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Panel [clear filter]
Thursday, January 15
 

6:00pm EST

25 Years of Fantasy Films
Discuss your favorites, see clips of the best from 25 years, and watch “Hook” in full to commemorate Robin Williams

Speakers

Thursday January 15, 2015 6:00pm - 9:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 1
 
Friday, January 16
 

3:00pm EST

25 Years of Science Fiction Films
Discuss your favorites, see clips of the bset from 25 years, and watch “Jurassic Park” in full

Speakers

Friday January 16, 2015 3:00pm - 6:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 1

4:00pm EST

25 Years: the History of MarsCon
Butch presents the story of MarsCon from start to finish, with help from the founding organizers, the Con’s most prominent art contributors, and frequent contributor and head of our sister Con, RavenCon.

Moderators
avatar for James Allen

James Allen

MarsCon President of the Board
James Ford “Butch” Allen is best known for his work as Chairman of MarsCon, the longest running Science Fiction Convention in Tidewater Virginia, but has a long history in Fandom in Virginia. He served as Chairman for Sci-Con, president for The Hampton Roads Science Fiction Association... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for John Desmarais

John Desmarais

Committee Member
When you’re the child of over educated parents and grow up in a family of voracious readers, your destiny lies along the path to Geekdom – and a lonely path it can be. The grand revelation occurred shortly after graduating from high school with the first excursion to an actual... Read More →
avatar for Chuck Turnitsa

Chuck Turnitsa

MarsCon Progenitor
In the waning days of summer, of the year 1965, the third of three massive scout ships – hailing from an obscure little stellar empire past the Crab nebula – reached her destination. The first two ships were lost. One fell victim to curious new radiation unique to our part of... Read More →


Friday January 16, 2015 4:00pm - 6:00pm EST
General Early's

7:00pm EST

Baen Traveling Road Show
Meet Baen authors, learn about forthcoming books, and take away great swag!


Friday January 16, 2015 7:00pm - 8:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 1

8:00pm EST

Healthy Fandom and Geek Fitness

Friday January 16, 2015 8:00pm - 9:00pm EST
Stuart's Redoubt

8:00pm EST

Late Night Horror Hosts
Speakers

Friday January 16, 2015 8:00pm - 9:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 1

8:00pm EST

Low-Sew Costuming panel
You don't need to know advanced sewing techniques or have access to sewing machines to costume. Our panelists will provide ideas.


Friday January 16, 2015 8:00pm - 9:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 2

9:00pm EST

All Steamed Up: Applying Steampunk to Famous Stories
Join our expert guests in giving the steampunk treatment to stories that are not traditionally steampunk. Makeover stories, characters and setting in this versatile fantasy/science fiction style.


Friday January 16, 2015 9:00pm - 10:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 2

9:00pm EST

Mighty Muggle Media: Our Favorite Nongenre Films, Television and Books
There are some entertaining television shows, films, and books being read by the Muggle world. Come ready to get recommendations from our guests or share your own. For one hour only, no science fiction, fantasy, or horror allowed!

Moderators
Speakers
avatar for John Desmarais

John Desmarais

Committee Member
When you’re the child of over educated parents and grow up in a family of voracious readers, your destiny lies along the path to Geekdom – and a lonely path it can be. The grand revelation occurred shortly after graduating from high school with the first excursion to an actual... Read More →
avatar for Chuck Turnitsa

Chuck Turnitsa

MarsCon Progenitor
In the waning days of summer, of the year 1965, the third of three massive scout ships – hailing from an obscure little stellar empire past the Crab nebula – reached her destination. The first two ships were lost. One fell victim to curious new radiation unique to our part of... Read More →


Friday January 16, 2015 9:00pm - 10:00pm EST
Stuart's Redoubt

9:00pm EST

Monsters, Mayhem, and Madness: Why We Love Horror and All It Impales
Dive in with us as we share our favorite clips, techniques and creatures from films of the past. This panel is spooky and PG rated.


Friday January 16, 2015 9:00pm - 10:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 1

10:00pm EST

Blaxploitation Horror: Can Ya Dig It?
Speakers

Friday January 16, 2015 10:00pm - 11:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 1

10:00pm EST

Honor Bound: Working with David Weber
Ever wondered what happened in the background when the cover says "David Weber and" another author? Check out this panel to find out what it's like to work with one of the science fiction greats.


Friday January 16, 2015 10:00pm - 11:00pm EST
General Longstreet's

10:00pm EST

Masking More than Your Face: How to Cope when You Don't Quite Fit Your Cosplay
What to do when you want to cosplay a role that doesn't fit your body type


Friday January 16, 2015 10:00pm - 11:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 2
 
Saturday, January 17
 

10:00am EST

Myths and Realities of Fantasy Combat panel
How realistic are those scenes described in your favorite books or seen in your favorite films? Our panelists discuss what they get right and what they get wrong.


Saturday January 17, 2015 10:00am - 11:00am EST
Jefferson Davis 2

10:00am EST

Starships 101
The basics of spacecraft design, with a case study taken from the works of David Weber.


Saturday January 17, 2015 10:00am - 11:00am EST
Jefferson Davis 1

10:00am EST

The Care and Feeding of an Author
An editor, two GOHs, and their partners discuss how writers work with others to keep the pages coming.


Saturday January 17, 2015 10:00am - 11:00am EST
General Early's

11:00am EST

25 Years of Dr. Who
A discussion of the best moments from the last 25 years of SF's beloved, longest-running series.


Saturday January 17, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
Restaurant Annex

11:00am EST

25 Years of Fantasy and Science Fiction Books
Our expert guests take five years each and discuss their favorite books published during that time.

Moderators
Speakers
avatar for Chuck Turnitsa

Chuck Turnitsa

MarsCon Progenitor
In the waning days of summer, of the year 1965, the third of three massive scout ships – hailing from an obscure little stellar empire past the Crab nebula – reached her destination. The first two ships were lost. One fell victim to curious new radiation unique to our part of... Read More →


Saturday January 17, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
General Early's

11:00am EST

Activity vs. Exercise
A conversation about how different kinds of movement will effect your body and help you meet your health goals.

Speakers

Saturday January 17, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
Stuart's Redoubt

11:00am EST

What the US Navy Taught Me about Starfleet
A comparison of life in and fleets of the US Navy with those of Star Trek's Starfleet


Saturday January 17, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 1

11:00am EST

Wonder Years: How YA Writers Address Teen Concerns in Fantastic Literature
YA authors and librarians discuss how YA fantasy and SF worlds can be used to address real world teen concerns.

Moderators
Speakers
avatar for Margaret McGraw

Margaret McGraw

Editor/Author
Margaret S. McGraw is co-editor of the Predators in Petticoats anthology (Black Cat White Cat Books, 2020), as well as two anthologies about the wildest West that never was: Lawless Lands: Tales from the Weird Frontier (Falstaff Books, 2017) and The Weird Wild West (eSpec Books, 2015... Read More →


Saturday January 17, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 2

12:00pm EST

Building a Navy in the Honorverse
There's a lot more to a Navy than just just starships.  Our panel will explain to you everything that's needed to design a Navy in the Honorverse -- or anywhere else, for that matter.


Saturday January 17, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 1

12:00pm EST

Fiber Arts for Costumes and Clothes
When a special fabric, ribbon, or cord is needed for cosplay, or any other use it may be possible to make it yourself. Some textile work can be done with a few inexpensive tools. This is a hands on workshop that will cover how to spin and weave items with common items and an introduction to more specialized tools.

Speakers

Saturday January 17, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 2

12:00pm EST

Hearing New Worlds: Using Music to Create and Enhance Fiction
MarsCon's favorite musicians discuss how music can be inspired by fiction, create stories of its own, or enhance the works from which it is derived.

Moderators
avatar for Mikey Mason

Mikey Mason

Mikey Mason (She Don’t Like Firefly, Best Game Ever) is a full-time standup comedian whose work has been featured on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio, DrDemento.com, Nerdist.com, MTV Geek News, SyFy’s Blastr.com, Time Magazine’s Techland, and on theFuMP.com. He has made multiple appearances... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Blibbering Humdingers

Blibbering Humdingers

If Voldemort didn’t make you crap your pants, these folks will. Scott & Kirsten have been singing together since 1992 (when most of their fans were still in nappies) and started performing wizard rock in 2007. Their sound could best be described as esatz neo-retro-existential post-nihilist... Read More →


Saturday January 17, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Stuart's Redoubt

12:00pm EST

So You Want to Join the 'Army': Comparing Local Fan Groups
Four local fandom groups describe their activities for those seeking out involvement. Representatives of other groups are welcome to join in the discussion.


Saturday January 17, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
General Early's

1:00pm EST

25 Years of Comics
Our panelists will highlight the best comics since 1990, including some they think are underappreciated.


Saturday January 17, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 2

1:00pm EST

A Chance to Visit the Red Planet
Mars One has set the goal of sending teams of settlers to Mars beginning in 2024. Come meet some of their candidates and learn more about this exciting program.


Saturday January 17, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 1

1:00pm EST

Getting Past Creative Blocks
Everyone in creative endeavors eventually runs into periods where productivity gets stuck, procrastination sets in, or new ideas run out. Come learn how our interdisciplinary panel of talents have worked through their own blocks.


Saturday January 17, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
General Early's

1:00pm EST

Reel World Challenges: Adapting Films from Fiction
Have you ever wondered why so many great books never get made into movies? Get the writer and the fan perspective on the challenges of turning fiction into film. They'll look at both the creative challenges and those created by industry practices.

Moderators
Speakers
avatar for John Desmarais

John Desmarais

Committee Member
When you’re the child of over educated parents and grow up in a family of voracious readers, your destiny lies along the path to Geekdom – and a lonely path it can be. The grand revelation occurred shortly after graduating from high school with the first excursion to an actual... Read More →


Saturday January 17, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Restaurant Annex

2:00pm EST

50 Shades of Green
Pickleman is back! Join him for a behind-the-curtain look at his latest film, “Dillzilla of Terror.”


Saturday January 17, 2015 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
General Hooker's

2:00pm EST

Armor Building with the Mandalorian Mercs
Learn how to make realistic looking, lightweight costume armor in the style of this branch of Star Wars fandom.


Saturday January 17, 2015 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 2

2:00pm EST

The Art of Book Making
Handmade books and journals are within your reach. Come learn the basics from a long-time art guest favorite.

Speakers

Saturday January 17, 2015 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Abraham Lincoln

2:00pm EST

The Drive to Succeed: Drive Systems and Gravity in Science Fiction
Getting there and back again all depends on this key area of science. Our expert panel will discuss what works and doesn't, and how to use it for the best science fictional effect.


Saturday January 17, 2015 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 1

3:00pm EST

3D Printing Demo
Speakers

Saturday January 17, 2015 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Abraham Lincoln

3:00pm EST

Alchemy: When Art Turns to Business
Are you considering the jump from amateur to pro? Get the perspective of three experts from writing and music who will help you make the right choices.

Moderators
Speakers
avatar for Mikey Mason

Mikey Mason

Mikey Mason (She Don’t Like Firefly, Best Game Ever) is a full-time standup comedian whose work has been featured on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio, DrDemento.com, Nerdist.com, MTV Geek News, SyFy’s Blastr.com, Time Magazine’s Techland, and on theFuMP.com. He has made multiple appearances... Read More →


Saturday January 17, 2015 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
General Hooker's

3:00pm EST

NASA Mars Update
Our favorite NASA expert brings the latest news on exploration of our namesake planet.

Speakers

Saturday January 17, 2015 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 1

3:00pm EST

Pets in SF/Fantasy
What are the best uses of pets in fantasy and science fiction? How could writers use them even more? A panel for animal lovers.


Saturday January 17, 2015 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 2

3:00pm EST

The Cleric's Guide to Smiting: Gamer Humor with Tangent Artists
Tangent Artists read from their new book, guaranteed to raise a laugh for RPG fans or anyone who loves the geek life.

Speakers

Saturday January 17, 2015 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Restaurant Annex

4:00pm EST

Communicating with Models
One of MarsCon's founders, now a professor of computer science, shares a field of work that connects his two passions.

Speakers
avatar for Chuck Turnitsa

Chuck Turnitsa

MarsCon Progenitor
In the waning days of summer, of the year 1965, the third of three massive scout ships – hailing from an obscure little stellar empire past the Crab nebula – reached her destination. The first two ships were lost. One fell victim to curious new radiation unique to our part of... Read More →


Saturday January 17, 2015 4:00pm - 5:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 1

4:00pm EST

It Behooves Us to Speak of Them: Horses in Fantasy
The horse is a staple of fantasy fiction and film, but are they depicted realistically? What works should horse lovers seek out? These are just a few of the questions addressed by this horse-crazy panel, designed especially for neigh-sayers.

Moderators
Speakers

Saturday January 17, 2015 4:00pm - 5:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 2

5:00pm EST

25 Years of Writing Process... and Beyond: the Writer's Work in the Past, Present, Future
The way we write, read, and publish books has changed immensely in 25 years. Take a look back… and a look forward, with a great panel of writers.


Saturday January 17, 2015 5:00pm - 6:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 2

5:00pm EST

Nuclear Follies
A nuclear engineer brings you tales gathered from 40 years in the industry, including the best and worst of potential applications.

Speakers

Saturday January 17, 2015 5:00pm - 6:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 1

6:00pm EST

Making Mead
Our friends at Brass Cannon have been offering home brew advice for three years running, and this time they turn there attention from beer to mead.


Saturday January 17, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm EST
Kearny's

6:00pm EST

The Moment that Changes Everything: Divergence Points in Alternate History
Alternate history begins in one special moment, and how authors handle that moment can make or break the whole project. Our panelists will discuss both the challenges and opportunities of the moment when time goes off the track.

Moderators
Speakers

Saturday January 17, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 1

10:00pm EST

The Grindhouse Experience
Speakers

Saturday January 17, 2015 10:00pm - 11:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 1
 
Sunday, January 18
 

11:00am EST

Fandom Now and Then: How Has It Changed in 25 Years?
Reminisce or chart your course for a lifetime of fandom as this veteran panel discuss what has changed and what has stayed the same in 25 years of Cons and fandom.

Moderators
avatar for John Desmarais

John Desmarais

Committee Member
When you’re the child of over educated parents and grow up in a family of voracious readers, your destiny lies along the path to Geekdom – and a lonely path it can be. The grand revelation occurred shortly after graduating from high school with the first excursion to an actual... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for James Allen

James Allen

MarsCon President of the Board
James Ford “Butch” Allen is best known for his work as Chairman of MarsCon, the longest running Science Fiction Convention in Tidewater Virginia, but has a long history in Fandom in Virginia. He served as Chairman for Sci-Con, president for The Hampton Roads Science Fiction Association... Read More →


Sunday January 18, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
General Hooker's

11:00am EST

How Not to Diet
Practical advice for how to avoid the pain of an unproductive diet.

Speakers

Sunday January 18, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
General Longstreet's

11:00am EST

Imagining a Better World Contest
Two teams build competing worlds on the fly with prompts from the host and the audience. Join us for a fun way to learn how worldbuilding turns into great storytelling.

Moderators
Speakers
avatar for Margaret McGraw

Margaret McGraw

Editor/Author
Margaret S. McGraw is co-editor of the Predators in Petticoats anthology (Black Cat White Cat Books, 2020), as well as two anthologies about the wildest West that never was: Lawless Lands: Tales from the Weird Frontier (Falstaff Books, 2017) and The Weird Wild West (eSpec Books, 2015... Read More →


Sunday January 18, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
General Early's

11:00am EST

Redcoats and Browncoats, Tricorns and Unicorns: Colonial History and Fantasy Panel
Fife and drumpunk! What better place than Williamsburg to discuss the potential for speculative fiction set in colonial times.


Sunday January 18, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 2

11:00am EST

Star Maps and Alternate Earths--Joelle and Andy Presby
A discussion and demonstration of online tools you can use to build worlds for fiction, gaming, or other creative endeavors.

Moderators
Speakers

Sunday January 18, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 1

12:00pm EST

A Riveting Story: Real Life Science, Styles, and People that Inspire Steampunk
Steampunk isn't all imagination. It's a style and spirit inspired by real world inventions, people, and trends.

Moderators
Speakers

Sunday January 18, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
General Longstreet's

12:00pm EST

David Weber Interview with Mikey Mason and Jonah Knight of All in the Reflexes
Two great guests interview another in this live podcast recording session.

Speakers
avatar for Mikey Mason

Mikey Mason

Mikey Mason (She Don’t Like Firefly, Best Game Ever) is a full-time standup comedian whose work has been featured on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio, DrDemento.com, Nerdist.com, MTV Geek News, SyFy’s Blastr.com, Time Magazine’s Techland, and on theFuMP.com. He has made multiple appearances... Read More →


Sunday January 18, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
General Early's

12:00pm EST

Space Transportation
What are the possibilites for moving people and materials across the solar system? The galaxy? The universe? Our expert guest looks at the possibilities.

Speakers

Sunday January 18, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 1

1:00pm EST

25 Years of Costuming: A Quarter Century of Cosplay
Our costuming stars share their favorite (and least favorite) costumes and costuming trends from the last 25 years.


Sunday January 18, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Jefferson Davis 1

1:00pm EST

Money Makes the Worlds Go Around: Technology and Economics Panel
Which economic systems best support breakthroughs? Which get theoretical ideas to the practical finish line? Our panelists discuss how money drives development in both the real world and in science fiction stories.


Sunday January 18, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Stuart's Redoubt
 
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