Schedule

Time:

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Elle Beauregard, Jen Comfort, Jasmine Silvera, Jo Segura

Four fiction authors who traversed different paths to publication share their lessons learned so you don’t have to learn them the hard way (like they did.) Conference attendees who are curious about turning their passion for writing into a career will enjoy this honest discussion about what it takes to create a book that sells (before you ever write the first line) and why a propensity for geeking-out is a value-add on an author’s path to greatness.

Time:

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Location:

Rey

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Achika, Frank Tenace

Cutie Honey was arguably the first modern magical girl. Her popularity has never waned and her influence on magical girls can be felt today. I want to discuss the different ways her story has been adapted (manga, anime, live action, STAGE PLAY) and how her influence is in all of the magical girl media we love.

Time:

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location:

America

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Sarah Sutton, Ginny Katz, Ashli Blow, Lauren Re, Sarena Straus, KeliAnne Hara-Hubbard

Post-apocalyptic stories and science fiction have always spoken to the imagination. But what would the world and society really look like after an apocalypse? We have 3 million years of apocalypses and natural disasters to tell us how nature recovers after destruction, and how communities reform. Experts from the fields of mycology, public health, and dystopian writers get together to tell us their theories on what could really happen to us… after an apocalypse.

Time:

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

GeekGirlScouts

It is obvious that our society is steeped in comic book culture with a powerful craving for superhero myths. There is much to be said regarding the benefits of introducing Girl Scouts to comics – sparking a lifelong love of reading, introducing them to strong role models, to inspire creativity and challenge their intellect. However, it isn’t always easy to find a strong lead you can see yourself in.

GeekGirlScouts geek out over their favorite Comic Books, characters, and what is missing.

Time:

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Location:

Garnet

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Reagan Jackson, Juan Carlos Reyes, Sean Goode, Marcus Harrison Green

Whether you’re looking at the MCU or the DCU you see a lot of “heroes” maintaining the status quo. In a world plagued by racism, sexism, queerphobia, ableism, legislated wealth inequality, and rampant environmental destruction, wouldn’t our heroes need to be fighting hard to subvert the status quo? Join authors and publishers from local publishing imprint Hinton, as we discuss how mainstream superhero stories disappoint us, and our dreams for superheroes who really would save our world.

Time:

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Lysa Penrose, Shanon Lyon, Fertessa Allyse, Celeste Conowitch

So you wanna design a tabletop game and get it published! Whether you’re curious about board games, card games, or roleplaying games, learn from seasoned tabletop professionals about how they approach the design process – inspiration and ideation; mechanics and theme; and playtesting and finesse. Walk away with actionable tips, including how to pitch your game to publishers.

Time:

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location:

Rey

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

AnnaMaria Phelps, Emma Larkins, Banana Chan, Kristin Devine

In Let’s Tell a Story: Storytelling through Games we’ll be discussing the art of narrative in games. Whether its a role playing adventure, a thematic board game, or something in between, stories told via the table top help us connect with those around the table. Additionally, storytelling in games adds atmosphere, educates, and gives players an opportunity to create something together. Our panel will discuss the whys and hows of storytelling in games, and the importance of storytelling in play.

Time:

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Location:

America

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

VivSai, MayJeanCosplay, Zach

Introducing the amazing and versatile thermoplastic for crafting, costumes and props. Learn the different types of Worblas that are available for creating. How they work, how to paint them and how they can elevate your projects and save you time! What are the pros and cons of the different types of Worblas and which is best suited for your project

Time:

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Jennifer Wilson, Emily Price, Ylan Salsbury, Alison Slavin, Ashley Olsson

The Gen-Z generation has access to technology that no other generation has before, and that has brought challenges no other parents had to face in the past. This panel brings the conversation close to home by putting in center stage discussion topics of game developer Moms raising children who love video games and how they’ve navigated the stigma and judgement that gaming has a negative impact in children.

Time:

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Mary, Rebecca M Davis

A long-overlooked identity has FINALLY popped up in fandoms, and we’re gonna celebrate it! Rather than having to retcon years of poor representation, transracial adoptees are getting new storylines that defeat many old adoption tropes. Let’s chat about why this is important!

Time:

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Location:

Rey

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Geeks Who Sing

Do you feel like Disney is Part of Your World? Many songs feel like a Tale as old as Time, so Be a Man, or rather, Be Our Guest and see How Far We’ll Go in a Whole New World of an hour-long sing-along. Be Prepared to Let It Go, say Hakuna Mattata, or just Bonjour to fellow fans in a fun filled environment where if you’ve Got a Dream or just a Friend in Me (well, each other), you’ll hit Zero to Hero fast if you can Go the Distance. You don’t want to miss this Once Upon a Dream opportunity!

Time:

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Location:

America

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Maddy Vonhoff, Liana MacKenzie, AnnaMaria Phelps, Jae Euteneier, Suzanne Skaar

Given the difficulty of breaking into the game industry, unpredictable layoffs, and unreliable and underpaid work, self-publishing games is a way to create and sell games without needing the permission of an established game studio. Join us for a panel on the ins and outs of creating, publishing, and promoting your own physical or digital games.

Time:

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Claire Scott, Cadence Armijo, Selah Burrowes, Jester Garman, Nina Kieserman, Lani Wilson

Is your bookshelf (or your reading device) feeling unloved and uninspiring? Avid teen readers are here to help you find joy in reading again! Join six enthusiastic teens, their librarian, and dozens of other readers as they tell you about their favorite recent books across genres for teens and adults.

Time:

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Jessie Gender, Jenn Huff, Gracie Ermi, Ada Zhang, Joan Palmiter Bajorek, Emily M Bender

We’ve all been talking about it: artificial intelligence taking over our work, our lives, and the world. ChatGPT can write your next movie script, and DALL.E create your next piece of art. Despite our tendency to give AI systems agency, are these systems really “intelligent”? And what does “intelligent” even mean? Experts from the fields of computer science, linguistics, and anthropology explore the past, present, and future of these new technologies.

Time:

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Location:

Rey

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Atlin Merrick, Claire Jones, Dannye Chase, Sarena Straus, Stephanie Berchiolly

Small presses are where it’s at for the rise in LGBTQIA+ representation, as well as representation of those of other minorities, whether BIPOC, disabled, or neurodivergent people. Artists, writers, and geeks of all sorts can help that surge by helping: publishers are hungry for stories with diverse protagonists and can’t publish what they don’t receive. This panel talks about where those presses are and how to show them what you have to offer.

Time:

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Location:

America

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Anna Goldberg

So you want to make your first tabletop role playing game? Come learn
how to transform a story idea into a playable game with Anna Goldberg
of Six String Games. You’ll learn about brainstorming ideas,
developing meaningful game mechanics, playtesting, and publishing a
game, with plenty of time for Q&A after. We’ll go over some common
design pitfalls and how to get around them, working with SRDs, and
getting your game to the table so your players can have the time of
their lives.

Time:

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Alyse Marie Allred, G

This will be the latest iteration of an annual panel about the fandom-based research conducted by the Human-Centered Data Science Lab at the University of Washington. We will cover the rich data provided by members of fandom, the major milestones and theories, and the new directions this research is taking.

While previous presentations have focused primarily on fanfiction datasets, this year’s presentation will expand to include fanart-based research.

Time:

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Caitlin Moore, Cypress Catwell

Since its founding in 2016, Anime Feminist has become a major hub for discussion of Japanese pop culture through a feminist lens. Join our staff members as we chat about the site and our approach to intersectional feminist criticism.

Time:

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Location:

Rey

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Johnnie Jae

This presentation explores the rich tapestry of Indigenous horror, shedding light on its cultural significance, artistic merit, and transformative potential. Join us as we celebrate Indigenous voices, immerse ourselves in ancient traditions, and discover the profound connections between horror and Indigenous storytelling. Together, let us embark on a journey that both unsettles and enlightens as we unveil the chilling beauty of Indigenous horror.

Time:

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location:

America

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Sarena Straus, Maquel A. Jacob

Ray Bradbury said that “Science fiction is any idea that occurs in the head and doesn’t exist yet, but soon will.” In this talk, we will explore how science fiction writers have predicted future technology and how current technology and research can inform science fiction writing. We will draw from well-known and lesser-known science fiction novels and then, pulling from science breakthroughs in recent news, will speculate about futures that could lead to great science fiction novel ideas.

Time:

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Vuong, Mila ,Jenn , Ellie, Matty

We are a creative team driving for positive changes in the games industry at Monolith Productions, the studio making the highly anticipated Wonder Woman game. Join us as we delve into diverse character design, accessible gameplay, narrative planning, and much more. You’ll have premier access into how games are developed, and you’ll learn how you too can be a force for good in games!

Time:

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Morgue Anne

From the hapless victim to the Final Girl, Horror has always been dominated by Women. In recent years the ‘Women in Horror’ movement has taken off, but what is it and why is it necessary? Local Gothic Royalty Morgue Anne discusses the history of women in horror from its conception to modern incarnations, and why we need still need (and love) Scream Queens.

Time:

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Location:

Rey

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Amanda Hamon, Makenzie De Armas, Regina Buenaobra

If you’ve ever wondered how to get into tabletop games, join Amanda Hamon (Senior D&D Game Designer), Makenzie De Armas (D&D Game Designer), and Regina Buenaobra (Senior D&D Content Marketing Manager) as they discuss their journey to Wizards of the Coast. Insights and advice will be shared!

Time:

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Location:

America

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Drea D, Capukeki, Bianca Ybarra, Luv Maila

Join a group of artists of all genders that draw for multiple fandoms as they talk creating smutty fanart, their creative process, their audiences and the ways in which their content differs from smut made from the male perspective!

Time:

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Torrey Steinmark, Leah Olive, Joe Flanik

Since its initial release in 1977, Star Wars has been a staple of geek discourse from the very beginning. Whether you love or hate the franchise, its enduring influence cannot be ignored. When Andor aired in September 2022, why weren’t more people talking about it? Viewers were introduced to a gritty, complex world of resistance and oppression that mirrored much of what was happening politically in real life. In this panel, we will talk about Andor’s importance and relevance, as well as when season two hits the airwaves, and why you really should be watching this show.

Time:

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Sarena Straus, Charleigh Frederick, Atlin Merrick, Leslie Varney

In this panel we will talk about different types of pitches and formats and then where authors can pitch those pitches – such as pitch competitions, agent speed dating and twitter pitch competitions, mood pitches, etc. We will discuss how pitch competitions can be a great place to break rules, experiment and hone your craft.