This is an open learn and discover laboratory where you can work with some of the creative, technological, and building-centered tools offered through ideaX programming. Some of the tools available for exploring are: Play-Doh, stop motion animation kits, Blackmagic Cinema Cameras, Ableton Live 9 + Push, crafting supplies, Squishy Circuits, and more.
One of the priorities of GeekGirlCon I am most proud of is its commitment to creating space for communities that have been traditionally left out of mainstream geek culture. In the case of GeekGirlCon’s identity-centric panels, it is actual, physical space that is being created. My favorite panel of this kind that appeared at GeekGirlCon ‘16 was called ¿Cómo Se Dice “Nerd”?and set forth to discuss the reality Latinx nerds face when engaging with geek culture.
Panelists Sylvia Monreal, Olivia Hernández, Jorge Albor, and Tristan Tarwater began the conversation by addressing, outright, how fundamentally linked mainstream geekdom is with consumerism. In other words, one’s ability to participate in geek culture is defined by their access to capital. Therefore, historically poor communities have had to innovate new and different ways of interacting with nerdy content.
Owlcrate is monthly subscription box for Young Adult book lovers. Each OwlCrate box theme centers around a chosen book. Each book is a newly released Young Adult novel, and according to the creators, they will be releasing exclusive covers for the rest of the year. You also get a signed bookplate and a letter from the author with each book received. I’ve received Owlcrate boxes since, August 2016 and, I’ll be honest, I don’t always like the book. In fact, there’s maybe four so far I would have chosen for myself, but that’s the risk you take with subscription boxes. However, even if I don’t like the book, there’s usually something in the box that I do like. They also give peeks throughout the month on their Instagram of what will be in the next box so you can decide if you want it that month.
This month’s theme was MAKE IT OUT ALIVE, or as I like to call it, celebrating women who most definitely don’t need a man to survive. This box is a little different from other OwlCrates, as it contained two books, one that was released in the United States in January 2016 called New World Rising by Jennifer Wilson, and another that was released this month by Harperteen called The Sandcastle Empire by Kayla Olson. Both books feature seventeen-year-old protagonists who are trying to survive in a world that seems hell-bent on killing them. Although there are two books, you only receive the exclusive cover, book plate, and letter, from The Sandcastle Empire.
Now you can buy your favorite GGC merch year round. Tees and hoodies galore, we have merchandise emblazoned with the GGC logo, as well as some merch from the 2016 collection available right now for purchase online.
It’s important to note that our past collections are limited edition, so we won’t be getting them back in stock once they’re gone. So make sure to grab that special something you’re eyeing while it’s still around (like this awesome Typography Tee from 2015, or a tote from last year!)
Hearthstone is a popular free-to-play digital strategy card game that builds upon the Warcraft series. (Image credit: Hearthstone, Blizzard Entertainment)
Described as deceptively simple, but insanely fun — fast-paced strategy card game Hearthstone has lived up to that promise for millions of players who turn to their phones and tablets for a Magic: The Gathering-like world.
GeekGirlCon talked to Seattle e-sports startup RumbleMonkey Marketing Director Sammy Witness about how her company works to empower women, femmes, non-binary/gender nonconforming individuals in competitive and casual play of the popular game.
Convention season is coming, and along with it, people dressed as Daenerys, Arya, and Sansa. You’ll see other characters too—some from galaxies far, far away or from universes yet unknown to the common person. Others descend from on high, ascend from down low, or step out of cities somehow twistedly familiar. You, as the duly appointed representative of planet Earth, recognize them all and herald their arrival at comic conventions every fall.
Regardless of where the characters usually dwell, their on-screen or in-book depictions claim an ability you don’t: immunity to the need for connectivity. Fortunately, the eleven tech tips listed here can grant you that power. Some you already know from attending gaming or comic book conventions in the past. Others will provide practical inspiration for the upcoming convention season.
For our July Hey Staffer post, we’re talking to Marina Martinez, about anime, what it’s like to play quidditch in real life and what those things have in common!
Who are you and what do you do at GeekGirlCon?
I am the Marina Martinez and I am the Panel Program Manager with GeekGirlCon!
What do you do for your day job/when you’re not being awesome as a GGC staffer?
In my everyday life I am a Project Manager at Artech, which is a fine art services company. We pack, transport, install, and provide collection management services to institutions and individuals throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Think of it now: this September, the convention floor will crowded with cosplayers, artists, and fans alike–gathered together for what we’ve been looking forward to all year. GeekGirlCon 2017! Everyone will be lining up for panels, taking selfies with their favorite voice actors, checking their wallets to make sure they have enough cash for that plushie or print they saw in the Exhibitor Hall, fervently discussing how excited we all are to see Ellie again in The Last of Us 2 (well, maybe that last part is my girl-crush speaking). I can see it now: busy and exciting. It’ll be filled with laugher, and maybe even a few tears over Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman.
Right now, the GeekGirlCon team is busy at work making sure that everything is perfect when you step foot on the floor of The Conference Center as the WSCC, and there’s still time to get involved. You have until next Saturday, July 15th, at 10pm to apply to become an Agent for GeekGirlCon 2017.
GeekGirlCon is fueled by its volunteers, and we wouldn’t be able to host the convention each year without our team of Agents ready and waiting on the convention floor to help us throw an amazing event. Whether or not you’re working behind the scenes, or directing the traffic of con-goers on the floor, there’s plenty that needs to be done over the weekend of the convention, and we’re still looking to expand our team of volunteers to make sure we’re able to put on the show without a hitch.
There are only two basic requirement to become an Agent:
You must be at least 16 years of age at the time of the convention.
You must be available to work 2 shifts (that are 4 to 5 hours each) over the weekend of the convention, September 30th and October 1st.
That’s it! So long as those requirements are met, get ready because this year’s GeekGirlCon is bigger than ever before, and we’re excited to share what we’ve been working so hard on since last year.
I can’t count how many times in my life I’ve heard video gamers referred to as “lazy.” And I guess I get it–I’ve skipped class to play video games. I’ve found myself staring at a screen instead of taking care of responsibilities. It’s natural to be lazy when something is entertaining you.
But that’s the point: anything that entertains you can be a distraction. I reject the notion that all or even most gamers are couch potatoes that don’t get enough sun or can’t socially function. I reject the notion that gamers are less than athletes, artists, or whatever else one might do with their spare time. And I reject the notion that gamers can’t be athletes, artists, etc., as if one hobby has complete say over their total identity.
At GeekGirlCon, accessibility is everything. Putting together a packed weekend of accessible and inclusive geeky programming is fundamental to GeekGirlCon’s mission. One event that reflects this commitment is our DIY Science Zone. The DIY Science Zone is one of GeekGirlCon’s most unique bits of programming, and this year we’re celebrating its fifth anniversary. Equally as exciting for both kids and adults, the DIY Science Zone brings together scientists, science educators, and science enthusiasts alike to participate in hands-on activities and experiments, chat about various scientific fields, and celebrate accessible learning.
