GeekGirlCon is returning to Seattle for its 15th year on November 8-9, 2025! GGC 2025 will be a weekend full of the incredible, diverse programming you know and love—panels, gaming, cosplay, and SO MUCH MORE.
We’re so excited to introduce and celebrate our 2025 Featured Contributors! Here’s your opportunity to learn a little more about the who’s who of GeekGirlCon 2025, and discover where you can find and admire them at the con!
Dungeons & Drag Queens
Witness high-fantasy, high-heeled, high-rolling, high-larity as three Drag Queens play Dungeons and Dragons Live! Since starting in Seattle, the show has inspired many, and now sells out across the country and globe (Canada)! Dungeon Master Comedian Paul Curry and improvisational violinist Carson Grubb will lead three Drag Queens on a brand-new storytelling adventure, chock full of danger, snark and audience participation. Experience the adventure or fail your quest- atDungeons and Drag Queens!
Sistah Scifi
A lifelong bibliophile, Isis Asare launched Sistah Scifi after a conversation about Afrofuturist literature sparked a deeper mission to amplify Black and Indigenous speculative fiction authors and build a vibrant literary community. Sistah Scifi is the first Black-owned bookstore in the U.S. focused on sci-fi/fantasy and uplifting Black and Indigenous authors through literature, community, and imagination. In 2023, Isis brought these stories to even more readers by opening three Sistah Scifi Book Vending Machines.
Jasmine Bhullar
Jasmine “ThatBronzeGirl” Bhullar is a performer, game developer, writer and a content creator on Twitch and YouTube. She is the DM behind Dimension 20’s Coffin Run and the creator of DesiQuest.
In addition to writing and performing for Critical Role and Acquisitions Incorporated, she is also writing and voicing a character in the unreleased video game “Fading Echo”.
Gigi Murakami
“Queen of Horror Manga” Gigi Murakami is a Harvey and Ignatz-nominated manga artist & illustrator, and content creator at the intersection of horror media, alternative and Japanese nerd culture, and (schlocky) film. Her both traditionally published and self-published works blend Japanese manga art, vintage grindhouse poster art, and pulp comic aesthetics, while thematically focusing on the dark, dramatic, fantastical, and often introspective.
Marin Miller
Voice actor, writer, and vocal coach Marin M. Miller has had a fruitful career in foreign dubbing and ADR. You may know Marin as Nimbus in Destiny 2, Athena in Hades, or the Caretaker in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Their voice brings life to countless beloved characters across anime, gaming, and film, and they also work as a script adapter/writer on projects like Shogun, Kengan Ashura, and Lupin the 3rd: The First.
Chad Quandt
Chad Quandt is a multi-Emmy and Peabody award-winning showrunner, writer, and producer. He is currently a Co-EP and lead writer on the upcoming AVATAR: SEVEN HAVENS.
Born in the misty Midwest Mountains and now residing in Los Angeles, Chad has a true passion for epic tales about underdogs, found families, and comedy that punches upwards with the fury of a robot rocket punch.
So, where can you find these amazing humans at GeekGirlCon 2025?
Saturday:
Scream Queens: Women of Color in Horror 11:00am – 12:00pm | Storm Mia Ginaé (Moderator), Isis Asare, Gigi Murakami, Lily Meade
The horror genre has exploded in popularity over the past years. Join Isis Asare (Sistah Scifi) Gigi Murakami, the Queen of Horror Manga, and author Lily Meade as they discuss why horror matters. They’ll discuss how horror intersects with women’s lived experiences, their approach to crafting terrifying tales, and what the future of the genre looks like.
Compels Me Though: Crafting A Compelling Narrative 1:00 – 2:00pm | Furiosa Evan Peterson, Chad Quandt, Jasmine Bhullar, Lily Meade, Ashlee Lawson-Kilpatrick
Whether you’re writing for gaming, manga, or television you need to make sure your audience is engaged with your topic. Join writers from across genres as they discuss what goes into crafting engaging characters, exciting plots, and keeping readers, viewers, and players hooked!
Hustle & Heart: Making it As a Creative in 2025 4:00pm – 5:00pm | Uhura Terry Redfield, Isis Asare, Jasmine Bhullar, Gigi Murakami, Marin Miller
From Game Master to Horror Mangaka, these creatives are not just surviving but thriving. Join a panel of creatives from a variety of creative fields as they share what they’ve done to ‘make it’. Hear about the trials, tribulations, and triumphs they’ve encountered on each of their unique paths and learn how to apply their experiences to your own creative future.
Carson Grubb, improvisational violinist
Dungeons & Drag Queens Live Show
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Storm Witness high-fantasy, high-heeled, high-rolling, high-larity as three Drag Queens play Dungeons and Dragons Live! Since starting in Seattle, the show has inspired many, and now sells out across the country and globe (Canada)! Dungeon Master Comedian Paul Curry and improvisational violinist Carson Grubb will lead three Drag Queens on a brand-new storytelling adventure, with danger, snark and audience participation around every precarious corner. Experience the adventure, or fail your quest- at Dungeons and Drag Queens!
Sunday:
Marin M. Miller Voice Actor Q&A 10:00-11:00am | Furiosa
Marin Miller
Come meet the trans non-binary voice actor raised by two generations of prison guards. They’ve been working for 18 years and have a lot to share. Got burning questions about the voice acting industry? Curious about grassroots organizing? Maybe you wanna throw out some headcanons about Nimbus or Enkidu. Whatever your fancy, let’s do it.
Inside the Writer’s Room: Writing for Television 2:30pm – 3:30pm | Uhura Hadeel Jeanee, Chad Quandt, Marin Miller, Brandon Hoàng
Whether it’s developing new shows for beloved worlds or localizing scripts to bring shows from abroad to eager audiences, writing for television requires special skills, temperament, and a love of the craft! Join television writers Chad Quandt (Avatar: Seven Havens, Star Trek: Prodigy), Marin Miller (Persona 5, Ranma ½), and Brandon Hoang (The Ghost and Molly McGee, Avatar the Last Airbender (Netflix)) as they share their experience in writing for television.
Crafting Comics: Art, Publishing, and Beyond 4:00pm-5:00pm | Storm Michelle Chan (Moderator), Gigi Murakami, Mars Lauderbaugh, Keezy Young
From single issue comics to zines to graphic novels, comics are one of the fastest-growing genres in publishing today! Join a panel of comics creators as they discuss their creative processes, why they love the genre, and the unique challenges that come with visual storytelling.
Signing Schedule:
Saturday 11:00-12:00pm Jasmine Bhullar, Marin Miller
This year, GeekGirlCon is rolling out the geek carpet for an incredible lineup of featured contributors who are set to inspire, entertain, and ignite your passion for all things geeky! Wondering who these amazing geeks are and where you can learn more about them? You’ve come to the right place! Get excited about the 2024 GeekGirlCon Featured Contributors and the panels and special events where you can find them on November 9 & 10!
🌟Banana Chan, Game Designer and Publisher:
Banana Chan is a Cantonese Canadian game designer, writer and publisher living in Seattle. Her most notable work has been on Forgery, Jiangshi: Blood in the Banquet Hall, The Revenant Society, Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft, Chucky: the board game and Betrayal at House on the Hill: 3rd Edition. They won Dicebreaker Awards’ Game Designer of the Year 2022 and 2 Silver ENnie Awards in 2022.
🌟Eunnie, Author-Illustrator:
Eunnie is an author-illustrator based in Washington. She loves exploring relationships through her art and writing, and finds much joy in the portrayal of queer intimacy. When she’s not cooking up new stories, Eunnie spends her time watching video essays and collecting hoodies in every color. Her debut graphic novel, If You’ll Have Me, was created in the spirit of shoujo romance, and is her love letter to women and sapphics everywhere.
🌟Maia Kobabe, Cartoonist:
Maia Kobabe is a nonbinary queer cartoonist, a kpop fan, a voracious reader, and a daydreamer. You can learn an astonishing number of intimate details about em in GENDER QUEER: A MEMOIR (America’s most challenged book in 2021-2023) and in eir short comics and writing published in The Nib, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, NPR, and Time Magazine. Maia’s second book is BREATHE: JOURNEYS TO HEALTHY BINDING (2024) with Dr Sarah Peitzmeier and e is currently working on SAACHI’S STORIES (2026) with Lucky Srikumar.
🌟Natalie Naudus, Audiobook Narrator:
“A fave among audiobook listeners” (Buzzfeed), Natalie Naudus is one of the most beloved audiobook narrators working today. She has won an Audie award and nine Earphones awards, and maintains a robust social media following. She lives with her family on a mountain in Virginia. Gay the Pray Away is her debut novel.
🌟Mad Rupert, Cartoonist:
Mad Rupert is less than 5 feet tall and lives in Somerville, Massachusetts. She got her start in online comics over ten years ago, and authors two ongoing webcomics: Sakana, a slice-of-life workplace comedy, and Robber-Robert, a sci-fi romance for mature readers. She has also worked extensively on comic adaptations of Cartoon Network properties like Adventure Time, Regular Show, and Steven Universe, and is the artist for Bunt!, an upcoming ogn written by Ngozi Ukazu, published in Feb 2024 through First Second. ‘Mad’ is short for Madeline, she’s not actually angry.
🌟Ngozi Ukazu, Graphic Novelist:
Ngozi Ukazu is a DC Comics artist, New York Times-bestselling graphic novelist, and creator of comics like Check, Please!, BUNT!, and the upcoming graphic novel FLIP. She graduated from Yale University with a degree in Computing in the Arts and has been featured in The New Yorker.
So, where can you find these amazing humans at GeekGirlCon 2024?
SATURDAY, November 9:
Should I go to Art School and Other Questions Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Garnet
Speakers: Mad Rupert, Ngozi Ukazu, Eunnie
Want to pursue a career in animation or illustration, but not sure if going to art school is worth it? You’re not alone! Join Eunnie (If You’ll Have Me), Mad Rupert (Bunt!, Sakana), and Ngozi Ukazu(Bunt!, Check, Please!) to discuss the pros, cons, and everything in-between of the great art school conundrum.
Autobio Comics: A Conversation with Maia Kobabe and Ashley R Guillory Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Garnet
Speakers: Maia Kobabe, Ashley R Guillory
Description: Long time friends and autobio comic authors Maia and Ashley talk about turning memories into stories, why one moment might spark a comic and not another, working in short form and pitching full length memoir books, ethical questions about protecting the identities of family and friends and the veracity of memory.
It can be tough to break into art industries and publishing is no different. Join Maia Kobabe (Gender Queer), Natalie Naudus (Gay the Pray Away), Mad Rupert (Bunt!, Sakana), and Ngozi Ukazu (Bunt!, Check, Please!) as they discuss all the hurdles, pitfalls, and forks in the road to publishing.
Moving Past Medieval Europe in TTRPGs Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Furiosa
Speakers: Banana Chan, Hadeel Jeanne
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 Board President Hadeel Jeanne for an intimate chat about expanding game worlds across the whole globe.
SUNDAY, November 10:
The Great Board Game Design Show Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: America
Speakers: Lysa Penrose, Fertessa Allyse, Banana Chan, Shannon Lyon, Danny Quach
Watch tabletop game inventors scramble to design a board game in one hour! In this interactive panel, seasoned board game designers must combine a mystery box of components and quickfire audience prompts into one delightful, ridiculous, chaotic game concept. Shout out suggestions to design along and learn about the game design process in the most rambunctious way possible.
Finding Your Voice in Fandom: The Magic of Transformative Work Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Garnet
Speakers: Maia Kobabe, Mad Rupert, Ngozi Ukazu, Eunnie
It’s no secret that fandom and fan works can sometimes get a bad rap from those who aren’t a part of it, but we know that’s not the whole story. Explore all the joy and benefits of fan works with Eunnie (If You’ll Have Me), Maia Kobabe (Gender Queer), Mad Rupert (Bunt!, Sakana), and Ngozi Ukazu (Bunt!, Check, Please!).
Let’s Play Forgery with Banana Chan! Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Twitch.tv/GeekGirlCon
Speakers: Banana Chan and the GGC Twitch Team!
Forgery is a story of a down-on-her-luck art forger named Tempest, who receives a new commission to recreate a painting that they discover is cursed over time. It is a solo tabletop roleplaying game where the player (you) will be coloring in a paint-by-numbers image. The colors that you choose determine the outcome to the story. Watch-along as Banana Chan demonstrates this awesome game she created and we play along!
From Script to Page: The Graphic Novel Process Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Rey
Speakers: Tori Sharp (moderator), Mad Rupert, Ngozi Ukazu, Eunnie
Graphic novels are one of the fastest-growing genres in publishing today and with good reason! Graphic novels offer a chance to connect with readers who struggle with traditional novels and provide beautiful art to accompany the story. Join Eunnie (If You’ll Have Me), Mad Rupert (Bunt!, Sakana), and Ngozi Ukazu (Bunt!, Check, Please!) as they speak on the unique process of building a graphic novel from beginning to end.
Reading with your Ears: The Euphonious World of Audiobook Narration Time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Rey
Speakers: Natalie Naudus
Whether you read with your eyes or your ears, reading is reading! Audiobooks are an engaging, accessible, and fun way to read, but where would we be without the dulcet tones of our favorite narrators? Join featured contributor Natalie Naudus as she discusses this exciting medium!
+ Meet your 2024 Featured Contributors one-on-one!
GeekGirlCon 2024 will be November 9 & 10 at the Seattle Convention Center.
Saturday, November 9, 2024: 9:00am – 8:00pm Sunday, November 10, 2024: 9:00am – 6:00pm Vendor Floor Hours: 10:00am – 6:00pm Saturday and Sunday Friday Registration: 4:00pm – 7:00 pm
If you don’t have passes yet, it’s not too late! You can get yours HERE!
We hope you are as excited as we are to geek out with the awesome featured contributors of GeekGirlCon 2024 – See you there, geeks!
[ImageDescription: Two young girls having a ton of fun playing console video games.]
We’ve made it to our penultimate weekend of GeekGirlCONLINE, but we’re not slowing down yet. Our fourth weekend of GeekGirlCONLINE is all about GAMING, so tune in on the GeekGirlCONLINE Twitch channel for a ton of amazing panels, workshops, and livestreams sponsored by our awesome gamemaker friends at Valve!
Description: Rapunzel knits a really, really long grey scarf for Pascal the chameleon. Image Courtesy of Giphy.
Of all the amazing panels offered at GGC 2019, I was most looking forward to Knotty Geeks: Fiber Arts and Fandom. Crafting is having a bit of a renaissance in the geek world, and I am all here for it! I am an avid geek crafter, and I really wanted to see what other crafty geeks have been up to while possibly getting some new inspiration for myself. I waited patiently (not really) for 4 p.m. to roll around on Sunday and I headed down to the room with high expectations. I was not disappointed!
First off, the room was pretty full, which was encouraging to see for a late Sunday panel. As I looked around the room, I saw folks of many different ages waiting patiently for the panel to begin. Some of them were even working on knitted projects as they waited. I was actually a bit jealous, since I hadn’t brought any current projects of my own.
The panelist really didn’t waste any time once things got started. She kicked off the panel with one of the biggest and most important issues facing people who like to craft with ideas derived from pop culture—copyright infringement of trademark and licensed properties. Basically, what it boils down to is don’t sell this stuff. You can make patterns for things, knit a sweater depicting your favorite anime character, and even give them away as amazing one of a kind gifts, but the key is not to exchange money for said goods. It is really the safest practice. Now, you can absolutely jump through the hoops to create patterns in collaboration with license holders, but it is a lengthy and difficult process. Many times, it is simply easier to find licensed patterns that already exist and purchase those.
Another aspect of this issue that was mentioned is something known as “The 30% Rule.” This rule states that if a product that derives its design from another idea is not infringing on copyrights if the new product differs from the original by at least 30%. This can be tricky though, as it is largely subjective. Personally, I find it much easier to just find a fun pattern online and run with it.
When the necessary legal stuff was out of the way, we got to see some really fun and cool examples of fiber arts in the geek world. We were treated to a brief history of knitting, crocheting, and cross stitch, and were shown some cool and fun work that other geeks are doing out in the world. We had a discussion about how much math is involved in the art and the panelist showed us how some people are crocheting hyperbolic planes. She also passed around pieces that we could feel and look at in-depth, which was really fun. You could just feel the air in the panel room change with different levels of interest and awe with every project that was passed around.
The last portion of the panel was dedicated to a show and tell, and the attendees really delivered! It was wonderful to see geeks of many ages and skill levels get up in front of the room to show off work that they were so proud of, and to be supported by a community of like-minded people. The one I remember most was someone who showed their double-knitted Star Wars scarf that was readable from both sides! It was one of the most fantastic pieces I have ever seen! Even after the panel ended, there were groups of people in the room who stayed to talk about their crafts. Information was exchanged and connections were made. To me, this is what GeekGirlCon is all about—connecting you to your people. I was so, so glad that I attended this panel, especially since it has special significance to me.
I have been a crafter all my life. As an adult, I have taught myself how to knit and crochet. My mom taught me how to sew when I was very young, and it has proven to be a valuable skill. When I was 10-years-old, my father taught me how to cross-stitch. Yeah, my macho dad who worked in construction taught me how to cross-stitch because I was in love with the stitched Christmas ornaments he had made before I was born. No matter what goes on between my dad and me, I will always be grateful to him for giving me this gift.
Like many people, I have struggled with anxiety and depression for a very long time. And, also like many people, I was mis-diagnosed as a teen and didn’t receive the proper treatment for my mental illness. When things got hectic or hard, or when there would be too many thoughts running through my head, I would use cross-stitch as a type of therapy. It was something I could do that would calm my spirit and order my mind. I spent so many hours sitting in a really comfortable (and ugly) pink recliner, watching movies, and just having a great time creating beautiful things. Even now, over twenty years later, it is my favorite hobby.
Description: A highly detailed cross-stitch depiction of Snow White coming across the dwarfs’ cottage. This kit took me six years to finish. It is my masterpiece and I enjoyed every second!
There is also a timely and important issue that this panel brought up that I feel very strongly about, which is the gendering of crafting. We tend to think of knitting, crocheting, and other fiber-based arts as being a purely feminine pursuit, but that just isn’t true. I learned from this panel that, historically speaking, fiber arts have been practiced by people of all genders. If you think about it, it makes sense. I mean, everyone probably needed to have some kind of sewing and knitting skills just to keep their clothes in decent shape before they were mass manufactured. It wasn’t until fairly recently in human history that these skills were branded as being “womanly” and were relegated to the lowly position of being a housewifely, old lady hobby. I was taught to cross-stitch by a man. My boyfriend and I like to spend quiet nights crocheting together. Young people can make amazing things. Fiber arts are for everyone. Period.
Description: A hand crocheted Yoda outfit for a small child, complete with light saber. My boyfriend and I made this together for his nephews first Halloween. We were doing baby Yoda before it was cool!
I also love the idea of crafting for a cause. Sometimes you have an important message to get out there, or sometimes you get the itch to knit something, but you already have a million hats and aren’t sure what to do. Margaret and Christine Wertheim created a crocheted coral reef that has traveled to museums around the world to bring attention to the plight of coral in the Great Barrier Reef. My boyfriend and I have been knitting marsupial pouches to send to Australia to care for animals orphaned by the devastating wildfires. Premature babies, cancer patients, shelter animals… there is no end to the possible good that crafters can do, and have done, in this world. I am proud to be a part of a community that cares.
It doesn’t even have to be about knitting or crocheting. I want to take the opportunity to open this up. Sewing, quilting, sculpting, jewelry making, weaving, and any type of crafty outlet belongs here. In fact, I want to see what you have made! Share your projects! Stand up and be proud of the things that you have made! Inspire and be inspired by others! There is a place for you here.
Description: A small orange and white shoulder purse featuring BB-8. I made this small bag out of scraps from another project. Waste not, want not!
Want to find some more inspiration and fun patterns online? Try heading over to ravelry.com to find another great community of knitters and crocheters. Want to learn? YouTube has so many great tutorials available for any skill level. Or you could do what I did and pick up a copy of Knitting for Dummies. There are a ton of resources out there for eager students. Don’t be afraid to try things. You may make something amazing!
I can’t wait to see if this panel will be back at GGC 2020!
An illustrated GIF showing a woman wearing safety goggles and a white, button-down top looking into a microscope. She is surrounded by plant cuttings and bottles of liquids. The word “Science!” appears behind her. Source: Giphy.
Science geeks, this one’s for you!
From astronomy to robotics, GeekGirlCon’19 will be packed with great discussions
by some of the leading minds in STEM. Want a sneak peek of what we have in
store? Check it out:
Image source: Giphy [Image description: The character professor Sybill Trelawney, from the Harry Potter series, welcomes her students to class. She has shoulder length curly hair, and is enthusiastically extending her arms out in front of her. She is wearing large, thick-rimmed glasses, a headband, and a green blouse. The caption reads “Welcome!”]
Can you believe that GeekGirlCon ‘19 is just 49 days away? Over the next few weeks we’ll be sharing curated lists of panels that we think you’ll enjoy. Our first list is for the Academia Geeks.
Are you still waiting for an owl to deliver your acceptance letter to Hogwarts? Perhaps you’re a teacher who wishes they could teach jutsu from the Hidden Leaf village? Maybe you dream of teaching like one of your favorite characters? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, we have the perfect panels for you!
Panels are one of my all time favorite aspects of the con. It’s a chance to indulge in conversation about my favorite fandoms and stay aware of the current happenings in my industry. It gives me the opportunity to hear stories that I otherwise may not get the chance to—or even meet people that I otherwise wouldn’t. Panels are not only a great way to learn, but they’re a great way to connect.
In anticipation for GeekGirlCon ’19, I asked my team to write small pitches for panels that they’d like to see at GeekGirlCon. Since our deadline for panel submissions is coming up at the end of the month, you never know what might inspire your next great idea!
Caitlin
Title // Putting the A in LGBTQIA+
Description // What is the asexuality spectrum? What is it like being asexual and/or aromantic? How do these identities fit into the LGBTQ community? Do aces have sex? This panel of asexuals and aromantics would provide a frank discussion of these lesser-known identities and what it’s like to be aro/ace in an allosexual world.
Title // A Talk with Ijeoma Oluo
Description // From her writings on race to her opinions on makeup brands and application, Ijeoma Oluo embodies so much of the GGC spirit. I would love to bring her in as a featured contributor, if we could make it happen.
Hanna
Title // The Good, the Bad, and the 13 Reasons Why: Depictions of Mental Health in Media
Description // From Crazy Ex-Girlfriend to Lady Dynamite to (yes) 13 Reasons Why, television shows often seek to portray characters struggling with their mental health, but the degree to which these depictions are successful varies wildly. Join our panelists for a discussion of both the most polarizing and the most effective depictions of mental illness on TV, as well as an exploration of themes of stigma, romanticization, and relatability.
Title // Choose Your Own Adventure: The Creative Possibilities of Fanfiction
Description // Whether you’re a veteran writer with hundreds of fics under your belt (or published to your Archive of Our Own account); are just beginning to dabble in the world of AUs, headcanons, and ships; or are a complete novice, you’re welcome at this panel exploring the world of fanfiction! As proud fanfiction writers and readers, we’ll be discussing the freedom, creativity, and radical possibilities inherent in fanfiction as a genre, and how “choosing your own adventure” by writing fanfic has the power to expand, enhance, and subvert the media we love.
Kalyna
Title // ?Zankoku…? (ahem) the Power of Anime Openings and Endings
Description // Have you ever watched an anime simply because it had great opening animation? Do you know only the first 1:25-2 minutes of a catchy Jpop tune? This panel is for you! Discuss the history of anime openings and endings, how they’ve changed throughout the years, and (of course) watch a few clips of our favorites.
Title // Reboots, Remakes, and Nostalgia
Description // Twilight Zone. Fruits Basket. Aladdin. Hellboy. Men in Black. Final Fantasy X. What do all of these cultural icons have in common? They’re all getting remade for today’s audiences. Join us as we explore the deja-vu filled world of reboots. Are we in an age of remakes, or have we seen this pattern before? How does the process of remaking a movie differ from porting a video game, or a new storyline in comics? In the end, what audience do these reboots target — new audiences, or nostalgic fans?
Can you believe that it’s already February? We’re well into the new year and you know what that means: programming submissions for GeekGirlCon 2019 are officially open!
The GeekGirlCon staff is ramping up again as we plot this year’s convention. The creative team is in the thick of brainstorming the 2019 theme (which we’re excited to share with you later this spring) and now our programming team is eager to see your ideas for new panels, events, and workshops.
Panel Submissions Panels are the heart and soul of GeekGirlCon. We’re all about sharing a diverse range of unique voices and stories—and we want to hear yours. This year, we’re particularly interested in engaging content inspired by our community. What are you passionate about? What do you want to share?
Panelist and/or Moderator Application Interested in being on a panel but don’t necessarily have a group? You can apply to be either a solo panelist or a moderator! We’ll try our best to match you to any panel in need of an additional participant.
Performance & Event Submissions Panels aren’t the only events at GeekGirlCon. Historically, we’ve hosted our annual Fashion Show and Cosplay Contest, but each year we aim to expand on our content. From variety shows to networking events, if you and your company have an idea for a performance or event, we’d love to hear from you!
Workshop Submissions GeekGirlCon also hosts a variety of workshops and other interactive programming. If you’re interested in giving a more hands-on presentation or class, we welcome you to apply. Prior workshops have included the Use Your Voice, Rey: Political Advocacy 101, Allyship in Fandom, and the Black Girls Code Workshop.
Tabletop Game Host Applications Are you working on a game, whether independently or with a larger studio? We’d love for you to demo it on the gaming floor! Tabletop games, indie developers, and larger game studios have joined us at GeekGirlCon in the past, and we’d love to see you this fall.
A couple tips and pointers to consider when submitting your proposal:
Make sure your submission is on-mission. We’re looking for engaging content that correlates with our mission statement, which is to celebrate and honor the legacies of under-represented groups in science, technology, comics, arts, literature, game play, and game design. We do this by connecting geeks worldwide and creating an intersectional community that fosters the continued growth of women in geek culture. GeekGirlCon provides a safe space to spark conversations around social justice while encouraging unabashed geekiness.
Think about what’s going on right now. There’s a lot going on in the world right now, and we are very interested in topics that are relevant to recent events or discuss important issues in interesting or new ways.
We want to hear your unique perspective. We want to hear from everyone. Regardless of how you identify, the color of your skin, your gender, or your sexual orientation—we’re all geeks here, and that’s what matters. Tell us your individual story. What are you excited about? What is your niche?
If you have any questions about submitting your programming idea, please reach out to us at programming@geekgirlcon.com.
The first day of con has come and gone, and there are plenty of feels to go around.
Each year, my team covers various panels and events to write about for the GeekGirlCon blog—a truly daunting task, of course. This year we each wanted to write a short blurb about our experiences during the weekend of con to share with all of you: what panels we attended, our favorite exhibitors, and a little bit about what’s happening behind-the-scenes (you know, those important anecdotes about naps in the staff room and dad jokes that only we find funny).
#GGC18 may go down as one of our favorites yet, and we hope you’re having just as much fun as we are thus far!
From GeekGirlCon Manager of Editorial, Indigo Boock (me!)
Saturday morning started off with a pot of coffee delivered right to my hotel room door at 6:15 sharp. Oh, I could write ballads to that coffee, but no amount of caffeine would stand a chance to the hectic excitement that awaited me on the convention floor.
Appropriately, I started off my day at a panel that meant a lot to me and my relationship with gaming: 25 Years of Myst Fandom.
Back when I learned that Cyan would be joining us for GeekGirlCon 2018, I was floored. I immediately called my dad and geeked out over the news, and without a doubt I was primed and ready for the panel at 11:30 this morning. A conversation between Myst co-creator Rand Miller and super fans Melinda Rose and Eleri Hamilton, the panelists discussed the game and the truly unique community that has tirelessly slaved over its lore throughout the years. Though I have far less street cred than both Melinda and Eleri, Myst has a sneaky way of integrating itself into pivotal parts of my life, and that now includes my time working with GeekGirlCon.
During a little bit of down time, I finally had a chance to walk around the exhibitor hall—and I am genuinely shocked that my wallet is still in once piece (though it’s definitely not happy with me). I passed some familiar faces, added a few more t-shirts to my ever growing collection, and connected with an artist I hadn’t heard of before but whose work I instantly adored. Susana’s (@S2HEARTBunny) style meshed perfectly with my aesthetic: very pink and a little eerie. She even told me about a smaller, local event that she’s organizing in the coming months, illustrafest!
The exhibitors truly outdid themselves this year. I’m proud that I displayed at least a little self control and didn’t just buy everything for myself.
This year I was also joined by my mom, who periodically reported which panels she was excited about and the new friends that she was making. She really reminded me why I love this community, and also made me question my own genetics and introverted tendencies when she walked by with her newfound con-posse. My mom, who I’ve written about on the blog before, is still a little newer to the geeky side of life and definitely fresh to the convention scene. Initially a display of support for my work with the organization, her own interests have taken off and she’s really learned to open up and savor the experience. A geek in training yet, she’s proud so say that she has learned a lot and excited to keep going.
When your parental unit knows you so well that they buy you the same shirt you bought yourself. #GGC18pic.twitter.com/W9NH4yNIDX
The rest of my day was spent tucked away in various panels and stowed up writing in the staff room—definitely not gorging on donuts whilst whining about how sore my feet were thanks to my ill fated decision to wear high heeled boots. I fawned over the women of Dungeons & Dragons, who have been working on the franchise since I was in grade school, and the lovely team behind Magic: The Gathering Arena. I also stopped by the Women in Horror panel for a few good laughs (and some much needed profanity). All in all, it was an great day.
….and here’s to a second that’s just as amazing as the first!
Gigi Murakami
🌟Banana Chan, Game Designer and Publisher:
🌟Eunnie, Author-Illustrator:
🌟Maia Kobabe, Cartoonist:
🌟Natalie Naudus, Audiobook Narrator:
🌟Mad Rupert, Cartoonist:
