Silicon
Steve Wozniak and Stan Lee appeared together in an online video on the 17th of April 2015. They announced a new convention for the San Francisco Bay Area. Rick White joined them as a founding partner to build this event. The trio wanted to merge comic book culture with technology exhibitions under one roof. Their goal was to create a large multi-genre gathering that had not existed since WonderCon left after its 2011 show. Big Wow! Comicfest remained the largest local option until Silicon Valley Comic Con arrived. The inaugural event took place from March 18 to 20, 2016 at McEnery Convention Center.
The organization changed its name to SiliCon on the 20th of February 2020. Adam Savage received the title of creative director during this transition period. He brought his own background in special effects and pop culture to the role. The scheduled dates for the 2020 event were October 16 through 18 at the San Jose Convention Center. Officials moved the entire show to a virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift marked a significant departure from their traditional in-person model established in previous years.
Wozniak envisioned a uniquely Silicon Valley flavor by combining two distinct worlds. The convention featured an artists alley alongside a new app alley showcasing emerging technology items. Studios like Warner Bros. Pictures, Lionsgate, and AMC represented movie and television interests. Astrophysicists and technologists appeared as guests alongside comic book creators. Panels included creative artists, writers, actors, directors, producers, and science communicators. This blend set the event apart from standard genre conventions that focused solely on comics or movies.
The 2023 iteration of SiliCon was officially cancelled following the 2022 show. Organizers cited the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as a primary factor. Funding issues also contributed to the decision to discontinue the convention entirely. The move to virtual events during 2020 had disrupted the momentum built since the 2016 launch. No further dates were scheduled after the organizers made this final announcement regarding the future of the brand.
GalaxyCon debuted at the San Jose Convention Center in 2024 as a replacement for the discontinued event. SiliCon served as the successor to WonderCon which departed the region after its 2011 show. The original Silicon Valley Comic Con filled a gap left by the absence of large multi-genre gatherings. It remained the largest convention option available until GalaxyCon took over the venue space. The legacy of the founding partnership between Wozniak, Lee, and White remains tied to this specific location in California.
Common questions
When did Steve Wozniak and Stan Lee announce the new convention for the San Francisco Bay Area?
Steve Wozniak and Stan Lee announced a new convention for the San Francisco Bay Area in an online video on the 17th of April 2015. Rick White joined them as a founding partner to build this event.
What was the original name of SiliCon before it changed its name on the 20th of February 2020?
The organization operated under the name Silicon Valley Comic Con until it changed its name to SiliCon on the 20th of February 2020. Adam Savage received the title of creative director during this transition period.
Where did the inaugural SiliCon event take place from March 18 to 20, 2016?
The inaugural event took place from March 18 to 20, 2016 at McEnery Convention Center. The scheduled dates for the 2020 event were October 16 through 18 at the San Jose Convention Center.
Why was the 2023 iteration of SiliCon officially cancelled following the 2022 show?
Organizers cited the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as a primary factor and funding issues also contributed to the decision to discontinue the convention entirely. No further dates were scheduled after the organizers made this final announcement regarding the future of the brand.
Which company debuted at the San Jose Convention Center in 2024 as a replacement for the discontinued event?
GalaxyCon debuted at the San Jose Convention Center in 2024 as a replacement for the discontinued event. It remained the largest convention option available until GalaxyCon took over the venue space.