Schedule

Time:

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location:

Samus

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

The Bug Chicks

This panel explores the fascinating world of bug vision! Whether it is moving through an ultraviolet world or only seeing in shadow and light, this talk will dive into the structures and function behind how arthropods see the world and the sci fi characters that have been inspired by them.

Time:

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

C.B. Lee, Brandon Hoàng, Julia Vee, Diana Ma

Science fiction and fantasy inspires people to look ahead and to imagine themselves not only in the future but also gives insight to the present. From superpowers to spaceships, join Asian writers, actors and creatives as they discuss favorite tropes and storytelling techniques, stereotypes, diaspora and unpacking generational trauma in their work.

Time:

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Location:

America

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Atina Tan, Christina Savvides

We love sharing our passion for scuba diving with others, especially women. And we love nerding out about everything diving related. From the physics and physiology of diving to the gear and equipment specific to the sport to the different destinations you can dive and the amazing critters you can see within recreational depths. Diving isn’t just a hobby; it can be a way of life. And introducing more people to our underwater world and getting them to love it as much as we do is the most effective way to ensure ocean conservation continues.

Time:

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Sara Phoebe Miller, CB Lee, Kiri Callaghan, Annie Ashley, and Mallory Shoemaker

Seeing a creative project to fruition is difficult enough, but when you’re an independent creative also juggling a full-time job how do you manage it all and not burn out?
Whether your passion project is a side quest or a stepping stone to something bigger–join us for a candid conversation about time management strategies that work at all levels, maintaining your creative peace, and other actionable tips for balancing your 9-5 with your 5-9.

Time:

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Location:

America

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Grace Mitchell, Hadeel Jeanne

This panel will discuss the importance of historical representations in pop culture that attempt to explore marginalized voices in American history. Addressing their successes and failures from an intersectional feminist perspective. Particularly discussing media history that are for children, especially those targeting girls. We will focus on American Girl Dolls, Liberty Kids, and Dear America as examples.

Time:

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Erica V. Espejo

Sparkle, glitter, and all the magic we made with our friends – the shoujo (magical girl) had been the face of anime fandom in Y2K. Shows like Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura, Tokyo Mew Mew, etc defined childhood for many. From watching censored versions on the small screen to then discovering the original series by tape trading (or sailing the high seas), this panel looks like to the series that defined a generation of anime fans. This is open to everyone who wanted to be a princess, but still want to save the universe and sparkle.

Time:

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

C.B. Lee, Julia Ember, Shaun Hutchinson, Alec Marsh, Rosiee Thor, Mallory Shoemaker

What’s next? When We Need Diverse Books came on the scene in 2014, the landscape of literature of queer books was quite bleak, but a growing movement among readers, writers and publishers changed the landscape of literature forever. Join bestselling queer authors as we discuss writing queer characters in the year 2025, our latest books, and our publishing journey. How’d we get here and where are we going next? What do we hope to see in the years to come?

Time:

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Location:

America

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Symantha Reagor, Elizabeth Kilmer, PhD , Brianna Malotke

Chronic illness can sap energy not only from the body but also from creativity itself. In this panel, we’ll share personal experiences and strategies for managing chronic physical and mental health conditions while continuing to create. As we navigate a post-COVID world—where long-term illness and disability are more visible than ever—these conversations are vital. We’ll explore how to balance health needs while living our best creative—and chronic—lives.

Time:

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Rebecca M Davis, Shermona 'Mona' Mitchell, Mary Adner

Since its inception in 1963, the British SciFi program Doctor Who’s protagonists have met aliens, monsters, and humans, with varying results depending on the year filmed. After 50+ years, the show welcomed its first person of color as the Doctor! On our panel, we will explore how the show has grown, along with (mostly British) society to reflect more of the planet Earth’s actual racial/ethnic make-up. We will also reflect on what it means to be a BIPOC geek, and a fan of a show that doesn’t always recognize your existence/POV.

Time:

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location:

America

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Dr. Nicole Harvey, Jeremy Tellock

Ever wanted to learn the detailed science behind how our bodies immune response works? Bridging pop culture and nursing scientific evidence, join Nicole for a teaching presentation on how the stories of Batman can be used to teach the mechanisms and details of the adaptive immune system of the human body. Beginning with the invading foces of the antigen “Joker”, lets make human physiology fun and memorable for all ages of learners.

Time:

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location:

Samus

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

ThatCostama, Shouganeko, Heaven's Light Cosplay, OhHeyItsRaining

How’d it go last time you cut your own bangs? Don’t worry, we’ve been there. Come join us and learn all about how to cut that wig you’ve been scared of touching! Learn all about creating the volume you need for Anime style gravity defying spikes, the best curlers to get the perfect ringlets, and the best tools and techniques you need to take that styling game to the next level.

Time:

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location:

Uhura

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Elizabeth Kilmer, Jared Kilmer

Games can be a powerful tool for growth, and many popular games include design elements that can support a growth mindset in players. Join our panelists as they discuss three games (Hades, Elden Ring, and Destiny 2) in-depth to illustrate the design choices present that support growth-mindset and provide an engaging play experience. If you are looking to improve your performance in a new game, your favorite game, or IRL, this panel is for you.

Time:

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location:

Furiosa

Type:

Panel

Speakers:

Morgue Anne and Guest

Gay is hot, gay is in! But it wasn’t always so. Join local Horror Queen Morgue Anne for an exploration of the history of queer horror and how far we have come from the Hay’s Code Closet into Seeing the TV Glow.