Pop Culture & Entertainment

Noon | Location: University C

Tales from the Trek Pro Writers: Books, Mags, and Manuals

As onetime editor-researcher and writer-reporter, Larry and Kevin give Soonercon fans a rare chance at a double-whammy perspective on all the phases of Star Trek’s professional and “official” licensed written words: prose, magazine features, and reference guides… from Pocket Books novels and ebooks to Communicator magazine, the Fact Files, TNG Companion and Stellar Cartography.

Moderator: Larry Nemecek

Panelists: Kevin Dilmore, Larry Nemecek

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Content Creation & Podcasting

Noon | Location: Sooner B presented by Fowler Automotive

Fortnite Pop-Up Dance Party

Feel like you got a #1 Victory Royale? Come emote your way into a fun Fortnite Dance Break!

Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids

Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids

Tracks: Kids, Performing Arts, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest

Noon | Location: Kah'maloo (Star Wars Land)

Aurabesh Decoding Activity

Decoding activity using the alphabet of Star Wars. Learn to write your name and decode messages! Runs hourly in Star Wars Land at Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion's table during Soonercon's daytime programming hours.

Moderator: Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion

Panelists: Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion

Tracks: Kids, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest

1:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

Game Show: Real or Alternative History?

Contestants decide if certain "facts" are alternate history or really happened. Audience participation encouraged!

Moderator: John Eads/Jim Shorts

Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD, David Carrico, Jeff Provine, John Eads/Jim Shorts, Mark Alfred, Ted Pennella, vickey malone kennedy

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, History, General Interest

1:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

Good Year for Gaming Movies and TV Shows

Movies based on games, like Mario Brothers or D&D, have found new audiences. Is it a great new storytelling trend or a flash in the pan? Time will tell as gamers' favorite games continue coming to life onscreen (and game companies gain new players with new story demands).

Moderator: Evan T. Wardwell

Panelists: Aaron Bossig, Caleb Masters, Evan T. Wardwell, FoxDaddy, James Farr, Lollalotus

Tracks: Film & TV, Gaming, Pop Culture & Entertainment

2:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

The Age of the Mega Media Machine

Comcast, Disney, Paramount, Warner Bros, Fox: The top 5 media corporations own a majority of the media we consume worldwide. Netflix is a close sixth, piloting the streaming model we enjoy today. That's A LOT of control over message and narrative. As Wilde said, "Things are because we see them, and what we see, and how we see it, depends on the Arts that influenced us.

Moderator: Daniel Erickson

Panelists: Caleb Masters, Daniel Erickson, Dr Paisley, Kevin Dilmore, Matthew Price, Scott Zrubek

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Business & Marketing, Film & TV, History, Writing & Publishing, Art

2:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Suite 204 (Upstairs)

Tea Time with the Doctor presented by Serendipity

Enjoy afternoon tea, presented by the Serendipity Doctor Who Club, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the legendary Doctor Who television series and Whovian fandom. (2 hours)

Moderator: Rebecca Jackson

Panelists: Rebecca Jackson, Serendipity Club

Tracks: Food & Drink, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Meetup

2:00 PM | Location: Sooner B presented by Fowler Automotive

Kids Jedi Training

Is the Force with you? Do you have what it takes to become a Jedi? Duel with Jedi masters, and practice your target skills.

Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids

Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids, JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion

Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest

2:00 PM | Location: Noble

Build Your Own Jedi Lightsaber

Is the Force with you? Do you have what it takes to become a Jedi? Make your own lightsaber to use in Jedi training.

Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids

Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids, JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion

Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest

2:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Robot House

Creating Count Gregore: Q&A with John Ferguson aka Count Gregore

It was only gonna be for two years...On May 10, 1958, via WKY TV, the world was introduced to late-night horror host Count Gregore via the station's "Shock Theater" program. Played by genre pioneering actor and broadcaster John Ferguson, the Count would go on to be a part of TV history for over 60 years and an Oklahoma pop culture legend. Join for this interactive Q&A with the Count himself to learn about his life, career and story of being a counterculture phenomenon.

Moderator: John Ferguson aka Count Gregore

Panelists: John Ferguson aka Count Gregore

Tracks: Film & TV, Horror, Pop Culture & Entertainment

3:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

Supernatural Variety in Urban Fantasy

Vamps, fairies, shapeshifters, witches, weres—creatures of legend are often the leading characters of Urban Fantasy, and we can't get enough! What makes them so likeable and relatable in these modern fantasy-meets-cityscape works?

Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan

Panelists: Bradley H Sinor, J.H. Fleming, Madilynn Dale, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Sue Sinor, vickey malone kennedy

Tracks: Fantasy, Supernatural & Paranormal, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Writing & Publishing, Film & TV

3:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Robot House

Billy West Q&A

Meet Billy West and his many voices in this audience Q&A.

Moderator: Billy West

Panelists: Billy West

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV

4:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

From Blade Runner to the Matrix: The Evolution of Cyberpunk Cinema

Cyberpunk theming and aesthetics in movies, anime, and TV has expanded a lot in recent years, and its presence onscreen is a hallmark of the genre. What makes a story distinctly Cyberpunk when you see it onscreen? Movie watchers discuss the origins and growth of this genre on the big screen, how it's changed, and where it may be headed in the future.

Moderator: Caleb Haldane

Panelists: Aaron Bossig, Caleb Haldane, Chaz Kemp, Mike Kennedy, Penny Fielder

Tracks: Science Fiction, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Anime

4:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

Tales from the Stacks: Why We Love Libraries!

Talk about your love for the library—early experiences, memorable librarians, the off-limits section, checking out too many books to carry … and the rumors of a secret black-magic section. Plus, there's WAY more than books at the library these days. Since libraries are essential to democracy, how can we better evangelize them?

Moderator: Laura J. Underwood

Panelists: Brook Bullock, Coral Hudson, MLIS - Librarian, Norman Public Library Central, Kimber E Chessmore, Laura J. Underwood, Martha Steele, Rook Riley

Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Health & Wellness

4:00 PM | Location: Sooner B presented by Fowler Automotive

Star Wars Origami

Learn about the ancient Jedi art of origami, projects for every age group from easy to very hard.

Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids

Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids, JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion

Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest, Film & TV

5:00 PM | Location: University C

Get to Know Olivia Swasey

Meet second-generation voice actor Olivia Swasey in this audience Q&A and learn about her exciting voice acting career.

Moderator: Olivia Swasey

Panelists: Olivia Swasey

Tracks: Anime, Pop Culture & Entertainment

5:00 PM | Location: Sooner A

In a Tech-Heavy World, Who Needs Magic?

Do you need a magic mirror when your phone tells you the news and weather? A flying carpet when you can take a plane? Does magic have a place in a technological world?

Moderator: Tracy S. Morris

Panelists: A. Lee Martinez, J.H. Fleming, Linda Donahue, Loretta McKibben, Tracy S. Morris, Trina Jacobs

Tracks: Fantasy, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction

5:00 PM | Location: Sooner B presented by Fowler Automotive

Jedi Librarian Story Time

Join a Jedi Master as they share a story from the Jedi archives.

Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids

Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids, JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion, Vivian Sloan

Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest, Film & TV

5:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

I Knew You'd Say That

Look into works which feature prophecy, from The Matrix and Dune to Bajoran edicts in DS9, Minority Report, or even tech versions, like Asimov’s Foundation tales. Does an accurate prediction require a deterministic universe?

Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD

Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD, J.D. Woods, M. Scott Carter, Mark Alfred, Selina Rosen, Tim Frayser

Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV, Comics

5:00 PM | Location: Noble

Design-a-Droid Blueprints

Design a droid the way you think it should look! Blueprints of droids on a worksheet to be decorated with paper or foam adhesive shapes.

Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids

Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids, JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion

Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest, Film & TV

9:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room

Soonercon @ Midnight: THE Worst Book Ever

Join us with your beverage(s) of choice in hand as intrepid writers lay on their best purple prose to create titles and openings for THE Worst Book Ever, hosted by Larry "Dr. Trek" Nemecek! And it all depends on YOU, by audience vote!

Moderator: Larry Nemecek

Panelists: Julia S. Mandala, Kevin Dilmore, Larry Nemecek, Mark Finn, Sherri Dean, Tim Frayser, vickey malone kennedy

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Writing & Publishing, General Interest

10:00 AM | Location: Boomer A

Re-Covered Books, for Charity!

Artists create new cover art for books in our charity collection. Books and their custom covers will be available for sale in the Charity Sale. (Books and cover paper provided)

Moderator: James Hollaman

Panelists: Evan T. Wardwell, Harold Neal, James Hollaman, Mike Kennedy, Rachael Mayo, W. J. Hodgson

Tracks: Art, Comics, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment

10:00 AM | Location: Kah'maloo (Star Wars Land)

Aurabesh Decoding Activity

Moderator: Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion

Panelists: Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion

Tracks: Kids, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest

10:00 AM | Location: Sooner A

All Glory to the Hypnotoad!

Thanks to the hypnotoad (AKA Hulu), Bender is back, baby! And he brought the rest of the crew with him for more adventures. A series with no less than four finales, Futurama is not over yet!

Moderator: FoxDaddy

Panelists: FoxDaddy, Jeff Provine, Kent Cordray, Sally Hamilton, WandererTJ

Tracks: Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction

11:00 AM | Location: Boomer B

Yin/Yang, Good/Bad, Light/Dark

It has been said that there could be no good without evil. But which is which? Are they two sides of a coin, never to meet, or are there degrees of each? What of the concept of a “necessary evil”?

Moderator: Julia S. Mandala

Panelists: A C Smart, Chaz Kemp, Julia S. Mandala, Laura J. Underwood, THE james k burk, Tommy B. Smith

Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Writing & Publishing, Art

11:00 AM | Location: Boomer A

Droid Building

Wanna build a droid? Where do you get started? What goes into it? A panel on the fabrication and programming of life-sized model droids from Star Wars.

Moderator: James Dock

Panelists: James Dock, OKCR2

Tracks: Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment

11:00 AM | Location: University C

Historicity in Anime and Manga with Red Bard

Like anime? Like history? Like history in your anime? Let's talk about the ways history is portrayed in anime and manga, and which titles get it more right than others. There'll be recommendations, fun facts, and games galore!

Moderator: Red Bard

Panelists: Red Bard

Tracks: Anime, History, Pop Culture & Entertainment

11:15 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Suite 204 (Upstairs)

The Way of Tea (Japanese Tea Ceremony)

Presented by Oklahoma Chado, enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Learn from hostess Kyuragi Sensei about "the way of tea" by experiencing this historic and artful cultural tradition. (30 minutes. Limit 20 participants. $20 fee.)

Moderator: Oklahoma Chado

Panelists: Oklahoma Chado

Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Workshop

Noon | Location: Boomer B

Don't Get Caught: The Esteemed Thief Archetype

The concept of sneak-thieving runs from Prometheus, to Kirk stealing a cloaking device, or a certain hobbit and a ring. Many tales show the honor in theft, just ask your RPG party's rogue. What makes such a character admirable, not despicable?

Moderator: Mark Finn

Panelists: Craig Wolf, David Carrico, J.H. Fleming, John Eads/Jim Shorts, Mark Finn, Selina Rosen

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fantasy, History, Writing & Publishing

Noon | Location: Boomer A

Critically Corrected Trivia Show

Everyone loves to be a critic. Technically correct these wrong answers to nerdy trivia. The host will read a statement that is wrong. Panelists must start their corrective answer with the phrase "Um, Actually..." to score points. If the panelist is incorrect, the audience gets the chance to answer and steal the points.

Moderator: Brook Bullock

Panelists: Brook Bullock, Karen Thrower, Kevin Dilmore, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Rhonda Eudaly, Sherri Dean, Tim Frayser

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest, Meetup

Noon | Location: Sooner B presented by Fowler Automotive

Agents of SHIELD: Shield Making

Have you got what it takes to be an Agent of SHIELD? Join veteran agents to make your own shield and join SHIELD!

Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids

Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids, Sentinelbait

Tracks: Kids, Maker, Comics, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV

Noon | Location: University C

James Farr Q&A

James Farr gives the answer to life, the universe, and everything in this audience Q&A about his works like Xombies and career as a professional animator.

Moderator: James Farr

Panelists: James Farr

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment

Noon | Location: Oklahoma G

Queerness in Cosplay

Trans, two-spirit, and nonbinary cosplayers face unique challenges in the costuming world. Issues like dysphoria, body and/or ability shaming, and misogyny can be barriers to support and enjoying the art of cosplay. How is queer identity and acceptance being positively represented in the costuming community? What's being done to encourage the community to be more inclusive?

Moderator: L.L.Killjoy

Panelists: Ash King, Chaotic Neutral Cosplay, L.L.Killjoy, Mica Membrane, MuJooJuJu, the Lo-Fi Ky

Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Pop Culture & Entertainment

Noon | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Robot House

Q&A with Erika Harlacher

Erika Harlacher answers audience questions and tells stories from her career as a voice actress in video games, anime, and animation.

Moderator: Amber Hanneken

Panelists: Amber Hanneken, Erika Harlacher

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Anime, Gaming

Noon | Location: Sooner A

Larry’s "State of the Trek" Fan Forum

Here’s your chance to air and compare *your* opinions and questions with each other—led by Larry and his kick-off insight—about everything in current Trekland: Discovery, Strange New Worlds, Picard, Prodigy (aka #NickTrek), and Lower Decks (aka AdultSwimTrek) — even #Section31! And its never-boring fandom.

Moderator: Larry Nemecek

Panelists: Larry Nemecek

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Content Creation & Podcasting

Noon | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Fountain

Cosplay Meetup: Cyberpunk & Dystopia

Cyberpunk and Dystopia cosplayers meet up on the hotel side.

Moderator:

Panelists:

Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment

12:15 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Suite 204 (Upstairs)

The Way of Tea (Japanese Tea Ceremony)

Moderator: Oklahoma Chado

Panelists: Oklahoma Chado

Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Workshop

1:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

Imaginary Creatures: Essential to Fantasy?

Why are cryptids and creatures so prominent in SF? Can you call it fantasy if it doesn't have fantastic creatures? How do creatives bring these to life in ways that keep us imagining what else there could be?

Moderator: vickey malone kennedy

Panelists: A. Lee Martinez, B. J. Thrower, Linda Donahue, Rachael Mayo, Rook Riley, vickey malone kennedy

Tracks: Fantasy, Supernatural & Paranormal, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Art, Writing & Publishing, Film & TV, Gaming

1:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

Sci-Fi and Fantasy Drugs: The Spice Must Flow!

Hobbits have pipeweed. Star Trek has felicium. Star Wars has glitterstim. Wash the Red or Blue Pill down with a Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster. Chems, Soma, Nuke, Substance D, Wireheading, Plutonium Nyborg, or even a puff or two from the caterpillar's hookah -- isn't SF already escapism? Why do characters want to escape from the worlds we want to escape to? Panelists discuss the applications of recreational and illicit drug use in speculative fiction.

Moderator: Tracy S. Morris

Panelists: Daniel Erickson, Dara Fogel, PhD, Dr Paisley, Scott Zrubek, Tim Frayser, Tracy S. Morris

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fantasy

1:00 PM | Location: Sooner A

Reading Is Power

Tom Disch (Soonercon 1 guest): “Blessed are those who read, for they shall inherit the future.” Discuss literacy’s threat to totalitarianism, and the promise of an informed society. What's so threatening about free thinking? Seems like books are always the first to go ...

Moderator: Shai Fenwick

Panelists: Cheyanne Weller - Library Associate, Moore Public Library, Jan S. Gephardt, Matthew Price, Melinda LaFevers, Shai Fenwick, Ted Pennella

Tracks: Writing & Publishing, History, Pop Culture & Entertainment

1:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Fountain

Cosplay Meetup: 90s Cartoons

90s cartoon cosplayers meet up on the hotel side.

Moderator:

Panelists:

Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Pop Culture & Entertainment

1:00 PM | Location: University C

Girls und Panzer, Feminism and Anime: A Conversation with Olivia Swasey

Olivia shares her take on the various portrayals of women's life in anime, what it's like working in the industry as a female creative, and answers audience questions about her various voice acting roles.

Moderator: Olivia Swasey

Panelists: Olivia Swasey

Tracks: Anime, Pop Culture & Entertainment

2:00 PM | Location: Sooner A

The Ideas Missing Without Women

A recent Ford SUV commercial highlights the best SUV made for men ever -- minus the components designed by women. Turns out, it wasn't as good as it could be. Science fiction has long included the female perspective to challenge normative ideas about "the way things are." How do we translate this to everyday life?

Moderator: Rhonda Eudaly

Panelists: Elizabeth Leggett, Kathleen M. O'Brien, Loretta McKibben, Rhonda Eudaly, Sally Hamilton, Selina Rosen

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Culture & World Affairs

2:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

The B-Movie Panel

Bad sci-fi movies are a guilty pleasure for so many of us! Why do we love movies that love to be bad?

Moderator: Magician Michael Corley

Panelists: Aaron Bossig, James Hollaman, Kent Cordray, Kevin Dilmore, La Blanke, Magician Michael Corley

Tracks: Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fantasy

2:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Robot House

A Conversation with Billy West

Pop culture icon Billy West shares about his life, career and music, and being the face of one of the internet's all-time greatest memes.

Moderator: M. Scott Carter

Panelists: Billy West, M. Scott Carter

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV

2:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

Old Anime Magazines 101 with Red Bard!

Ever want to get a sense for what the anime industry or the landscape of anime fan culture was like at any given time? In this panel, we'll be exploring the world of anime fandom from yesteryear through old anime magazines.

Moderator: Red Bard

Panelists: Red Bard

Tracks: Anime, History, Pop Culture & Entertainment

2:00 PM | Location: Noble

Hogwarts Potions Class

Witches and Wizards—gather around for potions class! Join us as your favorite professors teach you some useful potions! Kids will get a small potion container to take home.

Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids

Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids

Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest

2:15 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Suite 204 (Upstairs)

The Way of Tea (Japanese Tea Ceremony)

Moderator: Oklahoma Chado

Panelists: Oklahoma Chado

Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Workshop

3:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

Writing Nonhuman Characters (for Humans)

Writing nonhuman characters can present its own set of challenges. How can we make them relatable to humans, given that they will have different physical, cultural and emotional backgrounds? What works well and what is just, no?

Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan

Panelists: A C Smart, Penny Fielder, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Shai Fenwick, Trina Jacobs

Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Comics, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV

3:00 PM | Location: Sooner A

Doctor Who: 60th Anniversary

The iconic sci-fi television show's 60th anniversary is five months away. We'll share our theories if you'll share yours. Allons-y!

Moderator: Julie Barrett

Panelists: Allison Stein, Julie Barrett, Mel White, Rebecca Jackson, Tim Frayser

Tracks: Film & TV, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment

3:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Suite 204 (Upstairs)

The Way of Tea (Japanese Tea Ceremony)

Moderator: Oklahoma Chado

Panelists: Oklahoma Chado

Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Workshop

3:45 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Suite 204 (Upstairs)

The Way of Tea (Japanese Tea Ceremony)

Moderator: Oklahoma Chado

Panelists: Oklahoma Chado

Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Workshop

4:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

Fan-Made Content: Reimagined Creation or Copyright Issue?

What is considered acceptable (and unacceptable) use of existing works in fan-made creations like art, cosplay, or fan fiction? Isn’t a little creative license part of nerd culture? Where's the line for such creative inspirations?

Moderator: Jan S. Gephardt

Panelists: Hall of Femme, James Farr, Jan S. Gephardt, L.L.Killjoy, Peri Charlifu, Sally Hamilton

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Maker, Art, Writing & Publishing, Comics, Content Creation & Podcasting, General Interest

4:00 PM | Location: Sooner A

This Is the Way

The adventures of our favorite (though slightly disgraced) Mandalorian and cute little Grogu (AKA The Child) continue after being reunited in the Book of Boba Fett.

Moderator: Tracy S. Morris

Panelists: Evan T. Wardwell, Karen Thrower, Mark Finn, Matthew Price, Sherri Dean, Tracy S. Morris

Tracks: Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fantasy

4:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

Multi-Genre Storytelling

Literature has many popular genres: science fiction, fantasy, adventure, mystery and beyond. Writers discuss how to incorporate multi-genre writing into your own storytelling and find out how to make such a story more than simply a sum of its parts.

Moderator: M. Scott Carter

Panelists: A. Lee Martinez, J.H. Fleming, John Scalzi, Laura J. Underwood, M. Scott Carter, Selina Rosen

Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment, YA - Young Adult Fiction

5:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G

So You Want to be a Jedi?

What does it mean to BE a Jedi? A costumer's resource on what the Jedi are, how they dress, how to capture the way they move in a performance, plus a guide to swinging a saber without doing too much damage to the world around you. Be one with the Force in the all-inclusive how to for Jedi Knights to be!

Moderator: James Dock

Panelists: James Dock, Mace Kendu, Whitney Sews

Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Pop Culture & Entertainment

5:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

Build a SyFy™ Saturday Night

Soonercon’s classic game-show panel. Panelists spin the wheel for wacky plotline components and actor combinations, and create an original Saturday Night SyFy™ feature!

Moderator: Craig Wolf

Panelists: Allison Stein, Craig Wolf, James Hollaman, Julia S. Mandala, Linda Donahue, Rook Riley, Steven E. Wedel

Tracks: Art, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Gaming, Film & TV, Writing & Publishing

5:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium

Welcome to Larry's Trekland Briefing Party!

Meetup for curious Trek fans to sample Trekland Treks location day tours AND Portal 47, the exclusive global live/online monthly package from featured guest Larry “Dr. Trek” Nemecek. With door prizes, snacks, gifts, and current Portales too!

Moderator: Larry Nemecek

Panelists: Kevin Dilmore, Larry Nemecek

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Meetup, Film & TV, Internet Life

10:00 AM | Location: Boomer A

Designing Your Fortress of Solitude or Evil Lair of Evil

Lay out the specs for your own supervillain (or hero) hideaway. In a volcano? On a satellite or the Moon? Get creative with anti-burglary tech. What would you display in your own Museum of Victory?

Moderator: Mel White

Panelists: Bradley H Sinor, James Hollaman, Mark Alfred, Mel White, Mike Kennedy, William Ledbetter

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Writing & Publishing, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Comics

10:00 AM | Location: Sooner A

OGL Smashdown: Leaders vs. Creatives

With the recent changes to the D&D Open Gaming License (OGL), some see a growing disconnect between corporate leadership and content creatives. Why? How does it affect fandom, and what can be done to remedy it? Let’s figure out how to protect our fandoms from the steady march toward profit over creativity.

Moderator: Pigeon

Panelists: Ash King, Chaz Kemp, Jacob Blackmon, Pigeon

Tracks: Gaming, Culture & World Affairs, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Business & Marketing

10:00 AM | Location: Kah'maloo (Star Wars Land)

Aurabesh Decoding Activity

Moderator: Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion

Panelists: Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion

Tracks: Kids, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest

11:00 AM | Location: Boomer B

Debate Is Not Dissent!

From fan wars (Trek vs. Wars) to TV-news ratings battles to political or philosophical discussion, how can creatives elevate the behavior around us? Have you learned a way to constructively emphasize commonality while discussing difference (and not devaluing it)? Has fandom inspired or prepared you to get involved in “the rest” of society – in a positive way?

Moderator: Daniel Erickson

Panelists: Daniel Erickson, Dara Fogel, PhD, Dr Paisley, John Allen Small, Rhonda Eudaly, What’s Up Fandom Podcast

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest

11:00 AM | Location: University C

Larry’s Backstage Peek: Picard Geography, Graphics, and more!

Back with another “Between the Cracks” buffet of backstage Trekland, see what cool art, in-jokes and insights the latest Trek makers have shared with Dr. Trek.

Moderator: Larry Nemecek

Panelists: Larry Nemecek

Tracks: Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment

11:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Fountain

Cosplay Meetup: Video Games

Video game cosplayers meet up on the hotel side.

Moderator:

Panelists:

Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Gaming, Pop Culture & Entertainment

Noon | Location: Sooner A

The Antidote to Toxic Fandom

Toxic fandom hasn't gone away. In fact, it seems to be getting worse, even seeing death threats if fans aren't fed what they want, when they want, the way they want. What can be done about this problem, and what is your personal role in the solution?

Moderator: Aaron Bossig

Panelists: Aaron Bossig, Chaotic Neutral Cosplay, John Eads/Jim Shorts, Mark Finn, Rook Riley

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Culture & World Affairs, Internet Life

Noon | Location: Boomer A

Serving Up a Tasty World

Comfort food isn't just for the stomach. Readers and authors alike can indulge not only in the culinary aspects of a story but also how food plays a role in developing the culture of another world.

Moderator: Tracy S. Morris

Panelists: A C Smart, Julia S. Mandala, Karen Thrower, Laura J. Underwood, Sue Sinor, Tracy S. Morris

Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Food & Drink, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fantasy

Noon | Location: Boomer B

Digital Art, the Future, and the Artist

The digital art industry has changed a lot recently with the advent of AI technology and other software tool innovations. It’s not just a push-button way to make art. What is the future of art in its digital form? How will it impact artists in traditional media? After all, with new technologies come new methods of creative manipulation and evolving aesthetics ...

Moderator: Eric Osborn

Panelists: Chaz Kemp, Eric Osborn, James Farr, Peri Charlifu, Rachael Mayo, Tim Chessmore

Tracks: Art, Business & Marketing, Comics, Culture & World Affairs, Pop Culture & Entertainment

Noon | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Robot House

Voice Acting and You: A Panel with the Pros

Voice actors John Swasey, Erika Harlacher and Olivia Swasey share about their experiences in the voice acting industry, how they got started and how you can too in this conversational Q&A panel.

Moderator: Erika Harlacher

Panelists: Erika Harlacher, John Swasey, Olivia Swasey

Tracks: Anime, Pop Culture & Entertainment

Noon | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Fountain

Cosplay Meetup: Marvel & DC

DC and Marvel cosplayers meet up on the hotel side.

Moderator:

Panelists:

Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Comics, Pop Culture & Entertainment

Noon | Location: Noble

Build A Gauntlet

Build a Mandalorian armored gauntlet with construction paper and straws, and possibly make paper rockets to fire from it!

Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids

Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids, JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion

Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest, Film & TV

Noon | Location: Sooner B presented by Fowler Automotive

Nerf Herding/ Saving Grogu

Kids will face various Star Wars characters (such as Han or Darth Vader) and target practice to save Grogu!

Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids

Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids, JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion

Tracks: Kids, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Meetup, Film & TV

1:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

Immortality or the Singularity

Would you rather have the option to be immortal in your corporeal form, or upload your consciousness to a digital format that could evolve otherwise? How is this question addressed in speculative fiction and reflected in real world research and cultural considerations?

Moderator: Jan S. Gephardt

Panelists: Jan S. Gephardt, Rhonda Eudaly, Selina Rosen, Ted Pennella, William Ledbetter

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, General Interest

1:00 PM | Location: Sooner A

Media Literacy in the Classroom: A How-to for a Have-to

Misleading media surrounds us—misinformation, conspiracy, satire, you name it. Yet the essential modern skill of media literacy isn’t taught in school. Why? What will it take to get educational institutions to adopt it, and what will that curriculum look like?

Moderator: Brook Bullock

Panelists: Brook Bullock, Kendall Watson, MLIS - Branch Manager, Newcastle Public Library, M. Scott Carter, Okie Space Queen, Pigeon, Shai Fenwick

Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Pop Culture & Entertainment

1:00 PM | Location: Noble

Build Your Own Jedi Lightsaber

Is the Force with you? Do you have what it takes to become a Jedi? Make your own lightsaber to use in Jedi training.

Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids

Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids, JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion

Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest

1:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Robot House

Billy West Q&A

Join actor Billy West for this audience Q&A.

Moderator: Billy West

Panelists: Billy West

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV

1:00 PM | Location: University C

Cutthroat Iron Cosplay

The showdown returns! Four cosplayers have 30 minutes to quick-construct the best costume with the provided materials. Basic cosplay materials are provided along with some not-so basic options to use, as well as a secret theme and required materials. The audience is the judge of this creative contest. May the best cosplay win! (Supplies provided. 2 hours.)

Moderator: Buck Berlin

Panelists: Buck Berlin, Hall of Femme, Lollalotus, Rynaga, Whitney Sews

Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Gaming, Maker, Art, Pop Culture & Entertainment

1:00 PM | Location: Sooner B presented by Fowler Automotive

Kids Jedi Training

Is the Force with you? Do you have what it takes to become a Jedi? Duel with Jedi masters, and practice your target skills.

Moderator: Heroic Inner Kids

Panelists: Heroic Inner Kids, JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion

Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest

2:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

Who Decides High Culture?

Jim Grealy: “Popular culture is the culture of a subordinate class.” Do you agree? What pop culture trends have achieved recognition by the cognoscenti (think Andy Warhol)? Is it only a matter of time before a work or artist can ascend to Art? Don't forget college classes on Trek or pulp detectives. Turns out, pop culture creation and collecting is BIG MONEY nowadays and it's still the art of the people.

Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD

Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD, Kevin Dilmore, Mark Alfred, Red Bard

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Culture & World Affairs, Art, Writing & Publishing

3:00 PM | Location: Sooner A

Steampunk for Everyone

Steampunk style is alive and well nearly two hundred years after its inspiration. An introduction to steampunk for the curious and a resource share for the familiar, we’ll discuss fashion and props, and innovative historical twists on modern amenities as the hallmarks of this community of makers, dreamers and doers

Moderator: Melinda LaFevers

Panelists: Aaron Bossig, Kathleen M. O'Brien, Mace Kendu, Melinda LaFevers, vickey malone kennedy

Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, History, Writing & Publishing, Art, Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion

3:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

The Future of Identity in SF

SF has always been an outlet for exploring identity. Why does this matter now, more than ever? In worlds where infinite diversity in infinite combinations are always possible, spec fic creators use the genre for wider storytelling. This can bring diverse narratives into the mainstream. What's next?

Moderator: Pigeon

Panelists: A C Smart, Daniel Erickson, Pigeon, Selina Rosen, Tim Frayser

Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fantasy