Programming Panels at ConQuesT 43

The Programming Bunny has been very very busy this year, crafting an exciting array of panels. Check your pocket program on site for times, locations, and panelists! Subject to last-minute changes, which will be posted in a public area at ConQuesT.

Friday Panels | Saturday Panels | Sunday Panels | Back to Programming Main Page
Note: (PR) = Paranormal Romance

Friday Panels

• Fantasy before Fantasy, SF before SF - The Odyssey, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Frankenstein, Gulliver's Travels, and Journey to the West. A look at classic works of world literature that, while not written as science fiction and fantasy, have been co-opted in the 20th and 21st centuries by speculative fiction readers and used as inspiration by the writers.
  
  
• Seed Banks: How Genetics Will Repopulate the Planet - Since the discovery of DNA, the world has attempted to control our very nature. Discuss the current level of genetic manipulation and experimentation, and how this would play a serious role in any governments plan for rebuilding society after a catastrophic event.
  
  
• Sexual Harassment in Fandom - In the last few years, multiple problems have arisen at conventions around the country that are troubling for many. Sexual harassment is not just about someone trying to grope a woman in a skimpy, barbarian costume. It's about being able to say "no" and have it respected, a willingness to back someone up if they need it, and the ability to recognize when they don't. How can we all contribute to making conventions free of harassment?
  
  
• Linguistics in SF/F - what does a fully developed language add to a story/world? How do you make one? From Pig Latin to Huttese, languages help shape a world's mythos. What goes into creating these complex social structures, and why are they important at all? Learn these answers while creating a new language unique to ConQuesT, to take home and confuse your friends with.
  
  
• Apocolypseseses - Buffy had two, Supernatural seems to deflect one every week. What does "The Apocalypse" really mean, and how has TV and books changed it to suit their purpose?
  
  
• Have I got a book for you! If you loved Firefly, try reading this -- A group discussion melee! Panelists bring up popular books of today and yesterday, and everyone can make recommendations that we might not have heard of yet!
  
  
• Sex and Sexuality in Fandom - Fandom seems to be more accepting of different lifestyles, especially regarding sex and sexuality. Why?
  
  
• 40 years of KACSFFS: The good old days, the bad old days and all the days of being in Kansas City's science fiction and fantasy club.
  
  
• (PR) Kicking ass in high heels: These days women can kick ass, save the world, and still have time to fall in love. But why are they still doing it in hot pants and high heels? Can heroines be a size 18 and still be beautiful?
  
  
• Star Wars: The Saga Continues: Movies, TV, Books, Games, oh my! The Star Wars universe continues to expand with new books, video games, and movie re-releases. Not to mention the Clone Wars cartoon and the in the works TV Series! Join us for a discussion of everything happening, "In a galaxy far, far away."
  
  
• Namasvern: The Jules Vern in me sees the Jules Vern in you - our own predictions for the future, Y2K, The Rapture, The Mayan 2012 Prediction. Just a handful of Doomsday theories. Come discuss the background behind these predictions, and field your own end of the world scenario during this panel. Please leave your "The End is Nigh" signs at the door, seating room is limited!
  
  
• Cancelled before their time - A discussion on the favorite TV shows that could have used another season or five as well as theories on where the plotlines would have taken us.
  
  
• Podcasting: The new voice of radio - Everyone has an opinion, and in the age of podcasting, everyone has a voice! Discuss the rise in popularity of Podcasts and what the Sci-fi masses are listening to

Saturday Panels

• Judging a Book by Its Cover - how is cover art decided on? What all goes into making cover art? Why does the cover sometimes not match the book? And how do artists deal with covers that were NOT what they envisioned?
  
  
• The Good, The Bad, and the Fixable - Genre writing workshops have proliferated in the last decade or so and now range from con-based three hour mini-courses to six week long marathons. Are writing workshops worthwhile for everyone? What are the warning signs you should not be a work shopper? What joys and discoveries have the panelist had for themselves or for others they've work shopped with?
  
  
• Costuming in Fandom - Come discuss the finer points of costume design. From the basics of picking out the right cloth to make the costumes main body, to the smallest details, we have the answers you are looking for. Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Steampunk, and Historical costumes are the primary focus, but we always love a good challenge for any other costume you may have in mind.
  
  
• (PR) Star Crossed Lovers - They Don't Just Happen in YA - Discuss the adults who find true love and the demons/werewolves/vampires/fairies/evil governments they must battle in order to be together.
  
  
• The Road to Publishing - A talk with Publishers, Editors, and Authors who discuss the road to publishing along with the dead ends and potholes you might come across.
  
  
• The future of Gaming: Video Games, Board Games, Roleplaying - Has Video killed the Board Game store? Is Roleplaying still considered something only played by teenagers and young adults in their parent's basements? Here we discuss the generational changes to the gaming industry, and what the future holds for gamers young and old.
  
  
• Discussion: Books and Games to TV and Movie --- More books and games are being optioned and turned into TV shows and Movies. Let's talk about the good the bad and the "what were they thinking?"
  
  
• Small Press Publishing Houses: Is anyone really small in the age of e-books? A look at how Amazon is taking power away from the big publishing houses and putting into the hands of the smaller and independent publishers.
  
  
• (PR) More of a Man - The Bunny is fond of saying, "I'll get married when I find a man who is more of a man than I am." As women become stronger and more independent IRL, how does that affect our heroes in paranormal romance? What is "manly" these days?
  
  
• Playing In Other People's Sandboxes - a panel about writing in shared universes and working with co-authors
  
  
• Gender Roles in Heroes. Can Girls Kick Ass and Still Make Dinner? - Is it okay for boys to save the damsel? What are we looking for in a hero, and do genders still matter?
  
  
• SF and Bioethics - Cloning, Gene Modification, Implants and Prosthetics - Does science fiction ignore the ethical implications of things like cloning, gene modification, implants and prosthetics? This panel focuses on the real world debates behind these science marvels, and whether or not today's science fiction could be tomorrow's science fact.
  
  
• (PR) The History and Future of Paranormal Romance - The days of your mother hiding her "trashy" paperbacks in the desk drawer are over. Let's talk about the evolution of Paranormal Romance and how it made its way to the mainstream!
  
  
• Post-Apocalyptic Utopias: Perfection or Tyrannical - Literature and Media have shown both sides of the argument. The Hunger Games shows both by comparing The Capitol with The Districts. Join us for an in depth look at this story and others and the way that perfection for one part of Utopia, means enslavement for the remainder.
  
  
• Book trailers: Video Gold? - With the advent of YouTube, anyone can produce and promote products. In this panel, we discuss the finer points of creating a video trailer of your book in order to generate interest on the internet.
  
  
• Anne McCaffrey Memorial Panel - Discuss the life and work of one of the most award winning and influential female Sci-Fi writers of all time.
  
  
• Game Design and World Creation 101 - Creating a fun game is hard. Creating a game world that can cross the boundaries between gaming, writing, and media is even harder. This panel will discuss the fundamentals of creating a new world for your games and stories to be set in. Focus on world landscapes, city/civilization/technology development, and creature generation.
  
  
• Family Friendly and Hopeful: Yesterday's Sci-Fi - Relive the good old days of Lost in Space, Star Trek, and Stargate, where the good guys always won and the heroes never died. Can this style of Sci-Fi survive in the world today, or is the failing of a show like Terra Nova a sign that the lighter side of the genre is dead?
  
  
• Costuming Up Close - Masquerade contestants and other costumers show off their creations and explain some of the process behind creating them.
  
  
• Dark and Gritty: Today's Sci-Fi - Most celebrated by Battlestar Galactica this trend of realism, unexpected deaths, and emotional consequences is permeating most of the Sci-Fi on TV today. Is it a good thing, and what might the future hold?
  
  
• (PR) Things that go Bump and Grind in the Night: Do werewolves understand foreplay? Are vampires really that kinky, or after 1,000 years, they're "been there, tried that position?" NC-17 Discussion on the fun and naughty side of romance. No Children Allowed

Sunday Panels

• Myth and Folklore in Fantasy - fantasy loves to work with Greek mythology, Arthurian legend, and a host of others. Let's talk about it! How does folklore make its way into science fiction as well? (Other than the naming of starships!)
  
  
• Star Trek: The Saga Continues - New movies, books, video games. Why is star trek the voyage that keeps on going?
  
  
• (PR) Rapunzel Syndrome - Can you have a strong female character and still be rescued by a man? Rapunzel needed a prince, but the prince needed Rapunzel. Can you have romance with both hero and heroine on equal footing or does there always have to be a damsel in distress?
  
  
• Win, Lose, or Draw - artist guest play Pictionary with SF/F/H phrases, audience tries to guess the phrase
  
  
• Scriptwriting - Did you ever think that your novel or short story would make a good play, movie, or web series? If so, join us for a discussion and a few good tips on what makes for a great script and the differences to remember when adapting it.
  
  
• How Hard Should Science Fiction Be? - Truth told, a lot of science fiction isn't scientific at all, but utilizes handwavium (or Timonium and Nonobtainium) to get the story in gear and make it run. Is today's science fiction letting the world down? Should the writer do the math so the reader doesn't have to? Are books that are "too science" chasing readers to fantasy or online games?
  
  
• The Hunger Games Movie and Book Discussions - Anything and everything to do with the Hunger Games. Let's talk Books, Movies, Theories on Casting, Merchandise, and anything else that strikes your fancy!
  
  
• Game of Thrones: Is High Fantasy Making a Comeback or Is It a Fluke? - Discuss the critical and ratings love of the HBO series, as well as the Bestseller status of this Fantasy series.
  
  
• Villains - Who are the bad guys and gals we love to hate? What if they're right? What if the world does need blown up and started over?
  
  
• How to Survive an Apocalypse: Skills, Supplies, and Strategies - Are you prepared for Armageddon? Join us for the ultimate survival panel where we will discuss previously documented zombie attacks, and the reasons why anyone survived. Further discussion on being prepped for the eventual and the basics you need to know to make sure your Plan is sound.
  
  
• (PR) Vampires and Werewolves: Why They Make The Best Bad Boys -- Vampires and Werewolves are a staple in Paranormal Romance. Gush over our favorites and talk about why we will always love the tall, dark, and handsome.
  
  
• Writing for Print vs. E-book -- Some authors are ditching the print industry all together and making a nice living off of the self-publishing and novella trade for e-book. We'll talk about the different writing styles of the two markets and why one might be more for you than another.
  
  
• Party Throwing 101 - All the details you need to know about throwing your own room party at a convention!
  
  
• The Science of Sci-Fi - We tried to get Stephen Hawking, but we settled with these lesser known geniuses. Miniaturization, Teleportation, Warp Engineering, and good old fashion Phasers! Discuss the finer points about the actual science behind these commonly used Sci-Fi elements and more.
  
  
• Happily Ever After - what happens to various famous couples after the story ends? Panelists and Audience have a lighthearted (and sometimes depressing) "what if?" Discussion about the continuing lives of the couples at the heart of our favorite books and movies. I suggest adding movies to this instead of just keeping it to books as it will have a wider appeal for those that aren't big readers but are familiar with famous movies. Another option would be to just make it straight up movies since books seem to carry on and on often times now.
  
  
• Next Year's ConQuesT: The Youth View: Brainstorming ideas for programming for next year to attract younger attendees.