Silverhex Chronicles includes six, 1-hour adventures that take the PCs to locations across Golarion in a hunt for their next adventure. GMs may run these adventures in any order for a unique participant experience each session. Panelists:
At Lilywhite's famous Rum Punch festival, Captain Varossa Lanteri hires the PCs to help her find the secret treasure hoard of the Legendary Pirate Jemma Redclaw. Is she telling the truth, or are you going to be six more folk on a dead man's quest? Panelists: Jeffrey Reed (mod)
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Introduction and character creation for Friday's Dead Reign: Haven game - please plan to attend BOTH this session and the game event on Friday. Panelists: Joel Gruetzmacher (mod)
Come check out Munchkin, Chez Geek (and any of the other SJG titles) in a relaxed, demo environment! Andy Mullin, one of SJG’s own Men in Black, will be here to demo and teach new games from Steve Jackson Games Panelists: Andy Mullin (mod)
Stranded in the depths of space, you must survive the horrors of exploring a derelict ship, all the while solving the mystery of how and why you are here. Try out a brand new RPG (Adventure Deck System: Luminosity), currently on Kickstarter! Panelists: David Cheek (mod)
A new day for Connie's Quantum Sandbox! Connie's Quantum Sandbox has a new home in Plaza 2, right next door from our old space in Plaza 3 ! Join us for a Crafting Party to break in our new space! All Crafts, All Ages, All fun! Panelists: Angie Anderson, Carol Strand, Dierdre Schultz, Carla Mantel, Sue Bloyer, Tristine Miller
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
You want to write a book, but need to know how to get started and how to publish? No question is out of bounds! Writing can be fun and sad at the same time, as it not easy to get started. Panelists: Neve Maslakovic, Doug Hulick, Robert Kroese
You can't effectively run your "perfect society" without good control of information. Learn about the different types of propaganda, and see how to use it in your own fiction or even spot it in real life. Panelists: Jamie Riedesel, Christoforo Pasquarette, Jamie Bernstein, Celia Yost
Why do Shakespeare’s works make such strong foundations for reinvention in speculative fiction? Is it the ghosts and supernatural elements, or the strong characterisation and conflict? And are some works better suited to adaption than others? Panelists: Ruth Berman, John Heimbuch, Anne Lyle, craig cormick
With robotics advancing at a steady pace, how will liability shift when the worst happens? Will it impede technological progress while we sort out who sues whom? If you're liable for your Roomba, will you'll be liable for your robot maid Rosie's rampage? Panelists: Raychelle Burks, James Renken, Tyler Tork, Dani Price, michelle cadieux
We'll discuss personal stories of living with Autism Spectrum Disorder at various degrees and talk about the local resources to help you. Panelists: Marie Porter, Jennifer Baye, Lex Lemaire, Jonah Weinberg, Miss Shannan Paul (mod)
Camp NaNoWriMo--the bubbly April and July sisters of November's National Novel Writing Month. An information session for anyone interested in getting started with the fierce (but fun!) goal of 50,000 words in 30 (...31!) days! Panelists: Samma Johnson (mod), Tania Richter, Becca Patterson, Eli Effinger-Weintraub, E. P. Beaumont
What happens when people who were bullied turn into bullies themselves? For example the video game subculture used to be looked down upon but In the wake of the Gamergate controversy some people are now perpetrators. Panelists: Stephanie Zvan (mod), Ozgur Sahin, Ryan Alexander, Meredith Gillies, Laura Terwilliger
Come join Diamond Dust Dreams representatives for demos of their newest games: Kitsune: of Foxes and Fools, Kitsune: the Spirit Chase, and Newsflash: Bad Decisions! Panelists: Susan Price (mod)
More than a millennium after the "machine mage" Karamoss's failed siege of Absalom, during a routine drill for Society Initiates, the once-dormant dungeon springs to life. It will take all your resourcefulness and skill to make it out alive Panelists: Eric R. Peterson (mod)
Silverhex Chronicles includes six, 1-hour adventures that take the PCs to locations across Golarion in a hunt for their next adventure. GMs may run these adventures in any order for a unique participant experience each session. Panelists: Jennifer Bergk (mod)
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Life in an abbey is never dull. Novices sneak out of their rooms at night looking to get their secret wish granted, while the abbesses catch them to send them back. Novices tiptoe when an abbess is close since abbesses will follow the tiniest noise. Panelists: Chas Swedberg (mod)
Gentlemen, start your engines! Pedestrians, watch out! Death Race fans, this one's for you! Race across the country in your weaponized roadster, lighting up your opponents and scoring points as you go! Panelists: Bob Wagner (mod)
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Discover what an owl had for dinner! Dissect an owl pellet to solve the mystery and reveal clues about the owl's diet and predator/prey relationships. What types of bones will you find in your pellet? Panelists: PZ Myers, Skatje Myers, Mary Myers
Workshop looking at recent awardwinning poems from SFPA's Dwarf Star and Rhysling contests and other venues such as the Wisconsin People and Ideas Contest, where speculative language poetry won awards last year. Time allowed to write and share. Panelists: Sandra Lindow
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
How does the current political and popular media climate mirror or lead to a future like the one portrayed in Logan's Run? This panel will discuss the culture of youth worship, rapid turnover, and the apparent war against facts, education, and history. Panelists: Matthew Kessen, Melissa Kaercher, Bill Stiteler, Tim Uren, Greg Parks (mod)
In modern times, can you ever really end a series? Does "I'm done" only mean "done for now"? Panelists: Patrick Tomlinson, Wesley Chu, Lee Harris, Anne Lyle, Kelly McCullough
Flash, Constantine, Arrow - why does DC do TV shows so much better than Marvel? And why can't their movies be this good? Panelists: Geoffrey Hofman-Frethem, Dave Margosian, Kevin Eldridge, Shawn Van Briesen
Come discuss television shows, movies, or books that have used the Four Horsemen of the apocalypse as inspiration. On Supernatural they featured in a plot line, while Sleepy Hollow is also using them as their "big bads." Panelists: Jennifer Lundstrom, Alexandra Howes, Kiah Nelson, Lily Winter
What would happen if we unlocked more than 10% of our brain? Nothing: we already use all of it. Sci-fi writers love this trope, despite its inaccuracy. Discuss where this and other tropes came from and why they refuse to die. Panelists: Renate Fiora, Scott Pearson, Marty Farley, Stephanie Zvan, Tyler Tork
Join us for a discussion on the idea of bringing young children to a convention, including tips and strategies from parents who have survived the experience. Panelists: Anj Olsen, Jenni Klumpp, kat evans, Beth Kinderman, Monica Flavin
There's only one token female in the Avengers - and she's not even on any of the t-shirts. How does the Smurfette Principle play out in marketing for movies, TV shows, and books? Panelists: Michael R. Underwood, Trisha Lynn, Meredith Gillies, Miss Shannan Paul
Come join Diamond Dust Dreams representatives for demos of their newest games: Kitsune: of Foxes and Fools, Kitsune: the Spirit Chase, and Newsflash: Bad Decisions! Panelists: Susan Price (mod)
Ballet student Ahiru ("duck") is clumsy, good-hearted and sweet, and a duck. The mysterious Drosselmayer transformed her into a girl to give her a mission: help the Prince get his heart back. To do so, she becomes Princess Tutu, whose magical dances ease pain and purify bad feelings. Panelists:
Join the Assassins Guild for boffer weapon training and practice in preparation for Saturday's big event, The Assassins Guild Grand Boffing Tournament. To participate you must be 18 yrs or older, 14 yrs old with parental consent. Panelists:
First qualifier round for the Kitsune: of Foxes and Fools Tournament. Additional qualifier rounds to be held Friday and Saturday, with a possible Semi-Final on Saturday and Finals on Sunday. Entry is free. Panelists: Scott Johnson (mod)
The surface structure of the Emerald Spire consists of the ruins of an old Azlanti tower. A band of bloodthirsty goblins under the leadership of the bugbear chieftain Grulk lurks inside. They must be defeated to progress further into the Spire. Panelists: David Burton (mod)
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
See the full Cinema Rex schedule, including information about this film, in the printed Programming Guide, Grid, or stop in at Cinema Rex to see what's playing! Panelists:
An exciting tabletop game in which players use dice rolls to collect and place shipping, farming, city building or scientific research playing pieces. Strategies evolve throughout the game as the pieces and the board change. Panelists:
The Zombie Apocalypse is upon us!! However, they are so cute that no one really minds. Julie Bowman will show you how to turn a cute and adorable Plush Creature into an even cuter and more adorable Plush Zombie. Panelists: Julie Bowman
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
For first timers or veterans who are pretty sure they don't know everything, this panel will try to teach you everything you need to know! Panelists: Charmaine Parnell (mod), Jen Manna, Dorothy Neikirk Norton, Tabitha Anderson, Brian Etchieson
How has electronic distribution changed the way professional writers work? What about fanzines being replaced by websites? Panelists: Rory Ni Coileain, Michael R. Underwood, David Stegora, Lee Harris, Tyler Tork
Past winners of the annual GPS Writing Contests read from their winning work. This year’s winners are announced. Panelists: Hilary Moon Murphy, George Richard
Writers have assumed that when dystopia arrives, it will come with a new coded language, such as Newspeak of 1984 or Blade Runner's Cityspeak. What's the attraction to making this a part of dystopia world-building? Where might it go in the future? Panelists: Bryan Thao Worra, Gabriela Santiago, Mitchell Faas
This critically acclaimed dystopia overcame its initial limited release in the US last year through word-of-mouth and reviews. Let's talk about the world, characters, and themes of class and environment as well as what about this film is so compelling. Panelists: Tim Lieder, Daniel Stiglich, Adam Lueck, David Schwartz
If you're not raised with it, how do you learn to deal with it? How does it affect the geek community? Panelists: Holley McLellan, Daren Johnson, Amanda Hofman-Frethem, Ben San Del, Trisha Lynn
The storylines and the world in which they play out become increasingly darker with each book. At what point does the Harry Potter universe become dystopian? Or does it become so at all? Panelists: Kethry Burke-Scovill, Joan Sullivan, Naomi Kritzer, kat evans, Cetius d'Raven
What are the challenges to writing a new story or an old story in a new medium, such as a screenplay based on a comic or the latest in a popular series? Where do you stay true and where can you change or add something new? Panelists: Sarah Prentice, Scott Pearson, Charlotte Fullerton, Jason Glaser
Join Steam Century in a venue showcasing the technical skills that we don't have the time or space to appreciate in the hallways! Show off your favorite steampunk gear and speak about the details of your costume. Vote for you favorites! Panelists:
Guest of Honor Gordon Smuder shares a presentation about the ill fated Sid & Marty Krofft theme park from 1976. He has pictures! Panelists: Gordon Smuder
An exercise in imagination and interpretation, Dixit is a one-of-a-kind board game. The goal is to give a clue as to which card is yours so at least one person guesses it, but if the clue's too obvious or too obscure, your opponents take the points! Panelists: Carl Patten
Legendary Heroes is a Marvel Superheroes Deck Building Game. This first of its' kind game, has the game fight back against the players. Players can recruit their heroes to defeat the villains and their schemes. Panelists: Derek Hanisch (mod)
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
To escape death, baby Recca Hanabishi was sent 400 years into the future by the Hokage Clan. Now he's a modern day ninja determined to protect his "princess" Yanagi. After discovering his heritage and some magical powers, Recca must stop his long-lost half brother from kidnapping Yanagi. Panelists:
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
A meteor explodes in the upper atmosphere. As dawn races across the globe the hungry dead arise and attack the living. 6 survivors hole up in an isolated mansion and try to survive and find a way to reverse the apocalypse before it's too late. Panelists: Bob Wagner (mod)
Collaborate with artists to create masterpieces. Even if you can only create a stick figure, you can join the fun with professional artists in seeing the art come to life. Panelists: John Garner
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Player meeting for the MUNCHKIN tournament - please make every effort to attend this brief player meeting, as rules and expectations for the tournament will be covered, and you'll have a chance to ask questions of the tournament staff. Panelists: Andy Mullin (mod)
Come talk about the Avengers: Age of Ultron movie. What did you love about the movie? What do you wish they would've done differently? Spoilers abound! Panelists: Lyda Morehouse, Kevin Westrom, Neil Anderson, Christopher Jones, Anne Lyle
One of science fiction's grand masters, Heinlein included many different types of societies in his many books. Most of his works were very positive and forward-looking, but a few presented the other side of the coin. Were any of them true dystopias? Panelists: Toni Weisskopf, Elise Matthesen, Dani Price
Why the adversarial relationship between geeks and sports? After all the mocking geeks have endured, why is okay to mock someone else's interests? Why are some sports--like derby--okay but other not? A panel for fans, geeks, athletes, and geeky athletes. Panelists: Ozgur Sahin, Brian Salisbury, michael merriam, Sherry L.M. Merriam, MA, LPC, Dave Kingsley
CONvergence is a community event and feels like one big family. But that doesn't mean not watching out for yourself, your friends, and your stuff. Come and learn some tips and tricks for having an awesome weekend, while keeping safety first! Panelists: Lara Messer (mod), Jen Manna, Lauren Sindt
Come talk about what happens during the Masquerade and the Art of the Dress Fashion Show with the department staff. Ask questions. Plan your entry. Find out the details of how the whole process works: judging, tech rehearsals, and shows. Panelists: Deborah Mullen, Gregory de Danann
I'm one, a few, no family too, who am I? Welcome to Clone Club! We will discuss the story lines, best and worst parts of the show and how the fans in clone club have kept the show alive! Panelists: Dave Margosian, Kiah Nelson, Jen Paulus, Grace Ulak, Monica Flavin
So you want to be a panelist or are one this year and don't know what to expect or what's expected of you? Here's a primer for you. Panelists: Craig A. Finseth, Dave Romm, Ben Ellis
Paranoid predictions about the technological downfall of mankind abound in media, but technology has also made human lives immeasurably better. We'll talk about more realistic portrayals of tech, science, and human improvement. Panelists: Renate Fiora, PZ Myers, Heina Dadabhoy, Dan Berliner, Jason Thibeault
Come join Diamond Dust Dreams representatives for demos of their newest games: Kitsune: of Foxes and Fools, Kitsune: the Spirit Chase, and Newsflash: Bad Decisions! Panelists: Susan Price (mod)
Legendary Villains is a Marvel Superheroes Deck Building Game, and a follow-on to the Legendary Heroes game. Recruit a villainous army to take over the Universe for fun and profit... just because you can. Let the do-gooders try to stop you! Panelists: Derek Hanisch (mod)
See the full Cinema Rex schedule, including information about this film, in the printed Programming Guide, Grid, or stop in at Cinema Rex to see what's playing! (This showing is captioned.) Panelists:
Players choose the roles of Agent Smith, Neo, Morpheus, Trinity, or play an Agent or Zionist. Any number of people can play, joining in and leaving at any time. A special game will be run by invitation on Friday--seek out The Architect for details. Panelists: Shannon Green
Come up for some fun in our LAN gaming space – all are welcome, but we only have so many computers, so please play well with others and share! Panelists:
Bring 3 UNOPENED 15-card booster packs from ANY set of Magic that was released in 15-card booster-pack format. Packs may be purchased at any Dealer's Room merchant selling Magic: the Gathering product. Players will not be admitted without packs. Panelists: Dan Blees (mod)
Standard Constructed Tournament. Bring your standard-legal Magic: the Gathering deck and get matched up against other players for a few hours of Magic fun to kick off the Convention! Pack prizes supplied by Level Up Games. Panelists: Matt McMillan (mod)
The Blakros family receives a shipment of artifacts from Numeria, but fears attack from the ever-vigilant Technic League. When they request the help of Pathfinders to guard the collection, the PCs find the Technic League to be the least of their worries. Panelists: Chris Mortika (mod)
You are more beast than man. You were created or captured by a powerful spellcaster and are being held deep beneath his castle as gladiators for fighting in his arena or to be sold to others. It’s time to fight for your freedom. (Part 1 of 2) Panelists: Ryan Anderson (mod)
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Twenty-two years ago an earthquake destroyed an area now known as the Lost Ground. This land became home to Alter users, people with psychic abilities. HOLY, a special task force comprised of "law-abiding" Alter users, intends to bring the Alter users under control. If Kazuma, a Native Alter, has anything to say about it, the Natives will run free. Panelists:
As your team exited the Nanolight after celebrating your latest find, there was a small quake. That was six hours ago. The morning sun is now rising as you and your team crest the last hill and look down into the valley to see... Panelists: Jeb Worrall (mod)
Locked in the brig of a pirate ship, you count the hours, as you have done every day within recent memory. Suddenly, cannonballs split the hull around you, exposing your cell to the light of day. The life boat below you will get you to the island... Panelists: Jeremy Thigpen (mod)
Old-tyme radio comedy for a new-tyme audience. Big Fun Radio Funtime features original comedy plays, commercials, music, and a live sound effects technician. Don’t call him a Foley artist - that just makes him mad. Panelists: Tim Wick, Salsa Sterling, Dawn Krosnowski, Windy Bowlsby, Gordon Smuder
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Steve Jackson Games' MUNCHKIN card game, played tournament-style; this is round 1 of 4. Please be on time, as tournament rules and such will be covered prior to play commencing. Panelists: Andy Mullin (mod)
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
See the full Cinema Rex schedule, including information about this film, in the printed Programming Guide, Grid, or stop in at Cinema Rex to see what's playing! (This showing is captioned.) Panelists:
Mindmaps are a way of drawing out concepts in non-linear fashion with doodles. Come add to our gigantic piece of paper that will branch out from the center word "dystopia". Join Reesha for this collaborative project. Panelists: Reesha Rugroden
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
The elaborate costuming of many cosplayers can be overwhelming for beginners. How do you get started cosplaying? Panelists: Deb Brazil, Lori Fischer, Erin Schneider, Jess Dunow, Melissa Sowers
Does he like you? Does she LIKE you? Does this like include nudity? HOW CAN YOU TELL?? Our panels will guide you through the fun an pitfalls of flirting and hooking up at conventions. Rated Teen+! Panelists: Sigrid Ellis, Kris George, Ben Blanchard, Mona Montague, Marty Farley
How to treat your fellow geeks at CVG and in everyday life: We will discuss responding to cosplay, fandom bashing, and general social issues that arise when conversing in a unique community such as ours. Hufflepuffs unite! Panelists: Dave Romm, Sean Sullivan, Jen Manna, kat evans, Anthony Padilla
Come talk about the Guardians of the Galaxy movie. How did it compare to the comic? Which did you like better? What are your hopes for the sequel? Panelists: Lyda Morehouse, Alexandra Howes, Donavon Indovino Cawley, Kevin Westrom, Michael Lee
We'll review the most egregious examples of Hollywood mangling science over the past year. Watch experts pass from denial, to rage, to sobbing as they are reminded that the budget for each film exceeds the global research budget of their field. Panelists: Christopher Hunter, Rebecca Watson, Jason Thibeault, Raychelle Burks, Ryan Consell (mod)
This Eisner Award-winning dystopian comic chronicles the adventures of the last male human following a global catastrophe. While its run ended in 2008, it's still a very popular book. Come learn why. Panelists: Walli Sullivan, Jeremy Stomberg, Kyle Dekker, Sean Casey, Garrick Dietze
The official kick-off event for CONvergence 2015. It'll be DoublePlusGood! Panelists: Nicole Dubuc, Chad Frey, Lee Harris, Jennifer Ouellette, Gordon Smuder, Toni Weisskopf, Dawn Krosnowski, Bryan Thao Worra, Charlotte Fullerton, Christopher Jones, Alee Ellingsberg
Come join Diamond Dust Dreams representatives for demos of their newest games: Kitsune: of Foxes and Fools, Kitsune: the Spirit Chase, and Newsflash: Bad Decisions! Panelists: Susan Price (mod)
The much acclaimed class-based team FPS with many different game modes, including capture the flag, payload, control point, king of the hill, and Mann vs Machine modes. Panelists:
Returning for its third year, Simplicity is a bridge system from dice-based RPG games to a storytelling game where the participants control the outcomes in the game through interaction rather than dice rolls. Rules taught, imagination required! Panelists: Ken Justiniano (mod)
Silverhex Chronicles includes six, 1-hour adventures that take the PCs to locations across Golarion in a hunt for their next adventure. GMs may run these adventures in any order for a unique participant experience each session. Panelists:
The Licktoad goblins of Brinestump Marsh have stumbled upon a great treasure—fireworks! Come play as a goblin of the Licktoad tribe, dared to retrieve the great treasure from the derelict ship that holds it!! Panelists: Jeffrey Reed (mod)
The foundations of the tower are a confusing maze of vermin-infested chambers and clever pit traps. A dangerous undead spellcaster known as Gorloth, the Bone Priest, ambushes adventurers who blunder into the pits and spiderwebs. Will you escape? Panelists: David Burton (mod)
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Five years ago, almost every villager of Ootsuka died due to a tragic plague, except for three: a girl and two boys. Now they live in isolation, hidden from those who may seek to find them. Shino, one of the survivors, has control over the power of Murasame, the blade of life. But when the imperial church seeks to take Murasame for themselves, their peaceful life becomes a thing of the past... Panelists:
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Join us for a meet and greet at the Art Show. Tour the Art Show as we put faces to the art. Stick around afterwards for some refreshments and conversation. All are welcome. Panelists: Holley McLellan, Christine Mitzuk
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Let's talk about the first season of Agent Carter and our hopes for next season! Panelists: Jeremy Stomberg, Anna Besmann, Lynne M Thomas, Cetius d'Raven (mod), Morgan Niemeyer
At what point is suspension of disbelief not a good enough reason to mess up the science? What movies have good examples of getting the science right, and how does this make the movie better? Panelists: Jennifer Ouellette, Renate Fiora, Sean Sullivan, Raychelle Burks, Emily Finke
The Galactic Empire, ruled by Emperor Palpatine, is one of the great dictatorships of Hollywood. How will this dystopia play into the new movie? Panelists: Zach Nyhus, Donavon Indovino Cawley, Ben Ellis, Michael Carus
How has the portrayal of homosexuality changed over time? In early fantasy GLBTQ characters were missing or portrayed negatively, but not any more. Were there some seminal works that caused this change, or is it simply a reflection of current society? Panelists: David Lenander, Donald Kaiser (mod), Kendra Akin
Explore how writers and artists use folklore as inspiration in urban fantasy. Panelists: Melissa Olson, Adam Stemple, Abra Staffin-Wiebe, Ty Blauersouth, Haddayr Copley-Woods
From Player Piano (Utopia 14) and "Harrison Bergeron" to Cat's Cradle and The Sirens of Titan, Kurt Vonnegut created memorable dystopian worlds. Let's discuss our favorites and what Vonnegut was saying about society. Panelists: Danielle Indovino Cawley, Tim Lieder, David Schwartz
Vampires and werewolves often have sexual connotations. Why don't other monsters get the love? Panelists: Kirsten Wade, Patty Templeton, Charlie Paulsen, Dana Baird, Tyler Tork
Come join Diamond Dust Dreams representatives for demos of their newest games: Kitsune: of Foxes and Fools, Kitsune: the Spirit Chase, and Newsflash: Bad Decisions! Panelists: Susan Price (mod)
The award winning zombie co-op action horror FPS takes you and your friends through the cities, swamps and cemeteries of the Deep South, from Savannah to New Orleans across five expansive campaigns. Panelists:
Which dastardly despot will win the right to control the Earth? Our panel of experts on ruling the world will consider what happens when famous evil overlords go mano a mano in the Smackdown arena. Panelists: Tim Wick, Tim Uren, Kelvin Hatle, Joseph Scrimshaw, Christopher Jones, Melissa Kaercher, Molly Glover, Alee Ellingsberg, Lee Harris
Everypony is aflutter with excitement with the arrival of a large dark cube hovering in the bright skies of Equestria. After all, Friendship is... Irrelevant. Join Sandbox in modifying Pony figurines into the scariest oppressors in the universe. Panelists: Jim Shields
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Security. Safety. Surety. We are here to ensure your happiness. Enjoy a smoothie, let the music soothe you. All citizens will be scanned for happiness. Don’t forget to take your medicine! Panelists:
Thursday July 2, 2015 9:00pm - Friday July 3, 2015 2:00am CDT
DoubleTree Veranda 6
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
In a domed city on an inhospitable future Earth, Inspector Re-l Mayer leads an investigation concerning AutoReiv androids that have gone mad after infection with a virus. In the process, she comes in contact with a strange monster called Proxy. Panelists:
The Cube is the best cards in Magic, stuffed together, to create incredibly fun experiences. How you create or mold those experiences is up to you. Panelists: Dan Blees (mod)
Quantum Leap is a casual Legacy format that uses primarily Planechase and Vanguard cards – bring your Legacy-legal deck and come play! Pack prizes supplied by Level Up Games. Panelists: Matt McMillan (mod)
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Covering the world of Bellona that is both adored and reviled by science fiction fans. A discussion of Samuel Delany's Nebula-nominated, circular, dystopian novel about the strange, wounded American city Panelists: Dave Romm, Bob Alberti, Michael Kingsley, Tim Lieder
How did Susan Collins get away with having children murder each other in the Hunger Games? Let's discuss how writers successfully cross the line in dystopias. Panelists: Adam Stemple, Christoforo Pasquarette, Deb Brazil, David Annandale, Kirsten Wade
Now that Dragon Age: Inquisition has released, come discuss this latest addition to the franchise, as well as all that's come before. Panelists: Beth Kinderman, Mary Bertelson, Jaime O'Brien, Michael Shappe, Alee Ellingsberg
Who will be victorious in a post-apocalyptic tournament for monster domination? We'll pit zombies vs. vampires, aliens vs. mutants, and more in head-to-head debates. The audience will choose the winner of each round and ultimately the victor. Panelists: Brianne Bilyeu, Emily Finke, Raychelle Burks (mod), Jennifer Ouellette, Rebecca Watson
A discussion of George Orwell's life, work, and politics: Animal Farm, 1984, Homage to Catalonia, Down and Out in Paris and London, and the essays. Panelists: Pat Harrigan, TJ Kudalis, Matthew Kessen
How would parenting change in a post-apocalyptic world? Would children have any freedom to be kids? Would children who are not able-bodied or with developmental delays be a part of society? How would we care for numerous parentless children? Panelists: Kethry Burke-Scovill, Bradford Walker, Steph Montgomery, Emmy Jackson, Erich Bacher
Why are there so many anti-heroes and why do we want to use them as role models? Panelists: Jonathan Palmer, Sarah Prentice, Dana Baird, Doug Hulick, Lathan Murrell
The ladies of the XCPD podcast will be recording live, geeking out about geeky movies with a special guest. Sobriety not required. Panelists: Melissa Kaercher, Windy Bowlsby, Lana Rosario, Dawn Krosnowski
All three of the cult hit indie horror games - not for the faint of heart! Ribbons awarded for surviving! 18+ only with Adult CONvergence badge. Panelists:
See the full Cinema Rex schedule, including information about this film, in the printed Programming Guide, Grid, or stop in at Cinema Rex to see what's playing! Panelists:
Thursday July 2, 2015 10:00pm - Friday July 3, 2015 12:00am CDT
DoubleTree Plaza 4
The Monday Night Comedy Show is a Weekly Showcase entering our 9th year!
We feature Local and National Stand up acts as well as Music, Storytelling and Video sketches.
Happy to be a part of the return of HarmCON, we look forward to presenting some things our regular liquor license doesn’t allow, Making THE MONDAY NIGHT COMEDY SHOW ON A THURSDAY AT CON a little more exciting! In addition to Stand up, Sketch and Burlesque, we will be Geeking out to Music by ‘LYRITICS’ and giving away loads of fun prizes to get CONgoers to take the shuttle bus to see us!
Grand Prize: We buy you a CON Badge for CONvergence 2016!
Thursday July 2, 2015 10:00pm - Friday July 3, 2015 12:00am CDT
Crowne Plaza U
Card's Against Humanity is BACK, BABY! Last year's event was such a hit (and offended so many people) we just had to bring it back. 18+ ONLY w/ID & Adult CONvergence badge. Panelists: Bob Wagner (mod)
Thursday July 2, 2015 10:00pm - Friday July 3, 2015 1:00am CDT
DoubleTree 2201
Fiasco is an awesome game of people with strong desires and poor impulse control! HINT: If you love Quentin Tarantino movies, this may be the game for you! Experience not required - wit and imagination a must! 18+ ONLY w/ID & Adult CONvergence badge. Panelists: Lauren Sindt (mod)
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Rarely Have Participants Savored such a film like this. Raucous Happy People Singing songs about other worlds, a kind of music, and theaters that play two consecutive movies of the science-fiction genre. Join Minnesota's own live Rocky Horror shadow cast, Transvestite Soup, for thrills, chills, sexy cross-dressing aliens, and do the Time Warp again! Bring your best Rocky Horror callbacks! (Sorry, no throwing props during this performance.) Panelists:
Thursday July 2, 2015 10:30pm - Friday July 3, 2015 12:00am CDT
DoubleTree Main Stage
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
In an easy to imagine future, we face constant Fandom Conventions. We wander endless hotels with nary a shower in sight, continually crafting accessories and costumes. Be prepared. Make your own Convention Crafting Survival bag and Mini Survival kit. Panelists: Philip Cordes, Angie Anderson
Thursday July 2, 2015 11:00pm - Friday July 3, 2015 1:00am CDT
DoubleTree Plaza 2
Joss Whedon's "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" is a delightfully hilarious exploration of love and evil featuring Nathan Fillion, Neil Patrick Harris and Felicia Day. Panelists: Barbara Jungbauer (mod)
Thursday July 2, 2015 11:30pm - Friday July 3, 2015 12:30am CDT
DoubleTree Atrium 6
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Meet Hitmi, an average Japanese high-school girl who finds herself whisked away to the magical world of Java, where conflict is brewing between the kingdom of Folgeria and the Starbach Empire. Could it be that Hitmi has the power to save the day? If you don’t know the answer to that, you probably haven't seen much anime. Panelists:
Thursday July 2, 2015 11:30pm - Friday July 3, 2015 12:30am CDT
DoubleTree Atrium 1
The first season of the Starz series is done. Claire and Jamie’s story is also told in eight novels, plus three novels featuring Lord John, numerous short stories, and even a graphic novel. Come discuss all things Outlander. Panelists: Anne Fry, Marty Farley, Beth Kinderman
Thursday July 2, 2015 11:30pm - Friday July 3, 2015 12:30am CDT
DoubleTree Atrium 4
Why do over 3 million gamers sign in to Bungie's shared-world shooter every day? We discuss all things Destiny; from our favorite classes and loadouts to what we hope to see improved in the game. Panelists: Adam Lueck, Lex Lemaire, William Dewey
Thursday July 2, 2015 11:30pm - Friday July 3, 2015 12:30am CDT
DoubleTree Plaza 3
The first rule of Rollerball is: never, ever mention the 2002 Rollerball remake. But the 1975 Rollerball movie combines lacrosse, roller derby, and motorcycle racing in a pretty, shiny dystopia. What are the rules, penalties, and physics of Rollerball? Panelists: John Shea, Derek Mahr, Michael Kingsley, Kendra Akin
Thursday July 2, 2015 11:30pm - Friday July 3, 2015 12:30am CDT
DoubleTree Atrium 2
Bring on the SCHNEEnanigans cause the Yang's all here! We'll talk about RWBY and all of it's glory and just nerd out over Rooster Teeth in general. Panelists: Matt Meyer, Tyler Johnston, Neptune Vasilias
Thursday July 2, 2015 11:30pm - Friday July 3, 2015 12:30am CDT
DoubleTree Plaza 1
Come learn the inner workings of what it takes to be a video game broadcaster. Today, TV is overrated. Many people are turning to the Internet for entertainment. Get your questions answered on everything from equipment to dealing with trolls. Panelists: Briana "Tactical Pinup" Falb-Joslin, Josh "Koopatroopa787" Peters, Kevin "Jacklifear" White
Thursday July 2, 2015 11:30pm - Friday July 3, 2015 12:30am CDT
DoubleTree Atrium 7
The competition has eaten Nintendo alive. What's keeping it going? Handheld games and Pokemon? Panelists: Walli Sullivan, Nessa Fritsche, Ross Conklin, Michael Black
Thursday July 2, 2015 11:30pm - Friday July 3, 2015 12:30am CDT
DoubleTree Atrium 3
long Join our expert panel of readers as they explore only the best in SFF erotic fan fiction. Dramatic readings assisted by a healthy dose of humor and alcohol, along with completely scientific diagrams. Panelists: Windy Bowlsby, Kristina Winn, Scott Raleigh, Katie MacInnes, Molly Hair
Thursday July 2, 2015 11:30pm - Friday July 3, 2015 12:30am CDT
DoubleTree Edina
A panel of experienced adventurers put their heads together to determine the best suited race, core/base class and abilities for all your favorite - and least favorite - characters from Dystopian Fiction. Panelists: Hal Bichel (mod), Nick Glover, Molly Glover, Dawn Krosnowski, Philip Henry
See the full Cinema Rex schedule, including information about this film, in the printed Programming Guide, Grid, or stop in at Cinema Rex to see what's playing! Panelists:
Join the drone army as we exercise conformist dancing rituals until the wee hours. A variety of our specially-trained djs provide a continuous barrage of electro-swing, retro, mashups, and more for your rigorously synchronized movement. Panelists:
The underground city of Lux is ruled by the maffia alliance Organo and kept alive only to mine Raffia, which allows scientists to replace human limbs with mechanical ones ("texhnolyzation"), for a price. Ichise was at the bottom of the social ladder until a gift of texhnolyzation raises him to the ranks of the Organo. From there, he bears witness to the final atrocities of humanity. Panelists:
See the full Cinema Rex schedule, including information about this film, in the printed Programming Guide, Grid, or stop in at Cinema Rex to see what's playing! Panelists:
Unico the Unicorn was born with the power to make anyone happy. The gods become jealous, thinking that only they should decide who can be happy, so they banish Unico to the Hill of Oblivion. The West Wind feels bad for him, though, so instead she takes him on a journey to escape the wrath of the gods, spreading happiness as they go. Panelists:
Devilman is a soldier of the Demon clan who was ordered to spread chaos on earth. He takes over a human body, but interacting with humans convinces him that they are actually pretty cool. Instead of spreading chaos, he protects them from the rest of the Demon clan. Panelists:
Hey Kids! Wake up your parents and drag them down to Connie's Quantum Sandbox for some morningtime fun with the Sandbox Staff and GOH Chad Frey! We will have coffee to keep the parents occupied while you play and learn. Panelists: Angie Anderson, Carla Mantel, Dierdre Schultz, Chad Frey
Many dystopias have their root in an apocalypse. Why is this such a common trope? What are your favorites? Where's the line between post-apocalypic and dystopian? Panelists: Kethry Burke-Scovill, Eric Staggs, Ty Blauersouth
From classics to brand new, there's a ton of good dystopias out there. Let's make a list of our favorites. Panelists: Hagbard Celine, Matt Gamble, Shaun Duke, Erika Ensign
Come discuss ways to improve and enhance convention culture to make cons more accessible to all audiences. We'll also discuss how the culture has changed over time with things like the "Costumes are not Consent" campaign. Panelists: Kris George, Jen Manna, Jackie Moore, Anthony Padilla, Lee Blauersouth
Learn about a variety of materials available for making costumes and props. Hear where to obtain the raw building blocks to bring your ideas and favorite characters to life. We'll also talk how to manipulate, cut, combine, and shape just about anything. Panelists: Melissa Sowers, Marie Porter, Marty Farley, Lori Fischer, Ryan Consell
Let's talk about the latest in wars, weddings, and more in the world of Westeros. How did the latest season compare to the books? What can we expect from the next season? Panelists: Kirsten Wade, Neil Anderson, Michael Carus
Why do we have them? How content from the day gets recycled into the dream, etc. What about dystopian dreams? Panelists: Renate Fiora, Mary McKinley, Sherry L.M. Merriam, MA, LPC
Harry Dresden has met Odin and Hades. Percy Jackson is the son of Posieden. What is it about ancient mythology that makes it such interesting fodder for new stories? Panelists: Adam Stemple, Paul Weimer, Gabriela Santiago, Catherine Schaff-Stump, Dana Baird
Until space probes came along, science fiction largely assumed Venus to be a lush, tropical jungle entirely suited for human habitation. Why did people originally think that? How and when did our knowledge of Venus take a sharp turn towards accuracy? Panelists: Jay Gallentine
PVP-oriented miniatures game that uses several different methods (points, draft, or manual) to determine win. Standard tournament rules apply; copy of rules may be available at Front Desk on 22. Panelists: Paul Rickert (mod)
Silverhex Chronicles includes six, 1-hour adventures that take the PCs to locations across Golarion in a hunt for their next adventure. GMs may run these adventures in any order for a unique participant experience each session. Panelists: Andy Christian (mod)
For decades a sinister band of assassins has watched and waited, hiding among the rugged people of Kalsgard, capital of the fierce Lands of the Linnorm Kings Can the heroes defend themselves and their friends from the supernatural killers' blades? Panelists:
The geeks of the East and the West must unite and fight, to see whose Kung Fu is better! Come play Kung Fu Fighting the game of cinematic martial arts mayhem. Six will do battle! One will prevail! Panelists: Bob Wagner (mod)
See the full Cinema Rex schedule, including information about this film, in the printed Programming Guide, Grid, or stop in at Cinema Rex to see what's playing! (This showing is captioned.) Panelists:
You are the impressionable young interns at the local desert bluffs radio station, the premiere source of code words, secret messages and pie recipes for miles around! It starts as a normal day, but something evil this way comes. Something UNPATRIOTIC! Panelists: Katie Dahl (mod)
An anthology of four short films: a traveler is confronted by spirits in an abandoned shrine; a story of honor and firefighting in ancient Japan; a white bear defends the royal family from a monstrous red demon; ragtag soldiers battle a robotic force in futuristic Japan. Panelists:
Life in an abbey is never dull. Novices sneak out of their rooms at night looking to get their secret wish granted, while the abbesses catch them to send them back. Novices tiptoe when an abbess is close since abbesses will follow the tiniest noise. Panelists: Chas Swedberg (mod)
Stretch your creative muscles by writing a 100-word story based on a surprise prompt item. Entries will be judged during the weekend and the winners announced at the end of the convention. Panelists: Heather Bufkin
YogaQuest is back for its fourth year! Join JustiniYogini and the YoGeeks as they try to clean up the mess that Cordelia made in this narrated yogic adventure! No previous yoga experience, special clothing, or mats necessary. Come as you are! Panelists: Justine Mastin
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Is Guardians of the Galaxy new or old? What about Pacific Rim or Edge of Tomorrow? Are there any truly original ideas anymore? Panelists: Sarah Prentice, Mark McPherson, John Shea, Romeo Azar, Tyler Tork
How do we exercise our right to freedom of speech while maintaining a respectful dialog? Communication in our ever-digital world can be a tricky thing to navigate, given how easy it is to misinterpret what someone means. Panelists: Heina Dadabhoy, Wesley Chu, Hal Bichel, Erika Ensign, craig cormick
Genre still suffers from a lack of diversity. We are bombarded with stories told through the straight white cis-male gaze. Let's have a discussion about intersectionality and the ways to combat sexism (and the other -isms) to make genre a safer place. Panelists: Kethry Burke-Scovill, Laura Zats, Sean Eberle, Cynnthia Michaels, Trisha Lynn
The new version of Dungeons and Dragons is geared to be more approachable, and other games are gaining popularity. How can people who want to get into tabletop gaming find groups and games? Panelists: Bill Bodden, Brian Casey, Ian Price, Beth Kinderman, Michael Carus
Have you ever wondered how these collections come to be? Let our panel walk you through the process, from origination to publication. Panelists: Catherine Lundoff, Tim Lieder, Toni Weisskopf, Lynne M Thomas, Roy C. Booth
Join us for a discussion of hidden disabilities in the media - for example, Iron Man has PTSD - and how it changes our perceptions of ability in the real world. Panelists: Haddayr Copley-Woods, Kiah Nelson, Vetnita Anderson, Emilie Peck, Sherry L.M. Merriam, MA, LPC
How do you market yourself as an artist? How much should you be charging? How do you avoid feeling guilty about charging for your art? Panelists: Bob Alberti, Melinda Layden, Mona Montague, Beth Voigt, Tania Richter
Learn about hardware, software, self-promotion, and how to stand out in an increasingly crowded podcast market. Panelists: Jeffrey Gardner, Shaun Duke, Jeff Adams, Clayton Faits, Michael Damian Thomas
How does the storytelling differ between TV and comics? What differences are necessary and why? What techniques can cross over successfully? Panelists: Michael R. Underwood, Sean Casey, Christopher Jones, Ty Blauersouth, Shawn Van Briesen
Science is all around us, from our computers to the lights in this building. Let's discuss the practical applications of science and how each of us uses it every day. Panelists: Jennifer Ouellette, Renate Fiora, Dan Berliner, Steven Theiss, Raychelle Burks
See what it's like to play with three foot wood. Appropriate for all ages, and any number of players per team is permitted. We'll coach on all levels of skill, so come wrestle some pieces against your friends. Panelists:
Bring 3 UNOPENED 15-card booster packs from ANY set of Magic that was released in 15-card booster-pack format. Packs may be purchased at any Dealer's Room merchant selling Magic: the Gathering product. Players will not be admitted without packs. Panelists: Dan Blees (mod)
Bring your Legacy (legal, of course) deck up to 22nd floor and get in some of that Good Ol’ Time Magic! Pack prizes supplied by Level Up Games. Panelists: Matt McMillan (mod)
Captain Lanteri hires you on as crew to help her assemble the magic key that will open the door to Redclaw’s treasure... and the ancient cyclops stronghold in which it’s hidden! Panelists: Jeffrey Reed (mod)
Your spy is dead, and all your team has to go on is a set of cryptic puzzles left behind. Each leads to a different part of the hotel and a piece of the final puzzle. Will you be the first to find the key? Friday at noon in the Garden Court. Free to play! Panelists: David Allison
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
After a plane crash, a robot is asked to portray one of the crash victims in order to conduct experimental therapy for the woman he left behind. Kurumi has been so overwrought that she will not leave her closet. As "Hal" tries to coax her back into the world, he pieces together the nature of their relationship, but can he handle the devestating truth that lies at the successful completion of the mission? Panelists:
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
The Steam Century Scavenger Hunt returns! Participating room parties give stamp awards, and when you collect them all, you get a small prize for turning in your ballot! Ballots available on 22 Friday at noon, turn them in by noon Sunday! Panelists:
Work with a teammate to create clues to a word by placing hint pieces on the many symbols on the mat. Three levels of difficulty require creative thought both by the clue-giving team and the guessers! Panelists: Carl Patten (mod)
See the full Cinema Rex schedule, including information about this film, in the printed Programming Guide, Grid, or stop in at Cinema Rex to see what's playing! Panelists:
How do you extract DNA out of living things? What does DNA look like? Find out and make a special necklace using strawberry DNA! Panelists: Mary Myers, PZ Myers, Skatje Myers
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
A cute kitten named Chi gets lost, and a human family living nearby finds her and decides to adopt her. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in their apartment complex, so the Yamada family must keep her hidden from the landlady. Chi expores her new world as only an adorable kitten can. Panelists:
Cartoon Network’s popular series has been adapted to comic books, novels, movies, and video games. How do the characters and storytelling need to change to suit each medium? How are they the same across all media? Panelists: Charlotte Fullerton
LEGO has done some fascinating things with licensed characters from DC and Marvel Universes, Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, Lucasfilm properties, among others. What are some of your favorites and how did you first discover the love of LEGO? Panelists: Michael Zecca
An overview and tutorial for building your own custom gaming PC. Everything from picking components to modding your case. We will discuss the merits and value of overclocking, water cooling, lighting, and similar topics. Panelists: Sean Sullivan, Ross Conklin, Nessa Fritsche, Kenneth Justiniano, Michael Black
Puppet performance isn't just about moving your hand while you talk. You need to know how to create a character. Expert puppeteers will take about how you transform some felt and foam into a unique character. Panelists: Andrew Dyrud, Gordon Smuder
Destruction by science is a common theme in dystopian fiction. Now it's our turn. Join our panel of evil scientists as they describe how they would destroy the world with science. Panelists: Jennifer Ouellette, Raychelle Burks, Ben Blanchard, craig cormick
Join publishers and writers of fiction to discuss the differences between novels, novellas, and short stories, from germinating to print. Panelists: Melissa Olson, Haddayr Copley-Woods, Wesley Chu, Michael Damian Thomas
Since this time last year, we've seen talking raccoons, killer robots, the Scarlet Witch, and announcements for the films up through 2019! Join us for an hour of pure geekery on Marvel's latest offerings and speculation about their future. Panelists: John Seavey, Emily Finke, Romeo Azar, Christopher Jones
Many of us were raised on geek properties and are now starting families of our own. How does growing up geek affect how you parent? Are you promoting the geeky to your children or letting them find it themselves? Panelists: Anj Olsen, Kyle Dekker, Steven Theiss, Amada Marquez, Miss Shannan Paul
Zombie apocalypse RPG of survival, rescue, and revenge!! If you plan to attend this game, please ALSO sign up for Thursday's Character Creation session and intro to Dead Reign. Panelists: Joel Gruetzmacher (mod)
Silverhex Chronicles includes six, 1-hour adventures that take the PCs to locations across Golarion in a hunt for their next adventure. GMs may run these adventures in any order for a unique participant experience each session. Panelists: Brett Indrelee (mod)
The Licktoads, once the great and fierce goblin tribe in Brinestump Marsh, were defeated by human adventurers! Can the four heroes of the now-dead Licktoad tribe save the Birdcrunchers and, in so doing, become their new leaders? Panelists: Hilary Moon Murphy (mod)
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Steve Jackson Games' MUNCHKIN card game, played tournament-style; this is round 2 of 4. Please be on time, as tournament rules and such will be covered prior to play commencing. Panelists: Andy Mullin (mod)
Steve Jackson Games' MUNCHKIN card game, played tournament-style; this is round 2 of 4. Please be on time, as tournament rules and such will be covered prior to play commencing. Panelists: Andy Mullin (mod)
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
A millenium from now, Saki Watanabe lives in an idyllic village barred from the outside world. After finally gaining her own psychokinetic powers, she enters Zenjin Academy to train with five other children. However, this utopian village is not what it seems; students are rumored to disappear from the academy, and the world is darker than they think. Panelists:
Come watch two-person teams compete in a head-to-head one-hour themed guerrilla challenge. The teams are each given the theme and a surprise grab bag and will have one hour to make the costume then show it off to win the title Guerrilla Costume Warrior. Panelists: Deborah Mullen
Our Mandatory Puppet Activity. CONvergence just wouldn't be the same without it. Kimberly Baerg of Joy Filled Puppets will lead this activity, assisted by her husband Brad and 2015 GOH Gordon Smuder. Panelists: Kimberly Baerg, Brad Baerg, Gordon Smuder
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
A review of the role of artists in apocalyptic fiction and a speculative journey into the value and nature of art at the dusk of humankind. Panelists: Emily Finke, Celia Yost, Ryan Consell, Beth Voigt, Charles Price
Every profession has its share of difficult people. What personalities and behaviors are the most challenging to work with in publishing and how do you handle it? What can we do to avoid becoming those difficult people as writers, artists, editors? Panelists: Wesley Chu, Lee Harris, Michael Damian Thomas, Carrie Patel
Playwrights and script writers discuss their approaches to writing entertaining and effective dialogue, and how they use dialogue to craft stories and mold characters. Panelists: Jack Reher, Jerry Stearns, Ben San Del, Rachael Acks, Charlotte Fullerton
Ms. Marvel, Batgirl, and more. We're seeing more and more cosplay-friendly, practical-minded costumes. Superhero costumes are no longer just spandex, they're something a hero could actually fight crime wearing. Panelists: Jon Durmin, Shawn Van Briesen, Ty Blauersouth, Christopher Jones, Dana Baird
Believe it or not, being a gamer gives you advantages in your day job. Long-time tabletop gamers discuss how the skills they've honed playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, Shadowrun, and more can come in handy in the business world. Panelists: Hal Bichel (mod), Mitchell Faas, Laura Thurston, Hertzey Hertz, Pedro Rodriguez
Nick got his Grimm back, Wu was brought into the fold, Julia went full Hexenbiest, and Monroe faced a Wesen purity cult--a lot happened in Season 4. Discuss your favorite aspects. Panelists: Alice Leber Cook, Ann Laabs, Kris George, Anne Lyle, Cetius d'Raven
The comedians know they’re about to perform in a series of short-form improv games, and that’s it. When a game is announced, our host draws names out of a hat to decide who is going to be in that game. Presented by Fearless Comedy Productions Panelists: Lauren Haven, Salsa Sterling, Nick Glover, Manna Jaeger, Derek "Duck" Washington, Andy Wilkins, Bob Alberti, Eric Thompson (mod), Matt Allex
It’s back! Four panelists will give a presentation to the audience, but they’ve never seen the slides before and they don’t make any sense! Panelists: Bill Stiteler (mod), C. Robert Cargill, Paul Cornell, Barb Abney, Sharon Stiteler, Tim Wick, Joseph Scrimshaw, Tim Uren, Molly Glover, Melissa Kaercher
Filmmakers from around Minnesota and the upper Midwest submitted short films of various geeky genres and styles. Come see some of Rex’s favorites. Panelists: Troy LaFaye
This latest expansion to the acclaimed Dominion card game series adds new Duration cards and introduces two new types of cards: RESERVE and EVENT. Knowledge of the base Dominion Card Game a must! Panelists: Carl Patten (mod)
A multi-player, team oriented game combining first-person shooter and real-time strategy rules. Set in a science fiction universe in which a human team fights an alien team for control of resources and territory in large and elaborate indoor facilities. Panelists:
Reach for the sky, varmint! What better way to celebrate America's birthday than a good old-fashioned Wild-west gunfight? High Noon Saloon is the fast-paced card game of quick draws and hot lead! Panelists: Bob Wagner (mod)
Stranded in the depths of space, you must survive the horrors of exploring a derelict ship, all the while solving the mystery of how and why you are here. Try out a brand new RPG (Adventure Deck System: Luminosity), currently on Kickstarter! Panelists: David Cheek (mod)
You’re a survivor. Find weapons, kill zombies. The more zombies you kill, the more skilled you get; the more skilled you get, the more zombies appear. The only way out is zombicide! Panelists: Adam Troup (mod)
Come playtest the new Cyberpunk RPG from Diamond Dust Dreams games (the folks who brought you Kitsune: of Foxes and Fools). Ian Price leads two sessions of his developing RPG - one TH, one F) - don't miss out! Panelists: Ian Price (mod)
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Seers have predicted destruction of Nexis, and a mass exodus is in the making. A wealthy merchant is looking to hire your party to take his family safety - the coin is a bonus; you'd do it just to know the location of a safe spot to ride out the cataclysm Panelists: Jenna Touchette (mod)
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
See the full Cinema Rex schedule, including information about this film, in the printed Programming Guide, Grid, or stop in at Cinema Rex to see what's playing! Panelists:
With a roll of the dice, you determine whether to hurl a tankard of ale at the out-of-tune bard or smash a chair over the drunken barbarian's head. Treachery and chaos abound! Panelists: Eric R. Peterson (mod)
Bring your entry for judging (teams up to two allowed). Judging will be based on best use of the prescribed list of items published a week before on Facebook. The best representation of the theme using the list wins the title 11th Hour Costume Warrior. Panelists: Deborah Mullen
Society might have collapsed, but people will always find a way to make music. Build and design your own instruments from trash and household items while you learn about the physics that makes them work, then play in our ragtag ensemble. Panelists: Erich Bacher, Jamie Bernstein
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Working scientists take time away from their undersea labs and volcano lairs to answer your science questions! Panelists: PZ Myers, Gwen "Bug Girl" Pearson, Steven Theiss, Rachael Acks, Raychelle Burks
Join our panel for a expansive journey through the comic book universes that AREN’T Marvel and DC, as well as lively discussion on why the "third-party" characters and titles aren’t getting more attention from the public. Panelists: Taylor Cisco, Sigrid Ellis, Bryon Stump, Meredith Gillies, Leora Effinger-Weintraub
Building a comprehensive world, whether it is for a novel, comic, or serial can be a huge challenge. Join the creators of the audiodrama series Our Fair City and others as they discuss tools, strategies and both successes and failures in worldbuilding. Panelists: Melinda Layden, Alyc Helms, Tyler Tork, Robin Simmons, Jim McDoniel
Everyone knows what life is like in a post-apocalyptic future: Mismatched props, small casts, and the goofiest tyrants you can imagine! Join us for an hour of talking about the cheapest, silliest, and worst (in all senses of the word) cinematic futures. Panelists: John Seavey, Emmy Jackson, Danielle Indovino Cawley, Matt Gamble
Come discuss race, handicap, gender, diversity, and more in film and TV casting. Is it acceptable when an actor portrays a character with a different physical characteristic? When is it OK to divert from the source? Panelists: Jonathan Palmer, Derek "Duck" Washington, Haddayr Copley-Woods, Wesley Chu, Cynnthia Michaels
From print to e-books to online publishing, how have these changes affected the industry? How have writers, graphic artists, editors, and others involved in book publishing adapted, and what remains the same no matter what format a book takes? Panelists: Laura Zats, Toni Weisskopf, Dawn Frederick, michael merriam, Martha Wells
While East Asia has regularly figured in doomsday scenarios, Southeast Asian perspectives have rarely been shown. When they have, it's often been from a subordinate perspective. But what are some approaches to consider? And what should we avoid? Panelists: Bryan Thao Worra, Bob Alberti
Join Charlotte Fullerton to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes of Equestria. What are the challenges to writing an episode of the show everypony of all ages seems to enjoy? Panelists: Charlotte Fullerton
Two competing teams of "literary experts" discuss the plots of books, based only upon the cover art they are given. Panelists: Melissa Kaercher, Tim Wick (mod), Nick Glover, Molly Glover, Jerry Belich, Dawn Krosnowski
The Faithful Sidekicks are a Geek Comedy Rock Duo who play fun original songs about nerdy goodness like gaming, computers, coffee and cats. Funny songs about Star Wars, Star Trek, Stargate - pretty much anything with a 'Star' in the name. Panelists:
If you have registered for the Art of the Dress Show, come line up and get last-minute tips for the show. Mandatory for Art of the Dress participants. Panelists: Gregory de Danann
Abra Staffin-Wiebe will be performing an excerpt from her post-apocalyptic novel, A Circus of Brass and Bone. First-come, first-serve for delicious donut refreshments Panelists: Abra Staffin-Wiebe
Online fantasy RPG Elder Tales has become popular worldwide, but when its twelfth expansion package, "Cultivate the Noosphere," is installed, thirty thousand players are trapped inside. Among them is grad student Shiroe, who forms a guild called Log Horizon with an eclectic group of other players to survive in a world full of monsters. Panelists:
Second qualifier round for the Kitsune: of Foxes and Fools Tournament. Additional qualifier rounds to be held Friday and Saturday, with a possible Semi-Final on Saturday and Finals on Sunday. Entry is free. Panelists: Scott Johnson (mod)
Commander ban list in effect (check with Wizards of the Coast website or your local judge onsite to confirm legal cards). Pack prizes supplied by Level Up Games. 2 pods of 4 players each. Panelists: Dan Blees (mod)
If you picked up Modern Masters 2 in May, this is a great chance to get some use from those cards! Bring your Modern Constructed (legal, of course) deck and get your game on! Pack prizes supplied by Level Up Games. Panelists: Matt McMillan (mod)
Witness the Amnity bellydancers, the Dauntless acrobats, the Candor singers and so much more! Hosted by the lovely Pepper Sunshine and produced by Luna Rouge. Panelists:
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Create your own works of art with the help of live maggots! Maggots get an unfair rap. Learn how fascinating they really are while working with them to create unique paintings. Panelists: Gwen "Bug Girl" Pearson
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Ever wonder what it’s like to live 24/7 on a submarine? Some say it’s as close to space travel as we can get on Earth. Come ask a group of real-life submariners about their experiences living and working on real-life submarines! All ages welcome! Panelists: Hal Bichel (mod), Daniel Stiglich, Andrew McKay, Christopher Baye, Michael Sherman
How are comics adapted to the big screen? What goes into it? Why do some work and some not? Panelists: Lee Harris, Bryon Stump, Christopher Jones, Chad Frey
Get an update on the latest with the organization that runs CONvergence with members of the Convergence Events Board of Directors. Panelists: Thomas Keeley, Ishmael Williams, Amy Mills, Margaret Eastman, Liz Hernandez
As population is outstripping food supply, what does feeding people in the future look like? Will food be grown, manufactured, or even available? Watch experts argue about this as well as their favorite flavor of Soylent. Panelists: Ben Blanchard, Raychelle Burks, Kavin Senapathy, Daniella Martin, Maggie Koerth-Baker
Few can think of dystopia without thinking of the Mad Max series, and now 30 years after the last Mad Max movie, Beyond Thunderdome, the fourth in the series has been created, Mad Max: Fury Road. Let's look back on the original films. Panelists: Adam Whitlatch, Kyle Dekker, Emmy Jackson, Joel Arnold, Melissa Kaercher
Authors like Philip Pullman, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien have often pitted religion against science, blatantly or through symbolism. How do these authors tilt their respective playing fields? How do their dystopian portrayals of the "other side" compare? Panelists: PZ Myers, Heina Dadabhoy, Emily Finke, Jairus Durnett, Cassandra Phoenix
One of the more comical characters in the Marvel canon, her superpower is to control squirrels, and yet's she's defeated major villains. What makes her the most popular hero ever to have been a Great Lakes Avenger? Panelists: Renate Fiora, Jenni Klumpp, Roy T Cook (mod), Derek Mahr
Panelists discuss the hit series "The Legend of Korra," which had its finale in 2014. Topics may include LoK's influence on traditional TV airing vs. online debuts, mature themes on a kids' network, and other lasting impressions. Panelists: Nicole Dubuc, Kathryn Sullivan, Samma Johnson, Nick Stoner, Windy Bowlsby
The apocalypse has happened, but what caused it? Was it Monsanto? The Devil? Vaccines? John F Kennedy? All of these things? Our panel of experts gets to the bottom of all the conspiracies that destroyed the Earth. Panelists: Molly Glover, Nick Glover, Tim Wick, Jeremy Stomberg
Looking for an opportunity for mass group acceptance in the new order? Come show off your amazing recreation or cosplay without all the chaos associated with the rebel Masquerade entrants. We will also elevate the winners of the 11th Hour and Guerilla Costume Wars on to their appropriate pedestals. Panelists:
"The Octopus is the drunk texter of the Cephalopod family." So begins the story about what happened after Octopus made off with a diver's camera while it was still recording. A live reading of the podfic based on the fanfic based on the YouTube video. Panelists: Lunate Eight, Jo Thrace, Bessyboo, XanaTenshi
Legendary Heroes is a Marvel Superheroes Deck Building Game. Players can recruit their heroes to defeat the villains and their schemes. Play cooperatively or competitively. Panelists: Derek Hanisch (mod)
The acclaimed class-based team FPS with many different game modes, including capture the flag, payload, control point, king of the hill, and Mann vs Machine modes. Prize ribbons will be awarded to the winners! Panelists:
The tomb of Pharaoh of Sphinxes attracts glory seekers from across many nations, each fighting to be the first to claim its wonders. …But the storied pharaoh doesn't rest quietly, and his tomb was designed to slaughter any who would dare trespass! Panelists: Chris Mortika (mod)
Silverhex Chronicles includes six, 1-hour adventures that take the PCs to locations across Golarion in a hunt for their next adventure. GMs may run these adventures in any order for a unique participant experience each session. Panelists: Andy Christian (mod)
Taldor's Kitharodian Academy’s tomes hold a heavily "revised" history, so when a secretive ally approaches the Society with information on a hidden archive holding the unaltered histories, the Pathfinders plan a daring infiltration to retrieve the truth. Panelists: Jeffrey Reed (mod)
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
See the full Cinema Rex schedule, including information about this film, in the printed Programming Guide, Grid, or stop in at Cinema Rex to see what's playing! Panelists:
What if you could kill anyone, anywhere, with no repercussions? Ace student Light Yagami finds a notebook dropped by a Death God and seems to gain just that power. With the Death Note in hand, he decides to create his own crime-free utopia. However, when criminals start dropping dead, a legendary detective takes notice. Panelists:
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
If you have registered for the Masquerade, come and get last-minute information about the tech rehearsals, judging, and the show. Masquerade participants must attend one of the orientation sessions. Panelists:
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Steve Jackson Games' MUNCHKIN card game, played tournament-style; this is round 3 of 4. Please be on time, as tournament rules and such will be covered prior to play commencing. Panelists: Andy Mullin (mod)
Steve Jackson Games' MUNCHKIN card game, played tournament-style; this is round 3 of 4. Please be on time, as tournament rules and such will be covered prior to play commencing. Panelists: Andy Mullin (mod)
We know how difficult it is to run an evil organization - sometimes it can become a little overwhelming. Come and meet other villains and feel appreciated together. Panelists:
A basic European 4 in 1 chainmaille lesson for those who have always been curious. We will use links that can be worked without tools, so ages 11+ should be able to enjoy themselves. Panelists: Carla Mantel
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Where do "new" mental disorders come from? How are they discovered, and are they caused by modern society or just reconceptualizations of conditions that have existed for ages? Topics include eating disorders, sex addiction, video game addiction, and ASD. Panelists: Kris Coulter, Olivia James, Lee Blauersouth, Sherry L.M. Merriam, MA, LPC, Miri Mogilevsky
Rod Sterling's masterpiece encompasses many different themes across all the episodes. How do you pick a favorite from all of them? Panelists: Alexandra Howes, Danielle Indovino Cawley, Joel Arnold, Charlene Holm, Christopher Jones
Emotions run high and disinformation runs amok around the topic of food. Are GMOs safe? What are the breeding methods used in farming? How do we interpret food labels? Who can we trust? This panel will explore the truth and myths surrounding what we eat. Panelists: Jon Durmin, Kavin Senapathy, Ben Blanchard, Maggie Koerth-Baker
Atwood's 1985 dystopian novel about a US overthrown by a totalitarian Christian theocracy still rings eerily true amid the events of this decade. We'll discuss how religion and politics have mirrored the book and what we can do to avoid its bleak future. Panelists: Brianne Bilyeu, Amanda Marcotte, Rebecca Watson (mod), Heina Dadabhoy, Steph Montgomery
The crews of the Enterprises encountered many examples of what might happen if a whole society was dedicated to following one human failing--mobsters, Romans, etc. Was this an effective way to examine human social systems? Panelists: Donavon Indovino Cawley, Charlie Paulsen, Caitlin Ericson, Cetius d'Raven, Eric Staggs
The latest in our "Made Me Gay" series looks at the works of L. Frank Baum and his successor authors and how GLBTQ sensibilities and subtexts have appeared in the world of Oz and are now more out in the open with the works of authors like Gregory Maguire. Panelists: David Lenander, Don Kaiser (mod), Joe Agee, Jason Tucker
Comedian Joseph Scrimshaw’s stand-up show about Star Wars, social justice, and all things geek! WARNING: Contains strong opinions about lightsabers and equality. Panelists: Joseph Scrimshaw
Returning to CONvergence is Junkfood Cinema Live! JFC is a weekly cult and exploitation filmcast hosted by CONvergence veterans Brian Salisbury and C. Robert Cargill that takes a fully unironic look at some overlooked, underrated, and forgotten flicks. Panelists: C. Robert Cargill, Brian Salisbury
The Rockstar Storytellers are a badass collective of bestselling performers from a variety of disciplines, including spoken word, stand-up, slam poetry, improv, sketch comedy, playwriting. It's like "A Prairie Home Companion" with drinking and swearing. Panelists: Rob Callahan, phillip low, Courtney McLean, Ben San Del, Laura Bidgood, Amy Salloway
Ages 13-20. Make smoothies, DJ, meet Space Lounge staff, or just have all the awesomeness of Space Lounge for your teen-self and friends during this two-hour inaugural Teen/Space-Lounge cooperative event! No alcohol will be allowed into the room. No non-teens other than Space Lounge staff allowed into the room. Panelists:
Returning for its third year, Simplicity is a bridge system from dice-based RPG games to a storytelling game where the participants control the outcomes in the game through interaction rather than dice rolls. Rules taught, imagination required! Panelists: Ken Justiniano (mod)
Go to Genocide. Rescue The Founder. Kill ANYTHING that gets in your way. Any questions? Grab your gear, save the founder and show the murderous goons of MTac why your team motto is "When in doubt, blow some s**t up!" 18+ ONLY w/ID and ADULT CON BADGE. Panelists: Bob Wagner (mod)
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
On November 22, 2010 ten missiles strike Japan. However, what is later to be called "Careless Monday" does not result in any apparent victims, and is soon forgotten by almost everyone. Three months later, Saki Morimi meets a naked man with no memory in front of the White House holding a gun and a phone charged with 8,200,000,000 yen in digital cash. Panelists:
See the full Cinema Rex schedule, including information about this film, in the printed Programming Guide, Grid, or stop in at Cinema Rex to see what's playing! Panelists:
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Bring your Legacy-format legal deck and come beat Matt (our CCG Subhead) at one of his all-time favorite formats! Pack prizes supplied by Level Up Games. Panelists: Matt McMillan (mod)
Bring 3 UNOPENED 15-card booster packs from ANY set of Magic that was released in 15-card booster-pack format. Packs may be purchased at any Dealer's Room merchant selling Magic: the Gathering product. Players will not be admitted without packs. Panelists: Dan Blees (mod)
Add sparkle to your look through this glitter make-up 101 tutorial! Focusing on lips and eyes, this class will also teach about different glitter adhesives that allow you to put long-lasting glitter shapes and images on your skin Panelists: Corrie Dubay, Mona Montague
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Low-cost electronic components such as LEDs, electroluminescent wire, conductive fabric, and animation with Arduinos can add eye-catching effects to your creations! Come share ideas and see what the new electronic art tools can make possible for you! Panelists: Christopher Baye, Todd Murray, Doug Thorpe, Destiny Ziebol, Brian McEvoy
More and more publishers are republishing classic, vintage sci-fi. Will this bring in a new audience or appeal mostly to existing fans of the classics? What is driving this trend? Panelists: Dave Margosian, Michael Kingsley, Ozgur Sahin, KEN KON KOL, Dani Price
Come discuss the ways in which The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Parts 1 & 2 movies compare to Suzanne Collins's Mockingjay. What did the movie do better than the book? What details from the book were lacking in the movies? Panelists: Kethry Burke-Scovill, Jenni Klumpp, Joan Sullivan, Deb Brazil
Come talk, discuss, and squee about slash fiction! Talk about the recent developments in fandom, adore the recent fanfic and fanart, and share recommendations! And what's the difference between slash and "shipping" your favorite characters? Panelists: Lyda Morehouse, Bess Stuvenoxend, Fes Works
Earth is a hallucination, podcasts are dreams. Let's talk about the popular podcast "Welcome to Night Vale." What's new in the past year? Panelists: Peregrin Winkle, Anna Besmann, Charlene Holm, Beth Kinderman, Kevin Horner
10 years ago, MN writers held a poetry reading at CONvergence inspired by myths, legends, and SFF involving dragons, dinosaurs, and kaiju. Guest-of-Honor Bryan Thao Worra and other poets will perform, and you’re invited to perform, too! Panelists: Bryan Thao Worra
Last year, we debated the relative stupidity of everything from gay conversion therapy to biodynamic wine and euroslaptics, but we barely scratched the surface. Join us for round 2 as we debate a new set of pseudosciences. The audience chooses the winner. Panelists: Olivia James, Jamie Bernstein, Rebecca Watson (mod), Raychelle Burks, Kavin Senapathy, Amy Roth, Melanie Mallon, Benny Vimes
Which gunmen are Deputies, ready to sacrifice themselves for the Sheriff? And which are the merciless Outlaws, looking to gun him down? Come find out! Panelists: Derek Hanisch (mod)
The award winning zombie co-op action horror FPS takes you and your friends through the cities, swamps and cemeteries of the Deep South, from Savannah to New Orleans across five expansive campaigns. Panelists:
CVG's annual collection of the best independent genre short films from around the Midwest. New this year--Audience Choice Awards! So be sure to stop buy and vote for your favorite film. Sponsored by Convergence Events and IPR College of Arts. Panelists: Troy LaFaye
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
We are here to ensure your safety. Enemies of the state are ever-present. All visitors will be subject to security screening. We are watching. Panelists:
Friday July 3, 2015 9:00pm - Saturday July 4, 2015 2:00am CDT
DoubleTree Veranda 6
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
In the future, just thinking about a crime is enough to make you guilty, and justice is dispensed from the barrel of a gun. Now one deranged genius has mastered the art of justifying his own heinous deeds, and the system is powerless to stop him. Panelists:
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Pilots and flying are staples of the Sci-Fi genre. A panel of Aviators, Sim builders and Model Pilots answer questions and discuss all things aviation; including aviation hobbies, related professional opportunities and tips for writing about aviation. Panelists: Christopher Baye, Chris Thompson
Rule PON3: If it exists, there's a My Little Pony version of it. Let's talk about the best, the worst, the most hilarious, and the most disturbing crossovers. Panelists: Nicole "Nuala" LaBat, Melinda Layden, Elise Matthesen
From Elvish, Klingon, and Dothraki to Esperanto and Lojban, the languages we invent serve multiple purposes in fantasy and in reality. Why do we invent them? What do they have in common? What purposes do they serve in communities and fictional universes? Panelists: Tex Thompson, Ruth Berman
From events like Video Games Live to the plethora of YouTube videos covering the Super Mario Bros. theme, video game music is popular! Come discuss how composition in video games and how it compares to writing for a traditional album. Panelists: Fes Works, Lex Lemaire, Ansley Grams, William Dewey
From Star Trek to Halo, books and audio dramas based on hit television shows, video games, and summer blockbusters are big business. But what goes into writing a media tie-in? What obstacles do authors face? And is it worth their time and talent? Panelists: Adam Whitlatch, Patrick Tomlinson, David Annandale, Monica Valentinelli, Charlotte Fullerton
Will we drink it in a can? We will drink it if we can. Will we drink it in a bottle? Yes we will, as any sot'll. We will need no strong inducement, To drink these drinks for your amusement. Panelists: Melissa Kaercher, Jerry Belich, Tim Uren, Dawn Krosnowski, Carrie Rainey, Pat Harrigan (mod)
While the drones are busy in individual entertainment cubicles playing on provided Pong machines, Mainstage takes the game to the next level. Contestants will lob insults at each other in an attempt to curry favor with the audience. Beware: this show is not for those with delicate sensibilities. Panelists: Tim Wick
All three of the cult hit indie horror games - not for the faint of heart! Ribbons awarded for surviving! 18+ only with Adult CONvergence badge. Panelists:
Card's Against Humanity is BACK, BABY! Last year's event was such a hit (and offended so many people) we just had to bring it back. 18+ ONLY w/ID & Adult CONvergence badge. Panelists: Jennifer Bergk (mod)
Man need get woman. Down hill bad woman. Up hill good woman. Man get No woman? Man want know? Man play OG! (Woman want know? Woman play OG too!) 18+ ONLY w/ID & Adult CONvergence badge. Panelists: Katie Dahl (mod)
Join the Space Unicorns of Uncanny Magazine as Lynne M. Thomas & Michael Damian Thomas (editors-in-chief and publishers of Uncanny Magazine) celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary. Panelists: Lynne M Thomas, Michael Damian Thomas, Michi Trota, Erika Ensign
Friday July 3, 2015 10:00pm - Saturday July 4, 2015 12:30am CDT
DoubleTree Edina
Fiasco is an awesome game of people with strong desires and poor impulse control! HINT: If you love Quentin Tarantino movies, this may be the game for you! Experience not required, but wit and snark are a must! 18+ ONLY w/ID & Adult CONvergence badge. Panelists: Lauren Sindt (mod)
You're beautiful. You know it. We all know it. Just imagine how beautiful you'd be with neon tiger stripes! Sandbox After Dark presents: Body Painting! You paint, we paint, it's fun for everybody. 18+ Bring ID. Panelists: Jim Shields, John Garner, Angie Anderson
Friday July 3, 2015 10:00pm - Saturday July 4, 2015 1:30am CDT
DoubleTree Plaza 2
Fiasco is an awesome game of people with strong desires and poor impulse control! HINT: If you love Quentin Tarantino movies, this may be the game for you! Experience not required - wit and imagination a must! 18+ ONLY w/ID & Adult CONvergence badge. Panelists: Robert Cudinski (mod)
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
See the full Cinema Rex schedule, including information about this film, in the printed Programming Guide, Grid, or stop in at Cinema Rex to see what's playing! Panelists:
Friday July 3, 2015 10:30pm - Saturday July 4, 2015 12:00am CDT
DoubleTree Plaza 4
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
All Keanu and Ash wanted was to have a good time at ASUX (the largest anime convention in the known universe). If they knew the fate of the con would end up in their hands, they probably would've stayed home. Panelists:
Friday July 3, 2015 11:30pm - Saturday July 4, 2015 12:30am CDT
DoubleTree Atrium 1
Which storyline is your favorite: Murder House, Asylum, Coven, or Freak Show? Who are your favorite recurring actors? What's next for season 5? Panelists: Amanda Hofman-Frethem, Tim Lieder, Kris George
Friday July 3, 2015 11:30pm - Saturday July 4, 2015 12:30am CDT
DoubleTree Plaza 1
Let's talk about NBC's Constantine. Is it faithful to the comic? Does Matt Ryan embody John? Does it work with a broadcast channels Standards and Practice rules? Most importantly, is it worth your time? Panelists: Neil Anderson, Lauren Wells, Geoffrey Hofman-Frethem, Stephan Stomberg, Meredith Gillies
Friday July 3, 2015 11:30pm - Saturday July 4, 2015 12:30am CDT
DoubleTree Atrium 4
How do you feel about Terry Gilliam? Does he deserve a place in the great of dystopian fiction? From Brazil, to Zero Theorem, and everything in between. What does his point of view add to the mix? Panelists: Jon Durmin, Garrick Dietze, Niles Schwartz
Friday July 3, 2015 11:30pm - Saturday July 4, 2015 12:30am CDT
DoubleTree Atrium 3
What movie would you choose for first date with another geek? What are the do's and don'ts to consider? Panelists: Matt Gamble, kat evans, Caitlin Knight, Jason Glaser, Nick Glover
Friday July 3, 2015 11:30pm - Saturday July 4, 2015 12:30am CDT
DoubleTree Atrium 2
"The difference between science and screwing around is just keeping track of your data." Panelists: Renate Fiora, Bryon Stump, KEN KON KOL, Thomas Mahle, Dan Berliner
Friday July 3, 2015 11:30pm - Saturday July 4, 2015 12:30am CDT
DoubleTree Atrium 7
The annual tribute to the great Kryptonian comedian (SFX: record scratch). Come participate in the annual opportunity to throw around the WORST of wordplay, without fear of flying fruit! Panelists: Ed Eastman, Margaret Eastman, Bob Alberti, Brian LaBounty, Brian Salisbury
Our team of expert improvisers will create brand new dialogue, commentary, and musical score to movie clips culled from the strangest B-movies... and they will do it without ever having seen the films before! Panelists: Melissa Kaercher (mod), Jerry Belich, Joseph Scrimshaw, Kelvin Hatle, Tim Uren, Molly Glover, Chad Dutton, Aric McKeown, Scott Keever
Friday July 3, 2015 11:30pm - Saturday July 4, 2015 12:30am CDT
DoubleTree Atrium 6
Join the team of Super Academy for an interactive panel about creating your own webseries. From concept to Kickstarter to production and post-production, they will guide you through their journey. CVG exclusive clips and video will be premiered as well. Panelists: Kyle Dekker, Jacob Gulliver, Ben Lifson
Friday July 3, 2015 11:30pm - Saturday July 4, 2015 12:30am CDT
DoubleTree Plaza 3
See the full Cinema Rex schedule, including information about this film, in the printed Programming Guide, Grid, or stop in at Cinema Rex to see what's playing! Panelists:
Yuki Amano is a loner, his only companion being an imaginary friend named Deus Ex Machina, the God of Time and Space. However, Yuki soon learns that Deus is not a figment of his imagination but real when Deus makes him participate in a battle royale. The contestants are given special diaries that can predict the future, among other features. Panelists:
Simplicity is a bridge system from dice-based RPG games to a storytelling game where the participants control the outcomes in the game through interaction rather than dice rolls. 18+ ONLY w/ID & Adult CONvergence badge. Panelists: Ken Justiniano (mod)
See the full Cinema Rex schedule, including information about this film, in the printed Programming Guide, Grid, or stop in at Cinema Rex to see what's playing! Panelists:
Urged by his Father, Horus and his pet bear Coro travel to his ancestral village, a place destroyed by the Frost King Grunwald. Along the way, he helps a village whose residents are besieged by Grunwald's magic, but the villagers feel threatened when he befriends Hilda, a beautiful girl whose haunting songs conceal a dark secret. Panelists:
Honey Kisaragi thought she was a normal high school girl until her father is killed by the evil organization Panther Claw for his powerful invention. In her father's last message, it turns out Honey is actually an android, and she had what they wanted all along. Can she defeat Panther Claw and avenge her father? Panelists:
If you have registered for the Masquerade, come and get last-minute information about the tech rehearsals, judging, and the show. Masquerade participants must attend one of the orientation sessions. Panelists:
Many insects are beneficial to our environment. In this All Ages activity, you will make a multi-family insect house to take home to help the beneficial insects in your garden. Panelists: Sue Bloyer, Dierdre Schultz
A how-to guide for creating an arts company from the ground up. Learn how to resourcefully organize your company, attract top talent, and build a distribution network for your artistic product. Panelists: Jeffrey Gardner, John Heimbuch, Betsey Palmer, Mitchell Faas
Costuming can be an expensive hobby (or career), but it doesn't have to be. We will discuss where to get inexpensive (or free!) materials, tips and tricks for doing it yourself, and the joys of barter and trade. Panelists: Laura Oliver, Melissa Sowers, Amanda Hofman-Frethem, Erin Schneider, Jess Dunow
"I would love for my son to grow up like this man: ____." Who are great role models from SFF that help instill equality? Panelists: Vetnita Anderson, Anthony Padilla, Erich Bacher, Miss Shannan Paul (mod)
As our society gets more technological, being scientifically literate becomes increasingly critical. Come discuss ways we can attract more non-scientists to be familiar with the subject matter. How can we keep young children's interest as they grow? Panelists: Renate Fiora, PZ Myers, Dan Berliner, Steven Theiss, Matthew Lowry
Are we representative of the diverse community at large? How can we have a more inclusive community? Panelists: E. P. Beaumont, Devin Harnois, Cynnthia Michaels, Jen Manna, Hal Bichel
In 2014, the last animation block on network television left the air. The old format of Saturday morning cartoons is officially dead. Come and discuss the long history of cartoons that shaped many of our childhoods. Panelists: Mark McPherson, Jennifer Cross, Anna Waltz, Kevin Eldridge, Doug Hulick
A thought provoking and intellectual discussion with the audience about the joys of meteorite collecting, and the unique contribution that meteorites have played in our understanding of the universe. Rare and interesting specimens will be on display. Panelists: John Shea
Worthy warriors are invited to join the Klingons Saturday morning 9:30 poolside as they fight for a cure against diabetes. Certifications are at 9:30 with the tourny begining at 10:00. Entry fee is $10 and all proceeds go to the American Diabetes Assoc. Panelists: George Richard
Silverhex Chronicles includes six, 1-hour adventures that take the PCs to locations across Golarion in a hunt for their next adventure. GMs may run these adventures in any order for a unique participant experience each session. Panelists:
PVP-oriented miniatures game that uses several different methods (points, draft, or manual) to determine win. Standard tournament rules apply; copy of rules may be available at Front Desk on 22. Panelists: Paul Rickert (mod)
On the island of Warvil’s Folly, the PCs must venture deep into the abandoned outpost of Ghoral-Rey as they chase to claim Jemma Redclaw’s treasure. Panelists:
See the full Cinema Rex schedule, including information about this film, in the printed Programming Guide, Grid, or stop in at Cinema Rex to see what's playing! Panelists:
After a failed attempt by the Galactic Alliance of Humankind to destroy an enemy super-weapon, Ensign Ledo is knocked into a wormhole and regains consciousness six months later as his mech is being investigated by "primitive" human scavengers. With no hope of rescue, he must adjust to life on an ocean-covered Earth, a planet he had thought was a myth. Panelists:
A fast-paced, humorous look at B-rated science-fiction movies. Players create bad horror and sci-fi films using cards that represent characters, props, locations, creatures and special effects. The strongest characters in play when the credits roll win!! Panelists: Bob Wagner (mod)
Third qualifier round for the Kitsune: of Foxes and Fools Tournament. Additional qualifier rounds to be held Friday and Saturday, with a possible Semi-Final on Saturday and Finals on Sunday. Entry is free. Panelists: Scott Johnson (mod)
Life in an abbey is never dull. Novices sneak out of their rooms at night looking to get their secret wish granted, while the abbesses catch them to send them back. Novices tiptoe when an abbess is close since abbesses will follow the tiniest noise. Panelists: Chas Swedberg (mod)
Join Mad Art Lab and Bug Girl to learn about everything from insects to physics while making art--insect hat, butterfly bracelet, scientist paper dolls, and a paper rocket that flies! Panelists: Gwen "Bug Girl" Pearson, Beth Voigt, Ryan Consell
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
There are many types of humor, but writing in something that is actually funny can be difficult, be it literature, television, movies, theater, or audio plays. What are some techniques to help write humor that reaches the audience successfully? Panelists: phillip low, Melissa Olson, Catherine Lundoff, Patrick Tomlinson, Wesley Chu
Board game companies say certain ages are appropriate, but we know our kids better. When do you introduce your kids to, say, Carcassonne? Which board game age ranges are more fluid than others? Panelists: Kenneth Justiniano, KEN KON KOL
Can a princess (historically, not a great job description) even be a contemporary role model? Panelists: Vetnita Anderson, Anna Waltz, Kate Norlander, Anthony Padilla, Emma Bull
What do you do to get past artist's block? Let's share our tips and techniques as well as our insight into the most common triggers. Panelists: E. P. Beaumont, Patty Templeton, Amy Roth
Contact's (1997) positive tale of space exploration remains remarkable for its optimism. But how does it compare to Gravity's (2013) pessimistic view? What do these films tell us about man's place among the stars? The S&F crew will tackle this and more! Panelists: Shaun Duke, Paul Weimer, Julia Rios, Rachael Acks, David Annandale, Mike Underwood (mod)
Come find out what all the buzz is about! MST3K fans will love this new web series. Exclusive badge ribbon and prize drawings for all in attendance! Panelists: Gordon Smuder, Tim Wick, Derek "Duck" Washington, Eric Thompson, Charles Hubbell, Jennifer Menken, Trace Beaulieu
From the group that brought you the definitive views on the Worst of James Bond and Harry Potter, it’s a knock-down, drag-out discussion on the very worst elements of Doctor Who. From Adric to Zygons, they’ll leave no metal dog unturned. Panelists: Sharon Stiteler (mod), Bill Stiteler, Jeremy Stomberg, Joseph Scrimshaw, Molly Glover, Barb Abney
An exploration of the specific challenges that women face in today's writing environment. Panelists: Nicole Dubuc, Emilie Peck, Stephanie Zvan, Michi Trota, Miri Mogilevsky
In Fully Believable, four comedians tell stories of strange events from their past…that they just made up! Sit back and listen as our panelists regale you with completely untrue tales, and find out how funny, and how believable, those stories really are! Panelists: Salsa Sterling (mod), Paul Cornell, Laurie Richardson, Lee Harris, Dawn Krosnowski
Todd Madson's music has been compared to the ambient music of Brian Eno and Robert Fripp, as well as the work of mid period Pink Floyd saying that the live experience is “trippy and spacey”, as well as “relaxing and meditative”. Panelists:
Saturday July 4, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Crowne Plaza U
Commander ban list in effect (check with Wizards of the Coast website or your local judge onsite to confirm legal cards). Pack prizes supplied by Level Up Games. 2 pods of 4 players each. Panelists: Dan Blees (mod)
Bring your Legacy (legal, of course) deck up to 22nd floor and get in some of that Good Ol’ Time Magic! Pack prizes supplied by Level Up Games. Panelists: Matt McMillan (mod)
A Pathfinder expedition has uncovered hitherto unknown levels in the Red Redoubt, a millennium-old siege fortress created by the machine-mage Karamoss. Can the PCs salvage the fortress’s treasure while preventing a catastrophe that could crush Absalom? Panelists: Keith Apperson (mod)
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Rumors say Casshern caused the Ruin, which is now slowly killing all the robots on earth. The trouble is, Casshern has lost his memories. He needs to find them soon, though, because rumors also say that whoever devours Casshern will gain eternal life. Panelists:
See the full Cinema Rex schedule, including information about this film, in the printed Programming Guide, Grid, or stop in at Cinema Rex to see what's playing! (This showing is captioned.) Panelists:
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
The Steam Century Scavenger Hunt returns! Participating room parties give stamp awards, and when you collect them all, you get a small prize for turning in your ballot! Ballots available on 22 Fri at noon, turn them in by noon Sunday! Panelists:
Kids ID allows parents the opportunity to create a kit of identifying materials for their child, free of charge. The kit contains a fingerprint card, a physical description, a video, computer disk, or DVD of the child, a dental imprint, and a DNA sample. Panelists:
You probably know about DNA, but have you ever seen it? Using household stuff, you'll be able to extract and observe DNA from strawberries in minutes! Panelists: Raychelle Burks
Paul Cornell teaches cricket to Americans. This year he'll be teaching it outside - with real bats, balls and wickets! Fore! Or whatever you say in cricket... Location: along N side of W 78th St, West of DoubleTree. Approximate GPS: 44.861354, -93.354443 Panelists: Paul Cornell
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Join Charlotte Fullerton to talk about all your favorite Fox and WB cartoons from the 1990s: Bobby's World, Eek the Cat, The Tick, X-Men, Animaniacs, Pinky & The Brain, and more. What happened behind the scenes on these networks and shows? Panelists: Charlotte Fullerton
Does social media make us monsters or reveal the monsters we already are? Black Mirror explores how we use tech to serve our social and emotional needs, often to horrific ends. How close are we to what we see in the show's near and distant futures? Panelists: Heina Dadabhoy, Jamie Bernstein, Dani Price, Brianne Bilyeu, Lathan Murrell
Finally, a full new season with a brand-new Doctor! What did you think of Capaldi? Did Clara move past the "impossible girl"? Did the new season live up to expectations? Join us for an hour of discussing the latest adventures of our favorite Time Lord. Panelists: Michael Shappe, Renate Fiora, John Seavey, Kathryn Sullivan, Erika Ensign
If you've ever thought of hosting a party room, you need not 'reinvent' the wheel. Come talk to the intrepid people who have actually spent their time and money to host a party room, and have figured out all the do's/don'ts for you! Panelists: The DreamStitcher/Rae Lundquist, John Garner, Michelle Clark, JayColette Herald-Gordon, Lee Blauersouth
With over 160 different cultures in Laos, there are many different beliefs that can be difficult to untangle. We'll look at many entities from traditional mythology, including giant carnivorous warrior-sorceresses and lusty super-simian bio-weapons. Panelists: Bryan Thao Worra, Roy C. Booth
Think you know what your favorite film is about? Wrong! Our experts will gather together to explain, much like the documentary “Room 237” did, what the creators REALLY intended you to learn, and how to crack the code! Panelists: Bill Stiteler, Melissa Kaercher, C. Robert Cargill, Tim Wick
Writers experience both successes and failures in their careers. How can a writer deal with these experiences effectively? Panelists: Adam Stemple, Wesley Chu, Joan Marie Verba, Kelly McCullough, Eleanor Arnason
Ever asked "How long until I get my own Iron Man suit?" or "Where does the extra mass come from when the Hulk grows?" Join a panel of experts as they answer these and other pressing scientific questions raised by the Marvel Universe. Panelists: Jennifer Ouellette, Gwen "Bug Girl" Pearson, Ryan Consell (mod), Jim Kakalios, Christopher Hunter
Bring your favorite YA book and our panel of YA experts will recommend other books you might like. Panelists: Samma Johnson, Sean Casey, Dawn Frederick
Brian Watson-Jones & friend discover a bootlegged copy of some weird fighting game that spares no genre! Come watch Six Elements Theatre produce amazing fights with real weapons using some of your favorite Convention characters! SixElementsCompany.org Panelists: Skot Rieffer, Philip Henry, Tess Kean, Johanna Gorman-Baer, Pearson Probst, Brian Watson-Jones, Ethan Jensen, Ashir Coillberg, Ted Femrite, Jacob Gulliver, Darwin Hull, David Traylor, Hunter Teasley, Caitlin Coillberg
Heavily inspired by sci-fi and classic gaming soundtracks, O.FSHO is an electronic improvisation project that blends retro and futuristic sounds into something distinct and danceable. Panelists:
Saturday July 4, 2015 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Crowne Plaza U
A ruthless band of outlaws discovered the Spire’s strange properties months ago and decided to build a secret refuge in the dungeons of the Emerald Spire. Your party must deal with this threat to advance further in the Spire. Panelists: Jason Rosauer (mod)
NEW Steam Century mystery: multifaceted game combining elements of live-action role playing and crime dramas. Follow a trail of clues around the convention and interact with costumed characters. Must start by 3:00, answers are due 5:00, finale at 5:45. Panelists: Kevin Borchers (mod)
Silverhex Chronicles includes six, 1-hour adventures that take the PCs to locations across Golarion in a hunt for their next adventure. GMs may run these adventures in any order for a unique participant experience each session. Panelists: Jennifer Bergk (mod)
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Elimination-style competition on a 2-player glass table-top arcade machine featuring games ranging from the classic to the bizarre. (Space limited, arrive early to ensure your participation) Panelists:
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
After Tokyo is flattened by a great earthquake, multi-million dollar company Genom Corp rebuilds MegaTokyo in its place using biomechanical creatures called Boomers. When they begin to run out of control, the Knight Sabers are the only ones with enough firepower and resourcefullness to defend the fledgling MegaTokyo from Genom and its berserk Boomers. Panelists:
Fresh off their successful “commentary” of Xanadu last year, Bill Stiteler, Jeremy Stomberg, and Duck Washington will make fun of a film that just happens to be relevant to this year’s theme. Panelists: Jeremy Stomberg, Derek "Duck" Washington, Bill Stiteler
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Gordon Smuder will share a presentation about the commonalities between television puppet design and cartoon character design. Panelists: Gordon Smuder
Come hear about the creative process behind such films as Transformers, Blade, X-Men: The Last Stand, and more from award-winning set designer and art director Chad Frey. Panelists: Chad Frey
We can't find a monolith until we have a colony on the moon. What steps do we need to take to colonize another planet or celestial body? Panelists: Lana Rosario, Toni Weisskopf, Matthew Lowry, Daniel Stiglich, Patrick Tomlinson
How do you create a dystopian society that is believable and forwards your character development and plot? How do you add a twist to your society that makes it original without losing realism in the world of your story? Panelists: Christoforo Pasquarette, Naomi Kritzer, Wesley Chu, Carrie Patel
A live recording of the Doctor Who podcast "Get Off My World!" featuring passionate opinion, idiosyncratic expression, general nerdery and an opportunity for audience-suggested topics. Panelists: Pat Harrigan (mod), Kelvin Hatle, Ariel Leaf, Joshua Scrimshaw
The third trilogy begins later this year with Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Do we still hold out hope? Panelists: Jon Durmin, Zach Nyhus, Romeo Azar, Michael Lee
Come discuss the artistic side of indie games, including games as metaphors, meta games about gaming, mechanics as metaphor, and more. Panelists: Adam Lueck, Ian Price, Ross Conklin, Dani Price, Walli Sullivan
The WGN series tells a historical dystopian story in Manh(a)ttan, about the people and events involved in the Manhattan Project. How well did the show blend science, history, and story? Panelists: Jennifer Ouellette, Melanie Mallon, Amy Roth
What are some of the best podcasts out there that everyone should know about? Panelists: Fes Works, Ben Ellis, Sigrid Ellis, David Rheinstrom, Julia Rios
Gentlemen, start your engines! Pedestrians, watch out! Death Race fans, this one's for you! Race across the country in your weaponized roadster, lighting up your opponents and scoring points as you go! Panelists: Bob Wagner (mod)
Stranded in the depths of space, you must survive the horrors of exploring a derelict ship, all the while solving the mystery of how and why you are here. Try out a brand new RPG (Adventure Deck System: Luminosity), currently on Kickstarter! Panelists: David Cheek (mod)
Eclipse Phase is a sci-fi horror game of trans-human conspiracy. Upload your mind, sleeve into a body, turn on your Mesh inserts and arm yourself against the existential threats that plague what’s left of humanity. Some prior RPG experience helpful. Panelists: William Schar (mod)
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Many bugs are not only edible but quite delicious. Find out with this blind taste test of various prepared bugs and learn how edible bugs can benefit the environment, our health, and our future. Panelists: Daniella Martin
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
How do you set up a plot twist that makes it good but isn't completely predictable? Panelists: patrick marsh, Jack Reher, Lana Rosario, Wesley Chu, Carrie Patel
When working in transformative works in fanfic, fan art, etc., one must be aware of how copyright law applies to intellectual property. How does copyright law apply to selling things on Etsy - for instance, a Jayne hat? Panelists: J. Boone Dryden, Troy LaFaye, Laura Terwilliger, Bob Alberti, Marty Farley
After the original Fast and Furious film was a surprise hit, the first few sequels floundered. Yet somehow the street-racing series recovered and transformed into a string of successful heist films. How did we get here, and where is the series going now? Panelists: Melissa Kaercher, Romeo Azar, Derek Mahr, Brian Salisbury
How bad could things get? Could we get invaded by three alien races at once? Cure all diseases with a drug that has a side effect of uncontrollable cannibalism? We will come up with the most outlandish possible scenarios on the slippery slope to dystopia. Panelists: Gwen "Bug Girl" Pearson, Matthew Lowry, Jairus Durnett, Beth Voigt, Craig A. Finseth
Let's discuss the famous regency romance author and her works. How has her writing informed SF/F writers both in terms of style and craft? Panelists: Toni Weisskopf, Eleanor Arnason, Trisha Lynn, Ruth Berman, Emma Bull
City of Ember, Divergent, The Giver, Maze Runner, the Hunger Games--dystopian films based on YA novels is on the rise. Let's discuss our favorites, what works and what doesn't, and what new films are in the works. Panelists: Sean Casey, Joan Sullivan, Michael Carus
Geeks Without God celebrates their third anniversary by recording LIVE. Come enjoy the intersection of geekery, atheism and comedy. Panelists: Molly Glover, Nick Glover, Jennifer Ouellette, Tim Wick, Rebecca Watson
7 improvisors with attitude have been summoned by Zordon to fight against the evil Rita Repulsa, and her vicious monsters who plan to conquer the Earth. Panelists:
Saturday July 4, 2015 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Crowne Plaza U
The adventuring is done for the day, and the adventurers have returned to The Red Dragon Inn to make merry: drink, brawl, and gamble! Last adventurer standing with gold in their pockets (and NOT sleeping in the barn) wins!! Panelists: Carl Patten (mod)
You hate Doctor Lucky. You want him dead. Unfortunately, so does everyone else. Come try to assist the unlucky doctor to his eternal reward in a game run by one of our Guests of Honor, the amazing Gordon Smuder of The Puppet Forge! Panelists: Gordon Smuder (mod)
A perpetual victim of bullying, middle school student Haruyuki spends his time absorbed in games in a corner of his local Neurolinker network. One day he is approached by the most famous girl in his school, Kuroyukihime ("Black Snow Princess"). She gives him a strange program called Brain Burst that has the power to "accelerate the world." Panelists:
See the full Cinema Rex schedule, including information about this film, in the printed Programming Guide, Grid, or stop in at Cinema Rex to see what's playing! Panelists:
If you picked up Modern Masters 2 in May, this is a great chance to get some use from those cards! Bring your Modern Constructed (legal, of course) deck and get your game on! Pack prizes supplied by Level Up Games. Panelists: Dan Blees (mod)
Quantum Leap is a casual Legacy format that uses primarily Planechase and Vanguard cards – bring your Legacy-legal deck and come play! Pack prizes supplied by Level Up Games. Panelists: Matt McMillan (mod)
The ruined siege castles outside Absalom have long beckoned adventurers. Now an earthquake has cracked open one of these fabled ruins, and its lost mysteries and fantastic treasures lie exposed for the first time in centuries. What else lies inside? Panelists: Dan McNitt (mod)
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
You’re a survivor. Find weapons, kill zombies. The more zombies you kill, the more skilled you get; the more skilled you get, the more zombies appear. The only way out is zombicide! Panelists: Adam Troup (mod)
God Takes a Holiday is a MN based improv group that does "if these walls could talk" scenarios. We might find ourselves as ghosts in a toilet stall, fighting demons in a church, or in an underground poker tournament in the public library... Panelists:
Saturday July 4, 2015 5:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
Crowne Plaza U
Divide into teams, rip off their heads, their arms, legs, wings, and whatever else they have, and re-combine them into something new and fantastic. Under the guidance of Julie Bowman, our creature expert. Panelists: Julie Bowman
Join the creators of Our Fair City--a post-apocalyptic audiodrama serial set in a world of mad scientists, molepeople and dystopian corporations--to record crowd scenes and dialogue for their seventh season. Shriek in terror! Start a riot! Applaud wildly! Panelists: Jeffrey Gardner, David Rheinstrom, Betsey Palmer
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Ward's in jail, Coulson's losing it, Skye's got daddy issues, Fitz has brain damage, and Simmons is deep undercover. And that's in Episode 1! Join us for an hour of discussing Season Two of Marvel's spy drama. Panelists: Daren Johnson, Emily Finke, Marty Farley, Josie Browning, Cetius d'Raven
Come discuss some of the best young adult fiction that doesn't involve Harry Potter or vampires. Panelists: Sean Casey, Joan Sullivan, Derek Hanisch, Tyler Tork
The perennial debate: Do consoles make gaming easier? Is it better to have the more powerful hardware in a PC? Panelists: Briana Falb-Joslin, Ross Conklin, Sean Sullivan, Michael Black (mod), Dani Price
Star Trek is widely praised for its seemingly progressive depiction of equality and acceptance. But is that praise deserved? Join our panel of diehard Trekkies, as they highlight some of the ugly truths about life in the 22nd-24th centuries. Panelists: phillip low, Taylor Cisco, Donavon Indovino Cawley, Gabriela Santiago, Jennifer Cross
Comedian Joseph Scrimshaw's popular podcast about liking things a lot. Join Joseph and guests, Tim Wick and Rebecca Watson, for a fast absurd dissection of Game of Thrones. Panelists: Joseph Scrimshaw (mod), Tim Wick, Rebecca Watson
In this, 4 professional writers are given a theme, or phrase, around which they must each write a piece of flash fiction. Live, in front of the audience. They have 5 MINUTES in which to write it. At the end of each round, the audience votes on the best. Panelists: Lee Harris, Carrie Patel, Paul Cornell, Kelly McCullough, Melissa Olson, C. Robert Cargill
Players choose the roles of Agent Smith, Neo, Morpheus, Trinity, or play an Agent or Zionist. Any number of people can play, joining in and leaving at any time. Panelists: Shannon Green
Come up for some fun in our LAN gaming space – all are welcome, but we only have so many computers, so please play well with others and share! Panelists:
You are more beast than man. You were created or captured by a powerful spellcaster and are being held deep beneath his castle as gladiators for fighting in his arena or to be sold to others. It’s time to fight for your freedom. (Part 2 of 2) Panelists: Ryan Anderson (mod)
Part of a Numerian relic once thought scattered to the winds has found its way back to the savage land of super-science, and the Society must track down the component if they are to unlock the device’s secrets. Panelists: Jeffrey Reed (mod)
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
See the full Cinema Rex schedule, including information about this film, in the printed Programming Guide, Grid, or stop in at Cinema Rex to see what's playing! Panelists:
Lain Iwakura appears to be an ordinary girl, with almost no experience with computers. Yet the sudden suicide of a schoolmate, and a number of strange occurrences, conspire to pull Lain into the world of the Wired. She gradually learns that nothing is what it seems to be... not even Lain herself. Panelists:
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Join us in the Garden Court for a Tournament of Champions! Prove your skill, test your might and Rise to the Top! Ladder style double elimination, space is limited; sign up early! Ages 14 & Up. Panelists:
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Steve Jackson Games' MUNCHKIN card game, played tournament-style; this is the FINAL round. Please be on time, as tournament rules and such will be covered prior to play commencing. Panelists: Andy Mullin (mod)
Join Nicole Dubuc as she shows you how to fold ordinary scrap (like say, left overs from the last seven drafts of a script) into fabulous beasts. Should our chimeras tank, we'll have a lot of fun creating new ones --like headless griffins and dragon-dogs. Panelists: Nicole Dubuc
Cooperative starship bridge simulator. 2 full battle bridges for 2015; crews depart hourly on the hour and half-hour! In order to serve the largest section of our community, signups are at-con only, and 1 play per person per bridge per day, please! Panelists:
Sound effects are rarely what they seem. Outstanding sound designers from the world of audio drama and theater share their process for crafting the perfect sound. Panelists: Jerry Stearns, Ele Matelan, Jeff Adams, David Rheinstrom
A serious panel about comedy and geek culture. What makes geeky comedy work? How do you balance pop culture references with the need to appeal to people who may not have seen every Star Trek episode ever? Panelists: Tim Wick, Joseph Scrimshaw, Molly Glover
We've probably all seen his stories on screen without necessarily knowing it. From Blade Runner to Total Recall and more. This panel will discuss Dick's stories and their film translations. Panelists: J. Boone Dryden, Rachel Kronick, Kyle Dekker, Garrick Dietze, Paul Weimer
The panel where we talk about anything and everything *except* the CONvergence Masquerade. If you are interested in everything *except* the masquerade, this is the panel for you! Panelists: Romeo Azar, Melissa Kaercher, Jeremy Stomberg, Derek Mahr
Join our esteemed authors for children’s storytime! Each author will read a favorite picture book to all children and adults attending. Help promote literacy development and enjoy some wonderful books. This event is open to kids of ALL ages. Panelists: Melissa Olson, Lee Harris, Caroline Symcox, C. Robert Cargill, Scott Pearson, Paul Cornell, Doug Hulick
Which gunmen are Deputies, ready to sacrifice themselves for the Sheriff? And which are the merciless Outlaws, looking to gun him down? Come find out! Panelists: Derek Hanisch (mod)
The much acclaimed class-based team FPS with many different game modes, including capture the flag, payload, control point, king of the hill, and Mann vs Machine modes. Panelists:
Silverhex Chronicles includes six, 1-hour adventures that take the PCs to locations across Golarion in a hunt for their next adventure. GMs may run these adventures in any order for a unique participant experience each session. Panelists:
CONvergence Masquerade is one of the premiere events and attendance is mandatory under Section XVIII clauses 8-112 of the acceptable behavior manual. Showcasing the talents of costumers spanning all skill levels from beginners to masters, awards are given by judges for both workmanship and presentation. And conformity. Panelists:
