Schedule

Time:

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Location:

Rey

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Starfighter Smalls, Sionnach Studios, Burdened with Glorious Cosplay, Emma Murilega, cosmic.reys.cosplay

There’s been some controversy lately whether or not women belong in Star Wars. Well I say they’ve shaped the galaxy and have taught girls of all ages important life lessons. This panel will cover the evolution of Women in Star Wars. From Princess Leia to Ahsoka and so many more. We will cover topics like diversity on screen, the treatment of these characters and the future of Women in Star Wars.

Time:

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

ThatCostama, Captain Montgomery Cosplays

Ever had to sew at your dining room table or hold a piece of armor out a window to spray paint it? We’ve been there, and we have a better way. Take a peek at where we make our giant gowns and 6 foot wings, learn best practices with respirators, first aid, and everything in between. Keeping yourself safe, sane, and hydrated while showing off your creations is mandatory, so come from our myriad of missteps over our decades of cosplay experience and never get lightheaded again!

Time:

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Tara Campbell, Brenda Cooper, Clara Ward

The effects of climate change can no longer be denied. Vulnerable communities are already grappling with climate emergencies, and technology won’t be the only thing to change our lives in the future when the Earth itself is changing all around us. Join SFF authors for a discussion on imagining and navigating future worlds with hotter temperatures, water scarcity, rising sea levels, crop failures, and the movement of climate refugees. Topics will include balancing research and writing, deciding how much science to include, and positioning your work within traditions of ecologically focused science fiction.

Time:

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location:

Rey

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

CJ, Caleb Inman, Kelly Bartlett, Megan Lum, Phoebe Arcilla

Even though building with LEGO bricks was originally marketed without gender, many societal perceptions show LEGO building and play as a “boy’s toy” and often exclude the girls and women who also enjoy building and designing imaginative creations. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a pink castle with women knights, a deep-space adventure with women astronauts, beautiful and scenic cascading waterfalls, or realistic plants, the WBI offers information, support, and encouragement for all.

Time:

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Alyse Marie Allred, G

We’re doctoral students in the Human Centered Design & Engineering program at the University of Washington. Under Dr. Cecilia Aragon, our lab has conducted extensive research on transformative fandom, including informal learning in online fanfiction communities, experiments in navigating sans algorithm on AO3, and the relationship between fanartists and the larger online artist community. We look forward to sharing our ongoing work with the Geek Girl Con community once again.

Time:

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Location:

America

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

MakerCometRei, Unreality3D , Brenda Trinidad

Rei and Laurie return this year on a mission to democratize emerging tech. This year, joined by Brenda Trinidad and contributing artists Marva Ayoka Harris and Anita Wielgosz, we will explore the positive power of XR. This session invites audience participation to create a persistent virtual monument envisioning our equitable future in tech. We will emphasize XR’s potential for real change and inclusivity, showcasing diverse perspectives and discussing how XR storytelling is breaking barriers.

Time:

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Yixing Shi, Jasmine Chuang, Jacklyn Herbst, Diane Chen

Come chat with women hardware engineers working on futuristic Augmented Reality devices and find out the cool things we get to do and how you can do it too. We’ll talk about just what is hardware engineering, what it’s like to be in a male dominated industry, and possible ways to explore/enhance your interest in engineering hardware.

Time:

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Location:

Rey

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Gina Saucier

Based on the TikTok trend ‘so how often do you think about the Roman Empire’, this will be a discussion of our favorite comparative empires in science fiction and fantasy books, tv, and film. This presentation will cover classic sci-fi empires from Asimov’s Foundation to Star Wars. When is it an empire in all but name? How were empires glorified in fantasy to support ideologies in real life? (Looking at you race, gender, and class!)

Time:

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Starfighter Smalls, Trexy Jess, Dummythiccosplay, Nicky Stewardson

Confidence through cosplay is about creating an inclusive, safe, and welcoming community for fans and cosplayers alike. This is an open discussion panel where our goal is to encourage and inspire people who are passionate about cosplay and give them the confidence to cosplay. We will cover tough topics such as social media and its negative impact on cosplay and self-esteem and comparing yourself to others. We will also give you the tools to overcome those obstacles.

Time:

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Location:

America

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Claire Scott (moderator), Sumaya Abdulkadir, Abigail Oates, Minnie Yen, Josilyn Harrell, Xiansi Wen

As we move into the Long Dark, reading books that bring you joy is more important than ever… but it can be hard to know what to pick up next. Find your next comfort read — whether that’s fantasy, romance, hopepunk, horror, or a slice of life comic — with the help of six avid teen readers and their librarian as they share their favorite recent reads across genres for teens and adults.. Then share your own favorite reads with other readers and leave with a personalized list to get you through the winter.

Time:

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

The Bug Chicks

Exoskeleton isn’t just a sci-fi piece of body armor – it’s the bones of an arthropod’s body! Whether it is super elastic and soft or diamond-hard and durable, exoskeleton works to protect and contain a bug’s fragile innards. This versatile material has inspired sci-fi and fantasy characters and wardrobes and real world applications like robots and mobility aids. Join entomologists and educators Kristie and Jess (The Bug Chicks) as they teach about exoskeleton with live animals and microscopes! BONUS: They will be sharing access to their new web-series on arthropod eyes called A Different View at GGC this year!

Time:

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Location:

Rey

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Elsa Burrow, Kelly Baptista, Anita Sujarit, Irina Danileiko, Terry Redfield

The games industry continues to evolve in unpredictable ways. Join us to learn from a diverse group of professionals who have experienced highs and lows during their careers. We’ll discuss reliable ways to network with your peers and find your own path.

Time:

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Girl Scouts of Western Washington

Join the Girl Scouts of Western Washington’s new CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and learn what it means to “Be Prepared and Not Scared!” Every year Girl Scouts of Western Washington hosts The Great Cascadia Zombie Survival Challenge – to prepare Girl Scouts to be resilient in times of emergencies. Whether you are preparing for a snowstorm, heat or smoke advisory, an earthquake, or zombie apocaly

Time:

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location:

America

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Sir Kay Cosplay

This panel will cover how to start taking our own cosplay photos. It will go over how to use lighting and set up lighting, how to set up backdrops, and how to set up a phone for the best results. All while using household items or cheap equipment.

Time:

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Clara Ward, Ellis Bray, Liz Coleman

Contrary to past assumptions, neurodiversity presents in many forms across all genders and backgrounds. As neurodiverse creatives work to empower ourselves, how can we promote more varied and positive representations across books, shows, and comics?

Time:

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Location:

Rey

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Betsy Aoki, Samantha Stelter, Kelly Snyder, Hollie Brown

“We’ve all heard of game designers, artists, and programmers, but one crucial role in game development is that of producers. But what is a game producer, and what do they do? How do they contribute to a game team from concept to postlaunch?

Join our panel of veteran game producers as we talk about what skills you need to be a producer, our day to day roles, and our journeys into the games industry. You’ll learn about what producers do, how production changes from small to massive teams, and how to apply skills you already have to game production to herd all the cats you need to to make a great game.”

Time:

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Jenna Zarzycki, Canelle Irmas, Sara Hunt, JJ Higgins, Marie Guenette

POV: Can’t quit your favorite tropes, but are tired of the same authors and titles. KCLS Librarians: “Hold my tea. We’ve got options.”

Time:

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Location:

America

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Fic Clique Podcast

Join Fic Clique podcast for a discussion on fannish migrations. From the pipeline between sports to K-pop fandom to the overlap between the Superwholock era and modern day Good Omens and Our Flag Means Death spaces, we’ll be mapping out our understanding of how, why, and where these migrations happen and asking fans to share their experiences.

Time:

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Abby Heil, Jenn Ash, Susan Watkins, Jennifer Wilson, Tara Nooyi

This has been a challenging time for the Tech and Games Industries. In this panel, various perspectives at Bungie come together to discuss concerns around the state of employment from the past year. Participants explore strategies for coping with job reductions, maintaining positivity, managing anxiety, addressing past work issues, being a manager today, and what it means to be hiring. By sharing how we navigate these challenges, we hope individuals may reshape their experiences for the better.

Time:

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Location:

Rey

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Jackie Jones, Jess Lanzillo

Join Wizards of the Coast leaders – Jackie Jones, VP Magic: the Gathering Creative, and Jess Lanzillo, VP Dungeons & Dragons Franchise and Product, as they as they share their personal journeys in the gaming industry, highlighting key moments that shaped their careers. This talk will delve into how they have redefined leadership by embracing authenticity, innovation, and resilience. This talk will end with a Q&A and attendees will leave with valuable insights and inspiration for fostering a supportive and inclusive community within the gaming industry. Moderated by Kristin Chan, Women of Wizards President.

Time:

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Berlynn Wohl

Cyberpunk stories always take place twenty minutes into the future, but the speculations and anxieties that are the cornerstones of the genre were first articulated in the 17th century. In this presentation, learn about the threads of philosophy, economics, and technology that humans have woven together over the last five hundred years to create the rain-slick neon dystopias that fascinate us today.

Time:

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Hadeel Jeanne (moderator), Banana Chan

The world of fantasy games can extend beyond Euro-centric castles and Anglo accents to encompass the entire world of myth and legend. Join award-winning tabletop game designer Banana Chan and GeekGirlCon President Hadeel Jeanne for an intimate chat about expanding game worlds across the whole globe.

Time:

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Location:

Rey

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Tasha, Jay, Otter, Jack, Lex, Kelsey

We’re singing in the con, just singing in the con! Welcome to a sing-along where You Can’t Stop The Beat! You’ll be encouraged to Dance Magic Dance through some of Musical’s Favorite Things (in this case: songs). Join the Geeks That Sing for an hour of some of film’s best movie musicals, you’ll find The Rainbow Connection, And All That Jazz!

Time:

6:45 PM - 8:00 PM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Rachel Adams, Elizabeth Kalen, Shel Grinstead, Jenna Zarzycki, Charlie Hunts

The heat is on, and the flames are burning in this panel about romance novels. Join librarians and Charlie Hunts (Charlie’s Queer Books) as they discuss their favorite spicy romance reads. Come prepared for a focus on diverse and underrepresented identities.