The History of Monsoon Con
The event began in 2014 in Phoenix and moved to Tucson in 2019, where it hosted a sold-out program before pausing during the pandemic. The conference returned to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s Warden Oasis Theater in 2023 with strong attendance and renewed momentum, continuing its role as a cornerstone event for the regional storm community.
Today, Monsoon Con draws attendees from across Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, and surrounding states. Participants range from experienced storm photographers and working meteorologists to dedicated enthusiasts who travel the region each summer to document lightning, structure, and evolving weather patterns.
In Phoenix: 2014-2018
2014
The very first 'AZ ChaserCon' was put together by Chris Cleary, and held on June 14, 2014 at Gangplank in Chandler.
2015
In 2015, the name was changed to 'MonsoonCon' (or 'Mon-Con' for short) and again held at Gangplank on June 13.
2016
For 2016, the schedule was extended to two days, June 11-12, with Gangplank continuing as the venue.
2017
June 17, 2017 saw a move to the New City Church in Phoenix, and the first time that sponsorships were offered.
2018
The final Phoenix-based MonsoonCon took place on July 7, 2018, again at New City Church.
In Tucson: 2019-2026
2019
When MonsoonCon's current stewards, Trey and Adri, moved to Oklahoma, they made the decision in March 2019 to pass the torch to Lori Bailey, who quickly pulled together a team that rallied together for Monsoon Con on June 22, 2019 at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
2023
The global COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to future Monsoon Cons for a few years, but it returned in full force on June 24, 2023 in the Warden Oasis Theater at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
2026
And now, we look forward to the 2026 Monsoon Con on June 27, once again in the Warden Oasis Theater.
