Programming Descriptions

AI and Robotics: Sci-Fi Dreams vs. NASA’s Reality and How One Influences Another – From HAL 9000 to R2-D2, science fiction has long envisioned intelligent machines. We’ll examine how VFX has shaped public expectations of AI and robotics, and how that stacks up against actual NASA technologies like rovers, autonomous spacecraft, and predictive algorithms. The discussion dives into the balance of narrative drama and technical feasibility.

Batman Through The Generations with Jeremy Adams, and Ted Naifeh – The Dark Knight, The Caped Crusader, the World’s Greatest Detective, whatever you call him, he’s one of the greatest characters in pop culture: Batman. Come listen to some of his myth builders as they explain what they love about his world and why it’s everlasting.

Building Robot Magic – Join three of the best robot builders working to bring creative robots to life! Whether it’s building movie magic for the big screen, life size replicas of video game characters, or the cutest robotic companions ever seen, this panel has something for everyone. See how STEM concepts get applied beyond the classroom, and allow engineers and creatives alike to bring their visions to life!

The Challenges and Triumphs Of Writing YA Books with David Pepose and Ted Naifeh – Join a panel of writers and creators as they share insights on building authentic characters, telling meaningful stories, and reaching a young adult audience through the comics medium.

Comics as Comics: In Conversation with Howard Chaykin. Moderated by Aubrey Sitterson – Join legendary creator Howard Chaykin for an unfiltered conversation about his groundbreaking career, controversial storytelling, and the evolution of comics over the decades. Don’t miss this rare chance to hear insights from one of the medium’s most influential and provocative voices.

Comics Outside The Comic Shop with Rachel Pinnelas, Daniel Kibblesmith, Paul Dini, and Mark Sable – This panel explores the multifaceted life of comics beyond traditional retail space–examining their adaptation into and from other media, their roles as museum objects and educational tools, and the friendships they foster. Join us for a discussion on how comics live, evolve, and connect people in classrooms, galleries, and screens around the world.

Cosplay 101 – Do you want to start cosplaying, but have no idea where to begin? Are you new to the convention scene and wonder how to move forward? This is just the panel for you! Come learn helpful tips for beginners, or share some tips of your own to help others.

Cosplay for All: Dispelling Cosplay Myths and Barriers – Entering the world of cosplay, or even just becoming more involved in the community, can be daunting. Especially when gatekeeping and barriers seem to be prevalent. We’re here to debunk the most common myths and misconceptions about cosplay and discuss perceived barriers to becoming more involved. We’ll also examine cosplay gatekeeping and how to handle those situations. As an example of getting involved in a safe environment, we’ll also explain causeplaying with Kids Can Cosplay. This is for new cosplayers and seasoned ones of all ages. Panelists will include makers and non-makers of all experience levels who volunteer with KCC.

Disability in the Con Community – It can be tough being a cosplayer, but it can be even tougher being a cosplayer with a disability. Visible or not, disabilities can come with many obstacles. Please join us as we discuss, share stories, and educate one another on what it can be like being disabled in the con community.

Feel-Good Hour: Conventions & Cosplay! – The “whys” of cosplay—why do we continue to cosplay and attend conventions? This panel is to serve as a reminder of good experiences in this sometimes-stressful past-time. Come share your stories and hear the stories of others reminding all of us what makes this hobby such a fun and worth-while experience! Let’s keep the “PLAY” in cosplay!

GeekFest Film Fests Screening- Animation/Comedy Block – GeekFest Film Fests Animation Screening Join us for an hour of great Animated/Comedy Shorts. Some content may be Rated PG13. Shorts: Reverie; Junk Mail; Zerk; In the Event Of; Core; Bullet Time; Chryalis

GeekFest Film Fests Screening- Fan Film Block 1 – GeekFest Film Fests Fan Films Block 1 Screening Join us for an hour of great Fan Film Shorts! Some content may be Rated PG13 and Rated R. Shorts: Treasure Imagination; Hit Girl: A Kick-Ass Christmas Story (R Rated); Echoes of Darkness

GeekFest Film Fests Screening- Horror Block – GeekFest Film Fests Horror Screening Join us for an hour of great Horror Shorts! Some content may be Rated PG13 and R. Shorts: Scissor Sleepover; Duffy’s Jacket; Hunger; Soul Traders; The King In Yellow

GeekFest Film Fests Screening- SciFi Block – GeekFest Film Fests SciFi Screening Join us for an hour of great SciFi Shorts! Some content may be Rated PG13 and R. Shorts: Blur; Angel Prime; Marie; Another One Bites the Dust

GeekFest Film Fests Year 12 Screening- Action/Thriller Block – GeekFest Film Fests Action Screening Join us for an hour of great Action Shorts! Some content may be Rated PG13 and R.
Shorts: Leverage; Windyville; Just the Janitor

GeekFest Film Fests Year 12 Screening- Fan Films Block 2 – Join us for an hour of great Fan Films Shorts! Some content may be Rated PG13.
Shorts: Home Solo trailer; The Henchman; Green Lantern Origins; Stalled Trek: The Dumbsday Machine; Rebel Storm: A Star Wars Collateral Story

GeekFest Film Fests Year 12 Screening- Fantasy – GeekFest Film Fests Fantasy Screening Join us for an hour of great Fantasy Shorts! Some content may be Rated PG13
Shorts: Shopping for Superman; Shapeshifters; Mintrix and the Elven Figurine; A Life, Lost; Burned

GeekFest Filmmakers Panel – Meet the filmmakers who created, produced and directed the films you just viewed and watched today (Saturday, August 30)! Moderated by Janeshia Adams-Ginyard Panelists- DK Greenley (Blur), Ruel Smith (Angel Prime), Josh Mabie (Another One Bites the Dust), Gary Scullion (Echoes of Darkness), Tara Jayn (In The Event Of)

GeekFest Filmmakers Panel – Meet the filmmakers who created, produced and directed the films you just viewed and watched today (Sunday, August 31)!
Moderated by Janeshia Adams-Ginyard Panelists – Paula Rhodes (Burned), Benjamin Robertson (Green Lantern Origins), Raymond Montemayor (Home Solo), Kimberley Woods (Mintrix), Lauren Conklin (Windyville), Sterling Gates (Just the Janitor), Michael Cerisano (The Henchman)

GeekFest Women of SciFi and Horror Panel – Join us and learn how you can break into and be successful in the Scifi and Horror genre with our GeekFest Women of Horror and SciFi kicks off our programming day! Moderated by Genevieve Nylen Panelists: Devanny Pinn, Janeshia Adams-Ginyard, Naomi Grossman, Sadie Katz

How to Build Your Own R2-D2 – The R2 Builders Club presents the essential tools, tips, tricks and time needed to build your own, full-size astromech; whether R2-D2, R5-D4 or any of the others seen across the star wars galaxy.  We also build Mice, Scrubbers and all the non-protocol droids from Star Wars.

Mad Scientists – Harbingers of Doom to Cultural Icons – The Mad Scientist – born in Victorian literature and popularized by modern media. Join Cody Colborn as he unfolds the haunted origins of the mad scientist in pop culture and chronicles quirky and bizarre examples from the real world.

Monkey Magic: Journey to the West & Japanese Pop Culture – The classic Chinese novel Journey to the West is one of the most read novels in the world and has captivated readers for over 400 years. Its influence has moved far beyond the world of classic Chinese literature though, and has influenced many aspects of Japanese pop culture arguably starting with the song “Monkey Magic” and culminating in the long-running “Dragon Ball” franchise. From direct adaptations like “Saiyuki”, indirect ones like “Starzinger”, and lots more in-between, there’s a lot of media to sift through and A-to-J Connections will act as your guide!

Now That’s What I Call J-Pop: The 1980s – The overwhelming popularity of idols, the all-encompassing Band Boom, and the rise of City Pop, ensured that the 1980s would be an unforgettable era in the Japanese music scene. Join A-to-J Connections as we examine the various bands, genres, and songs that made the decade one that we still talk about today. Chart toppers like Akemi Ishii, THE CHECKERS, Hikaru GENJI, REBECCA, and Anzen Chitai cross paths with City Pop artists like Monta & Brothers, Akira Terao, Mariya Takeuchi, and MANY others! Chances are you’ll discover something new, or you can just stop by for all the great music!

Old-School Anime 101 – Come in, sit down, and discuss some of the great anime series of yester-year! During this panel we will discuss some of the classics, some you might remember, others you might not; the characters you loved and some you didn’t. Kick back, relax, and enjoy a nice hour of nostalgia in “Old-School Anime 101”!

Time For Dimensional Robin Screening and Q&A – Making Your Own Sci-Fi at Home – See the newest and unreleased episodes of the sci-fi web-series “Time For Dimensional Robin” and learn how its producer couple, Everett and Josephine of EverJo Entertainment, created their own sci-fi series in their living room with a skeleton crew, their actor friends, and their tremendous passion for Doctor Who.

“Through His Eyes: Bill Malley and The Exorcist — 50 Years Later.” A film presented by Tom Ruegger – An insightful documentary exploring the making of The Exorcist, as seen through the eyes of its art director, Bill Malley. This award winning film offers a unique perspective on the production of one of the most iconic horror films of all time, revealing behind-the-scenes details that even the most die-hard fans have never heard before.

What We Love About That Wonderful Wall-Crawler: Why We’re Still Spider-Man Fans with Daniel Kibblesmith and David Pepose – Listen to writers and pop culture experts dive into the webbed world of Marvel’s flagship hero, Spider-Man. Their favorite story arcs, favorite villains, what got them hooked and why he’s still the best.

Writing For TV And Comics…And The Venn Diagram They Share with Daniel Kibblesmith and Tim Sheridan – Join writers Daniel Kibblesmith and Tim Sheridan as they explain the differences about writing for TV and comics, and the similarities they share.

X-Men Fans United: Celebrating Mutant Cosplay – To me, my X-Men! Join Michelle Waffle, Gilly Cosplay, Suzukichan Cosplay, X.X.Xaiver, and Londonheartsu—a powerhouse team of cosplayers, podcasters, and influencers who have walked the red carpets of Marvel premieres, dazzled crowds at conventions across the country, marched in pride parades, and built thriving mutant communities online. Together, they’ll share cosplay secrets, creative inspiration, and dive into the latest happenings across X-Men comics, film, TV, and fandom. Presented by The Uncanny Experience and moderated by Alain Diaz, this panel also features a special giveaway: one lucky fan will win tickets to the ultimate immersive X-Men convention.