3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
CONvergence 101
75 Attendees
Location
Atrium 4
Charmaine Burgess, Briana Falb-Joslin, Jen Manna, Brian Etchieson
Whether this is your first CONvergence or your tenth, this panel is where to go to get some insight into how to make the most of your weekend. This year's panel will be sure to include information for those uder 21 as well.
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
Interacting Maps with Literature
47 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
Kelly McCullough, Daniel Wallace, Bob Alberti, Marguerite Krause, Matt Kuchta
Mapping your literary worlds. Working with the world as we know it or creating something new. How important is it?
Tags Literature
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
Photoshop 101
89 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Stephanie Brown, Tara O'Shea, Rob Jensen
Experts on Photoshop will give neophytes their best advice on how to use this tool to make it look like your life is a lot more interesting than it really is.
Tags Audio-Visual
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
Feynman Played the Bongos: When Science Meets Art
64 Attendees
Location
Atrium 7
Type Panel, Science & Technology
Kelly McCullough, Bug Girl, Stephen King, Amy Davis Roth
How art can be used to make science and math interesting and how science and math can be used to create art.
Tags Science & Technology, Skeptic
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
Glee!
83 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Matt Weinberg, Windy Bowlsby, Philip Kaveny
Grab your songbooks and discuss the students and shenanigans of William McKinley High. Leave your slushies at home.
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
Photography in the Digital Age
97 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Melissa Kaercher, Roger Pavelle, Bob Alberti, Bryan Humphrey, Kristina Halseth
Photos on the Internet don't always need to feature cats. Stop by to talk about the photographic hobby in the digital age: equipment, online communities, tips, tricks, and software.
Tags Audio-Visual
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
Robert Heinlein's Future History
76 Attendees
Location
Cabana 118
Type Panel, Krushenkos
Rob Jensen
In the stories in his mega-collection The Past Through Tomorrow and several related novels, Heinlein set the gold standard for how to write a mostly consistent history of the future. What parts have come to pass? What parts worked well?
Tags Krushenkos, Theme
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
The Library of the Dreaming
73 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
Catherynne Valente, Hilary Moon Murphy, Tara O'Shea, Lynne Thomas
A look at the best fictional libraries from the works of authors such as Gaiman, Borges, and Eco.
Tags Literature, Guest of Honor
8:30 PM
to 9:30 PM
8:30 PM
to 9:30 PM
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
Audio Drama Creation
36 Attendees
Location
Atrium 7
Type Panel, Science & Technology
Dave Erwin, Jerry Stearns, Jack Ward, Jeff Adams, Brian Price
Everything from voice acting tips to creating realistic sound effects will be covered in this panel about creating your own Audio Drama. Maybe you could be the next Mark Time winner!
Tags Science & Technology
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
Dr Who: Where do I Begin?
107 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Lynne Thomas, Michael Lee, Steve Manfred, Michael D. Thomas
This is a primer panel for new fans looking for a place to begin watching the classic series.
Tags Television, Guest of Honor, Dr. Who
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
How the Pulps Saw the Future
49 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
Anthony Tollin, Jim Frenkel, Scott Jamison
Exploring the future worlds of pulp fiction. Not the Tarantino Film because that was set in the present. Well, 1994 present. Which is now the past. Never mind. Future worlds of Pulp Fiction.
Tags Literature, Guest of Honor
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
So you Want to be an Actor?
19 Attendees
Location
Plaza 1
Brian Van Camp, Dave Potter
A How-to Workshop on what life is really like being a professional actor. Topics covered: auditions, networking, training and marketing and more.
Tags Movies, Filmmaking
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
The Rise and Fall of the Nephilim
63 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Scotty Roberts
What if the old spiritualities and religions weren’t just legends? Scotty Roberts of Intrepid Magazine presents this talk on how the Nephilim walked among us... and still do today.
11:30 PM
to 12:30 AM
BBC Series You Should Watch
94 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Jen Manna, Hal Bichel, Alexandra Howes, Jo Thomsen
OK, so Dr. Who is awesome. Now what should you watch?
11:30 PM
to 12:30 AM
Dr. Horrible Sing Along
223 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Danielle McKay
Don't be embarassed that you know all the words! Share your knowledge of the awesome web series in one of the oldest geek traditions - the sing along!
Tags Audio-Visual
11:30 PM
to 12:30 AM
Ecology of Old-Time Monsters
72 Attendees
Location
Atrium 7
Type Panel, Science & Technology
Lori Fischer, Mark Stegbauer, Craig A. Finseth, Jennifer Menken
Let's look at some old-time monsters - like the Creature and King Kong - and see how they work (or don't) in "real life."
Tags Science & Technology
11:30 PM
to 12:30 AM
Geek Life Live Podcast
37 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Melissa Kaercher
The members of the Geek Life Live Podcast will be recording their latest episode LIVE at CONvergence. Ever wanted the chance to be a studio audience? Wait no longer!
Tags Side Dish, Podcasting
11:30 PM
to 12:30 AM
The Best Panel EVER!!!
156 Attendees
Location
Atrium 4
Joseph Scrimshaw, C. Robert Cargill, Tim Wick, Brian Keene
This panel is hosted by four people who are smugly confident that they are the best panelists CONvergence has EVER featured. As such, they plan on telling you exactly how you have been doing it wrong. This will be the best CONvergence panel EVER. Period.
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
After School Cartoons of the 80's and 90's
125 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Ross Watson, Daren Johnson, Tara O'Shea, Mark McPherson, Melinda Padolf
Exploring the explosion of after school cartoons like Transformers, GI Joe, Animaniacs, Gargoyles, Batman and others and how they influenced the cartoon programming of today.
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
Audio Theatre: What's New and What's Old
29 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Jeff Adams, Shannon Hilchie, Jack Ward, Craig A. Finseth
Who's produced what over the last year? What are the hot new story lines? How do they compare with audio theatre from the '30s, '40s, and later?
Tags Audio-Visual
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
Free (and legal) Software Resources
113 Attendees
Location
Atrium 7
Type Panel, Science & Technology
David Walbridge, Andre Guirard, Adam Nave, Rob Callahan
There are all sorts of free software packages that can do all sorts of useful things. If you are on a budget, this panel will help you find out about some great software you can get for - say it with us now - FREE!!
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
Sanctum Publications: Reprinting the Pulps
22 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
Anthony Tollin
Anthony Tollin brings back the classic pulps (including The Shadow, Doc Savage, The Avenger and The Whisperer) through his Sanctum Productions. Hear what goes into reprinting this classic material, including the restoration of original cover art.
Tags Literature, Guest of Honor
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
The Hunt Begins (Harry Potter 7.1)
72 Attendees
Location
Plaza 1
Tony Artym, Rae Lundquist, Matt Leder, Megan Steinke, Delora Wade
Is the first installment of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" a success or failure? As the filmed world of Harry draws to a close, let's look back at when the film franchise did the best job of bringing his world to life.
Tags Movies
10:30 AM
to 11:30 AM
Music Panel 24hr Songwriting Part A
32 Attendees
Location
Harmonic CONvergence
Type Panel, Harmonic CONvergence
Shawn McBurnie/Chad McAnally, Tim Wick/Dregs peeps, Raymond Yates,Keith Spears,
Five musicians share their music and then open themselves up to your creative juices. Come back in 24 hours to see what they accomplished with your suggestions.
Tags music
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
Fairy Tales vs. Science Fiction as Allegories
169 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
Liza Furr, Matthew Davis, Hilary Moon Murphy, Philip Kaveny, Naomi Kritzer
Are science fiction stories the new teaching tales we once learned from our grandparents? Are they the source of new morals?
Tags Literature
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
First Ship of the Future: Verne's Nautilus
43 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Peter Holland, Eugene Aerenhaus
Jules Verne's descriptions of the Nautilus range from precise to vague and contradictory. Could Verne have drawn plans to work from? How closely did he follow them? And what was the "real" Nautilus inferred from Verne's text like? Come find out!
Tags Audio-Visual
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
From Tomorrowland to Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom
81 Attendees
Location
Plaza 1
Jennifer Menken, Alexandra Howes, Michael D. Thomas, Tim Wick, Matt Ledder
Walt Disney was obsessed with the way things would be in the future. EPCOT center, Tomorrowland and other examples abound of his imagination on the subject. Talk about Disney's vision and how it affected the vision of others.
Tags Movies
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
Modern Day Snake Oil
62 Attendees
Location
Atrium 7
Type Panel, Science & Technology
Maria Walters, Jamie Bernstein, Matt Lowry, Ted Meissner, Elyse Anders
Health scams haven’t changed much over the past century. why do people continue to fall for them?
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
Remembering Clifford D. Simak, Gordon R. Dickson and Carl Jacobi
19 Attendees
Location
Cabana 118
Type Panel, Krushenkos
Anthony Tollin
Legendary Minneapolis science fiction/horror pulp writers remembered by Anthony Tollin, who knew them all.
Tags Krushenkos, Guest of Honor
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
The Silver Age: Was it really better?
43 Attendees
Location
Atrium 2
Bill Stiteler, Daniel Wallace, Christopher Jones, Jim Kakalios, John Seavey
Many a nostalgic comic fan insists that the Silver Age produced some of the best comics in the history of the medium...and many a modern fan insists that older fans view their favorite era through rose-colored glasses. Our panel tries to hash things out.
Tags Comics
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
Tough Love: Critique and Squee can coexist, dammit!
53 Attendees
Location
Atrium 4
Nicole Lorenz, Teri Blauersouth, Lisa Blauersouth, Kiah Nelson
How do you critique the media you love without harshing your squee? We'll discuss why critique and criticism in fandom is valuable and explore ways to engage in critical conversations about your favorite things without losing the love.
Tags Hot Dish
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
Use of Minority Characters in Animation
52 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Greg Weisman, Tara O'Shea, Mark McPherson, Jonathan Palmer
We can all agree that one black princess does not close the gap. How have minority roles in animation changed and how creators can move beyond "token" characters.
Tags Television, Guest of Honor
12:00 PM
to 1:00 PM
Music Panel-Songs of the Past Made New
34 Attendees
Location
Harmonic CONvergence
Type Panel, Harmonic CONvergence
Shawn McBurnie/Chad McAnally, Gabriel Hilmar, John Sjogren, Dave Stagner,Becca Leathers
The re-creation, re-imagining of songs from the past...made..new...see how that works?
Tags music
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
eBooks - Books & Publishers
86 Attendees
Location
Atrium 7
Type Panel, Science & Technology
Anya Bast, Michael Merriam, David Wilbanks, Michael Zecca
The realities of the new eBook market. What do authors want, what do publishers want and is there a way for all of them to get it?
Tags Science & Technology
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
Gays in Space: Homosexuality in Classic SF & F
88 Attendees
Location
Atrium 4
David Lenander, John Till, Don Kaiser
In classic Science Fiction and Fantasy from the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s, how was homosexuality portrayed, if it was portrayed at all? In general, GLBT characters were either missing or portrayed negatively. Where were the positive portrayals?
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
Metropolis
47 Attendees
Location
Cabana 118
Type Panel, Krushenkos
Melissa Kaercher, Tim Baldoni, Jennifer Menken, Mike Hallenbeck, Eric Heideman
It isn’t hyperbole to say the language of science fiction filmmaking begins with “Metropolis” (1926). 2010 saw the film restored like never before. Discuss the most influential science fiction film and the rediscovered footage that had film geeks buzzing.
Tags Krushenkos, Theme
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
Star Trek vs. Dr. Who
131 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Michael Scott Shappe, Christa Dickson, Michael Lee, Steve Manfred, Hal Bichel
The panel will compare and contrast the two longest running science fiction universes. In what ways are they the same and why are they so different? If you pick sides, everybody loses!
Tags Television, Star Trek, Dr. Who
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
The Amazing Story of Quantum Mechanics
160 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Jim Kakalios
Dr. Jim Kakalios returns to share the amazingly true story of Quantum Mechanics in how own entertaining style.
Tags Audio-Visual
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
The Future of Steampunk
122 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
Catherynne Valente, Hilary Moon Murphy, Andre Guirard
Beginning primarily as a costuming movement, Steampunk has grown to something that crosses all media. Where is it headed?
Tags Literature, Guest of Honor, Theme
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
Creating Comics Communities
16 Attendees
Location
Atrium 2
Shane O'Shaughessy
The Iowa City Comics Creators Club gives tips on how to produce and reproduce your comics with local resources, the importance of building a strong comics community, and the state of the comics industry and why now is a good time to jump into the field
Tags Comics
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
Doctor Who: The Doctor's Wife Bibliography
86 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Steve Manfred
Neil Gaiman's Doctor Who mythology adviser, Steve Manfred, takes us on a video tour of classic Doctor Who references found in "The Doctor's Wife," and discusses how the story evolved from script to screen.
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
Essential Elements of Horror Literature
59 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
Brian Keene, Roy C. Booth, Tim Lieder, Joel Arnold
The pieces that go into writing a truly bone-chilling/effective work of horror fiction. Elements that horror writers have ready in their tool box every time they sit down at the keyboard.
Tags Literature, guest of Honor
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
Forbidden Planet
37 Attendees
Location
Cabana 118
Type Panel, Krushenkos
Taylor Kent, Tim Wick, John C. Rezmerski, Eric Heideman, Mike Hallenbeck
With the passing of the great Anne Francis and Leslie Nielsen, the time has come to look back at this classic vision of the future. Monsters of the Id, Robby the Robot, C57D and Krell technology are as Interesting now as they were in 1956.
Tags Krushenkos, Theme
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
Math and Science in the Performing Arts
39 Attendees
Location
Atrium 7
Type Panel, Science & Technology
Marc Gutman, John Heimbuch, Cole Sarar, Jim Kolles
A discussion featuring panelists who have used the performance arts to discuss Math & Science topics featuring representatives from Maththeatre, Children of Euler and other "Mathartistes."
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
Young Justice
30 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Christopher Jones, Greg Weisman
Guest of Honor Greg Weisman talks about his newest series, the teen hero world of "Young Justice." He'll be joined by the new artist on the comic Christopher Jones. Don't call them sidekicks!
Tags Television, Guest of Honor
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
Ask a Writer
55 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
Anya Bast, Kelly McCullough, Seanan McGuire, Michael Merriam, Dana Baird, David Wilbanks
Always wanted to know how a novel is born? How does a writer structure their day? Is it all glittering parties and intelligent company? Come ask a panel of working writers anything.
Tags Literature, Writing
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
Atlanta Nights: The Hoax, the Book, the Movie
9 Attendees
Location
Cabana 118
Type Panel, Krushenkos
Cynthia Booth, Roy C. Booth
A preview of the forthcoming film from some of its creators. Proceeds from the film will go to the SFWA Emergency Relief Fund. We invite SFWA members join us for a reading from the infamous computer-generated chapter of the source novel.
Tags Krushenkos
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze
21 Attendees
Location
Atrium 3
Anthony Tollin
Before the Man of Steel, there was the Man of Bronze! Join Anthony Tollin for a look at the king of the pulp heroes, Clark Savage Junior!
Tags Side Dish, Guest of Honor
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
Powerpoint Karaoke
149 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Bill Stiteler (mod), Joseph Scrimshaw, Tim Wick, Kevin Murphy, C. Robert Cargill, Melissa Kaercher, Bill Corbett, Sharon Stiteler
Panelists give a PowerPoint presentation. The only problem is, they've never *seen* the presentation before, and have to improvise on the spot.
Tags Audio-Visual, Comedy
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
To Vaxx or not to Vaxx
53 Attendees
Location
Atrium 7
Type Panel, Science & Technology
Maria Walters, Laura Okagaki, Elyse Anders, Jamie Bernstein, Don Riefler, Matt Lowry
There is a lot of debate about whether or not Vaccination is safe or dangerous. This panel will sort out the facts from the fancy.
Tags Science & Technology, Skeptic
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
Transformative Works
27 Attendees
Location
Atrium 4
Jo Thomsen (mod), Anne Kustritz, Elisabeth Brommer, Gail Celio, Mara Kapp
Fan fic, fan art, fan vids, and all other fan works! Let’s talk fandom meta, why transformative fan works are important, and all there is to love about the art of remix. (Note: This panel has no official connection to the Org. for Transformative Works)
Tags Hot Dish
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
Why Yes, Chicks *Still* Dig Time Lords
116 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Tara O'Shea, Lynne Thomas, Lars Pearson, Kathy Sullivan, Christa Dickson, Catherynne Valente
The Chicks Who Dig Time Lords reunite to gab about the Moffat/Smith era and look back at the CDTL phenomena.
Tags Television, Guest of Honor
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Convention
110 Attendees
Location
Atrium 4
Jo Thomsen, David Romm, Lori Fischer
Everyone has great stories about the funniest thing that ever happened to them at a convention. Even if it didn't happen directly to you, if you saw it, come tell it. Share your best convention stories. Be prepared to laugh until you cry.
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
Adrienne Roy and the art of Coloring Comics
19 Attendees
Location
Atrium 2
Katrina Tollin, Anthony Tollin
The premier DC Comics Bronze Age colorist (who died on December 14, 2010), Adrienne Roy was the regular colorist of most of DC's top-selling titles including 17 years on the Batman books. Remembered by her husband/art partner and daughter.
Tags Comics, Guest of Honor
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
Babylon 5 from the Inside
125 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Jason Carter
Jason Carter played Marcus on the poplar television series for years. Come listen to him talk about his experiences with the show.
Tags Television, Guest of Honor
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
Believable Heroines
110 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
Sandra Lindow, Haddayr Copley-Woods, Catherine Lundoff, Naomi Kritzer, Brett Thompson
What constitutes a believable heroine? Let's exclude bronze bikinis and breasts like dirigibles to describe engaging characters who really are brave and smart.
Tags Literature
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
Minn-Spec Meeting
17 Attendees
Location
Cabana 118
Type Panel, Krushenkos
Michael Merriam, Andre Guirard, Hilary Moon Murphy
Come and learn about the Minnesota Speculative Fiction Writers, a 280+ member-strong organization.
Tags Krushenkos
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
Renaissance Festival Music Live Podcast
30 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Tony Artym, Matt Ledder
A Live broadcast of the popular Renaissance Festival Music podcast featuring live musical guests!
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
Stuff I didn't know
84 Attendees
Location
Atrium 7
Type Panel, Science & Technology
Maria Walters, Rebecca Watson, Matt Lowry, Elyse Anders, Kammy Lyon, Jamie Bernstein
Panelists will share something unexpected or interesting that they’ve learned recently.
Tags Science & Technology, Skeptic
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
7:00 PM
to 8:00 PM
Campaign CONvergence Presents the 'Evil Presidential Debates'
144 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Victor Von Doom, The Master, AV Minion, The Moderator (mod), Charles Montgomery "Monty" Burns
Come and listen to evil presidential candidates blast, browbeat and backstab each other in a no-holds barred "debate!" Pledge your fealty to your future leader. Brought to you by the Campaign Convergence Party room.
7:00 PM
to 8:00 PM
7:00 PM
to 8:00 PM
In Conversation
41 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
Catherynne Valente, Seanan McGuire
Seanan McGuire and Catherynne Valente spend an hour talking about anything and everything they can think of. Kind of like an evening with Kevin Smith without a $65 charge and a bunch of obnoxious fanboys.
Tags Literature, Guest of Honor
7:00 PM
to 8:00 PM
7:00 PM
to 8:00 PM
7:00 PM
to 8:00 PM
7:00 PM
to 8:00 PM
The Fringe Files
54 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Geoffrey Hofman-Frethem, Romeo Azar, Alee Ellingsberg, Deborah Frethem, Michael Zecca
J.J. Abrams has given us a unique take on The X-files formula. As it shifts further into the red universe, how does it affect the show? Will it survive the move into Fox's "death slot?"
Tags Television
7:00 PM
to 8:00 PM
8:30 PM
to 10:30 PM
2011 Midwest Sci-Fi Short Film Festival
51 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Troy LaFaye
For the third year, CONvergence features a festival filled with locally produced short films. Come see what local filmmakers are producing!
8:30 PM
to 9:30 PM
Batman Isn't Depressed Enough!
78 Attendees
Location
Atrium 2
Daniel Wallace, Jonathan Palmer, Christopher Jones, Phillip Andrew Bennett Low, Greg Weisman
Super Heroes used to just be the good guys. Now they are alcoholics, narcissists and depressed. Just like the rest of us. Looking at the trend of making our heroes darker. When do they stop being heroes?
8:30 PM
to 10:30 PM
CONvergence Short Film Festival
52 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
For the third year, CONvergence features a festival filled with locally produced short films. Come see what local filmmakers are producing!
8:30 PM
to 9:30 PM
8:30 PM
to 9:30 PM
8:30 PM
to 9:30 PM
So You Want to be a Podcaster?
42 Attendees
Location
Atrium 7
Type Panel, Science & Technology
Taylor Kent, Scott White, Cassandra L, Jack Ward, Rebecca Watson
Do you have something to say? You want to do it in a audio or video format live or otherwise? Not quite sure how to get started, or you have started and want some advice on getting to the next level? Come ask our panel of experts.
8:30 PM
to 9:30 PM
8:30 PM
to 9:30 PM
8:30 PM
to 9:30 PM
Whedonistas
96 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Lynne Thomas, Catherynne Valente, Lars Pearson, Jody Wurl, Sigrid Ellis, Seanan McGuire
The contributors of the new book Whedonistas talk about the book and the works of Joss Whedon.
Tags Television, Guest of Honor
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
Cross-Genre Romance
30 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
Anya Bast, Hilary Moon Murphy, Kristin Livdahl
Cross-Genre romance is very popular these days. Learn about the genre and some of it's many popular authors.
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
The Past through Serenity
161 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Michael Scott Shappe, Mark Goldberg, Rhianna Accetturo, Veronica Cummer, Doug Hulick
Firefly took a lot of its imagery from post-civil war Westerns. How did that enhance the series? Was the connection with the Civil War and the West problematical when you were trying to place it in the far future?
Tags Television
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
11:30 PM
to 12:30 AM
11:30 PM
to 12:30 AM
11:30 PM
to 12:30 AM
11:30 PM
to 12:30 AM
11:30 PM
to 12:30 AM
Supernatural
29 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Jo Thomsen, Matt Weinberg, Jennifer Lundstrom, Rhianna Accetturo, Kiah Nelson
A new season, a new showrunner, and an animated series! Supernatural is still going strong, six seasons in. Come discuss what the Winchesters are up to.
Tags Television
11:30 PM
to 12:30 AM
11:30 PM
to 12:30 AM
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
BBC's Merlin
52 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Jo Thomsen, Elisabeth Brommer, Phillip Andrew Bennett Low, Bess Stuvenoxend, Alee Ellingsberg
In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great TV show rests on the shoulders of a young panel. Its subject: The BBC’s Merlin.
Tags Television
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
Humor Writing
46 Attendees
Location
Atrium 3
Christopher Baldwin (mod), Doug Texter, Rob Callahan, Gordon Smuder
Don't let anyone tell you any differently - writing effective comedy is hard work. Local Comedy writers, MAD Magazine artists and other comedy professionals will share their thoughts on what they do to write effective comedy.
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
Into the Woods: Creating Fairy Tales
102 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
Lisa Blauersouth, Michael Levy, Catherynne Valente, MontiLee Stormer, Michael Merriam, Kristin Livdahl
How do we create modern fairy tales and myths? How do we tap into the primal emotions of fairy tales in a modern era?
Tags Literature, Writing
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
Vintage Poster Collection
28 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Jim Mossey (mod), Kevin Doyle
Examining and celebrating the hobby of collecting vintage movie theater posters with an emphasis on Science Fiction, especially Star Wars. Understanding different poster types, identifying fakes. Panelists will have examples from their own collections.
Tags Audio-Visual
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
When You Can't Take it Anymore: Satire and Science Fiction
95 Attendees
Location
Atrium 7
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Brian Price, Craig A. Finseth, Jerry Stearns
What do you do when the world just gets to be a little too serious? From Mark Twain to the Firesign Theatre to Douglas Adams when the going got rough the jokes started flying. A happy overview of the of the punniest in SF&F. Includes audio examples.
Tags Audio-Visual
10:30 AM
to 11:30 AM
Music Panel 24hr Songwriting Part B
28 Attendees
Location
Harmonic CONvergence
Type Panel, Harmonic CONvergence
Shawn McBurnie/Chad McAnally, Tim Wick/Dregs peeps, Raymond Yates,Keith Spears,
Five go in…who comes out? The results are in! Come see the crazy antics of musicians who live on sugar and caffeine..Part Deux!
Tags music
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
Common Hollywood Science Myths
157 Attendees
Location
Atrium 7
Type Panel, Science & Technology
Melissa Kaercher, Don Riefler, Matt Lowry, Rachel Maccabee
What does Hollywood consistently get wrong? Does it get anything right?
Tags Science & Technology
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
Do Superheroes Need Therapy?
88 Attendees
Location
Atrium 2
Daniel Wallace, Jonathan Palmer, Sherry L.M. Merriam, Daren Johnson, Kevin Horner
Let's face it, Bruce Wayne would not be Batman if someone had sent him to therapy when he was a kid. Would Superman be the man of steel if he wasn't dealing with parental rejection issues? Super Heorism as a means of dodging what's really bugging you.
Tags Comics, Guest of Honor
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
Elaborate Death Traps and Why They Never Work
79 Attendees
Location
Atrium 3
Anthony Tollin, Taylor Kent, M. K. Melin, Cynthia Booth
Is the effectiveness of a death trap inversely proportional to the complexity or is it just a given that any death trap will just piss Batman off?
Tags Side Dish, Guest of Honor
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
Gone But Not Forgotten
48 Attendees
Location
Atrium 4
Lori Fischer, Tara O'Shea, Greg Weisman
Your favorite media that are 'gone' but not forgotten. Your favorite show has been canceled, or your favorite book series has reached its natural end, but the fandom isn't ready to die yet. So what do you do now?
Tags Hot Dish, Guest of Honor
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
Guerilla Marketing
40 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
Anya Bast, Roy C. Booth, Kathy Sullivan
Writers discuss the best ways to promote work with little or no help from their publishers.
Tags Literature
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
Intrepid Mag: Science, UFOs, Unexplained Phenomena & Conspiracies
20 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Scotty Roberts
A presentation of the writers, contributors and content that spans politics to metaphysics to UFOs to Paranormal.
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
Is Today Yesterday's Tomorrow
55 Attendees
Location
Cabana 118
Type Panel, Krushenkos
Christoforo Pasquarette (mod), Ruth Berman, John C. Rezmerski, Doug Texter
Reviewing concepts and predictions in science fiction from Mary Shelley, Verne and Wells to cyberpunk and steampunk. Which have come true? Do they need to come true for the books to stay important?
Tags Krushenkos, Theme
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
Please, Joss, have my child!
72 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Christa Dickson, Miriam Krause, Mark Goldberg
The annual love-in for all things Joss Whedon.
Tags Television
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
12:00 PM
to 1:00 PM
Music Panel-The Mysterious World of Electronic-ah
44 Attendees
Location
Harmonic CONvergence
Type Panel, Harmonic CONvergence
Jonathan L.Ford, Scott Keever, Keith Spears, Todd Madson
Join several musical panelists in their discussions and demonstrations of the curious world of beats, klicks, and clacks
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
'Found Footage' Films
42 Attendees
Location
Plaza 1
Romeo Azar, Stephan Stomberg, John Seavey, C. Robert Cargill
"The Blair Witch Project, Cloverfield" and "Paranormal Activity" are all examples of this hot filmmaking technique. They put the viewer in the middle of the action and make the event feel a bit more real. But has the gimmick worn out it's welcome?
Tags Movies
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
Comedy for Kids
25 Attendees
Location
Atrium 4
Joseph Scrimshaw, Phillip Andrew Bennett Low, Tim Wick
Following on the heels of last year's Offensive Humor panel, we will explore the theory behind making comedy accessible to all ages and especially to children. Do you need to approach comedy a different way entirely or do you just avoid swearing?
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
Happy Writers and Fast Writers
49 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
Anya Bast, Kelly McCullough, Seanan McGuire, David Wilbanks, Michael Merriam, David Walbridge
There are any number of writers who talk about the agony of writing, both in terms of how long it takes them and how miserable it makes them. But that's not the only side of the story. A lot of writers love what they do -- that's why they do it.
Tags Literature, Writing
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
Origins of the Superhero: The Shadow's 80th Anniversary
30 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Anthony Tollin
Anthony Tollin presents audio and video interview material with creator Walter Gibson, 1930s editor John Nanovic, radio Shadows Orson Welles, Bill Johnstone, Bret Morrison and John Archer, Margot Stevenson, and several other vintage Shadow talents.
Tags Audio-Visual, Guest of Honor
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
Practical Science Fiction Footwear
53 Attendees
Location
Atrium 3
Sara Scrimshaw (mod), Melissa Friedman, Jen Scott, Rachel Maccabee
Is it really practical to fight crime in stiletto heels? Our panel of experts discusses what it takes to ensure that you have the right footwear for galaxy hopping or taking a journey to the center of the Earth.
Tags Side Dish
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
Prose to Comics
19 Attendees
Location
Atrium 2
Christopher Baldwin, Brian Keene
Aside from taking a lot less time, what are the unique challenges of writing for the comic industry? How easy is it to transition from one to the other?
Tags Comics, Guest of Honor
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
Rivendell Group Discussion: The Works of Catherynne Valente
8 Attendees
Location
Cabana 118
Type Panel, Krushenkos
David Lenander
Sponsored by the Rivendell Group, a fantasy-book discussion group that has met regularly since late 1973 or early 1974.
Tags Krushenkos
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
Sherlock
112 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Jo Thomsen, Alexandra Howes, Greg Weisman, Alee Ellingsberg, Gail Celio, Michael Lee
The game is on! Join us to discuss the BBC’s modern day Sherlock Holmes adaptation. High functioning sociopaths welcome. Anderson, turn round. Your face is putting me off.
Tags Television
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
Women vs. God: Secular activists using science to fight the religious right
166 Attendees
Location
Atrium 7
Type Panel, Science & Technology
Amanda Marcotte, Debbie Goddard, Ashley Paramore, Sadie Crabtree
These women are using science and critical thought to combat religious superstitions that attack women, the LGBT community, and other minorities.
Tags skeptic
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
Chicks Dig Live Dr. Who Commentary
86 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Lynne Thomas, Catherynne Valente, Christa Dickson, Tara O'Shea, Seanan McGuire
Some Chicks who dig Timelords do a live commentary to the Dr. Who Episode "The Parting of the Ways."
Tags Audio-Visual, Guest of Honor
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
I Saw it on Twitter, it Must be True!
44 Attendees
Location
Atrium 7
Type Panel, Science & Technology
Maria Walters, Rebecca Watson, Elyse Anders, Darren Lane, Jamie Bernstein, Amy Davis Roth
How to use Social Media without being taken for a ride.
Tags Science & Technology, Skeptic
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
One on One with Brian Keene
22 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
C. Robert Cargill (mod), Brian Keene
Part of our continuing series of moderated Guest of Honor interviews conducted on camera for inclusion in our Video Yearbook. Come early to ensure you get a seat.
Tags Literature, Guest of Honor, Interview
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
Paranormal Television/Media
38 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Britt Griffith, James Johnson
Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures, TAPS ParaMagazine and other sources of paranormal media will be highlighted and discussed. Panelists included producers of TAPS ParaMagazine and Brit Griffith from Ghost Hunters.
Tags Television
2:00 PM
to 4:00 PM
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
Success with Short Fiction - The Works of Eleanor Arnason
10 Attendees
Location
Cabana 118
Type Panel, Krushenkos
Terry Garey, Ruth Berman, Eleanor Arnason, David Lenander
In the ‘90s Minnesotan Eleanor Arnason switched from writing novels to short stories, novelettes, and novellas, gaining a wider readership. Let’s talk about this high quality, often quirky work.
Tags Krushenkos
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
The Green Lantern Movie
44 Attendees
Location
Plaza 1
Romeo Azar, Anthony Tollin, Daniel Wallace
Admit it, you had no faith that Ryan Reynolds would make a good Green Lantern. Maybe you were right. We don't know. This book was at the printer before the movie came out. Guest Anthony Tollin colored the book for years. What do he (and others) think?
Tags Movies
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
Gargoyles: The Darker Side of Disney
89 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Greg Weisman
Disney has frequently focused on properties that are inherently uplifting and positive. "Gargoyles" was able to work outside the expected story structure of Disney's animated series of time. Discuss the series with it's creator.
Tags Television, Guest of Honor
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
Interesting Bad Guys
115 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
Anya Bast, Scott Jamison, Christoforo Pasquarette, Naomi Kritzer, Dana Baird, Haddayr Copley-Woods, Doug Hulick
What are the essentials of good villains? How do we go about creating a believable, three dimension villain? Who are some of the most interesting bad guys in SF/F/H literature, movies, and television?
Tags Literature, Writing
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
Minnesota Fandom - a First Person History
25 Attendees
Location
Cabana 118
Type Panel, Krushenkos
Anthony Tollin, Ellen Kufeld, Ruth Berman
Examining the development of Minnesota science fiction and comics fandom. Anthony Tollin published 1960s fanzines, was a committee member of Minicon 1, the first Minnesota science fiction, and was a guest at the first Minnesota Comics Convention.
Tags Krushenkos, Guest of Honor
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
One on One with Lynne Thomas
16 Attendees
Location
Atrium 2
Jody Wurl (mod), Lynne Thomas
Part of our continuing series of Guest of Honor interviews conducted on camera for inclusion in our Video Yearbook. Presented in smaller rooms for a more intimate experience. Come early to ensure you get a seat.
Tags Side Dish, Guest of Honor, Interview
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
Shiny New Anime
87 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Jessi Silver, Boris Smelov, Jo Thomsen
Join us once again to learn about the best new Anime broadcast in Japan over the last year. We'll even bring clips from our favorites!
Tags Audio-Visual, Anime
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
The End of Bookstores?
85 Attendees
Location
Atrium 7
Type Panel, Science & Technology
Catherine Lundoff, Michael Lee, Joel Arnold, Rob Callahan
With e-books, possible mergers between Borders and Barnes & Noble, and other economic and cultural changes, what happens to bookstores? How do readers and authors adapt? Will books survive the digital transition?
Tags Science & Technology
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
Dystopias in Sci-fi Literature
110 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
Catherynne Valente, Tim Lieder, Jim Frenkel, Philip Kaveny, Matthew Davis
We all know the future will be messed up, but in what ways? Discuss the different ways authors have ended the world and what ways they haven't tried yet.
Tags Literature, Guest of Honor
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
Eleventh Doctor Continued
118 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Steve Manfred, Kathy Sullivan, Nick Larson, M. K. Melin, Michael Lee
Our collection of fans will discuss the latest Matt Smith episodes -- the current series has been promised to have one of the greatest cliff hangers in Doctor Who history. Has it lived up to that promise? Where is Doctor Who going next?
Tags Television
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
Evolution According to the Experts
104 Attendees
Location
Atrium 7
Type Panel, Science & Technology
Greg Laden, Matt Kuchta, PZ Myers
Our panel of experts talk about the latest developments in evolution as well as dispel some of the myths and misconceptions.
Tags Science & Technology, Skeptic
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
Movie Critics don't get it
66 Attendees
Location
Plaza 1
Jules Mohr, Melissa Kaercher, MontiLee Stormer, Tim Wick, C. Robert Cargill
Movie critics savaged "Transformers II, Revenge of the Fallen" but it went on to make buckets of money. They don't like horror. They don't like Sci-fi. Seems like all they like are dramas nobody has seen. They just don't get it.
Tags Movies
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
One on One with Greg Weisman
21 Attendees
Location
Atrium 2
Christopher Jones (mod), Greg Weisman
Part of our continuing series of Guest of Honor interviews conducted on camera for inclusion in our Video Yearbook. Presented in smaller rooms for a more intimate experience. Come early to ensure you get a seat.
Tags Side Dish, Guest of Honor, Interview
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
Putting the Gay in Gaming
50 Attendees
Location
Atrium 3
John Till, Don Kaiser
From role-playing to MMORPG, we will discuss how sexuality, and homosexuality in particular, has been portrayed in gaming. We will discuss how GLBT characters are portrayed in the gaming world and the relationship between the gay and gaming communities
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
SF Writing Groups: The 2011 Scene
24 Attendees
Location
Cabana 118
Type Panel, Krushenkos
Eric Heideman (mod), Haddayr Copley-Woods, Naomi Kritzer, Doug Hulick, Terry Garey
This annual (since 1986) get-together of the Minnesota Imaginative Fiction Writers Alliance lets speculative fiction groups link with authors who are looking for a critique group.
Tags Krushenkos, Writing
5:00 PM
to 6:00 PM
The Kids Aren't All Right
128 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Lori Fischer, Jessi Silver, Holly Spotts, Laura Graves, Mark McPherson
Terrifying and just plain wrong moments from children's media. Not limited to cartoons, but also things that were INTENDED for children will be included. (Defined as 'under PG13 rating') Ironically, this panel may not be appropriate for children.
Tags Audio-Visual
7:00 PM
to 8:00 PM
8:30 PM
to 9:30 PM
8:30 PM
to 9:30 PM
8:30 PM
to 9:30 PM
9:00 PM
to 12:00 AM
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
Can Video Games be Art?
59 Attendees
Location
Atrium 3
Jen Manna, Stephan Stomberg, Jerry Belich, Taylor Kent, David Hansen
Roger Ebert famously ignited an internet firestorm when he claimed that video games cannot be art. It raises the question - what is art? Based on your definition, can video games aspire to and/or reach that definition? CONvergence gets philosophical!
Tags Gaming
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
Darkly Dreaming Dexter
37 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Amanda Hofman-Frethem, Tara O'Shea, Greg Weisman
Dexter has kept us on the edge of our seats for five years, pushing the boundaries further as time passes. Where can he possibly go from here?
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
Failure: The Key to Success
53 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
Catherynne Valente, Gordon Smuder, Philip Kaveny
We are afraid to acknowledge failure but we all fail a lot more often than we succeed. What we learn from out failures, how we can recover, how it can be useful and how it can be paralyzing.
Tags Literature, Guest of Honor
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
Science-Based Sex
180 Attendees
Location
Atrium 7
Type Panel, Science & Technology
Rachel Maccabee, Bug Girl, Amanda Marcotte, Stephanie Zvan, Craig A. Finseth
What does science have to say about human sexuality? Do our current cultural assumptions about sex hold up to scientific scrutiny?
Tags Science & Technology, Skeptic
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
What Not to Wear
64 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Tracie Peters, Daren Johnson, Kristina Halseth, Eryn Hildebrand, Angela Polk
Seriously - that shirt does not go with those shoes.
10:00 PM
to 11:00 PM
Zombies and Their Slow (or Fast) Movement into Popular Culture
84 Attendees
Location
Plaza 1
Brian Keene, Erik Pakieser, Edward Douglas, Cynthia Booth, David Wilbanks
Zombies have slowly been taking over fan mentality since George Romero first brought us "Night of the Living Dead." Danny Boyle, Brian Keene and others have sped up their takeover. Discuss where zombies came from and where they are headed (your house!!)
Tags Hot Dish, Guest of Honor, zombie
11:30 PM
to 12:30 AM
Animated Cartoons for Adults
63 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Michael Scott Shappe, Nick Larson, Dave Margosian
What do you think about South Park, Family Guy, American Dad, Robot Chicken, the Venture Bros., and other shows? What about Anime? Do these shows fill a void for adults? Can these funny shows be taken seriously when it comes to Emmy nominations?
Tags Television
11:30 PM
to 12:30 AM
Capitalizing on Bad Films: The Legacy of Tommy Wiseau
27 Attendees
Location
Plaza 1
Bill Stiteler, James Johnson, Britt Griffith
"The Room" is a national phenomena simply because it is unbelievably awful. Ed Wood has enjoyed tremendous success in recent years - too bad he didn't live to see it. Let's look at the way we sometimes take bad films and turn them into huge hits.
11:30 PM
to 12:30 AM
Killer B's Improv Movie Show
98 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Melissa Kaercher, Joseph Scrimshaw, Aric McKeown, Jerry Belich, Kelvin Hatle
In front of your eyes, our team of experts will create brand new dialogue, commentary, and Theremin score to some of the most deliciously odd film clips you will ever see... and they will do it without ever seeing the films before!
Tags Audio-Visual
11:30 PM
to 12:30 AM
11:30 PM
to 12:30 AM
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
Climate Change: Just the facts
94 Attendees
Location
Atrium 7
Type Panel, Science & Technology
Sharon Stiteler, John Abraham, Greg Laden, Melissa Kaercher
A panel of experts who have been studying Climate Change will talk about what we know and don't know to help you separate the facts from the fancy.
Tags Science & Technology, Skeptic
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
Convincing Futures
32 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
Andre Guirard, John C. Rezmerski, Anna Waltz, Kathy Sullivan
How to avoid writing futures that seem dated the moment the book comes out. Unless that's your goal.
Tags Literature, Writing
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
The return of Torchwood
95 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Christa Dickson, Stephan Stomberg, Alee Ellingsberg
Left with only three members and no hub, how will Torchwood survive? Discuss the possibilities now that Torchwood exists off the grid.
Tags Television
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
Toy Story 3
26 Attendees
Location
Plaza 1
Mark McPherson, Melinda Padolf, David Margosian
Pixar faced the jinx of the Threequel head on and, as one might expect, knocked the ball out of the park. With two more sequels on the way (Cars 2 & Monsters, Inc 2), can they continue their winning ways? Let's look back at the exploits of Woody & Buzz.
Tags Movies
9:30 AM
to 10:30 AM
Visions of the future: Audio Style
17 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Taylor Kent, Brian Price, Jerry Stearns, Dave Erwin
Let's talk about some of the visions of the future that have been done via radio and audio drama now and during radio's golden age.
Tags Audio-Visual
10:00 AM
to 11:00 AM
Music Panel- Unlock your own Kwisatz Haderach
22 Attendees
Location
Harmonic CONvergence
Type Panel, Harmonic CONvergence
Join Dayna Jean for an part lecture, part interactive panel where we explore the spiritual and healing power of the Human Voice. No musical experience required, only a sense of adventure and play. Come and sing!
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
Big Bang Theory
129 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Tony Artym, Stephan Stomberg, Miriam Krause, David Margosian
Sheldon and Leonard make science seem sexy. Or at least entertaining. Discuss these nerds and what makes them tick. Or at least learn how to play rock-paper-scissors-lizard-Spock.
Tags Television
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
Examining the Life of Hugo Gernsback
11 Attendees
Location
Atrium 3
Anthony Tollin
He created the first science fiction magazine, coined the terms "scientifiction" and "science fiction," and also was a broadcast pioneer who. (He also found SEXOLOGY magazine promoting the scientific study of human sexuality.)
Tags Side Dish, Guest of Honor
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
Future Robots - Dad, Can I Have the Car Keys?
35 Attendees
Location
Atrium 7
Type Panel, Science & Technology
Michael Walsh
How close are today's robots to being able to take some amount of responsibility? How much responsibility do we want to give them?
Tags Science & Technology
11:00 AM
to 1:00 PM
11:00 AM
to 1:00 PM
Iron Artist
125 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Perrin Klumpp, Jerry Belich, Melissa Kaercher, Christopher Jones, Kelvin Hatle, Matt Waterhouse, Louis Frank, Eryn Hildebrand, Tim Wick
It's Iron Chef on artistic steroids. Watch as art is created around a secret ingredient in only one hour. Listen as our judges render their opinions and the artists. Who's art will stand apart?! All art void in Canada and where prohibited by law.
Tags Audio-Visual
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
Making The Dead Matter
17 Attendees
Location
Plaza 1
Edward Douglas, Brian Van Camp, Jason Carter
Jason, Ed and Brian talk about their experiences making the film "The Dead Matter."
Tags Movies, Guest of Honor
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
Masquerade Results and Recap
39 Attendees
Location
Atrium 2
Erin Kasper, Dayna Jean Wolter, Deborah Mullen, various 2011 Masquerade Award winners
Want to understand why judges made the decisions they did? Want to talk about your favorite costumes from the Masquerade? This is the panel for you! See what makes a winning entry and watch the deconstruction demo, see winning entries up close and join our Q & A.
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
The Obama Era Space Program: The Journey Continues
71 Attendees
Location
Cabana 118
Type Panel, Krushenkos
Eric Heideman (mod), Michael Kauper, Ben Huset, David Buth
This sequel to last year s panel looks at how space exploration, robotic and human, is doing under the cash-strapped Obama administration.
Tags Krushenkos
11:00 AM
to 12:00 PM
What Makes Something Worth Archiving?
46 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
Meredith Gillies, Lynne Thomas
How does one decide what should be archived and what should not? The trials and tribulations of the professional archivist.
Tags Literature
11:30 AM
to 12:30 PM
Music Panel-The Art of the Score/Soundtrack
28 Attendees
Location
Harmonic CONvergence
Type Panel, Harmonic CONvergence
Dave Stagner, Scott Keever, Anita Kelling, Keith Spears, Todd Madson
Without a fabulous score to encourage us to emote with the characters on the screen, where would TV and movies be? A discussion of what makes a great score and how soundtracks are an impactful marketing tool.
Tags music
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
Ask a Scientist Open Forum
89 Attendees
Location
Atrium 7
Type Panel, Science & Technology
Lori Fischer, Bug Girl, Rachel Maccabee, Laura Okagaki
Here is your chance to ask a scientist almost anything. Biology, Physics and other fields will be represented.
Tags Science & Technology, Skeptic
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
Beyond Dirigibles and Pith Helmets
63 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
Mark Stegbauer, Jennifer Menken, Eli Effinger-Weintraub, Mariah Fryer
Steampunk can be set outside Europe where the technology, politics, colonialism, and roles of women can all vary greatly. The possibilities are nearly as endless as different styles of brass-plated goggles.
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
Chicks Dig Comics (No Really)!
60 Attendees
Location
Atrium 2
Lynne Thomas, Seanan McGuire, Tara O'Shea, Meredith Gillies, Lars Pearson, Sigrid Ellis
A preview panel of the next book of feminine squee from Mad Norwegian Press. Join us to talk about the titles, writers, and artists that make us comics lovers.
Tags Comics, Guest of Honor
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
DIY Film/Video Production Equipment
39 Attendees
Location
Plaza 1
Rob Withoff, Chris McWethy
What? You can t afford a green screen or steady cam to shoot your fan film? Local DYI filmmakers discuss innovative and cheap way to make your own production support equipment on the cheap!
Tags Movies, Filmmaking
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
One on One with Anthony Tollin
8 Attendees
Location
Cabana 118
Type Panel, Krushenkos
Eric Heideman (mod), Anthony Tollin
Part of our continuing series of Guest of Honor interviews conducted on camera for inclusion in our Video Yearbook. Presented in smaller rooms for a more intimate experience. Come early to ensure you get a seat.
12:30 PM
to 1:30 PM
The Gene Hunt Experience
31 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Michael Zecca, M. K. Melin, Jo Thomsen, Kris Coulter
Tomorrow through the past? You bet! Life on Mars & Ashes to Ashes involve modern police officers who wake up in the past applying modern police techniques and historical knowledge to solve crimes in the past (or is there more to it than all that?).
Tags Television
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
Dr Who: 48 Years of Tomorrows
110 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
John Seavey, Lars Pearson, Michael Lee, Kathy Sullivan
Doctor Who has been telling science-fiction stories for almost fifty years now, and has produced a number of different visions of "the future". We'll look at some of those ideas and how they've aged as our world outpaces the show's visions of tomorrow.
Tags Television, Theme, Dr. Who
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
Editing Video
44 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Romeo Azar, Melissa Kaercher, Chris McWethy
A discussion of the many tools available to edit video on your computer. The tools are cheaper and easier to use but sometimes that can make things even more difficult!
Tags Audio-Visual
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
Spider-Man Through the Years
31 Attendees
Location
Atrium 2
Greg Weisman, Christopher Jones, Jonathan Palmer
Peter Parker has been bitten and re-bitten by that radioactive spider for almost 50 years. He's been in comics, on TV (Electric Company Anyone?) and in movies. Discuss the eternal and changing qualities of the character. What are your favorites?
Tags Comics, Guest of Honor
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
Stuff I Wanted to do but Didn't: Pitches that Failed
61 Attendees
Location
Atrium 4
Brian Keene, Doug Texter, Kelly McCullough
Working in the creative industries, you get used to disappointment. The great ideas that never saw the light of day.
Tags Hot Dish, Guest of Honor
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
Taming the Internet Monster
27 Attendees
Location
Atrium 7
Type Panel, Science & Technology
Darren Lane (mod)
How many hours a week do you spend on the comptuer? Do you remember what your kids look like any more? How to recognize when the internet is taking over your life.
Tags Science & Technology
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
The Difference Between Good Poetry and the Crap People Post on Craigslist
30 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
Hal Bichel, Catherynne Valente
Writing Poetry Not as easy as you think Craigslist Poets. Splash.
Tags Literature, Guest of Honor
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
The Green Lantern: A Fearless History
24 Attendees
Location
Cabana 118
Type Panel, Krushenkos
Anthony Tollin, Eric Heideman (mod)
For 72 years before the new film, Green Lantern was a superior comic. We ll trace the work of such brilliant creators as Alfred Bester and Gil Kane, the careers of Green Lanterns and such friends and/or foes as Vandal Savage, Solomon Grundy, and Sinestro
Tags Krushenkos, Guest of Honor
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
Tron vs. Tron Legacy
71 Attendees
Location
Plaza 1
Mark Goldberg, Clay Lamkin, Rich Kooyer, C. Robert Cargill
In 1982, Tron opened the door to computer animation in film. Years later, Tron: Legacy may not have the same ripple effect on the movie industry but it still has legions of fans. Come join us on the grid as we discuss the films and the inevitable sequel.
Tags Movies
2:00 PM
to 3:00 PM
Using the Tool to Fix the Tool - Convention Growth
91 Attendees
Location
Atrium 3
David Walbridge, Marina Yoder, Ishmael Williams, David Hansen
What to do about the con's growth? Within 1-5 years, CONvergence may expand beyond the physical limits of one building/ parking lot/ neighborhood - this panel will use the input of panelists and guests to brainstorm possible creative solutions...
Tags Side Dish
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
Juvenile vs. Young Adult Science Fiction
47 Attendees
Location
Bloomington
Type Panel, Literature
Michael Levy (mod), Meredith Gillies, Ruth Berman, Kathy Sullivan, Jody Wurl
Most older readers of SF cut their teeth on the Juvenile SF classics of Heinlein and Norton. How did those books differ from contemporary Young Adult SF?
Tags Literature
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
Pathogens in Fact, Folklore, Fiction and Film
97 Attendees
Location
Cabana 118
Type Panel, Krushenkos
Melissa Kaercher (mod), Eric Heideman (mod)
Even though we usually can t even see them, viruses, bacteria, prions, and even fungi are important players in reality and fiction. Join us to discuss the likes of The Andromeda Strain, 28 Days Later, and perhaps even Old Yeller.
Tags Krushenkos
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
SyFy movie - are they bad on purpose?
80 Attendees
Location
Edina
Type Panel, Television
Melissa McConnell, Rob Callahan, Steven Erickson
From Frankenfish to Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus, does SyFy make this crap on purpose? Do Deborah Gibson and Tiffany really need the work? Discuss.
Tags Television
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
The SF Squeecast
33 Attendees
Location
Atrium 6
Type Panel, Audio-Visual
Lynne Thomas (mod), Seanan McGuire, Catherynne Valente
A live recording of the SF Squeecast: a group of Science Fiction and Fantasy professionals squee about things SFnal, in a neverending panel discussion of vague positivity. Skyped guests will be Paul Cornell and Elizabeth Bear
3:30 PM
to 4:30 PM
Women in Science and Technology
85 Attendees
Location
Atrium 7
Type Panel, Science & Technology
Maria Walters, Bug Girl, Joan Marie Verba, Laura Okagaki
A discussion of and by women in the Science and Technology fields.
