Culture & World Affairs
Noon | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Summon +1 SEO: A Beginner's Guide for Website Owners
Are you an artist, author, or cosplayer – or just have a cool website you want people to actually visit? Get your site seen by more people with these Search Engine Optimization (SEO) basics. We'll cover content, keywords, user experience, and other strategy considerations for building your website’s credibility and authority – no prior SEO knowledge required! This session is designed for website owners of all experience levels who want to take their online presence to the next level.
Moderator: Aislinn Burrows
Panelists: Aislinn Burrows
Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Internet Life
05:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Celebrate the Weirdo
Scholar Paul Radin observed that most successful “primitive” societies readily tolerated eccentricity. In what ways do we “moderns” celebrate or censor oddball behavior? Do wild strains of thought strengthen culture, or threaten it?
Moderator: Jan S. Gephardt
Panelists: Carolyn Kay, Jan S. Gephardt, Mark Alfred, Mark Finn, Rubiee Tallyn Hayes
Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Pop Culture & Entertainment
10:00 AM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Fowler Automotive
Traditional Irish Dancing Performance
Step dancing, jig dance, céilí dance, and more! Enjoy a range of Irish dance exhibitions from McTeggart Irish Dancers of Oklahoma in this Main Stage performance.
Moderator: McTeggart Irish Dancers of Oklahoma
Panelists: McTeggart Irish Dancers of Oklahoma
Tracks: Performing Arts, Culture & World Affairs
11:00 AM | Location: Boomer A
Cosplay Without Limits
Cosplay is an inclusive activity where everyone is welcome – regardless of body type, gender, identity, skin color, age, or ability. We will discuss strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion in cosplay spaces, from challenging stereotypes to fostering a culture of acceptance and support. Whether seasoned cosplayer or newcomer, you are invited to embrace your uniqueness and celebrate the diversity that makes cosplay a more welcoming community.
Moderator: Julie Barrett
Panelists: Bessie Boutté, Terre Rouge Burlesque, Carousel Cosplay/Padme Peaches, Creative Countess, John Eads/Jim Shorts, Julie Barrett, TattedSith Cosplay
Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Culture & World Affairs, General Interest
11:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium
Salon Philosophique
Open sci-fi-oriented philosophy public discussions. All are welcome. (45 minutes)
Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD
Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD
Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Meetup
01:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Year of the Dragon
What is the Chinese Zodiac, and what does it mean that 2024 is the Year of the Dragon? Our panelists will take a long look into the Chinese Zodiac, discussing its origins, philosophy, symbolism, and cultural significance.
Moderator: Cap'n Ed
Panelists: Alice-of-Hearts, Brenna Deutchman, Cap'n Ed, David Rike, Kimber E Chessmore
Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, History, General Interest
01:00 PM | Location: University B
Taiko Drumming with Kanpai
Enjoy this traditional Japanese taiko drumming performance led by Kanpai!
Moderator: Kanpai Japanese Taiko Drum Team
Panelists: Kanpai Japanese Taiko Drum Team
Tracks: Performing Arts, Culture & World Affairs
01:30 PM | Location: Sooner B
Kids Irish Dancing Demo
In this interactive session, kids learn the basics of Irish dancing with the McTeggart Irish Dancers of Oklahoma.
Moderator: McTeggart Irish Dancers of Oklahoma
Panelists: McTeggart Irish Dancers of Oklahoma
Tracks: Kids, Performing Arts, Culture & World Affairs
02:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Libraries, Intellectual Freedom, and Book Challenges
Do you read banned books? You probably do without knowing it. Teachers, writers, and others in this panel discuss the challenges they face in the classroom, the library, and life in general as they do their best to shield our freedom to choose what to read and when in spite of active opposition and censorship.
Moderator: Rook Riley
Panelists: Kim Ventrella, Laura J. Underwood, Okie Space Queen, Pallas the Librarian, Rook Riley, Shai Fenwick
Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Writing & Publishing, General Interest
03:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Cosplay Drag - Where Two Artforms Meet
Drag performers discuss how they integrate cosplay into their drag, and vice versa. They cover topics like: How do you incorporate cosplay into your drag character? How do you choose a cosplay to incorporate into your drag? What distinguishes cosplay drag from other types of cosplay? What tips and tricks can you offer people who want to incorporate drag elements into their cosplay work? Why is it important to have LGBTQ+ representation in the cosplay community, whether through drag or otherwise?
Moderator: Busty Springfield
Panelists: Ariel Monroe, Busty Springfield, Court's Cosplay, L.L.Killjoy, Mica Membrane, Phoenix Noire BouRey, Yakisoba Zay Michaels
Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Performing Arts, Culture & World Affairs
04:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
100 Years of Disney
In 2023, Disney celebrated its 100th anniversary. Explore the way Disney has grown and changed while reinventing itself to keep up with the times and keeping its magic.
Moderator: Ariel Monroe
Panelists: Ariel Monroe, Britt Alfred, FoxDaddy, Phoenix Noire BouRey
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV, General Interest, Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Culture & World Affairs
04:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium
Salon Philosophique
Open sci-fi-oriented philosophy public discussions. All are welcome. (1 hour)
Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD
Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD
Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Meetup
05:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
LGBT+YOU: Discuss the Plus
Let's discuss the plus. What does it mean to be Ace? Aro? Demi? Gray? Pan? Poly? Other identifications/orientations?
Moderator: Mica Membrane
Panelists: Creative Countess, Mica Membrane, Selina Rosen, Sentinelbait, Stellae Cosplay
Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, General Interest
10:00 AM | Location: Boomer A
Creating (im)Perfect Ren Faire Attire
Renaissance and Medieval Faires are all about dressing up and having fun! Panelists share tips on how to achieve the perfectly imperfect look without breaking the bank. From thrifting to layering to accessorizing, learn how to find affordable options to capture the essence of Faire Folk Fashion.
Moderator: Demi Gray
Panelists: Demi Gray, GalaxyGhost, Jamie Hardison, Sarah Abear
Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, History, Culture & World Affairs, General Interest
10:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Atrium
Salon Philosophique
Open sci-fi-oriented philosophy public discussions. All are welcome. (1 hour)
Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD
Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD
Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Meetup
11:00 AM | Location: Sooner A
Stop Calling Everything "AI"
Our panelists knock Artificial Intelligence from its buzzword throne. Lights that automatically turn on when it is dark, AI! Actually that's just a basic photoelectric sensor. Dryers that stop when clothes are dry, AI! Basic moisture sensor. So what then is AI, and how did it become the way to describe Life, the Universe, and Everything?
Moderator: Caleb Haldane
Panelists: Caleb Haldane, Daniel Erickson, David Rike, Jeff Provine, Tim Chessmore
Tracks: STEM, Culture & World Affairs
Noon | Location: Boomer B
Beyond the Con: Cosplaying in the Wild
Is it time to take your cosplay into the wild? There are many ways cosplay can be used beyond conventions: charity work, comic-shop events, educational programs, tabletop role-playing games, gatherings, and more. Panelists discuss suitable locations for cosplay activities, strategies for navigating positive versus negative attention in public spaces, the logistics of organizing outdoor photoshoot gatherings, and more.
Moderator: Thousand Faces Cosplay
Panelists: Carousel Cosplay/Padme Peaches, Divine Creations Cosplay - Allison, Divine Creations Cosplay - Marlie, Prince.pastel, TattedSith Cosplay, Thousand Faces Cosplay
Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Culture & World Affairs, General Interest
01:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Neurodivergent Characters in Fantasy and Anime
We shine the spotlight on characters who are coded as neurodivergent in media. We explore characters like Frieren, L, Violet Evergarden, Radical Edward, Steris, Shallan, and more. How do these characters challenge stereotypes and create a more inclusive narrative? We'll highlight the importance of authentic representation, the impact it has on audiences, and the vital role these characters play in storytelling.
Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD
Panelists: Clinton Girkin, Dara Fogel, PhD, Madilynn Dale, Rook Riley
Tracks: Anime, Culture & World Affairs, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
02:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G
Developing Your Fursona
Whether you're new to the furry community or a seasoned member, creating a fursona can be a deeply personal and rewarding experience. Panelists are here to guide you through the process, offering tips and techniques for crafting a backstory, personality, and visual design that will make your fursona both creative and memorable.
Moderator: FoxDaddy
Panelists: FoxDaddy, Mel White
Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Culture & World Affairs, General Interest
03:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Bedlam 1 Boardroom
Summon +1 SEO: A Beginner's Guide for Website Owners
Are you an artist, author, or cosplayer – or just have a cool website you want people to actually visit? Get your site seen by more people with these Search Engine Optimization (SEO) basics. We'll cover content, keywords, user experience, and other strategy considerations for building your website’s credibility and authority – no prior SEO knowledge required! This session is designed for website owners of all experience levels who want to take their online presence to the next level.
Moderator: Aislinn Burrows
Panelists: Aislinn Burrows
Tracks: Culture & World Affairs, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Internet Life
03:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Women In Gaming
The traditionally male-dominated video game world is changing. From the inclusion of extraordinary female protagonists in video games and RPG streams, to entirely new concepts in game design, how does the increased population of female gamers and game creators change storytelling and the gaming culture?
Moderator: FoxDaddy
Panelists: Crystal Sully, FoxDaddy, Sally Hamilton, Shai Fenwick, Vivian Sloan
Tracks: Gaming, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Internet Life, Culture & World Affairs, Business & Marketing