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Event Descriptions - Sorted Alphabetically
(NOTE: All events are subject to last minute changes. Please check back often.)
"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?
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.
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!!
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.
Art Auction
Time: Saturday - 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Category: Special
Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer
Artemis Return to the Moon
Time: Saturday - 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Category: Special
Location: Riverview Ballroom
Panelists: A. Choi (M)
Description: The Artemis Program is a strategic initiative undertaken by NASA with the goal of facilitating the return of astronauts to the Moon. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the field of space exploration and builds upon the accomplishments of the Apollo missions.
The ultimate objective of Artemis is to establish a sustainable human presence on the lunar
surface by the mid-2020s. This program encompasses a series of crewed missions, both orbital
and lunar, which will utilize cutting-edge technology and foster international collaboration to
advance lunar exploration. Key objectives of Artemis include conducting scientific research,
testing new technologies for future missions to Mars, and forming international partnerships to expand the horizons of space exploration. With the Artemis Program, NASA aims to push the
boundaries of human exploration, inspire future generations, and lay the groundwork for
humanity's future expeditions to other celestial bodies within our solar system and beyond.
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.
Balloon Animal Sculpting
Time: Sunday - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Category: Special
Location: Kent
Panelists: J. Wardale (M)
Description: Let your inner child out or bring your child if you prefer!
We will talk about balloon sculpting, including a demo/teach session where you can learn to make your own dog.
Requests taken if time permits.
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!
Beth Kinderman
Time: Saturday - 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Category: Concerts
Location: Oak Brook Ballroom 3 & 4
Description: Beth Kinderman is a progressive filk-rock singer-songwriter from
Minneapolis who makes music about myth, transformation, and video game
characters who won’t sleep with you. This year at Windycon she will appear as a part of a trio with her musical collaborators Dave Stagner and Justin Hartley.
Blood on the Clock Tower
Time: Friday - 11:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Category: Special
Location: Cermak
Panelists: To Be Announced
Description: Blood on the Clocktower is a bluffing game enjoyed by 5 to 20 players on opposing teams of Good and Evil, overseen by a Storyteller player who conducts the action and makes crucial decisions. The goal of the game is to successfully deduce and execute the demons before they outnumber the townfolk.
During a 'day' phase players socialize openly and whisper privately to trade knowledge or spread lies, culminating in a player's execution if a majority suspects them of being Evil. Of a 'night' time, players close their eyes and are woken one at a time by the Storyteller to gather information, spread mischief, or kill.
The Storyteller uses the game's intricate playing pieces to guide each game, leaving others free to play without a table or board. Players stay in the thick of the action to the very end even if their characters are killed, haunting Ravenswood Bluff as ghosts trying to win from beyond the grave.
If you arrive late to a game, you can enter after it's started as a powerful Traveller character with unusual talents and questionable allegiances (Traveler spots are limited). Each character comes with their own special ability and no two players in a game are ever the same character.
Blood on the Clock Tower (Saturday)
Time: Saturday - 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Category: Special
Location: Cermak
Panelists: To Be Announced
Description: Blood on the Clocktower is a bluffing game enjoyed by 5 to 20 players on opposing teams of Good and Evil, overseen by a Storyteller player who conducts the action and makes crucial decisions. The goal of the game is to successfully deduce and execute the demons before they outnumber the townfolk.
During a 'day' phase players socialize openly and whisper privately to trade knowledge or spread lies, culminating in a player's execution if a majority suspects them of being Evil. Of a 'night' time, players close their eyes and are woken one at a time by the Storyteller to gather information, spread mischief, or kill.
The Storyteller uses the game's intricate playing pieces to guide each game, leaving others free to play without a table or board. Players stay in the thick of the action to the very end even if their characters are killed, haunting Ravenswood Bluff as ghosts trying to win from beyond the grave.
If you arrive late to a game, you can enter after it's started as a powerful Traveller character with unusual talents and questionable allegiances (Traveler spots are limited). Each character comes with their own special ability and no two players in a game are ever the same character.
Build-A-Blinkie Soldering Workshop (Fri)
Time: Friday - 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Category: Special
Location: Oak Brook Ballroom 2
Description: If you have never soldered before, this is the place to learn. You get a kit with the parts, and then at the soldering station, you build it. We will give you as much or as little assistance as you like - we never judge because we remember when we first learned to solder and we want this to be a fun and rewarding experience! You then get to show it off and take it home. If you have soldered before, this is the place to hone your skills with our more challenging kits.
Build-A-Blinkie’s mission is as a 501©3 organization dedicated to the teaching of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). We currently run many learn-how-to solder events in the Great Lakes area and are involved in numerous maker events, maker spaces, trade schools, libraries, universities, and area conventions.
Fee for materials.
Build-A-Blinkie Soldering Workshop (Sat)
Time: Saturday - 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Category: Special
Location: Oak Brook Ballroom 2
Description: f you have never soldered before, this is the place to learn. You get a kit with the parts, and then at the soldering station, you build it. We will give you as much or as little assistance as you like - we never judge because we remember when we first learned to solder and we want this to be a fun and rewarding experience! You then get to show it off and take it home. If you have soldered before, this is the place to hone your skills with our more challenging kits.
Fee for materials.
Build-A-Blinkie Soldering Workshop (Sun)
Time: Sunday - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Category: Special
Location: Oak Brook Ballroom 2
Description: If you have never soldered before, this is the place to learn. You get a kit with the parts, and then at the soldering station, you build it. We will give you as much or as little assistance as you like - we never judge because we remember when we first learned to solder and we want this to be a fun and rewarding experience! You then get to show it off and take it home. If you have soldered before, this is the place to hone your skills with our more challenging kits.
Fee for materials.
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.
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.
Closing Ceremonies
Time: Sunday - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Category: Special
Location: Riverview Ballroom
Closing Ceremonies: A. Choi, R. Heinz, T. Mueller, L. Rocha, T. Smith, J. Stary, To Be Announced, L. Webber
Description: All good things must come to an end, and so too must Windycon 49. Come for a last chance to see our
guests, see who won awards, and to find out what we’re planning for the big Windycon 50!
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.
Cosplay Runway
Time: Saturday - 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Category: Costuming
Location: Riverview Ballroom
Panelists: J. Stary (M)
Description: It’s the Windycon Cosplay Runway with our Guest Jess Stary as MC! Here’s your chance to see the great
costumes that you’ve seen in our hallways (and maybe some more) gathered together in one place on
our stage. There are some incredible costumers in attendance, so you won’t want to miss this.
Court and Country
Time: Saturday - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Category: Concerts
Location: Oak Brook Ballroom 3 & 4
Description: Court and Country is an a capella vocal ensemble with a focus on bringing well-researched performances of early choral music to popular audiences. Their repertoire includes a wide variety of pieces from the medieval and Renaissance eras, as well as some filk songs.
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.
Dan The Bard
Time: Saturday - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Category: Concerts
Location: Oak Brook Ballroom 3 & 4
Description: Dan the Bard sings original songs about Dungeons and Dragons, Star Wars, Star Trek, Anime, Steampunk and general nerd culture. He’s been performing at the Bristol Ren Faire for nearly 30 years and GenCon for the last 17. He has 13 albums and takes song commissions! www.danthebard.com. Facebook.com/danthebard
All Dan’s music, $200 worth of cds, are available for Patreon subscribers!
Patreon.com/danthebard
Dave Stagner
Time: Saturday - 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Category: Concerts
Location: Oak Brook Ballroom 3 & 4
Description: As clumsy and random as a Stormtrooper's blaster, Dave Stagner will be playing music. Or something similar. Probably. You do not want to miss an hour of Dave. Just bring shielding.
Dr. Mary Crowell
Time: Sunday - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Category: Concerts
Location: Riverview Ballroom
Description: Dr. Mary C Crowell writes geeky songs about gaming and mythology. She also teaches music theory, piano, and composition in her home studio.
She loves participating in creative challenges like Soulwriters (for songs) and Start With This (for podcasting/recording.) Mary creates quirky MIDI compositions and arranges instrumental music. She also makes silly music videos with a host of creative people for her patrons on Patreon. htttp://patreon.com/drmaryccrowell. Two of Mary’s short music videos: “I Put My Low Stat” and “M is for Magic Missile” were selected for Origins Game Fair’s film festival in 2021.
Dr. Crowell performs with Play It With Moxie and Three Weird Sisters, releasing respectively Play It With Moxie, Live! (2012) and, Third Thyme’s the Charm (2012). Both bands formed in Atlanta, Georgia through the GAFIA filk community.
Mary has released four studio albums: Scattering Seeds on the Pomegranate Tour (2017); Acolytes of the Machine & Other Gaming Stories (2012), and the most recent: I Have Missed You at My Table (2022)—all recorded at Mystic Fig Studio; and an earlier album, Courting My Muse (2007).
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?
Flower Fairies
Time: Saturday - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Category: Special
Location: Private Dining Room
Making Flower Faires: K. Brown (M), E. Donat (M)
Description: Make and take your very own flower fairies.
Fused Glass Workshop
Time: Friday - 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Category: Special
Location: Oak Brook Ballroom 2 (Blinkie Rm)
Description: Create your own pendant, ornament, or mini paperweight, and then fuse it by placing it in the kiln for overnight firing. The number of participants is limited by space in the kiln, so stop in the Build-A-Blinkie room to sign up and schedule a time to coordinate/create with Teri. The Friday and Saturday cutoff is 8pm, as the kiln must run overnight (12 hours).
Fee for materials.
Fused Glass Workshop (Sat)
Time: Saturday - 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Category: Special
Location: Oak Brook Ballroom 2 (Blinkie Rm)
Description: Create your own pendant, ornament, or mini paperweight, and then fuse it by placing it in the kiln for overnight firing. The number of participants is limited by space in the kiln, so stop in the Build-A-Blinkie room to sign up and schedule a time to coordinate/create with Teri. The Friday and Saturday cutoff is 8pm, as the kiln must run overnight (12 hours).
Fee for materials.
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.
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?
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?
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.
Hypnotism Show
Time: Saturday - 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Category: Special
Location: Hunt
Panelists: L. Darrow (M)
Description: Don't Try This At Home. Experience a professional hypnotist show with a Master Hypnotist.
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.
Jim Turner
Time: Sunday - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Category: Concerts
Location: Riverview Ballroom
Description: Jim Turner plays a variety of stringed instruments including the banjo and guitar. His unique finger picking style and his voice, which he claims he lost at the age of 60 will surely entertain.
Klingon Pop Warrior
Time: Saturday - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Category: Concerts
Location: Oak Brook Ballroom 3 & 4
Description: he Klingon Pop Warrior, Commander jenbom, sings pop & rock songs you thought you knew in their "original" Klingon! Her Terran alter-ego, Jen Usellis, is the Klingon language consultant for Star Trek Prodigy.
LARP (Live Action Role Play) - Tijoros - The Labyrinth (1)
Time: Saturday - 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Category: Special
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
LARP (Live Action Role Play) Tijoros - The Labyrinth (2)
Time: Saturday - 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Category: Special
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
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
Laser from The Doubleclicks In Concert
Time: Saturday - 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Category: Concerts
Location: Riverview Ballroom
Panelists: L. Webber (M)
Description: Songs about breakfast, cats, dinosaurs, and love by Billboard-charting, internationally touring artist Laser Webber (of the Doubleclicks!). This concert will include the Doubleclicks’ greatest hits – which include jokes, feelings, and guitar. Although this isn’t “made for kids”, it is a family-friendly show.
Laser the Boy: Gay music and Trans History
Time: Friday - 9:15 PM to 10:45 PM
Category: Concerts
Location: Riverview Ballroom
Panelists: L. Webber (M)
Description: Do you like learning about history (through song), coming out stories (through song), and meditations
on creativity (through comedy?). Then come see this (not safe for kids – there will be Adult Words)
concert/comedy show with award-winning singer-songwriter Laser Webber from the Doubleclicks!
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!
Moebius Theatre Presents - Big Orange Centipedes!
Time: Friday - 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Category: Special
Location: Riverview Ballroom
Panelists: Moebius Theatre
Description: After a long absence, Chicago’s oldest science-fiction sketch comedy troupe Moebius Theatre returns to
the Windycon Main Stage with their new show, “Big Orange Centipedes!” We’re looking forward to
seeing what they’ve cooked up for us. It’s sure to be lots of fun!
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)
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.
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.
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?
Open Music/Dead Dog
Time: Sunday - 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Category: Concerts
Location: Oak Brook Ballroom 3 & 4
Description: Immediately after Closing Ceremonies
Opening Ceremonies
Time: Friday - 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Category: Special
Location: Riverview Ballroom
Panelists: A. Choi, R. Heinz, T. Mueller, L. Rocha, T. Smith, J. Stary, L. Webber
Description: It’s time to kick off Windycon 49! Come meet the guests and hear what we’ve got planned for you this
weekend.
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.
Pathfinder Society Scenario #1-06: Lost on the Spirit Road
Time: Saturday - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Category: Special
Location: Cermak
Panelists: To Be Announced
Description: A shipment of relics on its way to Minkai vanished somewhere in the Forest of Spirits, a dense woodland home to kami and spirits of all sorts. In search of the missing shipment, Pathfinder agents travel to a remote village, where they uncover secrets of this enigmatic forest. This scenario features a wide variety of options for encounters and reasons for the vanishing, making for a fresh experience on mulitple playthoughs.
Written by Christopher Wasko.
Max 6 Players (Signups in the Game Room)
Pregenerated Characters and Dice can be provided if you are a new player and don't have your own
Pathfinder Society Scenario #5-03: Heidmarch Heist
Time: Sunday - 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Category: Special
Location: Cermak
Panelists: To Be Announced
Description: The PCs are tasked with escorting a valuable item slated to be gifted to a powerful potential ally of the Pathfinder Society, but as they are being briefed on their mission, an unknown thief is pulling off a heist within Heidmarch manor, and the item the PCs were to escort has been stolen just as Venture-Captain Shiela Heidmarch goes to show them the item. The PCs much pick up the thief's trail in a race across Magnimar to recover the treasure they haven't even had the opportunity to see, much less guard.
Written by Hilary Moon Murphy
Max 6 Players (Signups in the Game Room)
Pregenerated Characters and Dice can be provided if you are a new player and don't have your own
Pathfinder Society Scenario #5-04: Equal Exchanges
Time: Friday - 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Category: Special
Location: Cermak
Panelists: To Be Announced
Description: Since the defeat of Aslynn, the Waterfall has become more of a staple around the Grand Lodge, starting to hold strange, isolated meetings with leadership and seemingly putting together some plan. Her most recent request is that a team of Pathfinder agents journey to Hwanggot and meet with the underworld dragon, Valashinaz as a introductory team. Venture-Captain Yi Da Som arranged the meeting through Valashinaz's kobold assistant, Purepurin. Unfortunately, between then and the PCs arriving, Purepurin forgot about them in the midst of pickling recipes from goblins and creepy crawlies invading the vaults! It's up to the PCs to help Purepurin bring Valashinaz's vaults under control while she summons the dragon to ensure these introductions go off without a hitch!
This adventure is the first part of the four-part Equal Exchanges metaplot arc in the Year of Unfettered Exploration. This arc will be continued in PFS2 #5-09: Equal Exchanges – Skymetal Hoard (for levels 5-8), PFS2 #5-11 (for levels 7-10), and PFS2 #5-18 (for levels 9-12).
Written by Michelle Y. Kim
Max 6 Players (Signups in the Game Room)
Pregenerated Characters and Dice can be provided if you are a new player and don't have your own
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
Reading - Sat 10:30a
Time: Saturday - 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Category: Readings
Location: Windsor
Panelists: C. Flynt (M)
Description: Clif Flynt
Reading - Sat 10a
Time: Saturday - 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Category: Readings
Location: Windsor
Panelists: R. Garfinkle (M)
Description: Richard Garfinkle
Reading Sat 11:30a
Time: Saturday - 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Category: Readings
Location: Ogden
Panelists: L. Erlick (M)
Description: Lance Erlick
Reading Sat 11a
Time: Saturday - 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Category: Readings
Location: Ogden
Panelists: D. Munro (M)
Description: Donna Munro
Reading Sat 12:30p
Time: Saturday - 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM
Category: Readings
Location: Ogden
Panelists: S. Duffy (M)
Description: Malda Marlys
Reading Sat 12p
Time: Saturday - 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
Category: Readings
Location: Ogden
Panelists: C. Gerrib (M)
Description: Chris Gerrib
Reading Sat 1:30p
Time: Saturday - 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM
Category: Readings
Location: Butterfield
Panelists: A. Primlani (M)
Description: Angeli Primlani
Reading Sat 1p
Time: Saturday - 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Category: Readings
Location: Butterfield
Panelists: B. Detzner (M)
Description: Brendan Detzner
Reading Sat 2:30p
Time: Saturday - 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Category: Readings
Location: Butterfield
Panelists: R. Chwedyk (M)
Reading Sat 2p
Time: Saturday - 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Category: Readings
Location: Butterfield
Panelists: N. Litherland (M)
Description: Neal Litherland
Reading Sat 3:30p
Time: Saturday - 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Category: Readings
Location: Butterfield
Panelists: K. Peck (M)
Description: Karen Peck
Reading Sat 3p
Time: Saturday - 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Category: Readings
Location: Butterfield
Panelists: D. Fabi (M)
Description: Dexter Fabi
Reading Sat 4:30p
Time: Saturday - 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Category: Readings
Location: Butterfield
Panelists: A. Collier (M)
Description: Alexei Collier
Reading Sat 4p
Time: Saturday - 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Category: Readings
Location: Butterfield
Panelists: B. Thomasson (M)
Description: W. A. Thomasson
Reading Sat 5:30p
Time: Saturday - 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Category: Readings
Location: Butterfield
Panelists: M. Roth (M)
Description: Mark Roth
Reading Sat 5p
Time: Saturday - 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Category: Readings
Location: Butterfield
Panelists: M. Aruguete (M)
Description: Mimi Aruguete
Reading Sat 8:30p
Time: Saturday - 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Category: Readings
Location: Butterfield
Panelists: R. Tabler (M)
Description: Ray Tabler
Reading Sat 8p
Time: Saturday - 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Category: Readings
Location: Butterfield
Panelists: D. Edwards (M)
Description: Duryea Edwards
Reading Sun 10:30a
Time: Sunday - 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Category: Readings
Location: Ogden
Panelists: A. Craig (M)
Description: Alexis D Craig
Reading Sun 10a
Time: Sunday - 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Category: Readings
Location: Ogden
Panelists: P. Haynie (M)
Description: Paul Haynie
Reading Sun 11:30a
Time: Sunday - 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Category: Readings
Location: Windsor
Panelists: Z. Jeffries (M)
Description: Zachary Jeffries
Reading Sun 11a
Time: Sunday - 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Category: Readings
Location: Windsor
Panelists: D. Taylor II (M)
Description: David Taylor II
Reading Sun 12p
Time: Sunday - 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
Category: Readings
Location: Windsor
Panelists: D. Wyatt (M)
Description: David Wyatt
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.
Renaissance/Fancy/Exotic hair braids
Time: Saturday - 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Category: Special
Location: Private Dining Room
Panelists: J. Wardale (M)
Description: Hands on workshop:
Learn to do ropes, 4-strand "round" braids, classic (3-strand) French and (3-strand) Dutch (or inverted-French or underhand) as well as a Crown braid (technically a horizontal modified (3-strand) French braid) and other advanced ideas like 5 and 7-strand fingering techniques; as well as shapes like hearts, spirals and a pull-up-weave. Tailored to the desires and abilities of the audience.
BYO-Brush, or use one provided.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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!
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.
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?
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.
Signing Sat 11:30a
Time: Saturday - 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Category: Signings
Location: Hallway Signing Table
Panelists: D. Munro (M)
Description: Donna Munro
Signing Sat 12p
Time: Saturday - 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM
Category: Signings
Location: Hallway Signing Table
Panelists: L. Erlick (M)
Description: Lance Erlick
Signing Sat 1:30p
Time: Saturday - 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM
Category: Signings
Location: Hallway Signing Table
Panelists: B. Detzner (M)
Description: Brendan Detzner
Signing Sat 2:30p
Time: Saturday - 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Category: Signings
Location: Hallway Signing Table
Panelists: N. Litherland (M)
Description: Neal Litherland
Signing Sat 2p
Time: Saturday - 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Category: Signings
Location: Hallway Signing Table
Panelists: A. Primlani (M)
Description: Angeli Primlani
Signing Sat 4p
Time: Saturday - 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Category: Signings
Location: Hallway Signing Table
Panelists: K. Peck (M)
Description: Karen Peck
Signing Sat 5p
Time: Saturday - 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Category: Signings
Location: Hallway Signing Table
Panelists: A. Collier (M)
Description: Alexei Collier
Signing Sat 8:30p
Time: Saturday - 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Category: Signings
Location: Hallway Signing Table
Panelists: D. Edwards (M)
Description: Duryea Edwards
Signing Sun 11:30a
Time: Sunday - 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Category: Signings
Location: Hallway Signing Table
Panelists: D. Taylor II (M)
Description: David Taylor II
Signing Sun 11a
Time: Sunday - 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Category: Signings
Location: Hallway Signing Table
Panelists: A. Craig (M)
Description: Alexis D Craig
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?
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.)
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.
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?
Stitch & Bitch Sat
Time: Saturday - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Category: Special
Location: Private Dining Room
Panelists: W. Halsey, M. Silver, J. Skwarski
Stitch & Bitch Sun
Time: Sunday - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Category: Special
Location: Private Dining Room
Panelists: K. Brown, L. Zeldes
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??
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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?
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?
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 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?
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?
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?
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!
The Royal Manticoran Boarding Action Day 1
Time: Friday - 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Category: Special
Location: Kent
: J Cauffman (M)
The Royal Manticoran Boarding Action Day 2
Time: Saturday - 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Category: Special
Location: Kent
Panelists: J Cauffman (M)
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?
Tom Smith Concert
Time: Saturday - 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Category: Concerts
Location: Riverview Ballroom
Concert: T. Smith (M)
Description: Tom Smith, the world’s fastest filker, is one of Windycon’s favorite performers. Never copied, always funny (except when he’s serious and also darned good at that too), we’ve been looking forward to
seeing Tom again for some time now. You’ll want to be sure to be there!
Travis Clemmons
Time: Saturday - 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Category: Concerts
Location: Oak Brook Ballroom 3 & 4
Description: Travis Clemmons: To Cheap To Hire A Band
A Concert of Poetry, Story Telling and some Acapella Singing.
Travis has been a featured Author, Singer and Panelist at numerous SF & F Cons in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania. He has also won more than half a dozen costuming and talent awards.
Up Close Magic
Time: Saturday - 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Category: Special
Location: Windsor
Panelists: L. Darrow (M)
Description: Experience the fun of slight of hand magic with Master Magician Lee Darrow.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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!