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Event Descriptions - Sorted by Date/Time
(NOTE: All events are subject to last minute changes. Please check back often.)
Who is The Royal Manticoran Navy
Time: Friday - 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Kent
Panelists: G. Strayer (M)
Description: An introduction to The Royal Manticoran Navy: The Official Honor Harrington Fan Association. The RMN is (probably, we think) the largest literary fan organization in the world, with over 7000 members across the globe. Discussion will include information about the various components, and how each has its own character, while all being part of the same fandom.
Royal Manticoran Navy Cribbage Tournament
Time: Friday - 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Private Dining Room
Panelists: A. Theisen (M)
Description: Cribbage Tournament for Charity. Donation not required to play, but gratefully accepted for charity.
The Future of Superheroes on the Silver Screen
Time: Friday - 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Hunt
Panelists: M. Munro (M), D. Taylor II, J. Youngberg
Description: Marvel & DC seem to have been pretty well covered. Where should Hollywood go next?
SciFi or Horror?
Time: Friday - 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Hunt
Panelists: S. Duffy, D. Edwards, N. Litherland, D. Munro (M), K. Peck
Description: How often is the line between the 2 blurred and has that blurry line moved more recently than it did in the past.
We Survived the Pandemic??
Time: Friday - 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: York
Panelists: D. Fabi (M), R. Garfinkle, B. Thomasson, L. Zeldes
Description: Did we? What are the differences between pre and post 2020?
Spooky Stories
Time: Friday - 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Hunt
Panelists: C. Beach (M), C. Thomas-Davidoff (M)
Description: Put on your pajamas, bring your favorite stuffed animal, and come listen to a number of spooky stories before bedtime! (Not recommended for younger children.)
Writer's Workshop Session 1
Time: Saturday - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Butterfield/Camden
Panelists: S. Burke, R. Chwedyk, M. Huston, O. Kazantsev (M), A. Primlani
Description: Entries:
“An Orchid for Deirdre Jean” by Kevin J. Miller
A Bite of Life, Chapter One, by David Wyatt
The Bullet from Earth by Charles Ott
Writer's Workshop Session 2
Time: Saturday - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Butterfield
Panelists: A. Collier, B. Detzner, K. Herkes, M. Mascari (M)
Description: Entries:
The Making of a (Trickster) Goddess by Elizabeth Levin
“Magic Sue” by Daniel T. Miller
Origami Boulder Damage
Time: Saturday - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Category: Panels
Location: Hunt
Panelists: N. Litherland, S. Rice-Snow (M)
Description: Interesting ways for DMs to keep difficult players in line & their dungeons.
Rockets, Telescopes, and the Space Program
Time: Saturday - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Category: Panels
Location: Riverview Ballroom
Panelists: A. Choi (M)
Description: This Q&A;Session on Rockets, Telescopes, and the US space program will be an exciting and
informative event that will touch on the fascinating world of space exploration with April Jennifer
Choi, an engineering manager at Kennedy Space Center who has worked on the James Webb
Space Telescope and is currently working on the Artemis Program, NASA’s return to the Moon.
Participants can ask questions and gain insights into the advancements in space technology,
the challenges faced in space missions, and the significant role of telescopes in space research.
The Mouse that Rules Entertainment?
Time: Saturday - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Category: Panels
Location: York
Panelists: D. Edwards, V. Massetti
Description: Disney now owns Lucasfilms (Star Wars), 20th Century Studios (Avatar), Marvel Studios, Pixar & Searchlight Studios. What are the ramifications of this entertainment monopoly?
The Obligatory Star Trek Panel - Going Back Before the Future
Time: Saturday - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Category: Panels
Location: Kent
Panelists: C. Gerrib (M), D. Hirsch, M. Munro, D. Taylor II
Description: Paramount+ series. What has worked and what hasn't worked?
NASA's Psyche Mission: Journey to a Metal Asteroid
Time: Saturday - 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Hunt
Panelists: B. Higgins (M)
Description: "Psyche" is the name of a new NASA spacecraft, launched in October—and also the name of its destination, a large, dense asteroid that seems to contain a lot of metal. No spacecraft has yet visited any of the iron-rich asteroids that are parents of the metal meteorites in museums. NASA plans to use electric propulsion to fly to Psyche, enter orbit, and study it closely to learn whether it is the core of a larger, shattered proto-planet. Join Bill Higgins for a look at the Asteroid Belt's latest explorer.
So Now You're A Cosplayer
Time: Saturday - 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Riverview Ballroom
Panelists: J. Stary (M)
Description: A question and answer discussion on what life is like as a cosplayer. Usually I have one or two others and we answer everything from "what is your favorite fabric" to questions about embarrassing bathroom stories and celebrity encounters. This is a live version of my podcast and may be recorded for future content.
Solar Power from Space - Solution for Global Warming?
Time: Saturday - 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Kent
Panelists: D. Krause (M), M. Roth, R. Smith
Description: Could we put solar panels in space to not only supply the planet with power but also shade?
Starting Out 101 (Getting yourself out there)
Time: Saturday - 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: York
Panelists: L. Rocha (M)
Description: A panel about the dos and possible don’ts of starting at cons, markets, and trade shows. The answers we may have for you.
Audible & Beyond
Time: Saturday - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Kent
Panelists: B. Detzner (M), P. Haynie, R. Waterson
Description: The rise of audio books and how it affects perceptions of the story being told.
The Obligatory Star Wars Panel - Millennium Falcon Hijacked by Mouse
Time: Saturday - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Hunt
Panelists: Z. Jeffries (M), M. Munro (M), D. Taylor II
Description: How has the franchise changed since Disney took over?
CRAFTING FICTIONAL WORLDS
Time: Saturday - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Riverview Ballroom
Panelists: T. Mueller (M)
Description: Environment is an important element of storytelling. Comics, TV, film and games use it all the time - but it's easy to let the details of your world distract from your story. Whether it's a science fiction / fantasy setting or a real-life location, join special guest Trevor Mueller and learn how to make your world come to life without losing the reader.
Have Vampires Flown off into the sunrise?
Time: Saturday - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Ogden
Panelists: A. Craig, D. Fabi, L. Masterson, D. Munro, L. Zeldes (M)
Description: Where have all the vampire stories gone?
Please Note post-apocalyptic books have moved to current affairs
Time: Saturday - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: York
Panelists: N. Rest (M), M. Roth, R. Tabler, B. Thomasson
Description: A discussion of world events vis-à-vis the end times
Recording your story
Time: Saturday - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Hunt
Panelists: S. Dealy (M)
Description: How to capture Audio for podcasts, audio dramas, and audiobooks. Room treatment, microphones, interfaces, and software.
Steampunk for Beginners
Time: Saturday - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Windsor
Panelists: C. Gerrib, R. Smith (M)
Description: Did Jules Verne found this movement or were there others?
Tarot Cards 101
Time: Saturday - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Kent
Panelists: K. Brown (M), L. Darrow
Description: A friendly discussion of tarot cards and their use in divination.
The Phandemonium Book Club
Time: Saturday - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Camden
Panelists: D. Hirsch (M)
Description: We will be discussing Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree. Everyone is always welcome to join our discussion - even if they haven’t finished (or even read) the book!
A Week of Adventure Settings East of Chicago
Time: Saturday - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Hunt
Panelists: J. Rice-Snow (M), S. Rice-Snow (M)
Description: You don’t need to travel to the mountains, desert, or seaside to find amazing natural scenes to inspire your next story! We’ll show you memorable natural places to visit in Ohio and northern Indiana, in a week-long driving loop or weekend jaunt. Explore settings that are intriguing from a tourist’s, earth scientist’s, and storyteller’s perspectives.
SETI Protocols
Time: Saturday - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: York
Panelists: S. Burke, B. Higgins
Description: What are the protocols for alien contact?
The Titan Disaster
Time: Saturday - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Camden
Panelists: D. Fabi (M), P. Haynie, J. Matulonis, J. Youngberg
Description: The private sector has been venturing into territory reserved for specialists. Should they be stopped?
Women & Minorities in the Space Program
Time: Saturday - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Riverview Ballroom
Panelists: A. Choi (M)
Description: A presentation and discussion on women and minorities in the US space program sheds light on the remarkable contributions, challenges, and progress made by
underrepresented groups in the pursuit of space exploration. It highlights the historical
struggles women and minorities faced in breaking barriers and achieving equal representation in the space industry. This panel aims to celebrate the accomplishments of women and minorities, encourage greater representation in STEM fields, and
emphasize the importance of embracing diversity to advance the frontiers of space exploration for the benefit of all humankind. Hosted by April Jennifer Choi, a woman, a minority, and an engineering manager at Kennedy Space Center.
Cosplay on a Budget
Time: Saturday - 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Kent
Panelists: J. Stary (M)
Description: This is the first panel most people looking to cosplay go to. I will discuss where to find cheap materials, tools and patterns. As well as present some alternative techniques to make foam look like metal or leather. A short safety brief and budget explanation is also included.
Hollywood on Strike
Time: Saturday - 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: York
Panelists: B. Detzner (M), A. Primlani
Description: How will this affect media fandom?
How to (Not) Suck at Storytelling
Time: Saturday - 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Riverview Ballroom
Panelists: R. Heinz (M)
Description: Join Rick Heinz from Geek & Sundry and other Storytellers for a panel on Game Mastering tips and tricks. Find your style, learn player agency, and learn why you should never run a dream sequence. A one-stop shop for do's and don't's from those who have made every error.
Teen Talk: What We're Reading
Time: Saturday - 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Camden
Panelists: F. Roman, C. Roper (M)
Description: We're teenaged Windycon members and we're here to talk about what we're
reading, whether it's conventionally published or fanfic. And we want to
hear about what *you're* reading too! Join us for a free-wheeling discussion of what's interesting to teens in the written word.
Chicago SF Book Discussion
Time: Saturday - 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Kent
Panelists: A. Geyer (M)
Description: A book discussion of "The Mote in God's Eye" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle.
Graphic Design + Illustration (Hints, tips, and the difference)
Time: Saturday - 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Hunt
Panelists: L. Rocha (M)
Description: A panel about the difference between Graphic Design and Illustration. Hints and tricks to help elevate your digital art. The applications that can help and be cost-effective.
Self-Publishing Trend - Good or Bad
Time: Saturday - 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: York
Panelists: L. Erlick (M), C. Flynt, L. Masterson, D. Munro, R. Tabler
Description: Should editors & publishers be mandatory or not.
Stonehenge Inspiration through the ages.
Time: Saturday - 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Windsor
Panelists: B. Detzner, D. Krause (M)
Description: What books and movies got right or wrong? The debate continues.
Stupid Alien Anatomy in the Movies
Time: Saturday - 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Camden
Panelists: S. Duffy, B. Higgins (M)
Description: How do you build a spaceship when you only have claws??
The Black Ballad - WindyCon Interactive D&D;
Time: Saturday - 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Ogden
Panelists: R. Heinz (M)
Description: Have you lost a loved D&D;character to sword or dragons fire? Ever wonder what happens before the soul is returned to life? Or perhaps you are determined to get back to life. Join Rick Heinz at Windycon as he hosts a large group play session of The Black Ballad. Bring your dead character and permission from your GM and compete in The Gamble of Fates to bet your character's memory at a shot of resurrection in a Purgatory Poker match among other dead characters. Only one winner will be granted redemption in their twist of fate in this high-stakes event that could very well impact your current campaign.
"Out There" Characters
Time: Saturday - 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Hunt
Panelists: S. Duffy, C. Flynt (M), R. Garfinkle, N. Litherland
Description: Do out there characters have to be weird?
I Joined The RMN, Now What?!
Time: Saturday - 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Kent
Panelists: G. Strayer (M)
Description: We will talk about the various role play and real-world roles available in the RMN, and how members can be involved at every level. Discussion will include roles beyond leadership, and how everyone can participate without being pressured in one direction or another.
Teen Talk: What We're Listening To
Time: Saturday - 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Camden
Panelists: F. Roman, C. Roper (M)
Description: We're teenaged Windycon members and we're here to talk about what we've been listening to lately. There are all sorts of music out there that we're interested in, from the commercial (Taylor Swift) to things that make our parents go "What the heck is that?" There are so many independent artists out there bringing high production values to the music scene, that we can't possibly name them all. And we'd like to hear what *you're* listening to as well.
WRITING FOR FORMAT
Time: Saturday - 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: York
Panelists: T. Mueller (M)
Description: Comics, novels, webtoons and film - all have different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to storytelling. Join guest of honor Trevor Mueller and learn the ins and outs of each unique storytelling medium and how to make your stories come to life!
Being a Voice Actor in 2023
Time: Saturday - 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Hunt
Panelists: S. Dealy (M)
Description: A general overview of the voice acting industry, and the performance, technical, and marketing skills necessary to become a working voice talent!
Alternatives to D&D;
Time: Saturday - 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: York
Panelists: P. Haynie (M), J. Youngberg
Description: What are the alternatives to D&D;? Let's find out together!!
Sex. Why Did it Have to Have Sex?
Time: Saturday - 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Hunt
Panelists: C. Gerrib (M), V. Massetti, M. Roth
Description: When a story's good lore is thrown away for some trashy sex scenes.
The Many Types of Fantasy
Time: Saturday - 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Ogden
Panelists: S. Burke (M), R. Chwedyk, R. Garfinkle, Z. Jeffries, A. Primlani
Description: From high fantasy to low fantasy and let's not forget the popular epic fantasy. Who determines the meaning of these distinctions? Are they different?
Female Erotic Novel Trend
Time: Saturday - 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Windsor
Panelists: A. Craig, D. Krause (M), V. Massetti
Description: From Vampires to shapeshifters and now aliens especially if they're Alpha males. Are real men becoming too sensitive in real life?
Next Gen Geeks
Time: Saturday - 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Hunt
Panelists: Z. Jeffries (M), J. Matulonis, R. Smith, R. Waterson
Description: What will be the next generation geek trends?
Tabletop RPG's from Cradle To Grave
Time: Saturday - 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: York
Panelists: R. Heinz (M)
Description: Looking to get into the game industry? Join Rick Heinz (Storytellers Forge, Geek & Sundry, GM Tips, Nerdist) and other insiders for a look at how to make your TTRPG or even submit and pitch your ideas to publishers. We cover everything from the blank page to launching your campaign to the public!
Writer's Workshop Session 3
Time: Sunday - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Butterfield/Camden
Panelists: R. Chwedyk, R. Garfinkle, C. Gerrib, R.J. Howell, M. Marlys (M)
Description: Entries:
“The Man from Tyr” by Sebastian J. Arviso
“Shipwreck” by Dale Cozort
LARP (Live Action Role Play) Tijoros - The Labyrinth (3)
Time: Sunday - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Essex
Description: Delve into the Labyrinth of Tijoros, where challenges and mysteries run wild. Face them, or don't, your escape depends on it!"
Min 1 player Max 20 players.
New Game starts every hour on the hour.
Sign up at the Programming Ops Table
SELF-PUBLISHING 101
Time: Sunday - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Category: Panels
Location: York
Panelists: T. Mueller (M)
Description: It's never been harder to be published, but it's never been easier to make a comic. Guest of honor Trevor Mueller has over 12 years experience in printing his own books, and teaches you everything you need to know about making your ideas into stories, from conception in your head to holding a physical copy of your book in your hand!
The Forever Craft - that long lost project
Time: Sunday - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Category: Panels
Location: Hunt
Panelists: J. DeVore, C. Flynt, M. Silver (M), L. Zeldes
Cloning - Where are we now?
Time: Sunday - 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Ogden
Panelists: W. Halsey (M), B. Thomasson
Description: A discussion of cloning and where scientists are at now.
Merch Making and Beyond
Time: Sunday - 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: York
Panelists: L. Rocha (M)
Description: A panel to help gather resources, whether buying third-party or making your own merch at home. We are here to help!
The Obligatory Dr. Who Panel - Good-Bye Rubber Suits
Time: Sunday - 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Hunt
Panelists: S. Burke (M), J. Skwarski
Description: Has it lost its nostalgic charm since the special effects are better?
Whips, Faster than the speed of sound
Time: Sunday - 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Riverview Ballroom
Panelists: A. Choi (M)
Description: The whip-cracking panel is a captivating and dynamic event that explores the art and diversity of
whips, featuring a demonstration from the renowned whip cracker, April Jennifer Choi.
Attendees have the unique opportunity to witness April Jennifer Choi's exceptional skills as she showcases her mastery of whip cracking, demonstrating the finesse and precision required to
achieve world-record-breaking feats. Whether you're an aspiring whip cracker, an enthusiast of
circus skills, or simply curious about this art form, this panel promises to be an awe-inspiring
experience that celebrates the fasting thing that people routinely throw.
Are Con Creeps Real?
Time: Sunday - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Kent
Panelists: J. Stary (M)
Description: Though this topic can be heavy, it is covered in an appropriate way for all ages, genders and orientations. I will talk about some examples of unsafe or creepy behavior and what to do in those situations.
Movies that Couldn't be made today & what would happen if we tried?
Time: Sunday - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Hunt
Panelists: D. Edwards, V. Massetti (M), J. Matulonis
Description: A discussion of politically incorrect movies (Blazing Saddles, Kentucky Fried Movie & Tropic Thunder are examples)
Nerd for a Living: The Realities of Publishing
Time: Sunday - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: York
Panelists: R. Heinz (M)
Description: How do you make the transition from debut novelist to full time author? What about creating your own brand from thin air? Join fellow nerds who are switching over or have made the switch fully and explore what it's like to work on your favorite properties.
Hey Hollywood - Try Reading a book!
Time: Sunday - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: York
Panelists: D. Krause (M), J. Matulonis, R. Tabler
Description: Hollywood film makers need fresh ideas. What would you like to see on the big screen?
Satellite Radio & Amazon Music etc.
Time: Sunday - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Hunt
Panelists: R. Waterson, J. Youngberg
Description: If you only choose the stations you like, how are you exposed to anything new?
Teen Talk: What We're Watching
Time: Sunday - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Category: Panels
Location: Camden
Panelists: F. Roman, C. Roper (M)
Description: We're teenaged Windycon members and we're here to talk about what we're
watching on screens, whether the big screen in the movie theater, the smaller screen on TV, or the even smaller screen on our phones. There're all sorts of interesting media out there! And we'd like to hear what *you're* watching too.