it be better this year?

We took note of everyone's feedback from last time, and are able to offer boxed lunches to those who register and prepay for them at least two weeks before the con. They will be available for pick up in the Green Room, which seats 120 people. The other usual lunch options are still available for those who prefer them, (or who register after the two week prepay deadline,) including purchasing lunch at the restaurant "to-go" and bringing it back up to the Green Room. Full details here.

I filled out a feedback form last time I attended. Has anything changed based on that feedback?

We take all feedback seriously, and try to make adjustments where possible. Specifically in the areas of lunchtime arrangements, parking, and speaker topics, you should find some changes to make this year's event even better! That said, we acknowledge that we can't please all the people all the time, and we will be sending out another feedback form after the event is over.

I'm interested in promoting my workshops/product/services at Monsoon Con - what are my options?

Sponsors are vital to the success of Monsoon Con, and we welcome any and all organizations that are interested. Read more about becoming a sponsor here.

It seems expensive, and I don't have much money, but I really want to attend. Can you help me?

We recognize the diversity within the storm chasing community, and each year, we provide the opportunity for those whose need financial help to attend by offering scholarships, which cover the cost of registration. You can find the application form here. Applications should be submitted at least three weeks in advance of Monsoon Con to allow time for your application to be fully considered by our Scholarship subcommittee.

I live too far away to attend just for the day. What are the travel and hotel options?

Tucson is a very tourist-friendly city! For all your travel and hospitality needs, Visit Tucson is an awesome resource.

I want to bring my (very well-behaved) baby with me, but paying full price for them seems too much. What options do I have?

In line with the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s admission policy, children aged 2 and under can attend Monsoon Con for free. We know that very young children have different needs and attention spans, so for their sake and ours, we request that if they become loud or restless, you leave the theater with them until they have settled down.