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Thursday, July 4
 

12:30pm CDT

Collections
Thursday July 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
What do you collect? How do you deal with cost, space, and so on? How do you build a collection? Participants: Amanda Lynn Bliss, Remy Corso, John A. Shea, Mary Elizabeth Sterling, Melissa Kaercher (mod)
Thursday July 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

12:30pm CDT

Do Your Research
Thursday July 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
Even when writing fiction, if your work isn't grounded enough in reality, it can break the suspension of disbelief. Learn how to research subjects outside your knowledge enough to be believable. Participants: Christina M Alongi, Stephanie Cranford, Lisa Hario, Becca Justiniano (mod), J.R. Dawson
Thursday July 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
  Panel

12:30pm CDT

Fashioning Wings for Cosplay
Thursday July 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
We all know beeswax doesn't work. Let's talk about the many different types of wings and how to make them. Participants: Bob DeMers, Nicole LaBat, Khori, Kevin Doheny (mod)
Thursday July 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
  Panel

12:30pm CDT

It's Not My Job to Teach You
Thursday July 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
People who are part of marginalized communities are often asked to teach others the basics of diversity and inclusiveness. How do we help people understand that it's not any individual's obligation? Where and how should they learn? Participants: Sean Eberle, Rachel Poleke (mod), Lathan Murrell, Amanda Leinbaugh, Morgan Strickland
Thursday July 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
  Panel

12:30pm CDT

Keep On Keeping On
Thursday July 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
Motivation is a tricksy beast that keeps its own schedule. What can one do to stay in the mindset needed to finish a project, be it a creative endeavor or housekeeping? Participants: Kate MacEachern, Charlene Holm, Al Kaye, A L Raden (mod), Janelle Kloth
Thursday July 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
  Panel

12:30pm CDT

Professional Game Masters
Thursday July 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
The professional Game Master is a rising new profession in the hobby. It offers its own unique sets of challenges and also offers a different approach to how we interact with our players. We'll offer insight on encounter design, table behavior, and more. Participants: Chase McAllister, Jake Rafter, Hunter Goetzman, Lauren Crabtree (mod), Wendy A Hoskin, Rea Renee
Thursday July 4, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

Afrofuturism
Thursday July 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
Afrofuturism centers on Black history and culture, incorporating SF, technology, and futuristic elements into literature, music, and the visual arts. Recurring themes include reclamation, Black liberation, revisioning the past, and predicting the future. Participants: T. Aaron Cisco (mod), Miss Shannan Paul, Lathan Murrell
Thursday July 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

Ahsoka Fan Panel
Thursday July 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
Participants: Jeff R Grapevine, Nicole Anne Printy, Peter M Avirom (mod)
Thursday July 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

ConFABulous and CONsole Room
Thursday July 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Lake Minnetonka
This panel will introduce the audience to two local conventions: ConFABulous, a GLBTQ+ and allies gaming relaxicon in October, and CONsole Room, the Twin Cities Dr. Who Convention in January. Participants: Natasha Jo Krentz, David Lenander, Donald Kaiser (mod), A L Raden
Thursday July 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Lake Minnetonka
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

Dungeons & Dragons (movie) Fan Panel
Thursday July 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
Participants: TK, Arthur Ray Armstrong, Sarah Jeanette Moretsky, Nikki Armstrong (mod), Janelle Kloth
Thursday July 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

Let's Talk About PVC Foam!
Thursday July 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
A presentation and demo on PVC foam: an underutilized cosplay material that requires no power tools, no special skills, and is lightweight and versatile. It's carvable, sandable, easily paintable, and slightly moldable. Come learn how to get started! Participants: Adrienne (of Quite-a-Riot Cosplay) Ottemann
Thursday July 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

Nanotechnology in Medicine
Thursday July 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
Can nanotechnology create bots that could course through the human body, correcting errors where they occur? Would this nanotechnology enable us to cure the aging process? If so, would nanotechnology grant humans immortality? Participants: Bryan J Joshua (mod), Kurt Fleschner, James Kakalios
Thursday July 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

Queer--What Does It Mean?
Thursday July 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
The term "queer" is an umbrella, but what does it mean? What falls under the umbrella? Is it just being gay or is there more to it? In this panel, we will discuss what including everyone under the term queer might mean to you. Participants: Katherine Jo Pysick, Sean Eberle, Eiryn Hegland, Christina M Alongi, Kerry Teckla Peterson (mod)
Thursday July 4, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

Cooking as Practical Chemistry
Thursday July 4, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Lake Minnetonka
Cooking includes such chemistry activities as experimental measurement (timing water boiling), solubility (mixing water with salt, sugar, or oil), heat capacity (heating salt, sugar, butter, and water), combustion calculations, and colligative properties. Participants: Rachel Poleke (mod), Kurt Fleschner, Renee Petersen, Zack Mayville
Thursday July 4, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Lake Minnetonka
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

Fighting Games 101: Why You Are Being Beat By Math
Thursday July 4, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
Tired of getting beat at Street Fighter? Looking to level up at Melty Blood? Or are you maybe just curious to how fighting games work on a deeper level? K0LD X will take you into the heart of fighting games with a lesson on hit boxes and frame data. Participants: K0LD X, KitKat
Thursday July 4, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

GMing for Youths
Thursday July 4, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
Kids and teens interested in running their own tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs), come learn about some great ways to get started leading games, easy games to lead, and how to find folks to play with. Players are welcome too! Participants: Kenneth Joel Justiniano, Jacob Evert Borgmann, Shaun Larsen, Sherry Pofahl Johnson (mod), Ian Martin-Mann
Thursday July 4, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

Parallel Worlds
Thursday July 4, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
Is the concept of parallel universes valid? If so, would this signify an afterlife? Participants: Charlene Holm, James Kakalios, Lathan Murrell (mod), Carlos Hernandez
Thursday July 4, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

Weird Al Yankovic Fan Panel
Thursday July 4, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
Participants: Dave Margosian, Mark Lundberg, Edward Eastman, Miss Shannan Paul, Margaret Eastman (mod)
Thursday July 4, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

Welcome to CONvergence
Thursday July 4, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
This is a big, busy convention and we can offer suggestions on how to enjoy it without wiping out. Participants: Sean Eberle, Jeanne M Mealy, Nick Glover, Amy Marie Dekker (mod), Rhea Wessendorf
Thursday July 4, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

What Makes a Good Antihero?
Thursday July 4, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
An antihero is a character lacking the qualities of traditional heroes but with specific skills or an interesting flaw that make them more complex. How does one create or portray such a person and how flawed do they need to be to earn the "anti" label? Participants: Sam August Miller (mod), Christina M Alongi, Raederle Gabrielle Sterling, Kate MacEachern, F. D. Lee
Thursday July 4, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

5:00pm CDT

Exotic Pets
Thursday July 4, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
A conversation among a group of animal experts on different types of unusual pets. Participants: Jim Soos, Kelly Jo Fredrickson, Shari H
Thursday July 4, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel

5:00pm CDT

Exploring Yourself Through RPGs
Thursday July 4, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
What can we learn about ourselves through "avatar" games, where we play ourselves (or a specific/exaggerated version thereof) in an RPG universe? Can it affect your social dynamic with your fellow players? Participants: Cetius d'Raven, Jeb Hagan, Arthur Ray Armstrong, Kenneth Joel Justiniano, Jacob Evert Borgmann (mod)
Thursday July 4, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
  Panel

5:00pm CDT

It's OK to Be Bad
Thursday July 4, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
You can't be a great artist or writer at the beginning, and it's ok to do something just because you enjoy it. What motivates you to continue? Participants: Jon Stark Olsen, Kate MacEachern, Charlene Holm, Al Kaye, A L Raden (mod)
Thursday July 4, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

5:00pm CDT

Just Because It's Animated Does NOT Mean It's for Kids
Thursday July 4, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
Grave of the Fireflies, Watership Down, Fritz the Cat, etc. What strengths does animation lend to these kinds of stories? Participants: Remy Corso (mod), Dave Margosian, Bryon David Stump, Mark James McPherson
Thursday July 4, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
  Panel

5:00pm CDT

Making History Interesting
Thursday July 4, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
Many folks find history to be dull, difficult, or boring to learn. Is there something about current pedagogy that turns people off? What could be done differently to bring a sparkle to the subject? Participants: Renee Petersen (mod), Raederle Gabrielle Sterling, Kara Knight, Sarah Barsness, Jenny McElroy
Thursday July 4, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

5:00pm CDT

Young Frankenstein 50 Years Later
Thursday July 4, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
Young Frankenstein came out in 1974. How has the movie held up in 50 years? It was a different time then--what would a modern remake look like? Participants: Sean Eberle, William J Leisner, Mark Goldberg, Christopher Daniels, Jody Wurl (mod)
Thursday July 4, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
  Panel

7:00pm CDT

Book Banning
Thursday July 4, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
A perennial problem for educators, book banning seems to be back in vogue. Come discuss why banning books is harmful to everyone, often only promotes the book, and violates the First Amendment. Participants: Melanie Reap, Crystal Kelleher, Raederle Gabrielle Sterling, Danith McPherson (mod), Meredith Jeanne Gillies
Thursday July 4, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

7:00pm CDT

Eugenics in Science Fiction
Thursday July 4, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
Science fiction has long grappled with the concepts of human "advancement" and "perfection" in genetic terms. Let's talk about what authors have done well and where they've perpetuated oppressive tropes and misunderstanding of how genetics work. Participants: Wes Huntington (mod), Mara DeMers, Justin Edward Grays, Lathan Murrell, Lee Brontide
Thursday July 4, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
  Panel

7:00pm CDT

Fountain Pen Fan Meet Up
Thursday July 4, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
Fans of fountain pens, gather round! Let's show off our favorites and talk about what we enjoy about them. Participants: Tania Richter (mod)
Thursday July 4, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
  Panel

7:00pm CDT

Friends of Bill W
Thursday July 4, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters C
Thursday July 4, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters C
  Panel

7:00pm CDT

John Wick Fan Panel
Thursday July 4, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
Participants: Madeline Gasper, Christopher Daniels (mod), Noel Thingvall, Nathan Anderson, Melissa Kaercher
Thursday July 4, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
  Panel

7:00pm CDT

Music to Create To
Thursday July 4, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
Artists, what music inspires you? Does it change with what you're making? How can we find playlists to help inspire us? Participants: Jason Richard Klietz, Arthur Ray Armstrong, Lisa Hario, Kerry Teckla Peterson (mod), Beth Hansen
Thursday July 4, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
  Panel

7:00pm CDT

Why Do We Need Horror?
Thursday July 4, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
Horror as a genre speaks to us all in different ways. Fear is human, so tasting of that fear is a universal experience. Why do we seek out being scared? What lessons does the genre teach us? Participants: Skazka, Ruby Baker, Charlene Holm, Brian Forrest (mod), Scott Kevin Jamison
Thursday July 4, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

8:30pm CDT

Best of Banned Books
Thursday July 4, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
Banned books tend to be socially important books, so we don't talk as much about them as books. Come prepared to recommend your favorites. Participants: Crystal Kelleher (mod), David R Lowery, Danith McPherson, Jody Wurl, Carlos Hernandez
Thursday July 4, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

8:30pm CDT

Care and Keeping of the Con Goer
Thursday July 4, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Lake Minnetonka
Panelists from multiple medical specialties CON-FAB-U-LATE on ergonomics, injury prevention, energy conservation, and general self care to keep you well enough to enjoy Con. Licensed practitioners are welcome to PAR-TI-CI-PATE. Participants: Ashley D Haapapuro, Lucas Haapapuro, Kurt Fleschner (mod), John Ross Rasmussen
Thursday July 4, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Lake Minnetonka
  Panel

8:30pm CDT

Darker Storylines of Recent Disney
Thursday July 4, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
Come hear the discussion about how post-Frozen animated Disney is addressing darker themes, reincarnation, depression, and general trauma. Participants: Patrick W Marsh, Nikki Armstrong, F. D. Lee (mod)
Thursday July 4, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
  Panel

8:30pm CDT

Dead Like Me, 20 Years Later
Thursday July 4, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
It's been 20 years since the series ended. Come discuss the reapers and what they taught us about life, death, and the human experience. Participants: Cetius d'Raven (mod), Ruby Baker, T. Aaron Cisco, Renate Fiora, Catherine Schaff-Stump
Thursday July 4, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
  Panel

8:30pm CDT

Glorifying a Galaxy Far Far Away
Thursday July 4, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
Join our panel to celebrate the Galaxy gifted to us by Uncle George and so many other creative individuals. This panel is about everything we love about our favorite science fiction franchise. Complaint department located in the Saarlac pit. Participants: Tim Wick (mod), Susanna Malak, Gregory Parks
Thursday July 4, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
  Panel

8:30pm CDT

In Memoriam - Film
Thursday July 4, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
Find out who we lost this year in genre film and get some recommendations from the panel on what work to seek out. Participants: Garrick A Dietze (mod), Melissa Sue Kaercher, Kelvin Hatle, Megan M Slawson
Thursday July 4, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

8:30pm CDT

Gargoyles 30th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday July 4, 2024 8:30pm - 10:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Nicollet Ballroom
Join the creator, cast, and fans of the legendary animated television series "Gargoyles" as we celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the series' world premiere. Hear about what was, learn facts about what is, and get hints of what's still to come. Participants: Thom Adcox-Hernandez, Greg Weisman, Zehra Fazal, Erin Robinson, Karine Charlebois, Greg Bishansky, Jennifer L Anderson, Keith David, Brigitte Bako
Thursday July 4, 2024 8:30pm - 10:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Nicollet Ballroom
  Panel

10:00pm CDT

Letterkenny Fan Panel
Thursday July 4, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
Participants: Katherine Jo Pysick, Viga, Charlene Holm (mod), Jeremy Stomberg, Amy Stomberg
Thursday July 4, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

10:00pm CDT

Queer Vampires
Thursday July 4, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
Vampires, by the very nature of how they use seduction as part of the hunt, seem to be at least a little queer. A discussion about expressly queer vampires and the queerness that's always been apart of the lore. Participants: Em Rowene, Sean Eberle, Skazka, Brian Forrest (mod), T'Yanna Singleton
Thursday July 4, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
  Panel

10:00pm CDT

The Prank Panel (TV)
Thursday July 4, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
GoH Susanna Malak discusses her appearance on The Prank Panel, a show where contestants pitch prank ideas at celebrity judges--think Shark Tank meets Punk'd. Participants: Susanna Malak, Anton Petersen (mod)
Thursday July 4, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
  Panel

10:00pm CDT

There Should Have Been Only One
Thursday July 4, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
Sequels and prequels exist for a lot of properties and sometimes those stories do not enhance the original. Come discuss Highlander 2 and other instances of tales that shouldn't have been told...at least in your opinion. Participants: Patrick W Marsh (mod), T. Aaron Cisco, Aimee Kuzenski, Mark James McPherson, KitKat
Thursday July 4, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel

11:30pm CDT

20 Years of Saw
Thursday July 4, 2024 11:30pm - Friday July 5, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
In October 2024, the Saw franchise will turn 20 years old. How have the films changed through the years? What traps still terrify you? Do you still live in denial and believe that Adam is alive? Let's play a game and discuss! Participants: Hannibal Grim, Madeline Gasper, Sam August Miller (mod), Sarah Jeanette Moretsky, T. Aaron Cisco
Thursday July 4, 2024 11:30pm - Friday July 5, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
  Panel

11:30pm CDT

Magnus Protocol Fan Panel
Thursday July 4, 2024 11:30pm - Friday July 5, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters C
Participants: Cetius d'Raven (mod), Ruby Baker
Thursday July 4, 2024 11:30pm - Friday July 5, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters C
  Panel

11:30pm CDT

Open to It
Thursday July 4, 2024 11:30pm - Friday July 5, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
Open and polyamorous relationships are more common than ever, inspiring many monogamous couples to rethink their stance. Those who've gone from monogamy to poly or open relationships discuss the pros and cons of their experiences for those on the fence. Participants: Lathan Murrell, Stephanie Dreis (mod), Ashley M. Mages, Amanda Leinbaugh, Heather Lynn Heim
Thursday July 4, 2024 11:30pm - Friday July 5, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

11:30pm CDT

Smut Appreciation Panel
Thursday July 4, 2024 11:30pm - Friday July 5, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
Thanks to self-publishing, Kindle Unlimited, and BookTok, it feels like a smut golden age. Join us for conversation and recommendations (tropes, authors, platforms, communities, etc.)! **mature content** Participants: Windy Bowlsby (mod), Barb Lind, Kay King, Rhea Sayotovich
Thursday July 4, 2024 11:30pm - Friday July 5, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

11:30pm CDT

Stranger Things Fan Panel
Thursday July 4, 2024 11:30pm - Friday July 5, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
Participants: Skazka, Peter M Avirom, Noel Thingvall, KitKat (mod)
Thursday July 4, 2024 11:30pm - Friday July 5, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel
 
Friday, July 5
 

9:30am CDT

Adults Like It Too
Friday July 5, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
A discussion of media made for kids or teens but is also appealing to adults--Animaniacs, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, etc. Participants: Sam August Miller, Viga (mod), Mark James McPherson, J.R. Dawson
Friday July 5, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

9:30am CDT

Allergy Restricted Diets
Friday July 5, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
Dietary allergies and intolerances seem to be on the rise, or at least knowledge of them has entered the public consciousness. Where do you begin when you need to change your diet? Are our existing labels good enough? Participants: Renee Petersen, Rachel Poleke, Joan Marie Verba, Staci Corcoran (mod)
Friday July 5, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
  Panel

9:30am CDT

Everyone's a Leader: Embracing Advocacy in Fandom
Friday July 5, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
Leadership isn't reserved for the few. Explore how embracing advocacy in our favorite fandom realms can inspire and empower every individual to take the lead. Participants: Miss Shannan Paul, Kerry Teckla Peterson, Ashley M. Mages, Amáda Márquez Simula (mod)
Friday July 5, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
  Panel

9:30am CDT

How to Volunteer
Friday July 5, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
You've heard that CONvergence runs on volunteers. You've heard that volunteers have more fun. So how do you get in on that? Ask us. Members of the Volunteer department are here to answer all your volunteering-related questions. Participants: Samantha Bitner, Alex Singer, Rachel Lubich
Friday July 5, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
  Panel

9:30am CDT

Masquerade 101
Friday July 5, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
Get your questions answered about participating in the Masquerade by the Masquerade director and staff. Participants: Donald Kaiser
Friday July 5, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
  Panel

9:30am CDT

Octavia Butler Fan Panel
Friday July 5, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
Participants: T'Yanna Singleton (mod), Joe Weinberg, Lathan Murrell, Sherry Pofahl Johnson, Eric Karn
Friday July 5, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

9:30am CDT

Podcasting 101
Friday July 5, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
If the pandemic proved anything, it's that anyone can have a podcast. Do you not have one yet because you're intimidated by the thought of making one? It's easier than you think and our panelists will show you just how true that is. Participants: Allyson Cygan, Patrick W Marsh (mod), Wes Huntington, Jerry Stearns, Noel Thingvall
Friday July 5, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel

11:00am CDT

Building a World for a Character and a Character for a World
Friday July 5, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
Some writers start with a world, some start with a character. The relationship between character and setting can have a huge impact on the story being told regardless of the medium, so this panel will explore the way to make character & setting resonate. Participants: Danith McPherson, Joe Weinberg, Lisa Hario, J.R. Dawson, F. D. Lee (mod)
Friday July 5, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
  Panel

11:00am CDT

Emotion in Motion: Voice Acting for Animation and Video Games
Friday July 5, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
Guest of Honor Zehra Fazal discusses her experiences breaking into the industry and stories from her career. If time allows, the audience will practice acting principles to bring "motion" into voice acting, giving the animators lots to work with. Participants: Zehra Fazal
Friday July 5, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
  Panel

11:00am CDT

The Wachowskis and Their Impact
Friday July 5, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
The Wachowskis are a filmmaking duo known for their innovative storytelling, creative visuals, inclusivity, and ambitious projects. Their work has inspired other filmmakers to follow in their footsteps, taking risks, and exploring philosophical themes. Participants: Allyson Cygan, Boris Smelov (mod), T'Yanna Singleton, Noel Thingvall, Lathan Murrell
Friday July 5, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

11:00am CDT

Year in MCU
Friday July 5, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
Another year, another parade of Marvel movies and television. Let's discuss the latest developments in the MCU. Participants: Peter M Avirom (mod), Mark Lundberg, Danielle Elise Maser, Elisabeth Hazelton
Friday July 5, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

12:30pm CDT

Dating "Different"
Friday July 5, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
We all find ourselves in "different" relationships, whether they be queer, bi-racial, or neurodiverse. How do we handle these differences when it comes to loving one another or the opinions of others around us? Participants: Kiki Joy Latham, Heather Lynn Heim, Viga, Justin Edward Grays, Stephanie Dreis (mod)
Friday July 5, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
  Panel

12:30pm CDT

Godzilla Minus One Fan Panel
Friday July 5, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
Participants: Madeline Gasper, Christopher Daniels (mod), Scott Kevin Jamison, Melissa Kaercher, Eric Karn
Friday July 5, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

12:30pm CDT

History is Not Supposed to Make You Feel Good
Friday July 5, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
History is full of uncomfortable truths that are nonetheless factual. If it is true that those who fail to understand history are doomed to repeat it, why are there so many wishing to keep some history out of schools? Participants: Raederle Gabrielle Sterling, Rachael Sterling (mod), John A. Shea, Sarah Barsness, Jenny McElroy
Friday July 5, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel

12:30pm CDT

How Do I Make This Work?
Friday July 5, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
Develop your costuming ideas that you haven't figured out how to make work with our panel of experts. Participants: Todd Murray, Sara Huebschen, Haruka, Erica Zaffke, Janine Wardale
Friday July 5, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
  Panel

12:30pm CDT

What Genre Did I Just Write?
Friday July 5, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
Sometimes you've got a story that fits nicely into a particular box, but often stories cross over into many different genres. How do you focus? Do you need to? How do you market a multi-genre book effectively? Participants: Patrick W Marsh, Aimee Kuzenski, Becca Justiniano, F. D. Lee, Sherry Pofahl Johnson (mod)
Friday July 5, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
  Panel

12:30pm CDT

What Makes a Good Game System?
Friday July 5, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
A discussion of gaming systems. What makes a system work or fail? What systems work well for some types of gaming but not for others? Participants: Kenneth Joel Justiniano, Jacob Evert Borgmann, Eric Zawadzki (mod), Joe Weinberg
Friday July 5, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

Andor Fan Panel
Friday July 5, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
Participants: Erik Nyberg (mod), Skazka, Eric Zawadzki, Scott Saunders
Friday July 5, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

Busting Viking Myths
Friday July 5, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
What's really true of Vikings? Horned helmets? Beautiful long-haired women on flying horses? Eye sacrifice? Huge hunks of meat? Join us for some mythic busting! Participants: Renee Petersen (mod), David R Lowery, Christopher Daniels, Lisa Hario
Friday July 5, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

Getting Started on a Budget
Friday July 5, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
Picking up a new hobby or craft can be difficult without spending a lot of money. Come hear about some tips and tricks to get into creating without breaking the bank. Participants: Allyson Cygan, Sarah Barsness, Staci Corcoran, Dana Baird (mod)
Friday July 5, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

Integrating Evil PCs
Friday July 5, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
Mixed alignment parties can be tricky, particularly in long-term campaigns. How can GMs and players make it easier to play non-goodie goodie characters without crossing any in or out-of-game lines? Participants: Cetius d'Raven, Roger C Mlynczak, Kenneth Joel Justiniano, Jacob Evert Borgmann (mod), Lauren Crabtree
Friday July 5, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

Kids Eye View of Minecraft and Other Games
Friday July 5, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Lake Minnetonka
Minecraft is one of the most popular games for kids. They also play Roblox, Scrap Mechanic, and many other games. Hear kids talk about what excites them about these games. By and for kids! Participants: Ian Martin-Mann, Missy Green, Becca Justiniano (mod)
Friday July 5, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Lake Minnetonka
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

Representation and Why It Matters
Friday July 5, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
Discussing representation in media, why it is important, who does it right, and who does it wrong. Participants: Eiryn Hegland, Christina M Alongi, T. Aaron Cisco, Assad Khaishgi (mod), Miss Shannan Paul
Friday July 5, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

Voices from the Eyrie Live!
Friday July 5, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Nicollet Ballroom
Attend a live recording of the premiere Gargoyles podcast, Voices from the Eyrie. Participants: Greg Weisman, Thom Adcox-Hernandez, Zehra Fazal, Greg Bishansky (mod), Jennifer L Anderson, Brigitte Bako
Friday July 5, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Nicollet Ballroom
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

Fall of the House of Usher Fan Panel
Friday July 5, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
Participants: Skazka, Brittany Ann Kerschner, Sarah Jeanette Moretsky, Renate Fiora, Wendy Fossum (mod)
Friday July 5, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

Gargoyles in Comic Books
Friday July 5, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
The television series lives on in comic book form. See how the sausage is made and find out what's coming down the pike. Participants: Greg Weisman (mod), Karine Charlebois, Christopher Jones
Friday July 5, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

Good Food, Less Effort
Friday July 5, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
Many see cooking as a chore. What are some great recipes that don't take a ton of effort or skill but are still healthy and tasty? We'll share some of our favorites, so be prepared to take notes! Participants: Heather Lynn Heim, Rachael Sterling, Sarah Barsness, Staci Corcoran, Renee Petersen (mod)
Friday July 5, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

Good Omens, Season 2 Fan Panel
Friday July 5, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
Participants: Cetius d'Raven (mod), Eiryn Hegland, SaraBeth Ray, Penguin E, Kathleen Nicole Addams
Friday July 5, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

New in Disney Parks
Friday July 5, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
The Disney parks are making moves to keep things fresh. What are some of the recent changes, how do we feel about them, and what's coming in the near future? Participants: Laura Joy Gough, Nicole LaBat, Scott Saunders (mod), Haruka
Friday July 5, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

Professionalism and Neurodiversity
Friday July 5, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
Professionalism is a tricky part of life on the best of days and can be even more difficult to navigate if you're neurodivergent. Panelists share experiences, suggestions, and insights to help make those waters easier to tread. Participants: Maya Sutton (mod), Erica Zaffke, Mark James McPherson, Kerry Teckla Peterson, Ben San Del
Friday July 5, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

Wig Styling 101
Friday July 5, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
New to wigs? Join White Lotus Witch to talk about the basics of wig wearing/styling for cosplay! Participants: Calliope, Emily
Friday July 5, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel

5:00pm CDT

Ace, Aro, and Agender: the Invisible Panel!
Friday July 5, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
Is any representation good representation? Do the portrayals of characters on our spectrums as androids, cyborgs, aliens, or other non-humans bother us? Participants: Christina M Alongi, SaraBeth Ray, Elyssa Mason, Sam Willson (mod), Kathleen Nicole Addams
Friday July 5, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
  Panel

5:00pm CDT

CONvergence Events Open Meeting
Friday July 5, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Lake Minnetonka
Get an update on the latest with the organization that runs CONvergence with members of the Convergence Events Board of Directors. Participants: Tim Wick, William Verburg-Cunningham, Eric Knight, CJ Mantel, Charmaine Parnell, Luis Beltran, Courtney Azar
Friday July 5, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Lake Minnetonka
  Panel

5:00pm CDT

Preparing for Your Death
Friday July 5, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
Panelists will discuss different ways of preparing for the end of your life or loved ones. What questions to ask, how to make a "death book", and more. You are never too young to get started on this process and make your death a little less painful. Participants: Amanda Folberg, Jon Stark Olsen (mod), Sarah Jeanette Moretsky, Elizabeth Reynolds, Jeri L. Byrne
Friday July 5, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
  Panel

5:00pm CDT

Ted Lasso Fan Panel
Friday July 5, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
Participants: Erik Nyberg, Peter M Avirom (mod), Maren Aalgaard, Galen Cox, Eric Karn
Friday July 5, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

5:00pm CDT

Things I Learned the Hard Way
Friday July 5, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
When you first start GMing, things might not always go so well. That's normal but can be hard to overcome. Learn from some veterans how to cope with the expected unexpected. Participants: TK, Roger C Mlynczak, Annie Fleschner (mod), Jacob Evert Borgmann, Eric Zawadzki
Friday July 5, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

5:00pm CDT

Web Comics Worth Reading
Friday July 5, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
Most of us probably know about XKCD or Looking For Group, but what are some other web-based comics worth checking out? Participants: Boris Smelov, Rachel Poleke, Meredith Jeanne Gillies, KitKat (mod)
Friday July 5, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
  Panel

5:00pm CDT

Wig Styling 201
Friday July 5, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
Already know the basics of wigs? Take your skills to the next level! In this panel, we will cover how to make gravity defying styles and other advanced wig styling techniques. Participants: Calliope, Emily
Friday July 5, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel

7:00pm CDT

Arcane: League of Legends
Friday July 5, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
The Netflix adaptation of League of Legends proves high quality adaptations of video game properties are very possible. This panel focuses on why Arcane works as an adaptation, what we love about it, and what we hope to see in Season 2. Participants: Noel Thingvall, Lauren Crabtree (mod), Ben San Del, Susie Kline
Friday July 5, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
  Panel

7:00pm CDT

Best Film and TV Scores of 2023/2024
Friday July 5, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
Every year we gather to discuss our favorite (or "best") movie and TV scores of the past year+. Come and join us, listen to some tunes, and tell us what YOU think was the best! Participants: Dave Margosian (mod), Duck Washington, Kayla McGrady
Friday July 5, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel

7:00pm CDT

Friends of Bill W
Friday July 5, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters C
Friday July 5, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters C
  Panel

7:00pm CDT

Judaism in Speculative Fiction
Friday July 5, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
Fictional religions often draw inspiration from real world counterparts, but often Christianity holds the spotlight. How has Judaism been portrayed in speculative fiction? How can we take inspiration from Jewish belief and practice in building new worlds? Participants: Peter M Avirom, Joe Weinberg, Naomi Kritzer (mod), J.R. Dawson, Joseph Jay-Dixon
Friday July 5, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
  Panel

7:00pm CDT

Negocios Infernales, an Infernal Salon
Friday July 5, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
Join author Carlos Hernandez in a gathering of writing prompts taken from his GM-less TTRPG Negocios Infernales. Get that inspiration you need to start your next TTRPG campaign, short story, or novel with Carlos as your guide! Participants: Carlos Hernandez
Friday July 5, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
  Panel

7:00pm CDT

Things that Scare Us
Friday July 5, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
How have horror movies changed over time? Participants: Hannibal Grim, Mark Goldberg, KitKat (mod), Andrew Meyer, Clarissa S Goldsmith
Friday July 5, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

8:30pm CDT

A Little Story of Hollywood
Friday July 5, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
Come ask Susanna Malak questions about her career as an actor and her life as a little person in Hollywood! Participants: Susanna Malak
Friday July 5, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

8:30pm CDT

DS9: Past Tense - A Generation Later
Friday July 5, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
2024 is the year of the Bell riots. It's been a generation since that two-part episode aired. How are its themes relevant to events of today? Participants: Brittany Ann Kerschner, T. Aaron Cisco (mod), William J Leisner, Cory Damone Enriquez, Justin Edward Grays
Friday July 5, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
  Panel

8:30pm CDT

Healthy Coping Mechanisms for Mental Health and Neurodiversity
Friday July 5, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
We talk a lot about mental health and neurodiversity and what it means in our lives. This panel will explore the wonderful world of healthy coping mechanisms. Participants: Kiki Joy Latham, Katherine Jo Pysick, Charlene Holm (mod), Maya Sutton
Friday July 5, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
  Panel

8:30pm CDT

Monster Loving and Queerness
Friday July 5, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
It is well known that monsters are very *ahem* beloved by the LGBTQ+ community. What drives this fascination? What are some must-reads and must-sees for this group? What are we excited to see come out? **mature content** Participants: Sean Eberle, Sonni de Soto, T'Yanna Singleton (mod), Mordecai Mika, Elliott Kios Dean
Friday July 5, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
  Panel

8:30pm CDT

Mystery Soda Panel
Friday July 5, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
This panel has been happening at Con in secret for years and now it's finally time for the public debut! Watch several victims, um VOLUNTEERS, try sodas of mysterious origins. Will they suffer? Can they choke it down? Might they even like it?! Find out! Participants: Kelly Murphy, Michael Benson, Marti Benson, Viga, Steve Sylvestre, Dan Schmidt, Nick Amos
Friday July 5, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
  Panel

8:30pm CDT

Not in Front of the Children
Friday July 5, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
A discussion of things we think children need to be protected from and how that has changed over time. Participants: Melanie Reap, Elizabeth Reynolds, Elyssa Mason, Staci Corcoran (mod), Lathan Murrell
Friday July 5, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel

8:30pm CDT

Storytelling Without Stories
Friday July 5, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
Speculative fiction has used non-narrative storytelling through lists, letters, articles, technical instructions, etc. How can you add depth to your story through footnotes & bibliographies? How do you need to change your process for these works? Participants: Patrick W Marsh, Michael Allen Kingsley, A L Raden, Naomi Kritzer
Friday July 5, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

10:00pm CDT

Dealing with Toxic Comments
Friday July 5, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
It's a sad truth that the world of online comments includes a lot of toxicity. How do you deal with such posts? Ignore them? Wield the ban hammer? Engage politely...or not so politely? Come hear how some creators are handling such things. Participants: Patrick W Marsh, Wes Huntington (mod), Lathan Murrell, Becca Justiniano
Friday July 5, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Northstar B
  Panel

10:00pm CDT

Interview with a Vampire (TV) Fan Panel
Friday July 5, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
Participants: Skazka, Sarah Jeanette Moretsky, T. Aaron Cisco (mod), KitKat
Friday July 5, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
  Panel

10:00pm CDT

Not Funny Anymore
Friday July 5, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
A discussion of things we used to find funny but are not okay anymore. Participants: Staci Corcoran (mod), Miss Shannan Paul, Ashley M. Mages
Friday July 5, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
  Panel

10:00pm CDT

Our Flag Means Death: Season 2 Fan Panel
Friday July 5, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
Participants: Peter M Avirom, F. D. Lee (mod), Alli M May, Maren Aalgaard, Eric Karn
Friday July 5, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

11:30pm CDT

Locked Tomb Fan Panel
Friday July 5, 2024 11:30pm - Saturday July 6, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
Join us for a discussion of the Locked Tomb series by Tamsyn Muir, where we talk about our favorite moments from the series and our hopes and predictions for "Alecto the Ninth". Participants: Nathan Caleb Wulver (mod), Gretchen Lucken, Amanda Leinbaugh, Roswell Calloway
Friday July 5, 2024 11:30pm - Saturday July 6, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
  Panel

11:30pm CDT

Star Wars Has a Problem with Slavery
Friday July 5, 2024 11:30pm - Saturday July 6, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
From Hutt space to clone armies to droid liberation, an exploration of the systems of slavery endemic in the Star Wars universe. Examining the significance of slavery in the Star Wars universe and how it's addressed in a narrative and metatextual context. Participants: Boris Smelov (mod), Jeff R Grapevine, Diane Perry, Katherine Maher, Justin Edward Grays
Friday July 5, 2024 11:30pm - Saturday July 6, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
  Panel

11:30pm CDT

The Blue Mug
Friday July 5, 2024 11:30pm - Saturday July 6, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
Want to learn about the sex lives of Gargoyles? Want to know who was hooking up with whom among the heroes of Young Justice? Then join us at this absolutely inappropriate-by-design panel, where no question is too risque. **mature content** Participants: Greg Weisman, Thom Adcox-Hernandez
Friday July 5, 2024 11:30pm - Saturday July 6, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

11:30pm CDT

Year In Horror
Friday July 5, 2024 11:30pm - Saturday July 6, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
Join us to discuss the highlights of the year in horror 2023. Participants: Hannibal Grim, Arthur Ray Armstrong, T. Aaron Cisco, Charlene Holm (mod), KitKat
Friday July 5, 2024 11:30pm - Saturday July 6, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel
 
Saturday, July 6
 

9:30am CDT

Great British Bake Off Fan Panel
Saturday July 6, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
Participants: Renee Petersen, Elizabeth Reynolds, Raederle Gabrielle Sterling (mod), Mary Elizabeth Sterling, Nikki Armstrong
Saturday July 6, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

9:30am CDT

Marketing for Authors
Saturday July 6, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
Both traditional and indie published authors have to do their own marketing these days. How do you do that, especially as an introvert? Participants: Em Rowene, Christina M Alongi, T. Aaron Cisco, Aimee Kuzenski (mod), F. D. Lee
Saturday July 6, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

9:30am CDT

Superhero Fatigue...Fatigue
Saturday July 6, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
The age of superheroes isn't over--you're just not watching the right stuff. Our panel discusses superhero-centric shows/movies that are inclusive, interesting, innovative, incredible, and sometimes even a little...insane. Participants: A L Raden (mod), Mark Lundberg, Danielle Elise Maser, Mark James McPherson, Lathan Murrell
Saturday July 6, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel

9:30am CDT

Year in New Trek
Saturday July 6, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
Several series are running concurrently. Engage in a discussion about Discovery, Lower Decks, Prodigy, and Strange New Worlds. What are we hoping for in Starfleet Academy? Participants: Wes Huntington, Scott Saunders, Assad Khaishgi (mod), Justin Edward Grays, Staci Corcoran
Saturday July 6, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
  Panel

11:00am CDT

Build-a-Scare III
Saturday July 6, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters C
We're back to help you, the audience, comedically collaborate on making a monster for your RPG while teaching you about our favorite RPG Monster of the Week! Participants: Ken Merriman
Saturday July 6, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters C
  Panel

11:00am CDT

Cooking for Kids
Saturday July 6, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
Cooking's a skill with lifelong benefits to learning. We'll talk about some simple, kid-friendly recipes to help bring younger folks into the kitchen. Participants: Amanda Folberg, Elizabeth Reynolds, Renee Petersen, Sherry Pofahl Johnson (mod)
Saturday July 6, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
  Panel

11:00am CDT

Everyone is John (13+)
Saturday July 6, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Great Lakes A2b
Everyone is John is a competitive TTRPG where everyone plays the same character! Bid for control and decide what John needs to do. Participants: Tim Koon
Saturday July 6, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Great Lakes A2b
  Panel

11:00am CDT

It's Not About You
Saturday July 6, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
Enjoying media about people who are not like you is sometimes difficult. What can you do to better step into the shoes of those with experiences other than your own? Do you even need to? Should you? Participants: Christina M Alongi, Sam Willson (mod), F. D. Lee, Lathan Murrell, Morgan Strickland
Saturday July 6, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel

11:00am CDT

Short Anime You Can Binge
Saturday July 6, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
Several famous anime are long running series that would be daunting to try and watch in complete. Come learn about some worthy series with a limited run. Participants: Patrick W Marsh, Donald Poleke, Kenneth Joel Justiniano (mod), Staci Corcoran, Ian Cross
Saturday July 6, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

11:00am CDT

Sympathy for the Devil
Saturday July 6, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
What characters portrayed as villains did you agree or sympathize with? What makes you root for the bad guy? Participants: Jennifer Lee Lundstrom, Kate MacEachern, Aimee Kuzenski, Cetius d'Raven (mod), Nikki Armstrong
Saturday July 6, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

11:00am CDT

Writing for Multiple Media
Saturday July 6, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
Learn the differences (and similarities) between writing for television, movies, novels, and comic books. Participants: Greg Weisman
Saturday July 6, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
  Panel

12:30pm CDT

Beyond Oppenheimer: Scientists Who Need Bio Movies
Saturday July 6, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Lake Minnetonka
Who's been overlooked? Who's been underserved by an existing bio movie? Whose stories ring with drama? Bring your pitches. Participants: Melanie Reap, Boris Smelov, Renate Fiora (mod), Bryan J Joshua, Lathan Murrell
Saturday July 6, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Lake Minnetonka
  Panel

12:30pm CDT

How to be an Ally
Saturday July 6, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
A panel to discuss how to be an ally and accomplice to marginalized communities. Participants: Sean Eberle, Remy Corso, Charlene Holm (mod), Morgan Strickland, Ashley M. Mages
Saturday July 6, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
  Panel

12:30pm CDT

Introducing RPGs to Younglings
Saturday July 6, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
RPGs can be enjoyed by folks of all ages, but most sessions seem to be teens and older. How can we bring the joy of RPGs to those under 13? Are certain systems better geared for this? How can the more complex systems be adjusted for youths? Participants: Annie Fleschner, Kenneth Joel Justiniano (mod), Jacob Evert Borgmann, Shaun Larsen, Zack Mayville
Saturday July 6, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
  Panel

12:30pm CDT

Year in Movies
Saturday July 6, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
What's come out since last CONvergence that is worth talking about but didn't get a panel of its own? Participants: Niles Joseph Schwartz, T. Aaron Cisco, Mark James McPherson, Melissa Kaercher (mod), Miss Shannan Paul
Saturday July 6, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

#SaveMyShow
Saturday July 6, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
A panel to highlight and discuss the history of fan activism to save beloved shows from cancelation, from the letter-writing campaign that saved Star Trek TOS to more recent examples like #SaveTheExpanse. Participants: Kyle LaBarre (mod), Wes Huntington, Peter M Avirom, Kerry Teckla Peterson, Amanda Nerud
Saturday July 6, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

Biology for Writers
Saturday July 6, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
From gene-hacking to dragons to zombie plagues, biology is everywhere in genre fiction, but it can be intimidating for writers. Come hear from biologists on when science helps your story, how to research biological topics, and common mistakes to avoid. Participants: Anessa DeMers, Brittany Ann Kerschner, Bryan J Joshua (mod), T'Yanna Singleton, Lathan Murrell
Saturday July 6, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

Guys, Let's Talk
Saturday July 6, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
Polling shows U.S. women are at least twice as likely than men to talk regularly to friends about their mental health. Roughly 40 percent of men say they've never talked with anyone about their mental health. Men struggling with mental health: let's talk. Participants: Andrew Meyer, Ian Cross, John White, Ben San Del (mod)
Saturday July 6, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

Session Zero: Setting the Stage for Your Epic Campaign
Saturday July 6, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
Do you wish you knew what your fighter's arc should look like? Do you wish you'd defined your gameplay loop sooner? Did you have an awkward game because of something you didn't know about a player's red lines? Session Zero might be your answer! Participants: TK, Annie Fleschner (mod), Daniel Jay-Dixon, Eric Zawadzki, Maya Sutton
Saturday July 6, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

Writer and Actor Strikes
Saturday July 6, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
2023 saw a 148-day strike by the WGA, the longest since 1988. SAG-AFTRA had their longest strike ever. Both struck over the impact of AI and the financial impact of streaming and other new technologies. What are the impacts and why did they happen? Participants: Niles Joseph Schwartz, Allyson Cygan, T. Aaron Cisco (mod), Kieran McCudden-Delany, Susanna Malak
Saturday July 6, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

Author's Guide to Writing for Comics
Saturday July 6, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
Author Carlos Hernandez talks about his experience writing comics for Marvel and beyond. Learn from a pro the ins and outs of writing for comic books! Participants: Carlos Hernandez
Saturday July 6, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

Finding Specialty Foods
Saturday July 6, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
The popular grocery chains carry the "usual fare", but what if you want to explore a broader variety of foods? How do you go about finding safe, quality products? Let's discuss some local options. Participants: Renee Petersen, Rachael Sterling, Rachel Poleke (mod), Nicole LaBat
Saturday July 6, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

I LOL'd
Saturday July 6, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
A discussion of fantasy and science fiction stories and media that are also hilarious. Participants: Hannibal Grim, Jon Stark Olsen, William J Leisner, Staci Corcoran (mod), Dana Baird
Saturday July 6, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

Stories from the Kids' Table
Saturday July 6, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Lake Minnetonka
Kids play D&D and other TTRPGS. These are their stories. From wacky adventures to missed or epic rolls, we're interested to hear what happened. By and for kids! Participants: Zack Mayville, Michael Schatz, Ian Martin-Mann, Becca Justiniano (mod)
Saturday July 6, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Lake Minnetonka
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

Year in Anime
Saturday July 6, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
What is the best new anime from the last year? Participants: Allyson Cygan, Patrick W Marsh, Donald Poleke (mod), Viga, Scott Kevin Jamison
Saturday July 6, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

5:00pm CDT

Baking is Serenity
Saturday July 6, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
A discussion of cooking and baking as self-care. Participants: Sean Eberle, Kelly Jo Fredrickson (mod), Staci Corcoran, Jenny McElroy, KitKat
Saturday July 6, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

5:00pm CDT

Evolution of Doctor Who
Saturday July 6, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
Discuss the evolution from classic Doctor Who to the modern era. What worked in the 60s that does or doesn't work now? Participants: T. Aaron Cisco, Danith McPherson, Assad Khaishgi (mod), Kirsten Roepke-Larsen, Aaron Lee Propes
Saturday July 6, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

5:00pm CDT

Middle Grade Book Club
Saturday July 6, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Lake Minnetonka
Kids, grab your book and come let's talk about them. If you don't have your book, that's fine. Open to anyone 12 or under reading chapter books. By and for kids. Participants: Becca Justiniano
Saturday July 6, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Lake Minnetonka
  Panel

5:00pm CDT

Power of Storytelling
Saturday July 6, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
What do we learn from characters making gut wrenching decisions? How do we take this from media to real life? Participants: Raederle Gabrielle Sterling (mod), John A. Shea, Kate MacEachern, F. D. Lee, Brigitte Bako
Saturday July 6, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
  Panel

5:00pm CDT

Religious Trauma and Its Impact
Saturday July 6, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
Trauma caused by religious environments is an area of study with very little research, yet is far more prevalent than people realize. What ways has religious trauma affected people's mental health and how can they start to heal? Participants: Skazka, Kiki Joy Latham, Abigail Sloane Silver (mod), SaraBeth Ray, Melissa Collins
Saturday July 6, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel

5:00pm CDT

Spy X Family Fan Panel
Saturday July 6, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
Participants: Madeline Gasper, Scott Kevin Jamison, Ian Cross (mod), Lathan Murrell
Saturday July 6, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
  Panel

5:00pm CDT

Marvel Legendary
Saturday July 6, 2024 5:00pm - 6:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters Aa
A fun deck building game were you can assemble your own team of Marvel heroes Participants: Ian Bryan
Saturday July 6, 2024 5:00pm - 6:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters Aa
  Panel

7:00pm CDT

Books on BookTok
Saturday July 6, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
Books on TikTok have really taken off and many bookstores even have their own section for some of the most popular titles. How has BookTok affected publishing and the book community, both the bad and the good? Participants: Patrick W Marsh (mod), Crystal Kelleher, Christina M Alongi, Elizabeth Ess, Jody Wurl
Saturday July 6, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
  Panel

7:00pm CDT

Friends of Bill W
Saturday July 6, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters C
Saturday July 6, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters C
  Panel

7:00pm CDT

Narrative In Game Design
Saturday July 6, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
Whether tabletop or video games, the story in a game can either enhance or deter from the gameplay experience. Come learn the role a narrative can play in the design of your favorite games. Participants: Carlos Hernandez
Saturday July 6, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

7:00pm CDT

Young Justice Memories
Saturday July 6, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
Attend a Q&A about the Young Justice television series and its in-canon comic book spin-offs. Participants: Erin Robinson, Greg Weisman (mod), Zehra Fazal, Thom Adcox-Hernandez, Christopher Jones, Jennifer L Anderson
Saturday July 6, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
  Panel

7:00pm CDT

Mega Panel
Saturday July 6, 2024 7:00pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
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! Participants: Molly Glover, Jeremy Stomberg, Nick Glover, Melissa Sue Kaercher, Nikki Armstrong
Saturday July 6, 2024 7:00pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

8:30pm CDT

Baldur's Gate 3 Fan Panel
Saturday July 6, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
Participants: Renee Freyja Vorbeck, TK, Leilani Rose, Mordecai Mika, Morgan Strickland (mod)
Saturday July 6, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

8:30pm CDT

The Spectacular Spider-Man Meets the Spectacular Spider-Men!
Saturday July 6, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
Learn all you ever wanted to know about The Spectacular Spider-Man animated series and Marvel's new The Spectacular Spider-Men comic from some of the folks who have made these projects happen. Participants: Greg Weisman (mod), Thom Adcox-Hernandez, Jennifer L Anderson
Saturday July 6, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
  Panel

8:30pm CDT

Where Do I Start?
Saturday July 6, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
Introducing people to your favorite media can be a tricky business. Where do you start with longtime favorites like Doctor Who or Discworld? Can you just pick up in the middle and be okay? Participants: Patrick W Marsh (mod), SaraBeth Ray, Sam Willson, Miss Shannan Paul
Saturday July 6, 2024 8:30pm - 9:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
  Panel

10:00pm CDT

Adult Themes in RPGs
Saturday July 6, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
The vast majority of games approach mature topics by ignoring them. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum are games that explicitly explore dark, disturbing themes. How should a GM introduce such topics to the players? Participants: Annie Fleschner, Daniel Jay-Dixon, David R Lowery, Kenneth Joel Justiniano (mod), Maya Sutton
Saturday July 6, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

10:00pm CDT

Monsters of Sex
Saturday July 6, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
A discussion of sex with monsters and monsters affiliated with the sex act. **mature content** Participants: Sam August Miller (mod), Skazka, Mordecai Mika, Elliott Kios Dean, Lathan Murrell
Saturday July 6, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

10:00pm CDT

The Pun-El
Saturday July 6, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
And again, the English language is treated with great violence in a space safe from flying fruit. Participants: Edward Eastman (mod), Margaret Eastman, Brian LaBounty, Bob Alberti
Saturday July 6, 2024 10:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel

11:30pm CDT

Bad Geeky Pickup Lines
Saturday July 6, 2024 11:30pm - Sunday July 7, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
Cheesy pick up lines are so bad they're good again. What are your favorites to use when you have your ion someone? Participants: Nikki Armstrong (mod), Mark James McPherson
Saturday July 6, 2024 11:30pm - Sunday July 7, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel

11:30pm CDT

Room and Bard Podcast
Saturday July 6, 2024 11:30pm - Sunday July 7, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
Room and Bard is a delightful RPG podcast that brings together the thrill of live-play sessions and the charm of comedic storytelling. Each episode immerses listeners in fantastical worlds, where a cast of quick-witted players navigate epic quests and hilarious misadventures. The dynamic interactions and improvisational humor keep the narrative both unpredictable and engaging, making it a must-listen for fans of role-playing games and comedy alike. With its blend of imaginative plotlines and laugh-out-loud moments, Room and Bard offers an entertaining escape into a realm where the unexpected is always just a dice roll away. Participants: James Paine, Bronson Keller, Jamus O'Seamus, Trevor Ticklebottom
Saturday July 6, 2024 11:30pm - Sunday July 7, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
  Panel

11:30pm CDT

Year in Fanfiction
Saturday July 6, 2024 11:30pm - Sunday July 7, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
A discussion of ALL kinds of fic (including slash). We'll talk popular fandoms, ships, and tropes from the last year. Not to mention recs! Not all fanfic is mature, but mature topics will be discussed. **mature content** Participants: TK, Skazka, Sam Willson, Kerry Teckla Peterson (mod)
Saturday July 6, 2024 11:30pm - Sunday July 7, 2024 12:30am CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel
 
Sunday, July 7
 

11:00am CDT

Gargoyles Biology and Culture
Sunday July 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of Gargate anatomy and society. What are the rules? How do they differ from clan to clan? From gargoyle to gargoyle? Participants: Greg Weisman (mod), Karine Charlebois, Matt Parker, James Kakalios, Chip Coffin, Lucas McClain
Sunday July 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
  Panel

11:00am CDT

Gaylaxians Book Discussion Update
Sunday July 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters C
Each year North Country Gaylaxians choose one book a month to read. Our charter is to read books either by GLBTQ+ authors or books with positive GLBTQ+ content. This panel will discuss the books we have read since CONvergence 2023. Participants: Donald Kaiser, Claudia Slovacek, David Lenander
Sunday July 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters C
  Panel

11:00am CDT

Historical Costuming for Beginners
Sunday July 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
A beginner's guide to historical costuming. Participants: Raederle Gabrielle Sterling, Kara Knight, Mary Elizabeth Sterling, Dana Baird, Nathan Caleb Wulver (mod)
Sunday July 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway I
  Panel

11:00am CDT

Loki Season 2 Fan Panel
Sunday July 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
Participants: Staci Corcoran, Catherine Schaff-Stump, Noel Thingvall, Morgan Strickland (mod)
Sunday July 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel

11:00am CDT

Midsomer Murders
Sunday July 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
A discussion of the long running British murder mystery series--the characters, the stories, the settings. Participants: Linda Kloempken, Miss Shannan Paul, Margaret Eastman (mod)
Sunday July 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

11:00am CDT

Mike Flanagan Fan Panel
Sunday July 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
Ready for our own deep discussion and dialogue about Mike Flanagan movies and shows? Let's talk about what makes his stories haunting, dark, and existential and his well-written characters. Participants: Jennifer Lee Lundstrom, Andrew Meyer, Jody Wurl (mod), Nathan Anderson, Wendy Fossum
Sunday July 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
  Panel

11:00am CDT

The Creative Continuum, The Superteam of Arts Disciplines
Sunday July 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
Many art forms bleed into each other during the creative process. In the space these artforms merge, true innovation invigorates and evolves. Join Carlos Hernandez for a discussion of this world of interstitial arts and the fruitful bleed between genres. Participants: Carlos Hernandez
Sunday July 7, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

12:30pm CDT

But Where Do I Shelve It?
Sunday July 7, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
Let's discuss our favorite media that mixes multiple genres like romance, fantasy, mystery, or horror. Participants: Crystal Kelleher (mod), David R Lowery, Jody Wurl, Ben San Del
Sunday July 7, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel

12:30pm CDT

Gender Fluid Representation in Genre
Sunday July 7, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
From classic myths to Desire from Sandman, gender fluid characters are not new to science fiction and fantasy. However, as gender fluidity becomes more accepted, how are gender fluid characters changing in modern works? What needs improvement? Participants: Skazka, Viga, Jacob Evert Borgmann (mod), Staci Corcoran, J.R. Dawson
Sunday July 7, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

12:30pm CDT

How to Become a Panelist
Sunday July 7, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Lake Minnetonka
You can be on panels. It's easy and we want you to join us. Find out all you need to know about being a panelist. Participants: Margaret Eastman, Becca Justiniano, Sandy Darst, Dierdre Schultz
Sunday July 7, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Lake Minnetonka
  Panel

12:30pm CDT

I Know It's Terrible But I Love It Anyway
Sunday July 7, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
Let's talk about your guilty pleasures in movies, television, novels, and anything else that comes to mind. Participants: Patrick W Marsh (mod), Ruby Baker, Wendy Fossum, Janelle Kloth, F. D. Lee
Sunday July 7, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

12:30pm CDT

Year in STEM
Sunday July 7, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
What cool things have been developed and discovered? What's new in science? Participants: Bob DeMers, William L Donohue, T'Yanna Singleton, Kurt Fleschner (mod)
Sunday July 7, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

Found Family in SF/Fantasy
Sunday July 7, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
The concept of a found family is everywhere in recent pop culture. The idea that friends can inspire as much love and loyalty as biological families and romantic partners resonates with many SFF fans, especially those in marginalized groups. Participants: Michael Scott Shappe, Christina M Alongi, Jody Wurl, J.R. Dawson, Raederle Gabrielle Sterling (mod)
Sunday July 7, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

They ARE Out to Get Me: Paranoia in Science Fiction/Fantasy
Sunday July 7, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
Paranoid fiction is used to describe works that explore the subjective nature of reality and how it can be manipulated by external forces. Some SFF creators include H.P. Lovecraft, Patrick McGoohan, Terry Gilliam, and Philip K. Dick. Let's discuss! Participants: Niles Joseph Schwartz, Arthur Ray Armstrong, Michael Allen Kingsley (mod)
Sunday July 7, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

Weird Music Listening Society
Sunday July 7, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
We've all had a friend expose us to strange music, some of which we've loved and some that left us confused. What happens when a lover of random items, thrift finds, and all things obscure exposes comedians to weird music they've never heard before? Participants: Melissa Kaercher, Jason Kruger (mod), Eric Knight, Maren Aalgaard, Morgan Strickland
Sunday July 7, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel

2:00pm CDT

What's Your Comfort Media?
Sunday July 7, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
What media do you turn to when you've had a bad day? What about it centers or resets you? Participants: Jason Richard Klietz (mod), Katherine Jo Pysick, Hannibal Grim, Staci Corcoran
Sunday July 7, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel

2:30pm CDT

Beyond the Barrier: The Journey of Diverse Voices in Media
Sunday July 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Nicollet Ballroom
Join our panel of BIPOC, queer, and women entertainment pros as they discuss how they broke barriers and thrive in white male dominated fields. Gain insights into their journeys, strategies for success, and tips for following your own ambitions. Participants: Miss Shannan Paul, Carlos Hernandez, T. Aaron Cisco (mod), Susanna Malak, Zehra Fazal
Sunday July 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Nicollet Ballroom
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

Disney: Live Action vs. Animated
Sunday July 7, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
Disney has continued to produce live-action versions of their animated films, sometimes creating a "controversy" along the way. Is this Disney being short on ideas or are these retellings offering a new take on the story? Participants: Sarah Jeanette Moretsky, Mary Elizabeth Sterling, Noel Thingvall, Erica Zaffke, Janelle Kloth (mod)
Sunday July 7, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters B
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

Dungeons & Dragons: 50th Anniversary
Sunday July 7, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
The granddaddy of tabletop role playing games is old enough to be one. Come discuss the lasting appeal of the game, its iterations, and its spin-offs. Participants: Jeb Hagan, TK, David R Lowery, Kathleen Nicole Addams, Donald Kaiser (mod)
Sunday July 7, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway BCDE
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

Evolution of Storytelling
Sunday July 7, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
How has storytelling changed over time? Participants: Patrick W Marsh (mod), Raederle Gabrielle Sterling, Kate MacEachern, Peter M Avirom, F. D. Lee
Sunday July 7, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 1 Lakeshore A
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

Maker Spaces
Sunday July 7, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
If you're interested in the making of things, anything ranging from props, cosplay, robots, furniture, siege engines, longbows, Viking shields, or anything at all, involving laser cutting, 3D printing, CNC milling, and more, this panel is for you! Participants: Riley Harrison
Sunday July 7, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 4 Boundary Waters D
  Panel

3:30pm CDT

OK...I'm Done
Sunday July 7, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
What's your line in the sand for no longer supporting a fandom, franchise, performer, etc.? What made you tap out, decide to stay, or continue to enjoy previous things but not anything new? Can you separate art from artist? What if they're dead? Participants: Sam Willson, Cetius d'Raven (mod), KitKat
Sunday July 7, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Hyatt 2 Greenway FGH
  Panel
 
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Hyatt 4 Great Lakes A1, Table 1
Hyatt 4 Great Lakes A2
Hyatt 4 Great Lakes A2a
Hyatt 4 Great Lakes A2b
Hyatt 4 Great Lakes A2c
Hyatt 4 Great Lakes A2d
Hyatt 4 Great Lakes A2e
Hyatt 4 Great Lakes A2f
Hyatt 4 Great Lakes A2g
Hyatt 4 Great Lakes A2h
Hyatt 4 Great Lakes A3
Hyatt 4 Great Lakes B
Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Ba
Hyatt 4 Great Lakes Bb
Hyatt 4 Great Lakes C
Hyatt 4 Great Lakes C, Table 1
Hyatt 4 Lake Bemidji
Hyatt 4 Lake Bemidji b
Hyatt 4 Lake Harriet
Hyatt 4 Lake Minnetonka
Hyatt 4 Lake Nokomis
Hyatt 4 Lake Nokomis a
Hyatt 4 Lake Nokomis b
Hyatt 4 Lake of the Isles
Hyatt 5 Lake Superior
Hyatt 6 Gymnasium
Hyatt 6 Pool
Hyatt 6 Promenade Alcove
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