Matt Cavanaugh

Matt Cavanaugh is a multi-talented individual with a diverse range of interests and skills. He currently serves as Soonercon Convention Chairperson as well as treasurer for the Future Society of Oklahoma. Additionally, he takes on the role of lead theme designer for Soonercon. In this capacity, Matt is responsible for such creative tasks as writing, directing, editing, and building, all aimed at bringing this year's Soonercon story to life. Although Matt began his professional career as a chemist, he has transitioned into voice-over artistry. He lends his voice to commercials and characters, showcasing his versatility and talent in this domain. Matt's lifelong passion for gaming began with Dungeons & Dragons at the tender age of eight. He remains an active participant in the gaming community. In 2015, Matt embarked on a new artistic endeavor by painting miniature figures for his D&D games. He has dedicated himself to improving his skills and exploring techniques for competition and display figure painting. His commitment and talent have been recognized through multiple awards for miniature-figure painting. Matt's thirst for knowledge and new skills are evident in his constant self-teaching and tinkering. He always seeks opportunities to expand his creative horizons and actively looks for like-minded individuals to join Soonercon, fostering a community of passionate creatives who can contribute to the event and help bring the story to life.

06:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Fowler Automotive

Opening Ceremonies

Soonercon 32's official opening. Emcee John Eads/Jim Shorts will show us that Adventure Awaits!

Moderator: John Eads/Jim Shorts

Panelists: John Eads/Jim Shorts, Aislinn Burrows, Casey Alden aka eBay Miniature Rescues, Matt Cavanaugh, Crash Thunderpants, Dawn Frost Cosplay, Halite, Noah Hathaway, Miss OoLaLa, Alex Organ, Sentinelbait, Megan Shipman, Lisa Smedman, Crystal Sully, Thousand Faces Cosplay, TKM Cosplay, Natalie Van Sistine

Tracks: General Interest, Meetup

09:00 PM | Location: Boomer A 18+

AITA: Fantasy Character Edition

Panelists share an AITA-style story from the perspective of a famous fantasy character. Audience members guess which character the story is about and decide whether they're deemed an A-hole or not. Grab your thinking caps and get ready to play a game filled with plenty of laughs. (18+ Adult evening programming.)

Moderator: Amber Hanneken

Panelists: Amber Hanneken, Matt Cavanaugh, Caleb Haldane, Sally Hamilton, Lollalotus

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

01:00 PM | Location: Noble

Ripley's Adventure Storytime

Adventure awaits Ripley! Come hear the story of our intrepid young hero, Ripley the Raccoon!

Moderator: Matt Cavanaugh

Panelists: Matt Cavanaugh, Elaina Hamilton

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

08:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Fowler Automotive

Costume Contest

Soonercon's 32nd annual Costume Contest.

Moderator: John Eads/Jim Shorts

Panelists: John Eads/Jim Shorts, Matt Cavanaugh, Crash Thunderpants, Dawn Frost Cosplay, GalaxyGhost, Miss OoLaLa, Sentinelbait, Thousand Faces Cosplay, TKM Cosplay

Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Contest, Art, Maker, Performing Arts

09:00 PM | Location: Boomer A 18+

Smash or Pass: Hear Me Out Edition

Get ready for a wild ride through the realm of unconventional attractions! Play "Smash or Pass" with notable NPCs and well-known characters of the fantasy genre and make some truly unpredictable matches. It's a game where anything goes, and you never know who might steal your heart! (18+ Adult evening programming.)

Moderator: Shay Griffith

Panelists: Shay Griffith, M. Scott Carter, Matt Cavanaugh

Tracks: Fantasy, Film & TV, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest

04:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Fowler Automotive