Panels and Workshops
Saturday, August 10th, 2024
Saturday, 10 A.M.
Disney Character Sing-a-long
Presented by guests Rapunzel, Elsa, Belle, Ariel, and more!
Location: Main Stage, 10 – 11 a.m.
Characters you all know and love invite you to sing along to your favorite Disney songs all together. Come with your families, ready to sing your hearts out!
Saturday, 10 A.M.
5 Tips To Get Started With Crowdfunding Comics
Presented by John Kratky, writer of Home Free, The Black Wall, Getting Back to Normal, & Goblet at the Black Oak.
Location: Panel Room, 10 – 11 a.m.
Are you interested in making comics, but just don’t have the funds to cover everything? Crowdfunding your comic is an excellent way to not only cover costs like printing, but to help get yourself established within the comics community. Host John Kratky has had 6 successful campaigns since 2021.
Saturday, 10 A.M.
D&D for Beginners
Presented by dungeon master Paul Glenn
Location: Tournament Room, 10 – 2 p.m.
Calling all Adventurers! Have you ever been interested in Dungeons and Dragons? Does it feel intimidating to learn on your own? Come on down and let Paul walk you through character creation and your first adventure. We will have a simple format where you will get to create your character! 6 spots are open for this session.
Saturday, 10 A.M.
Dungeons and Dragons: Hellinia’s Hunt! Reign of Iron – Session 1
Presented by dungeon master Devon Gsoell
Location: Tournament Room, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Heed the call with your fellow adventurers on a hunt for one of the most dangerous creatures in D&D, a dragon! But no ordinary dragon — a Magnetic Dragon. Join us as pre-generated characters; dice will be given to our adventurers to take home after their deadly encounter!6 spots are open for each session.
Saturday, 9 A.M.
Cosplay Contest Pre-judging
Location: Cosplay Ballroom, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Do you love to create things? Have you made a costume you’re really proud of? Do you want to share what you’re passionate about with the world? Then this is the contest for you!! Sign-ups take place HERE – there are limited spots available in the contest and cosplays are accepted on a first come, first served basis so sign up today!
Saturday, 11 A.M.
Celebrity Highlight: Michaela Jill Murphy
Location: Main Stage, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Michaela Jill Murphy (aka Jessie Flower) is a Los Angeles based actor, singer, and writer known for voicing “Toph Beifong” in Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender. Other credits include “Chaca” in Kronk’s New Groove/Emperor’s New School, “Young Franny” in Meet the Robinsons, “Nasse” in Platinum End, and “Harika” in Boruto. She studied Screenwriting and Theater at Yale University, has performed with cover band “Faces for Radio” in renowned New York venues from Bowery Electric to Stephen Talkhouse, and recently started the Bandit community which you can check out on her website: michaelajillmurphy.com. Follow her on Instagram/Threads/YouTube: @michaelamostly and TikTok: @michaelajillmurphy
Saturday, 11 A.M.
The Infatuated, The Awkward, The Deplorable–Romance Tropes and Why We Love or Hate Them
Presented by Misty Polish (Best Selling Fantasy Romance Author) and Ashley Lavering (Paranormal/Fantasy Romance Author)
Location: Panel Room, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Explore romance tropes with authors M.R. Polish and Ashley Lavering. Why do some romance tropes work, and others don’t? Why we love or hate one trope over another? Picking the right tropes can shape our favorite stories and reveal the values and true behaviors of the characters.
Saturday, 12 P.M.
Celebrity Highlight: Matthew G. Taylor
Location: Main Stage, 12 – 12:30 p.m.
Matthew G. Taylor is a Canadian born Actor who has been a part of the Television and Film industry since 1996. Matthew played the legendary role of NEMESIS, from Resident Evil: Apocalypse. He starred in the movie- Detroit Rock City as Chongo, Zac O’Toole in Queer as Folk, and other prominent roles in The Umbrella Academy, Exit Wounds, Gothika, Pacific Rim, Immortals and the Apple TV hit series, SEE with Jason Mamoa.
Throughout the Comiccon and Horror Fests, Matthew’s role as NEMESIS draws in the crowds. He shares his memories of playing the iconic role, including the process he was involved in when the custom built costume was created. Matthew enjoys meeting the people who appreciate the roles he has played over his career, and embraces the opportunity to take photos and sign autographs.
Saturday, 12 P.M.
Return of the Musings of Jedi
Presented by Mark Christensen and Hooten Fullmer
Location: Panel Room, 12 – 1 p.m.
A Star Wars Panel discussing the endearing and enduring qualities of Star Wars hosted by life-long Star Wars enthusiasts. They will be discussing different eras of Star Wars in-universe history and some of the interesting inhabitants of the galaxy.
Saturday, 12 P.M.
Here There Be Dragons: Mental Health & the Stigmas of Cosplay
Presented by Sandra & Matt Leahy of Sandra’s Cosplay Asylum and Destinee of Gazelleon Cosplay
Location: Workshop Room, 12 – 1 p.m.
Cosplay is more popular than ever! But with popularity comes mental health issues, social stigmas, and preconceived notions of what”cosplay” is. Join us in this open forum to discuss the emotional highs and lows of the hobby we all love.
Saturday, 12 P.M.
Tea and Storytime with Princesses
Presented by Elsa, Ariel, and Belle (Madison Gervais, Tanah Shaffmaster, Susan Scott)
Location: Kid Zone, 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Join us for a magical tea party as you mingle with Elsa, Belle, Ariel and Hiro Hamada and enjoy some yummy cookies and tea. The Princesses and Hiro will read off some Disney stories to end the party. Cookies will be store bought and a gluten friendly option will be offered as well.
Saturday, 1 P.M.
Vikings Celebrity Highlight: Clive Standen & Lucy Martin
Location: Main Stage, 1 – 2 p.m.
Clive Standen is best known for his captivating portrayal as Rollo in the series Vikings and most recently Bryan Mills in Taken on NBC. His career spans two decades across every genre, and you can currently hear him as Captain Titus in the video game Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.
Lucy Martin is an actress, singer and dancer who began her career on stage in London’s West End, appearing in multiple productions. She is perhaps best well known for her role as Queen Ingrid in the series Vikings.
Saturday, 1 P.M.
Marvel Trivia
Presented by Sandra Leahy of Sandra’s Cosplay Asylum
Location: Panel Room, 1 – 2 p.m.
Fly in with your Marvel knowledge hosted by Sandra’s Cosplay Asylum and H&J Comics. The game plays like Jeopardy with the top three points winners moving into round 2. Round 3 is final Jeopardy where all three contestants bet their points to try to be the top winner!
Friday, 5 P.M.
Night Magic – Open Play
Location: Tournament Room, 4–8 p.m.
Saturday, 1 P.M.
Beginner's Guide to Silicone Prosthetic Transfers: Creating Realistic Lacerations
Presented by Rain Factor FX, a SFX makeup artist with 11 years of experience
Location: Workshop Room, 1 – 2 p.m.
Only 10 spots available - $40 per person - Cash/Cards/Venmo
Join Rain Factor FX for a 1-hour beginner-friendly workshop on creating realistic lacerations with silicone transfers. Learn application techniques, color matching, and safe removal methods with step-by-step guidance. Ideal for beginners or those expanding their skills.
Saturday, 2 P.M.
Celebrity Highlight: Andrey Ivchenko
Location: Main Stage, 2 – 2:30 p.m.
Born in the heart of the Ukraine, in a city called Kharkiv, Andrey Ivchenko was always a dreamer and very passionate about television and film. Knowing his opportunities to succeed in film and television were extremely limited in the Ukraine, Andrey packed up and moved to follow his dreams. He is most recognized as the Russian Terminator, Grigori, on season 3 of the Netflix mega hit series Stranger Things, as well as Red Erik in xXx: The Return Of Xander Cage and as Perseus in Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.
Andrey has definitely become a recognizable face and name within the entertainment industry and this next year will be very exciting with all of the upcoming projects he has in the works. In his spare time he likes to hang out with friends, go to the gym, and travel.
Saturday, 2 P.M.
So You Wanna Be Post-Apocalyptic?
Presented by Wastelanders Marrow, Crybaby, Morgue, & Allyn Wrench
Location: Panel Room, 2 – 3 p.m.
Post-apo enthusiasts discuss the creation and weathering of costumes for such fandoms as Fallout, Mad Max, Bioshock and more! Much will be covered from theming/costuming guidelines, tips and tricks for thrifting, building armor out of random items, making a piece cohesive through weathering, etc.
Saturday, 2 P.M.
Coloring with Rapunzel: Let's Make Art!
Location: Kid Zone, 2 – 3 p.m.
Come along to get colorful and happy with some fun coloring time with Princess Rapunzel!
Saturday, 2 P.M.
Dungeons and Dragons: Hellinia's Hunt! Reign of Iron - Session 2
Presented by dungeon master Devon Gsoell
Location: Tournament Room, 2 – 4 p.m.
Heed the call with your fellow adventurers on a hunt for one of the most dangerous creatures in D&D, a dragon! But no ordinary dragon -- a Magnetic Dragon. Join us as pre-generated characters; dice will be given to our adventurers to take home after their deadly encounter!6 spots are open for each session.
Saturday, 3 P.M.
Celebrity Highlight: Bob Morley
Location: Main Stage, 3 – 4 p.m.
Bob Morley began his acting career in his native Australia on the series Home and Away, moving on to many more projects, including a stint on the wildly popular Neighbours, before landing the role of the heroic Bellamy Blake on the CW’s The 100.
Saturday, 3 P.M.
Designing Cosplay from Image to Cosplay
Presented by
Location: Panel Room, 3 – 4 p.m.
Join cosplayers Going Ape Cosplay and Sandra's Cosplay Asylum as they discuss tips and ideas to help take your cosplay from an image to a design - and to a completed cosplay!
Saturday, 3 P.M.
Kid's Costume Contest
Location: Cosplay Ballroom, 3 – 4 p.m.
Calling all knights, heroes, princesses, and more! We are looking for shining stars to take the stage and show us the characters they love! No early application or sign-up will be required. This fun contest is for children ages 1 – 10 only (every child must be accompanied by an adult at all times). The costumes can either be made (by the child or someone else) or purchased.
Each kid in the contest will stand before the crowd and show us their costume – they can pose, dance, or show off their best fighter moves – whatever they want! Afterwards we will walk the convention floor in a big parade of costumes!
Saturday, 4 P.M.
Building the Perfect Magic System for Your Story
Presented by Amber Argyle, award-winning novelist whose work has been translated into multiple languages
Location: Main Stage, 4 – 5 p.m.
Does magic require Rules? Consequences? Fiction writers, DMs, & magic enthusiasts: join fantasy-author Amber Argyle for an engaging class on the intricacies of magic in storytelling! We'll cover: Soft vs. Hard Magical Systems, Rules and Consequences, Story Requirements & more!
Saturday, 4 P.M.
Star Wars Trivia
Presented by Sandra Leahy of Sandra's Cosplay Asylum
Location: Panel Room, 4 – 5 p.m.
Jump in with your Star Wars knowledge hosted by Sandra's Cosplay Asylum and H&J Comics. The game plays like Jeopardy with the top three points winners moving into round 2. Round 3 is final Jeopardy where all three contestants bet their points to try to be the top winner!
Saturday, 4 P.M.
Working with Monster Clay
Presented by professional SFX artist & fabricator, Troy Alan Larson
Location: Workshop Room, 4 – 5 p.m.
Only 15 spots available - $15/person - Cash/Card/Venmo
Ready to learn something new? We'll be experimenting with numerous textures that can be used to create different types of skin textures, wounds and scars, general animal/creature skin textures as well as other useful techniques. Each student will leave with a sample size pack of medium Monster Clay.
Saturday, 4 P.M.
Pokémon The Card Game Tournament
Presented by Tyler Brown of Titan Forged Siegeworks
Location: Tournament Room, 4 – 6 p.m.
Do you have what it takes to catch them all? Bring your decks to battle it out in a Pokémon TCG Tournament hosted by a veteran Poké-Master!
Saturday, 5 P.M
Making Independent Comics
Presented by Cameron Ferguson, Robert Gift, Robert Tweedy, Nate Johns, Steven Yu, and Jonathan Greenberg
Location: Main Stage, 5 – 6 p.m.
Join seasoned illustrators, editors, and up-and-coming creators as they discuss the process of developing, producing, and promoting independent comics. Panelists include seasoned illustrators, editors, and up-and-coming creators.
Saturday, 5 P.M.
Black Thumbs: Making Mad Max Cars
Presented by Wastelanders Allyn Wrench & Crybaby
Location: Panel Room, 5 – 6 p.m.
So you want a thrilling ride? Two Blackthumbs (mechanics) discuss what it takes to get a car ready for the Wastes. Both have had cars in the Wasteland Car Show & Armada - the largest gathering of Mad Max-style cars in the world - and are ready to talk shop with anyone who will listen. WITNESS!
Saturday, 5 P.M.
Intro to Haunt Sliding
Presented by Trevor Kleist from Heartstoppers Haunted House
Location: Workshop Room, 5 – 6 p.m.
Run, Crouch, Slide! Trevor has 8 years of scare actor experience and 7 as a slider. This presentation will cover all the basics including gear and safety. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of required personal safety equipment and how to start sliding in their freetime.
Saturday, 5 P.M.
Cosplay Karaoke
Ever been rick-rolled by Spock? Was Sleeping Beauty truly blessed with the gift of music? Would Deadpool and Wolverine ever sing a duet? Join fellow geeks and friends to sing your heart out (whether or not you are dressed in costume).Location: Cosplay Ballroom, 5 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, 6 P.M.
From Blackmoor to Baldur's Gate: 50 years of Dungeons & Dragons
Presented by Tyler Brown of Titan Forged Siegeworks and local Dungeon Masters Matt Leahy & Colton Broadwater
Location: Main Stage, 6 – 7 p.m.
Dungeon and Dragons has become a worldwide phenomenon taking the world by storm with videogames, card games, and movies. But, where did it start and what will the future bring? Join us as we take a look back on the first 50 years of the tabletop game that has taken Pop Culture by storm.
Saturday, 6 P.M.
Haunted Legends & Future Dreams: The Story of the Commercial Hotel
Presented by Dr. Chad Edwards, Owner of the Commercial Fun Center & Haunted Commercial Hotel
Location: Panel Room, 6 – 7 p.m.
Explore the Haunted Commercial Hotel's dark history, including infamous murders and its role as "Vegas before Vegas" with live entertainment and gambling. Learn about the exciting current activities at the Commercial Fun Center and our future plans. Q&A and special swag for attendees!
Saturday, 6 P.M.
Introduction to Face Paint
Presented by professional face painter Susan Kole
Location: Workshop Room, 6 – 7 p.m.
Only 20 spots available - $40 per person - Cash/Cards/Venmo
Join Cheeky Doodles, your local face painter, for an exciting face painting session! The class includes a mini kit of professional-grade face paints for you to keep, along with live instructions on application techniques. Discover the distinctions between various face paint types, special effects supplies, and prioritize skin safety during the session.
Saturday, 5 P.M.
Cosplay Karaoke
Presented by
Location: Cosplay Ballroom, 5 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, 7 P.M.
Elko Pop Con Cosplay Contest
Location: Main Stage, 7 – 9 p.m.
Come feast your eyes on the hard work and talent of cosplayers from all skill levels and fandoms as they become their favorite characters before your eyes! The categories to compete in are: Youth (ages 11 -16), Armor & Foamwork, and Sewing & Textiles. Prizes will be awarded to the top three competitors in each category, with a prize of $1,500 for the Best in Show!
