VCON 41: Full Schedule

Welcome to the VCON 41 Online Schedule!

VCON is the oldest general-interest science fiction, fantasy, and games convention in Canada and the Pacific Northwest. This 100% volunteer fan-organized convention has promoted the interests of science fiction and fantasy culture in Vancouver BC and its environs since 1971, offering events and exhibits focused on a variety of Science Fiction and Fantasy fandom interest areas such as literature, art, media, music, costumes, comics, tabletop games, electronic games, etc. For more detailed information visit our website: www.vcon.ca.

VCON 41 will be held Sep 30 - Oct 2, 2016, at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford hotel. The convention’s main theme is "Muppets, Puppets & Marionettes" with a secondary theme of "The Small Press Cabal".

Please take a moment to check out the "Sponsor" tab to see who has helped support this year’s event.
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SESSIONS ARE ALWAYS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

SEPTEMBER 17, 2016: The schedule is now as "final" as it ever gets! Which means that, yes, there will probably still be changes here and there, but generally only to resolve when we’ve accidentally placed one panelist on two panels at the same time, or if a panelist has to cancel.)

-Jenni Merrifield, VCON 41 Programming Coordinator
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12:00 PDT

Nonverbal

Do we include the nonverbal language of aliens and humans in our writing, shows, movies, and games? "Power poses... fake it until you become it." Panelists discuss the value of nonverbal language in storytelling.

Moderators

Stephanie Johanson

co-owner, assistant editor, art director..., Neo-opsis Science Fiction Magazine

VCON 41 Art Director Guest of HonourStephanie Johanson is the art director, assistant editor, on-staff artist, and co-owner of Neo-opsis Science Fiction Magazine. How the heck do you start up a science fiction magazine?The idea came to Stephanie around 4:00 AM one Sunday morning in... Read More →

Panelists

Aviva Bel'Harold

Dyslexic author Aviva Bel'Harold has written several YA books, 3 self published, 1 hybrid and the latest fully published through Edge Science Fiction and Fantasy. She does several signing a month as well as speaking in schools and other events.

Karl Johanson

Editor, Neo-opsis Science Fiction Magazine

VCON 41 Editor Guest of HonourKarl Johanson is not just an exceptional editor of a marvelous magazine, he is—behind his unassuming exterior—a mad genius whose team is, against all logic, constantly pulling off these completely astounding projects.During the 1990s, Karl co-edited... Read More →

Claire McCague

Simon Fraser University

Claire McCague is a research scientist, musician and writer. She performs regularly with the Sybaritic String Band and her other worldly plays have been featured in festivals across Canada. Her humorous first contact novel, The Rosetta Man, published by EDGE, is her first novel.

Friday September 30, 2016 12:00 - 12:50 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Writing & Publication

Session Type GoH Panelist, Moderated Discussion

13:00 PDT

Broken Rules and the Elusive Element

There are so many rules to art and writing. Rules of light and dark and colour and balance can help to make a captivating painting. Rules of description and action can help to make a great story. But good writers and good artists always seem to break all the rules and still have a great work of art or fiction. What is the missing element? Why does it work when the rules say it shouldn't?

Moderators

Brenda Carre

Brenda Carre writes in a variety of genres. Her short fiction can be found in the Magazine of F&Sf, Fiction River Anthologies and in many other venues. Brenda's WIP is a Dark Fantasy paralleling Canada's mythic West Coast during the age of sail.

Panelists

Aviva Bel'Harold

Eric Chu

VCON 41 Film Design Guest of HonorBorn in Hong Kong at a very early age, Eric quickly exhibited an interest in design and film. Even as a young child, directing seemed to be in his blood, but an uncooperative cast of plastic farm animals would prove to be an endless source of frustration... Read More →

Carlos Lozano-Gilabert

Carlos Lozano is a writer of flash-fiction and screenplays. He has a solid a solid background in science and psychology. His flash-fiction revolves around horror and love stories. His screenplays reflect his love of adventure. He writes both in English and in Spanish.

Joseph Picard

Ozero, Joseph Picard

Author of the Lifehack series, the new Rubberman series, as well as short contributions to various anthologies. Joseph leans toward science fiction, slightly 'hard', but generally fairly character driven as well.

Friday September 30, 2016 13:00 - 13:50 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Art Craft & Making Writing & Publication

Session Type GoH Panelist, Moderated Discussion

14:00 PDT

How to Critique Writing

Critiquing is one of the most useful activities for writers of any level. It benefits not only the writer whose work is being discussed, but also those who do the critiques.

Moderators

Isaiah Sweigard

I am a young aspiring filmmaker who went to film school, graduating with an expertise in Producing and Directing. After film school I then worked in the Vancouver film industry for 2 years, before quitting and pursuing my own creative outlets.

Panelists

Katrina Archer

Author & Editor, Ganache Media

Katrina Archer is the author of dark fantasy The Tree of Souls and YA fantasy Untalented. A professional engineer, she lives on her sailboat in Vancouver, BC, and has worked in aerospace, video games and film.

Marissa Fischer

Rissa Johnson is a fat, queer, left-handed, Jewish, dyslexic, insomniac who stays up all night wrestling with Dog. A creative writer and technical editor, their poetry and flash fiction have won awards, including the City of Surrey Youth Recognition Award in Creative Contributions... Read More →

Randy McCharles

Author

RANDY MCCHARLES is a full-time author of humorous speculative and mystery fiction. He is the recipient of several Aurora Awards. His recent novel, Much Ado about Macbeth from Tyche Books was shortlisted for the 2016 Aurora Awards. In addition to writing, Randy organizes various events... Read More →

Holly Schofield

Holly Schofield's short stories have been published in Analog, Lightspeed, Tesseracts, and many other publications throughout the world. Find her at hollyschofield.wordpress.com .

Friday September 30, 2016 14:00 - 14:50 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Writing & Publication

Session Type Moderated Discussion

15:00 PDT

Nature and History of Witchcraft

Witchcraft (as the English for Latin's "Maleficia") has historically been defined as the art or ability to harm others by occult means. My talk will examine this alleged phenomenon, its scope, possible origins and social impact across a range of cultures and eras.

Panelists

Graham Darling

Author, Scientist & Medievalist, Active Materials Inc.

Dr Graham D Darling designs new molecules with weird properties. As Graham J Darling (from another middle name), he writes as fiction what the world isn't ready for as fact. As Doctor Carus, he demonstrates medieval sci/tech to scholars of all ages.

Friday September 30, 2016 15:00 - 15:50 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Religion Philosophy & History

Session Type Presentation

16:00 PDT

Marketing Short Fiction and Poetry

A discussion of how to get your sf/fantasy/horror short fiction and poetry published, from the first draft, critiquing, searching for markets, right on through dealing with rejection, rewrite requests, or acceptance.

Moderators

Marcie Tentchoff

Marcie Lynn Tentchoff is an Aurora award winning writer/poet/editor from Gibsons, BC. Her work has appeared in such publications as Weird Tales, Strange Horizons, and On Spec.

Panelists

Brenda Carre

Brian Hades

Brian Hades is the founder of EDGE Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing - Canada's largest publisher of Science Fiction and Fantasy books. Now celebrating 16 year of publishing SF/F/H books.

Carlos Lozano-Gilabert

Holly Schofield

Holly Schofield's short stories have been published in Analog, Lightspeed, Tesseracts, and many other publications throughout the world. Find her at hollyschofield.wordpress.com .

Friday September 30, 2016 16:00 - 16:50 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Writing & Publication

Session Type Moderated Panel

17:00 PDT

Dying is Easy; Comedy is Hard

Fiction writers discuss the ups and downs of infusing their prose with humour, be it comic relief, satire, or something in between.

Moderators

Marissa Fischer

Panelists

Russ Crossley

President, 53rd Street Publishing

International selling author, Russ Crossley writes science fiction and fantasy, and mystery/suspense. Over his more than 15 year career he has published 14 novels and over 100 short stories. With his wife, writer/artist Rita Schulz, he co-owns 53rd Street Publishing a multi-genre... Read More →

Steve Fahnestalk

President and CEO, Retired

Steve Fahnestalk's been in fandom for more than 40 years. That somehow qualifies him to spout off about SF/F subjects. Which he does regularly in his Amazing® Stories Online column (www.amazingstoriesmag.com). He's also known for singing Beatles with Spider Robinson, T*A*M* Gordy... Read More →

Roberta Gregory

I have been published in indy/underground comics for many decades, beginning in the 1970s. 40 issue Naughty Bits series published by Fantagraphics in the 1990s to early 2000s. Currently working on all sorts of projects. Mother Mountain is my (not yet published) fantasy trilogy. My... Read More →

Randy McCharles

Author

Joseph Picard

Ozero, Joseph Picard

Friday September 30, 2016 17:00 - 17:50 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Writing & Publication

Session Type Moderated Panel

18:00 PDT

Women Veterans of Vancouver Fanzine Fandom

Come learn about the women who are or have been fixtures in the local fanzine writing community. This panel will highlight the participation of local female fans in the writing of fanzines, past and present. Participants are female fans who have produced zines and other fans with knowledge of one who can't herself be present or simply have a general knowledge of the topic.

Panelists

R. Graeme Cameron

Publisher / Editor, Polar Borealis Magazine

Fanzine Editor 30+ years, publishes semi-pro SF fiction zine Polar Borealis, won two Aurora Awards, and writes fanzine review column for Amazing Stories (currently on hiatus).

Jo-Anne McBride

Fran Skene

Fran Skene is a member of the Puppetry Renaissance Troupe and has extensive experience in scripting, producing, and performing in puppet shows. In fandom, Fran's credits include chairing/working on a number of conventions, plus she edited the local clubzine, helped to start two apazines... Read More →

Friday September 30, 2016 18:00 - 18:50 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Fandom & Conrunning

Session Type Presentation

19:00 PDT

So You Want To Sell a Story - The Teen Version

A panel aimed at kids 10- 17ish, focusing on how to start on the writer’s path, where to find and how to read guidelines, what markets want work from kids, and what pitfalls to avoid. If there is time and interest, young writers can bring very short works or excerpts for gentle critique.

Panelists

Judy McCrosky

I'm the author of several books, with two new ones due out this year. I'm an experienced speaker and teacher of writing in a variety of genres. I love to talk to people about any and all aspects of writing and the writing life.

Holly Schofield

Holly Schofield's short stories have been published in Analog, Lightspeed, Tesseracts, and many other publications throughout the world. Find her at hollyschofield.wordpress.com .

Marcie Tentchoff

Marcie Lynn Tentchoff is an Aurora award winning writer/poet/editor from Gibsons, BC. Her work has appeared in such publications as Weird Tales, Strange Horizons, and On Spec.

Lisa Voisin

Owner / Technical Writer, Self

A Canadian-born author, Lisa Voisin spent her childhood daydreaming and making up stories, but it was her love of reading and writing in her teens that drew her to Young Adult fiction. She is also a technical writer, a meditation teacher, and leads a local writing group for teens... Read More →

Friday September 30, 2016 19:00 - 19:50 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Writing & Publication

Session Type Open Discussion, Teen, Youth

20:00 PDT

Minions

Why follow the villain? Good wages? Benefits? Early retirement? A quick death? Panelists talk about the advantages and disadvantages of being a minion, and how important minions are to a villain and a storyline. Are minions just puppets, background, or is their role actually important to the plot?

Moderators

Rick Sutcliffe

Professor, Trinity Western University

Author of 10 Alternate History Christian Science Fiction novels, including the 2003 EPPIE winner for SF. He has been a literary contest judge, textbook author, conference speaker, VCON panelist, and is Professor of Math and Computing at TWU.

Panelists

BJ Allan

Bored with circus life BJ (adopted as a nom de lab) ran away with a group of itinerant biologists, lured by the smell of phenol and the roar of the centrifuge. Today he seeks to share the wonder and weirdness of the natural world with ladies, gentlemen, and children of all ages.

Stephanie Johanson

co-owner, assistant editor, art director..., Neo-opsis Science Fiction Magazine

Randy McCharles

Author

Donna McMahon

Donna McMahon started publishing SF with her novel Dance of Knives (Tor 2001) set in future Vancouver. Lately she's turned from future to past history, with her murder mystery Death Fully Justified set in Vancouver in 1920. She lives in Gibsons, BC.

Friday September 30, 2016 20:00 - 20:50 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Session Type GoH Panelist, Moderated Discussion

21:00 PDT

Writing About Fighting

Various experts in martial arts, fighting, or simply writing about fights share their experience about how to write good fight scenes in books that have some measure of authenticity while still engaging the reader.

Moderators

Devon Boorman

Devon Boorman is the Director and Master Instructor for Academie Duello, the world's largest centre for the study of European Swordplay and Martial Arts, based in downtown Vancouver.

Panelists

Rob Boffard

Rob Boffard is a South African author, journalist and rapper. His Outer Earth scifi trilogy is published worldwide by Orbit Books, and he writes about music and tech for The Guardian, Wired Magazine and more.

Kieth Merrill

Kieth Merrill is an author, producer, and director. His new novel, The Immortal Crown, the first in the epic fantasy series Saga of Kings, combines his love of world building with his cinematic writing style. Kieth is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as... Read More →

Joseph Picard

Ozero, Joseph Picard

Sandra Wickham

Sandra Wickham lives in London, Canada with her super powered son with Down syndrome. Her friends call her a needle crafting aficionado, health guru and ninja-in-training. Sandra’s short stories have appeared in The Urban Green Man, Sirens, Equus, Evolve: Vampires of the New Undead... Read More →

Friday September 30, 2016 21:00 - 21:50 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Writing & Publication

Session Type Moderated Panel

22:00 PDT

Religion and Science Fiction

A moderated discussion on the role of religion in SF and the extent to which it is stereotyped.

Moderators

GregRobin Smith

Managing Director, Washington Shakespeare Festival

Poet, Playwright, Historical 1st person presenter, Musician, Shakespearean, Educator & Fundraiser, GregRobin keeps many irons glowing in the fires of creativity from his Seattle home. where he plots world dominance through the works and thought processes of William Shakespeare & Dr... Read More →

Panelists

Brenda Carre

Graham Darling

Author, Scientist & Medievalist, Active Materials Inc.

Kevin Harkness

Kevin Harkness is a writer of YA Fantasy novels and short stories in a number of genres. His City of Demons series is published by Tyche Books.

Jo-Anne McBride

Kieth Merrill

Friday September 30, 2016 22:00 - 22:50 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Religion Philosophy & History

Session Type Moderated Discussion

23:00 PDT

Dark Side of Fairy Tales

Before fairy tales were sanitized they used to be - well, grim. Now there's a resurgence in these stories. Violence and debauchery have returned. Should it?

Panelists

linda demeulemeester

Linda DeMeulemeester’s speculative short fiction has been published in zines, magazines and anthologies, most recently: Edge Press’ Compostela -Tesseracts-Twenty, Exile Press’s Dead North, Playground of Lost Toys, and Alice Unbound.Her spine-tingling MG series, Grim Hill, has... Read More →

Joe Fulgham

Host/Producer, Mote of Dust / The Dreaming / Caustic Soda

Joe makes podcasts about things he loves. For six years he hosted, produced, and edited "Caustic Soda", the podcast of the weird, gross, and disturbing. His latest project is "The Dreaming", a Read-Along podcast for Neil Gaiman's comic book treasure "The Sandman", hosted by the Mote... Read More →

Kevin Harkness

Kevin Harkness is a writer of YA Fantasy novels and short stories in a number of genres. His City of Demons series is published by Tyche Books.

Judy McCrosky

Friday September 30, 2016 23:00 - 23:50 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Session Type Open Discussion

10:00 PDT

Filmed In Supermarionation (documentary film)

"Filmed In Supermarionation" is the definitive documentary about the iconic puppetry technique developed by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson. Supermarionation was used in all their programmes throughout the 1960s including Stingray, Captain Scarlet and Thunderbirds.
1h 59m

Permission to show this film has come directly from the source, our Supermarionation GoH, Jamie Anderson, son of Gerry and Sylvia.

(Although the documentary is only two hours long, Jamie has said he might be able to bring us some other shows as well. If he does, we will use what we can to fill up the remaining hour.)

Saturday October 1, 2016 10:00 - 12:50 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Session Type Video Presentation

13:00 PDT

The Royal Manticoran Navy Wants YOU!

Join members from the 10th fleet of TRMN - The Royal Manticoran Navy: The Official Honor Harrington Fan Association - as they present information about and discuss the Honorverse book series (written by David Weber) and its spin-offs (written by Weber and others), which are the inspiration behind their organization. You will also learn a little about the history of the TRMN, their BC-based chapters and how you can join in too.

Panelists

TRMN BatCruDiv 963

The Royal Manticoran Navy (TRMN) is the Official Honor Harrington Fan Association, an organization dedicated to celebrating the work of David Weber and the universe he has created in his Honor Harrington series and spin-offs. Most chapters are considered ships in the space navy and... Read More →

Cary Conder

Born to British parents in Colombia, Cary immigrated to Canada as a child. Her alma mater is in Whitehorse, YT, served 27 years in the Canadian military, is a life member of the ASFA, and a self-published author. She resides in Victoria, BC.

Jenni Merrifield

UX/UI Design Specialist, Jenni Merrifield

Jenni is a UX designer by trade and an SF&F geek by choice. Her favourite fandoms include Star Wars (Han shot first!), Harry Potter (she's a Ravenclaw), Firefly/Serenity (Browncoats unite!) & the Honorverse (Let's be about it!)

Saturday October 1, 2016 13:00 - 13:50 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Clubs & Organizations Writing & Publication

Session Type Open Discussion, Presentation

14:00 PDT

What is ASFA?

What is the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists and why should artists join?

Panelists

Cary Conder

Isaiah Sweigard

Saturday October 1, 2016 14:00 - 14:50 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Art Craft & Making

Session Type Moderated Discussion

15:00 PDT

Beatles Sing-Along

A VCON tradition for many years, Spider Robinson, TAM Gordy and Steve Fahnestalk bring back their Beatles singalong. If you like singing and/or playing Beatles tunes, please join us!
(1.5 hrs)

Panelists

Steve Fahnestalk

President and CEO, Retired

TAM Gordy

Old enough to remember when Michael Jackson was black. Saw the first show with the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, when it happened. Loves music, writing and when the Boss cooks for me. Takes everything seriously, except myself. Peace. Out.

Spider Robinson

Cheap Executive Offficer, Tottering-on-the-Brink

Spider Robinson is renowned as one of Canada's most popular science fiction writers. Born in New York, NY, he has lived in Canada for nearly 40 years, mostly in Halifax and Vancouver. He wrote his first SF short story, "The Guy with the Eyes" (published in 1971) to escape the boredom... Read More →

Saturday October 1, 2016 15:00 - 16:20 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Music Dance & Performance

Session Type Interactive

16:30 PDT

The World of YouTube. How Channels Become Hits.

Whether you make videos, want to start a channel, or just want to learn about one of the biggest trends on the web - introducing: YouTube! Learn how to start a channel, get popular on the website, and how the biggest YouTubers get their fame and make millions of dollars a year. Discover all this and more with YouTuber Reith Humphreys from TeamRFX and his father C. C. Humphreys!

Panelists

Chris (C.C.) Humphreys

Arthur Ellis winning Author of 'Plague', Chris is an actor, novelist and swordsman. He has written the fantasy 'The Hunt of the Unicorn' and its sequel, out this Fall, 'The Hunt of the Dragon.'

Reith Humphreys

Big on gaming, love hosting the Interactive gaming. Live for Halloween and scaring people. More than a little crazy. Also an AFOL.

Saturday October 1, 2016 16:30 - 17:20 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Media & Popular Culture

Session Type Presentation, Video Presentation

17:30 PDT

The Reality of How Video Games are Created

Video game industry veterans talk about the reality of how games are brought to life, from pre-production to post-release support.

Moderators

James Berg

Games User Researcher, Electronic Arts

I'm a Games User Researcher at Electronic Arts Vancouver, providing player research to our game development teams. My role is to help developers ensure their design implementation meets their design goals, and to identify things like usability issues, difficulty/progression blockers... Read More →

Panelists

Joseph Picard

Ozero, Joseph Picard

Richard Smith

Richard Smith has been a teacher, professional game designer and programmer. He is a serious science geek and facinated by terraforming Mars. He has given numerous talks at V-Con on subjects of science and the future.

Saturday October 1, 2016 17:30 - 18:20 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Games & Game Design

Session Type Moderated Panel

18:30 PDT

Fans We Have Lost

A number of fans over the years have had a big impact on VCON, other conventions in Canada and the Pacific Northwest such as Al Betz (Mr Science), Ed Hutchings (Mr. Low Fog), Hen Flanders (dancing at VCONS etc.), and Susan Wood (famous Canadian fan). Come join our panelists to tell stories about and recognize the important contribution of these and others to VCON and other fan convention scenes.

Panelists

Steve Forty

I chaired VCON 20, Edited Bcsfazine for 35 issues, various VCON positions over the years, pre-registraar at Banff 89 international, Fan Guest 7 times (Noncon 8 and 16, Moscon 4, Vikingcon, Radcon, Orycon, and VCON 40), held many BCSFA meetings at my house over the years (as well as... Read More →

TAM Gordy

Jo-Anne McBride

Fran Skene

Saturday October 1, 2016 18:30 - 19:20 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Fandom & Conrunning

Session Type Open Discussion

19:30 PDT

The Year of Shirley Jackson

Shirley Jackson was born in 1916, making this year the centenary of Shirley Jackson. One of the greatest writers of horror fiction, Jackson's work includes the classic story "The Lottery," and the novels The Haunting of Hill House and We Have Always Lived in the Castle. Panelists discuss the influence, legacy and work of one of the iconic speculative authors of the 20th century.

Moderators

Jason Bourget

Instructor, Douglas College

Currently I'm an instructor in the English Department at Douglas College, where I teach courses on science fiction, horror and weird fiction. My research focuses specifically on how political beliefs inform representations of masculinity in late twentieth-century science fiction (especially... Read More →

Panelists

linda demeulemeester

Dave Levine

EAP/IELTS Instructor, VanWest College

IELTS/EAP 300 Instructor at VanWest College.

Jo-Anne McBride

Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Silvia Moreno-Garcia's debut novel, Signal to Noise, was a British Fantasy, Locus, Sunburst and Aurora Award finalist. She has been nominated for the World Fantasy Award for her work as an editor. Her novel about Mexican vampires, Certain Dark Things, is out this October. http... Read More →

Saturday October 1, 2016 19:30 - 20:20 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Religion Philosophy & History Writing & Publication

Session Type Moderated Panel

20:30 PDT

Cats, Cats Cats!

Cats are all over pop culture! When did the cat craze begin? Why are we crazy about cats? Do we all have toxoplasmosis (crazy cat lady disease), or are we and our kitties all members of one big happy cat family? Is it simply a case of diminished expectations while trying to please selfish little four footed jerks? Are SF/F folk "cattier" than average? Bring your favorite scientific and off the wall theories and personal expertise and we'll have a meowing good time.

Panelists

Aviva Bel'Harold

Jason Bourget

Instructor, Douglas College

Marissa Fischer

Roberta Gregory

Vik K. Walker

KatvikBooks

Award winning author of paranormal romance, and fantasy fiction.

Saturday October 1, 2016 20:30 - 21:20 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Media & Popular Culture

Session Type Open Discussion

21:30 PDT

Speculative Fictionary

Draw pictures representing the titles of Science Fiction and Fantasy books, movies, and games and win fame, fortune, and chocolate!

(Well, you'll really only win chocolate, but who wouldn't want to win chocolate?)

Panelists

Chilam

Creative Producer, Cerebrospace

Artist, Author, Astro-guy (B.Sc. Astrophysics, UBC '09) & creator of the fantastic world of Varzuun. His new novel PALADIN is now available. Member / Principal Cast: Times Paste Entertainment, BC Renaissance Festival & Jade Dragon Pirates.

Susan Walsh

A fan from the day she discovered books in the public library with rocket ships on the spine, since the first VCON she's been on panels, impersonated dead authors, taught origami, proofread, and (mostly) fed people.

Saturday October 1, 2016 21:30 - 22:20 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Games & Game Design

Session Type Interactive

22:30 PDT

Lights, Camera, Fiction! (Short Film Showcase)

VCON is holding a Contest and Showcase for short films made about or using puppets in one form or another (note that our definition of what constitutes a “puppet” is very loose) and this is when we're going to show whatever films are submitted.

If you might be interested in submitting something to the contest you can find all the details here:

VCON Short Film Contest & Showcase

Panelists

Russ Quick

Russ is an amateur filmmaker with a knack for brand development & collaboration. He also dabbles in writing, acting & sculpting in his spare time.

Saturday October 1, 2016 22:30 - 23:20 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Art Craft & Making Exhibits Media & Popular Culture Muppets Puppets & Marionettes

Session Type Video Presentation

23:30 PDT

Short Film Screening: The Recursion Theorem

Do you love Sci-Fi film? What about classics like Alfred Hitchcock, Orson Welles or Stanley Kubrick? Or the original Twilight Zone series? We do! And we bet many of you do too!

The Recursion Theorem is a short, black and white sci-fi film noir told in these traditions. It's a little bit old, a little bit new, and a little bit rock'n'roll. It premiered at the Columbia Film Festival in June 2016 and took home a Best Actor award and an Audience Choice Award. They've also been invited to show their film at the 2017 BaltiCon in Baltimore, MD.

Saturday October 1, 2016 23:30 - Sunday October 2, 2016 00:10 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Exhibits Media & Popular Culture

Session Type Video Presentation

10:00 PDT

Costume Creation Tips and Tricks

Come listen to our panel of costume makers discussing their best tips for turning the vision in your head into a 3D creation you can wear. For costume makers of all levels, the discussion will include useful techniques for beginners, inexpensive solutions for tricky design problems, with a few expert tricks rolled in.

Moderators

Danielle Stephens

Manager, Colourist, Goblins

Danielle is the flats colourist and manager for the Goblins webcomic. She also writes the Hyper Halfling line of roleplaying game supplements. This means she plays colouring books and make-believe as a living, and giggles about it daily. She is often mistaken for Pauline Walsh.

Panelists

Barbara Hanson

Barbara has been cosplaying for over 10 years, having played with many different costumes, both hero's and villains. She loves to see and work on different costumes and see what others also can create, spreading the joy of costuming whether at cons or dance. She has also been dancing... Read More →

Judy McCrosky

Sunday October 2, 2016 10:00 - 10:50 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Costuming & Cosplay

Session Type Moderated Panel

11:00 PDT

Skewed & Reviewed: Movies of 2017-2019 (Video Presentation)

Here is a fast paced and lively look at what Hollywood has in store for you over the next three years. The panel is Presented by Gareth Von Kallenbach of Skewed and Reviewed and has been a very popular panel over the past 20 years playing for capacity audiences as Gareth brings you the latest news and information on genre films.

(Gareth used to live in the Pacific Northwest, attended VCON regularly, and regularly presented his panel to a packed room. He lives in Phoenix, AZ now, unable to attend VCON, but was kind enough to make an exclusive recording of his talk for us!)

Panelists

Gareth Von Kallenbach

Gareth Von Kallenbach is a syndicated movie & game critic, writer, author, and frequent radio guest. He is the creator of the entertainment site “Skewed and Reviewed” as well as Skewed and Reviewed: The Magazine. Gareth has worked in the video game industry and has written three... Read More →

Sunday October 2, 2016 11:00 - 11:50 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Media & Popular Culture

Session Type Video Presentation

12:00 PDT

Deportment: How to Move In Your Costume

You have the costume finished. It is gorgeous, so why is no one believing you are a pretty princess or handsome prince? Tips and examples of how to embody your costume like your character would.

Moderators

GregRobin Smith

Managing Director, Washington Shakespeare Festival

Panelists

Cary Conder

Barbara Hanson

Danielle Stephens

Manager, Colourist, Goblins

Sunday October 2, 2016 12:00 - 12:50 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Costuming & Cosplay

Session Type Moderated Panel

13:00 PDT

How To Choose Your Instrument (Or How It Chooses You)

Looking to choose a musical instrument? Our opinionated panel will tell you why they chose theirs, or why their instrument chose them. A musical petting zoo included at no extra charge (try before you go out and buy).

Moderators

Creede Lambard

Creede Lambard first encountered filk in 1981. He learned to play the banjo in 2003. He started combining the two in 2005 and things haven't been the same since.

Panelists

TAM Gordy

Dara Korra'ti

Crime and the Forces of Evil

Being a supervillain means being able to do a bit of everything, because, gods know, you can't trust anyone _else_ to do it. So after learning propaganda in professional radio and publishing, creating new techniques in genetics manipulation, getting _pretty good_ at DIY electronics... Read More →

Robert Luis Rabello

Robert Luis Rabello is the author of the Deveran Conflict Series, a unique human wave science fiction series.

Sunday October 2, 2016 13:00 - 13:50 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Music Dance & Performance

Session Type Moderated Discussion

14:00 PDT

Extreme Weather

Every year lately, there are record-breaking weather events. This talk will look at if there really are 'extreme' weather events or if it is merely observer bias, and also look at the physics behind normal and extreme weather events and discuss what changes we can expect in the future.

Richard Smith has given numerous science talks at previous VCON's and at the Mars Society Conventions. His other talks include future warfare, molten salt thorium reactions, radioactive wolves, colonizing mars, peak oil, and low-cost methods to reach space.

Panelists

Richard Smith

Sunday October 2, 2016 14:00 - 14:50 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Science & Skepticism

Session Type Presentation

15:00 PDT

Running Fan Cons - Why We Do It (and How You Can Too)

Come and listen to conrunners who have worked on several different fan con events throughout the Pacific Northwest (and potentially beyond) as they give you the low down on what it takes to plan and put on a fan convention, what keeps us doing it year after year, and how you can get directly involved too.

Moderators

Jenni Merrifield

UX/UI Design Specialist, Jenni Merrifield

Panelists

R. Graeme Cameron

Publisher / Editor, Polar Borealis Magazine

Fanzine Editor 30+ years, publishes semi-pro SF fiction zine Polar Borealis, won two Aurora Awards, and writes fanzine review column for Amazing Stories (currently on hiatus).

Chilam

Creative Producer, Cerebrospace

Greg Neher

Conrunner, Nerd Game Host

Danielle Stephens

Manager, Colourist, Goblins

Chris Sturges

President, Fired Up Events

Chris Sturges is Special Effects technician, Business owner, event manager, social engineer, long time VCON supporter and volunteer and a bunch of other things as well...

Sunday October 2, 2016 15:00 - 15:50 PDT
05 - Medium Programming 1 (with AV) Green Timber 2 (2nd Floor)

Fandom & Conrunning

Session Type Moderated Discussion

16:00 PDT

Bricks & Roses

The convention is almost over and so here's your chance to tell us what you think about how things went.

Please stop in to let us know if you had any problems and what you'd like to see done about them, to tell us about anything new you'd like to suggest we try or old things we might do differently or if something (or someone) blew yours socks off and deserves some positive recognition.

Panelists

Fandom & Conrunning

Session Type Open Discussion