Pop Culture & Entertainment
11:00 AM | Location: North Hallway (Kah'maloo)
Cantina Photo-Op
Take a load off in the cantina, and rub elbows with the most wretched scum and villainy in the galaxy. Raise a cup and take a selfie, and let your friends know about your adventures at Soonercon and Kah'Maloo.
Moderator: Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Panelists: JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
11:00 AM | Location: North Hallway (Kah'maloo)
Kah'Maloo Hidden Symbols
All across the Kah'Maloo marketplace are hidden symbols meant to aid others on their journey across the galaxy. Traces of a growing rebellion, or perhaps a hidden Mandalorian covert. Ask members of the 501st legion for a special tool to aid you in your search, then report back with your findings for a prize.
Moderator: Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Panelists: JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
11:00 AM | Location: North Hallway (Kah'maloo)
Kyber Crystal Scavenger Hunt
Search high and low in the Kah'Maloo marketplace for precious kyber crystals, a necessity for Jedi to construct their lightsabers and Imperial forces to produce the tools necessary to bring order to the galaxy. Bring them to representatives of either faction and be rewarded with a prize for your service. But whom will you aid, the Jedi or the Empire?
Moderator: Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Panelists: JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
Noon | Location: Boomer B
How to Make an OC
Writers and gamers teach the art of building an original character, or OC. Whether you're crafting a character for cosplay, D&D campaigns, story writing, or art, this will be a fun collaboration between you and the panelists. Come prepared to unleash your creativity and bring a character to life. You will be given prompts designed to spark inspiration, develop backstories, and flesh out personalities. Who will you create?
Moderator: Brook Bullock
Panelists: Alice-of-Hearts, Brook Bullock, Phoenix Noire BouRey, TattedSith Cosplay
Tracks: Fantasy, Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Art, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
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
Noon | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Fowler Automotive
K-pop Random Dance Event
Dance to your favorite K-pop hits from the past and today!
Moderator: MadiHatter
Panelists: MadiHatter, Mae Waters, NobleDarkness, PrincessPineapple, Saya Leigh
Tracks: Performing Arts, Anime, Music, Pop Culture & Entertainment
Noon | Location: Sooner A
Retro Anime
Come along with us for a walk down anime memory lane with clips ranging from 1970 to 2000. We take a look at the evolution of anime's "golden era" over time, how styles have changed, and how the culture and world at the time influenced our favorite media. Embrace your inner nostalgia and bring questions you're dying to have answered about the early years of anime!
Moderator: Caleb Haldane
Panelists: Caleb Haldane, Chaz Kemp, Clinton Girkin, Evan T. Wardwell, Red Bard
Tracks: Anime, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV
01:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Tasty Dungeon Eats
Does it taste like chicken? Using the popular anime Delicious in Dungeon as inspiration, we delve into the depths of the D&D Monster Manual and discuss the tantalizing question: How would each beast taste, and what's the best way to prepare them? From succulent dragon steaks to crispy owlbear drumsticks, we'll use our culinary imaginations to envision the flavors and textures of fantasy creatures.
Moderator: Carolyn Kay
Panelists: Carolyn Kay, James Hollaman, Michael "Gecko" Adams, Red Bard
Tracks: Anime, Fantasy, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
01:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Interactive Storytelling and Improv Skills for Role-Playing Games
Everyone knows RPGs are so much more fun when everyone is in character! Let us help equip you with the tools and techniques to take your RPG experience to the next level! Actors and DMs share acting and improv tips to help you bring your characters to life on the fly and make your games even more interactive.
Moderator: Thousand Faces Cosplay
Panelists: Aidyn Cross, David Rike, Shai Fenwick, Thousand Faces Cosplay, What's Up Fandom Podcast
Tracks: Fantasy, Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
01:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Fowler Automotive
From Anime to Video Games: Exploring the World of Natalie Van Sistine (Q&A)
Natalie Van Sistine is no stranger to the worlds of lore, fantasy, intrigue, legend making, and more. Join this fan Q&A panel to engage with Natalie about her favorite characters and learn more about her exciting career in anime, video games, writing, and more for the voice-acting industry.
Moderator: Natalie Van Sistine
Panelists: Natalie Van Sistine
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Anime, Gaming
01:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Vault-Tec Welcomes You to the Future
Videogame adaptations for TV aren't new, but none capture our apocalyptic dreams like Fallout. The series is more accessible than ever. We love to leave our safe lives in the Vault and seek adventure in the wasteland.
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Lollalotus, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Sean Hinckley, Vivian Sloan
Tracks: Film & TV, Gaming, Pop Culture & Entertainment
02:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Sequel or Reboot?
When properties like Bill & Ted, the Matrix, or Ghostbusters are redone, it ain't always a straight-on sequel. Is this process truly creative? Are such films inspired riffs or cynical milkings of the fanbase? What's going on? Are we running out of movies?
Moderator: FoxDaddy
Panelists: Evan T. Wardwell, FoxDaddy, James Hollaman, Kimber E Chessmore
Tracks: Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment
02:00 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: JediOKC
Panelists: JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
02:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G
A Fantastic Time: Time and Storytelling
How does time as a thematic element play into fantasy and adventure stories? Quests are races against time, time has magical properties, the Nothing is nothing ... Debate mythical or religious beliefs regarding time and its influence on characters and plots. Is it cyclical or linear, or altogether something else?
Moderator: Stephen Patrick
Panelists: David J. Pedersen, Lisa Smedman, Stephen Patrick, Ted Pennella, vickey malone kennedy
Tracks: Fantasy, Pop Culture & Entertainment
02:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
The Trek of Theseus
Philosophical thought experiment: Does an object that has had all of its components replaced remains fundamentally the same object? Apply the “ship of Theseus” concept to Trek or other franchises. How much can be changed before it's not Star Trek, Star Wars, Dungeons and Dragons, or another cherished nerd franchise?
Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD
Panelists: Aaron Bossig, Daniel Erickson, Dara Fogel, PhD, Michael Cross
Tracks: Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction
02:00 PM | Location: Sooner B
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: JediOKC
Panelists: JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
02:00 PM | Location: University B
Introducing Alex Organ
From My Hero Academia to Spy x Family, Death Parade, Psycho-Pass, High School DxD, One Piece, and much more, come meet voice actor Alex Organ and hear about his career and favorite roles in this fan Q&A panel.
Moderator: Alex Organ
Panelists: Alex Organ
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Anime, Gaming
03:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Disney Sing-along
Calling all sidekicks, villians, and royalty. Sing to some of your favorite Disney tunes.
Moderator: FoxDaddy
Panelists: FoxDaddy, Pallas the Librarian, Phoenix Noire BouRey
Tracks: Music, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest, Performing Arts
03:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Fowler Automotive
Getting to Know Doug Cockle
Meet prolific video-game voice actor Doug Cockle as he shares his behind-the-scenes insights from his decades-long acting career both onscreen and behind the voice of some of the industry's most iconic characters today.
Moderator: Doug Cockle
Panelists: Doug Cockle
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Gaming, Anime
03:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Pun and Games
The moderator will choose a topic (cheese, TV shows, all those weird Oreo flavors, whatever) and the puns will fly until the panelists run dry. The topic will be over if one minute passes without a new pun being offered, at which point the moderator chooses another topic, or asks the audience for one. The final ten minutes of the panel will be a pun free-for-all, any topic goes.
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Mark Alfred, Melinda LaFevers, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Sean Hinckley, Tracy S. Morris
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest, Writing & Publishing
03:00 PM | Location: University B
Fan Q&A with Megan Shipman
With over a hundred credits for her voice-acting work as well as ADR directing, music, and more in the exciting world of anime, let's welcome Megan Shipman to Soonercon 32 and get to know her more in this fan Q&A.
Moderator: Megan Shipman
Panelists: Megan Shipman
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Anime, Gaming
04:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Corsets Don't Work That Way: Myths About Historical Clothing
This just in! Experts confirm that you can breathe just fine in a corset. Join us to take a look at the historical inaccuracies about clothing in popular books, TV, and movies (ahem, Bridgerton). Learn about the modern-day workarounds used to present these onscreen, onstage, and in our wildest imaginations.
Moderator: Daniel Erickson
Panelists: Britt Alfred, Daniel Erickson, Demi Gray, Divine Creations Cosplay - Allison, Divine Creations Cosplay - Marlie
Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, History, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest, Film & TV
04:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
The Big(foot) Bang Theory
In this urban fantastic liar's panel, let's create a believable origin story for our favorite cryptids of today. Are Chupacabras the larval stage of Bigfoot? Do Thunderbirds keep Nessie as a pet?
Moderator: Jeff Provine
Panelists: Jeff Provine, Rook Riley, Tim Frayser, Tracy S. Morris
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Meetup, General Interest
04:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Making Magic
Some characters are born with magic, like Harry Potter. Others can learn or obtain it, like Fullmetal Alchemist. Panelist compare genetic and non-genetic magic systems and weigh the pros and cons of these different approaches to magic in storytelling.
Moderator: Rhonda Eudaly
Panelists: A C Smart, Madilynn Dale, Michael "Gecko" Adams, Rhonda Eudaly
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV, General Interest
04:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Fountain
Cosplay Meetup: Marvel & DC
Marvel & DC cosplayers meet up on the hotel side.
Moderator: No Moderator
Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Gaming, Pop Culture & Entertainment
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
05:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
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: Chad Albee, James Dock, Jason Volk, Kyle Robertson, OKC R2-D2
Tracks: Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment
05:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Fountain
Cosplay Meetup: Fursuiters & Friends
Fursuiters & friends meet up on the hotel side.
Moderator: No Moderator
Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Comics, Pop Culture & Entertainment
05:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Mad-Lib Art
Many artists – one topic – crazy results! See a Vulcan riding a seahorse in Atlantis OR a frog tossing pizza dough! Artists will be given a subject, an action, and a setting. The audience will vote which three suggestions to use, followed by a quick-draw by each artist! (Supplies provided)
Moderator: Liz Campbell
Panelists: James Hollaman, Jerry Bennett, Johnnie Johnson, Liz Campbell, Terry Southard
Tracks: Art, Comics, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment
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, Caleb Haldane, Lollalotus, Matt Cavanaugh, Sally Hamilton
Tracks: Fantasy, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Contest, General Interest
08:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Cartoons and Cereal
Enjoy classic cartoons the way you used to: Saturday morning with a bowl of cereal. (Milk and cereal provided.)
Moderator: Joshua Coughlin
Panelists: Joshua Coughlin
Tracks: Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Meetup
09:00 AM | Location: North Hallway (Kah'maloo)
Cantina Photo-Op
Take a load off in the cantina, and rub elbows with the most wretched scum and villainy in the galaxy. Raise a cup and take a selfie, and let your friends know about your adventures at Soonercon and Kah'Maloo.
Moderator: Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Panelists: JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
09:00 AM | Location: North Hallway (Kah'maloo)
Kah'Maloo Hidden Symbols
All across the Kah'Maloo marketplace are hidden symbols meant to aid others on their journey across the galaxy. Traces of a growing rebellion, or perhaps a hidden Mandalorian covert. Ask members of the 501st legion for a special tool to aid you in your search, then report back with your findings for a prize.
Moderator: Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Panelists: JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
09:00 AM | Location: North Hallway (Kah'maloo)
Kyber Crystal Scavenger Hunt
Search high and low in the Kah'Maloo marketplace for precious kyber crystals, a necessity for Jedi to construct their lightsabers and Imperial forces to produce the tools necessary to bring order to the galaxy. Bring them to representatives of either faction and be rewarded with a prize for your service. But whom will you aid, the Jedi or the Empire?
Moderator: Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Panelists: JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
10:00 AM | Location: Boomer A
They're a 10, But ...
How charming are the characters we know and love when their flaws are laid bare and they're only identifiable by their red flags? Can we really tell the differences between the heroes and their villains?
Moderator: Shay Griffith
Panelists: C.C. Caldwell, David Rike, Laura J. Underwood, Lollalotus, Shay Griffith
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
10:00 AM | Location: Oklahoma G
Essential Sci-Fi Television
This panel explores the iconic series, groundbreaking stories, and visionary filmography that have captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on the sci-fi landscape. What is your favorite and why?
Moderator: Aaron Bossig
Panelists: Aaron Bossig, Kent Cordray, Magician Michael Corley, Mrs. Babb, Tracy S. Morris
Tracks: Science Fiction, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, STEM
10:00 AM | Location: Sooner A
Everyone Has a NeverEnding Story
Bastian, an artist and dreamer, is told to give up fantasy and face reality. Chased by bullies, he escapes into a bookstore where he finds a book that leads to adventure. Sound familiar? Some of us have never left Fantasia. What is YOUR NeverEnding Story? How does an escape to fantastic worlds empower us in the real one?
Moderator: Melinda LaFevers
Panelists: A. Lee Martinez, Dennis Spielman, Melinda LaFevers, Rook Riley, Sara Felix, Tommy B. Smith
Tracks: Film & TV, Fantasy, Pop Culture & Entertainment
10:00 AM | Location: University B
K-pop Random Dance Event
Dance to your favorite K-pop hits from the past and today!
Moderator: MadiHatter
Panelists: MadiHatter, Mae Waters, NobleDarkness, PrincessPineapple, Saya Leigh
Tracks: Performing Arts, Anime, Music, Pop Culture & Entertainment
11:00 AM | Location: Sooner A
Star Trek Today
There's more Star Trek on TV today than ever before. Two animated series and three live-action series for 2024 and 2025. Hope and tolerance shown in many places and ways. What attracts us to space, the final frontier?
Moderator: Busty Springfield
Panelists: Busty Springfield, Evan T. Wardwell, Neal Hallford, Paul Carlson, Sally Hamilton, Tim Chessmore
Tracks: Science Fiction, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment
Noon | Location: Boomer A
Science Fiction and Funtasy
Douglas Adams. Terry Pratchett. The names alone tell you what you're about to read will have you laughing at every page. Many authors have taken up the mantle, but humor in spec fic definitely takes a certain finesse. Who can lit fans turn to, to heal our hurts with humor? And what makes these works comedy standouts?
Moderator: Tracy S. Morris
Panelists: Aaron Bossig, Crash Thunderpants, Laura J. Underwood, Rhonda Eudaly, Tracy S. Morris
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, General Interest, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction
Noon | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Fountain
Cosplay Meetup: Fantasy & D&D
Fantasy & D&D cosplayers meet up on the hotel side.
Moderator: No Moderator
Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment
Noon | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Fowler Automotive
Stepping Back and Looking Forward: An Interview and Q&A with Noah Hathaway
Join us for an interview and Q&A with Noah Hathaway, the unforgettable Atreyu from 1984's The NeverEnding Story. Hear the former child star discuss his life, diverse filmography, and enduring love of storytelling.
Moderator: Martha Steele
Panelists: Martha Steele, Noah Hathaway
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV
Noon | Location: Sooner A
Yoda, the Space Wizard: High Fantasy in the World of Star Wars
Even though it's set in space, Star Wars has its share of knights, damsels, magic, and monsters. Join us in a discussion about the fantasy elements of Star Wars.
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Carolyn Kay, Johnnie Johnson, Mrs. Babb, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Ted Pennella
Tracks: Film & TV, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Writing & Publishing
01:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
From Gaming to IRL Storytelling: A Q&A with Halite
Ada, Oklahoma native Halite has taken the internet by storm with his engaging IRL storytelling and infectious enthusiasm. Join us for a fun and insightful Q&A session as we delve into Halite's creative journey. From building a fan community, to content creation must-dos, to living your passions authentically online, Halite's got us covered.
Moderator: Amber Hanneken
Panelists: Amber Hanneken, Halite
Tracks: Internet Life, Business & Marketing, Pop Culture & Entertainment
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: Elaina Hamilton, Matt Cavanaugh
Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
01:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
I Ship It!
Strange character combinations lead to the unexpected in this hilarious game of fictional romance. Panelists make the case to the audience why these characters should be paired romantically, shipped. From unlikely pairings to downright absurd matchups, no combination is off-limits in this outrageous game of matchmaking.
Moderator: Mica Membrane
Panelists: Court's Cosplay, L.L.Killjoy, Mica Membrane, Tracy S. Morris
01:30 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Fountain
Cosplay Meetup: Star Wars
Star Wars cosplayers meet up on the hotel side, following the Star Wars Parade.
Moderator: No Moderator
Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Pop Culture & Entertainment
02:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Separating Art from Artist ... or Author
Fans are bound to encounter beloved stories and art created by individuals whose personal actions or beliefs are disappointing. Is it possible to separate the art from the artist and continue to enjoy these works? While there are no easy answers, we aim to foster reflection and understanding of the complex relationship between creator and creation.
Moderator: Chaz Kemp
Panelists: Chaz Kemp, Dara Fogel, PhD, Julia S. Mandala, M. Scott Carter, Robert Daniels, Ted Pennella
Tracks: Art, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment
02:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Fowler Automotive
Toss A Coin to Your Witcher: Q&A with Doug Cockle
Discover Doug's approach to voice acting and how he tackles diverse characters in today's video-gaming industry. Learn about his extensive career and ask your questions during a live audience Q&A!
Moderator: Jessica Kenney
Panelists: Doug Cockle, Jessica Kenney
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Gaming, Anime
03:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Re-Covered Books, for Charity!
Artists create a new book cover 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: Alice-of-Hearts, James Hollaman, Jerry Bennett, Terry Southard, Tim Chessmore, W. J. Hodgson
Tracks: Art, Comics, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment
03:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Fact or Fiction: Historical Events as Portrayed by Anime
Like anime? Like history? Like history in your anime? In this game, you'll guess whether or not certain historical factors are represented accurately by anime. And yes, there are prizes!
Moderator: Red Bard
Panelists: Red Bard
Tracks: Anime, History, Pop Culture & Entertainment
03:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Tales of the Red Pencil
Writers, editors, and audience relate shocking tales of typos missed, facts uncorrected, or egos left unmassaged.
Moderator: Stephen Patrick
Panelists: Bradley H. Sinor, Craig Wolf, Stephen Patrick, Sue Sinor
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Business & Marketing, Pop Culture & Entertainment
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: Boomer B
How to Start Your Own Homebrew Campaign
Tired of books and modules? Want to create an adventure that's all your own? Our panelists will share their ideas for building your very own RPG adventure from scratch. They will cover world-building, plot development, creating memorable NPCs, and balancing encounters. Discover new ideas and techniques to use in your own adventure.
Moderator: Magician Michael Corley
Panelists: Ash King, Ela Evella, Karen Thrower, Magician Michael Corley, What's Up Fandom Podcast
Tracks: Fantasy, Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
05:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Build a Sword and Sorcery Saturday Night
Soonercon's classic game-show panel. Panelists spin the wheel for wacky plotline components and actor combinations, and create an original Sword and Sorcery Saturday night feature.
Moderator: James Hollaman
Panelists: Dennis Spielman, James Hollaman, Julia S. Mandala, Scott Zrubek, Teddy Harvia, Trina Jacobs, What's Up Fandom Podcast
Tracks: Gaming, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV, Art, Writing & Publishing
05:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Fowler Automotive
Spy x Family Reunion with Loid, Anya, and Yor
Join for this fan Q&A panel with the English dub's main characters of the lighthearted anime Spy x Family as they share their behind-the-voices tales about the show's family dynamics, espionage antics, and the challenges of maintaining a secret identity.
Moderator: Megan Shipman
Panelists: Alex Organ, Megan Shipman, Natalie Van Sistine
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Anime, Gaming
06:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
"Um, Actually" Trivia Show
Everyone loves to be a critic! Help correct these wrong answers to nerdy trivia. The host will read a statement that is technically wrong, and you will compete to correct them by starting with the phrase "Um, Actually..." Correct answers will score you points, but be careful – your opponents can steal!
Moderator: Ari
Panelists: Ari, Kent Cordray, Kyri Hester, Okie Space Queen, Sherri Dean
Tracks: Contest, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
06:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Doodle from Memory!
Prepare for an unpredictable and hilarious art showdown. Artists will put their creativity to the test as they quick-draw audience-suggested characters from memory (or make them up entirely). Watch out for the moderator, who may add their own unique flair to these suggestions, leading to unexpected results!
Moderator: FoxDaddy
Panelists: Buck Berlin, FoxDaddy, Michael "Gecko" Adams, Mike Kennedy
Tracks: Art, Contest, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
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: M. Scott Carter, Matt Cavanaugh, Shay Griffith, What's Up Fandom Podcast
Tracks: Fantasy, Film & TV, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
09:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Who's That Monster
How well do you know your monsters? Join us and try to guess the D&D monster from their silhouettes alone. Who's the very best like no one ever was?
Moderator: Aislinn Burrows
Panelists: Aislinn Burrows, Crystal Sully, Mark Finn, Tim Frayser
Tracks: Fantasy, Gaming, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
10:00 PM | Location: Boomer B 18+
Baldur's Gate 3: The Best Dating Sim?
We came for the D&D lore, we stayed for the romance. Who's the best thirst trap and why is it Astarion? (18+ Adult evening programming.)
Moderator: Jessica Kenney
Panelists: Jessica Kenney, Sentinelbait, Shay Griffith
Tracks: Gaming, Fantasy, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
09:00 AM | Location: North Hallway (Kah'maloo)
Cantina Photo-Op
Take a load off in the cantina, and rub elbows with the most wretched scum and villainy in the galaxy. Raise a cup and take a selfie, and let your friends know about your adventures at Soonercon and Kah'Maloo.
Moderator: Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Panelists: JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
09:00 AM | Location: North Hallway (Kah'maloo)
Kah'Maloo Hidden Symbols
All across the Kah'Maloo marketplace are hidden symbols meant to aid others on their journey across the galaxy. Traces of a growing rebellion, or perhaps a hidden Mandalorian covert. Ask members of the 501st legion for a special tool to aid you in your search, then report back with your findings for a prize.
Moderator: Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Panelists: JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
09:00 AM | Location: North Hallway (Kah'maloo)
Kyber Crystal Scavenger Hunt
Search high and low in the Kah'Maloo marketplace for precious kyber crystals, a necessity for Jedi to construct their lightsabers and Imperial forces to produce the tools necessary to bring order to the galaxy. Bring them to representatives of either faction and be rewarded with a prize for your service. But whom will you aid, the Jedi or the Empire?
Moderator: Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Panelists: JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
10:00 AM | Location: Boomer B
The Last Days Are Upon Us
Good Omens is a celestial journey and a successful blend of fantasy, humor, and cosmic intrigue. Explore a fresh perspective on the age-old battle between Heaven and Hell. Admire the partnership of the angel Aziraphale and demon Crowley as they take on the impending apocalypse and beyond! Whether you're a newcomer, a fan of the TV series, or a devout fan of the novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, you're sure to be swept away.
Moderator: Tracy S. Morris
Panelists: Court's Cosplay, Magician Michael Corley, Okie Space Queen, Tracy S. Morris
Tracks: Fantasy, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
10:00 AM | Location: Oklahoma G
LGBTQ+ Representation in Anime with Natalie Van Sistine
Anime has captivated audiences worldwide with its fantastical stories and vibrant characters. But how well does it represent the LGBTQ spectrum? From tropes to triumphs, join us for a lively discussion on LGBTQ representation in anime, from early coded characters to the rise of more nuanced portrayals, with voice actor Natalie Van Sistine.
Moderator: Natalie Van Sistine
Panelists: Natalie Van Sistine
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Anime, Gaming
10:00 AM | Location: Sooner A
The NeverEnding Story of the '80s
Step back in time to the neon-soaked '80s and discover why this decade continues to captivate audiences today. From iconic music and films to fashion and pop culture, the '80s left an indelible mark that persists in the collective consciousness.
Moderator: Mike Kennedy
Panelists: Evan T. Wardwell, Michael Cross, Mike Kennedy, Sherri Dean
Tracks: Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, History, General Interest
10:00 AM | Location: University B
Hollow Humanism?
Some happy futures like Asimov’s projections or Star Trek assure us that eventually we'll all get along and be polite. Does this square with humanity’s nature? Would material prosperity, a healthier climate, and better collaboration bring peace to the world?
Moderator: Brian A. Hopkins
Panelists: Brian A. Hopkins, Craig Wolf, Joshua Caudill, M.A., M. Scott Carter, Neal Hallford, Paul Carlson
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Comics, Film & TV
11:00 AM | Location: Boomer B
Fandom – The Next Generation
Parents try to teach their child the important things: the odd-numbered Star Trek movie rule, the answer to the ultimate question, the ways of the Force and the Dark Side, and generally how not to roll a one at doing life. Our parent panelists share stories and trade tips on raising younglings with fandom interests, and the lessons being a nerd teaches us.
Moderator: Kimber E Chessmore
Panelists: David J. Pedersen, John Eads/Jim Shorts, Julie Barrett, Kimber E Chessmore
11:00 AM | Location: Oklahoma G
Voice Acting: Getting From Here to There with Alex Organ
Did you know that Alex does is an accomplished stage actor and director in addition to voice acting? Learn from Alex in this session about his approach to the craft of acting in its many forms and what it takes to become a voice actor in today's industry.
Moderator: Alex Organ
Panelists: Alex Organ
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Anime, Gaming
Noon | Location: Boomer A
Fantasy In My Sci-Fi?
Sure, why not? These days, fantasy elements are found in historicals, thrillers, political dramas, mysteries … the list goes on and on. Stories that borrow hallmark plot devices from other genres can delight us and create room for interesting series expansion.
Moderator: Selina Rosen
Panelists: Carolyn Kay, Chris Curtis, Rhonda Eudaly, Selina Rosen, Trina Jacobs
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Supernatural & Paranormal, Pop Culture & Entertainment, YA - Young Adult Fiction
Noon | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Fountain
Cosplay Meetup: Hellaverse
Hellaverse cosplayers meet up on the hotel side.
Moderator: No Moderator
Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Gaming, Pop Culture & Entertainment
Noon | Location: Noble
Build a Mandalorian Gauntlet
Build a Mandalorian armored gauntlet with construction paper and straws, and possibly make paper rockets to fire from it!
Moderator: JediOKC
Panelists: JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest, Film & TV
Noon | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Fowler Automotive
Just Some Light Monster Slaying: A Witcher Fan Q&A with Doug Cockle
Calling all Witchers and gamers! Join us for an unforgettable Q&A as we delve into the world of fantasy voice acting with the legendary Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher game series! Doug Cockle's iconic portrayal of Geralt has solidified him as a powerhouse in the video-game industry, along with his critical acclaim and prestigious awards for his performance, breathing life into the gruff monster slayer with every line.
Moderator: Doug Cockle
Panelists: Doug Cockle
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Gaming, Anime
Noon | Location: Sooner B
Nerf Herding/Saving Grogu
Kids will face various Star Wars characters (such as Han or Darth Vader) and target practice to save Grogu!
Moderator: JediOKC
Panelists: JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Meetup, Film & TV
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
01:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Fountain
Cosplay Meetup: Delicious In Dungeon
Delicious In Dungeon cosplayers meet up on the hotel side.
Moderator: No Moderator
Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Gaming, Pop Culture & Entertainment
01:00 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: JediOKC
Panelists: JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
01:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G
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)
Moderator: Buck Berlin
Panelists: Alice-of-Hearts, Buck Berlin, Divine Creations Cosplay - Allison, Divine Creations Cosplay - Marlie, Lollalotus, Miss OoLaLa
Tracks: Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Gaming, Maker, Art, Pop Culture & Entertainment
01:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
It Was The Best of Times, It Was The Worst of Times: Fantasy Movies of the 80s
The decade gave us Conan the Barbarian, but also gave us Conan the Destroyer. Not to mention Krull, Ladyhawke, Legend, Red Sonja, Beastmaster, and a whole host of other fantasy movies that are somehow both Not Good and Deeply Beloved. Join us in a discussion of the highs and lows in 80s fantasy films, and how they shaped our ideas of the genre, for better or for worse.
Moderator: Mark Finn
Panelists: Jacob Blackmon, John Eads/Jim Shorts, Julia S. Mandala, Mark Finn, Neal Hallford, Sara Felix
Tracks: Fantasy, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV
01:00 PM | Location: Sooner B
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: JediOKC
Panelists: JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
01:00 PM | Location: University B
The Art of ADR with Megan Shipman
The magic behind dubbed anime goes beyond the voices! ADR Directors, like the accomplished Megan Shipman, breathe life into these characters. They oversee the recording process (ADR stands for Automated Dialogue Replacement), ensuring the dialogue seamlessly blends with the animation and resonates with viewers. Join us as Megan delves into the world of ADR, from scriptwriting to the technical aspects of voice acting.
Moderator: Megan Shipman
Panelists: Megan Shipman
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Anime, Gaming
02:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Oklahoma in Fandom Media
Echo. Star Trek. Wolverine. Twister (of course). Ghostbusters. Asgard? Oklahoma is featured in fandom more than you might think! What's your favorite Okie shout-out?
Moderator: Mike Kennedy
Panelists: Demi Gray, Jamie Hardison, Karen Thrower, Kimberly Cross, Mike Kennedy, Tim Frayser
Tracks: Comics, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment
02:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Regeneration: More Than Cheating Death?
James Bond, Spider-Man, Batman, Sherlock Holmes, Superman … these and others change actors all the time, and nobody bats an eyelid. How would Doctor Who be different if the actor changed every few years without fanfare? Is “regeneration” core to Whoniverse?
Moderator: Evan T. Wardwell
Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD, Evan T. Wardwell, Julie Barrett, Michael Cross, Selina Rosen
Tracks: Film & TV, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment
02:00 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: JediOKC
Panelists: JediOKC, Oklahoma Garrison of the 501st Legion
Tracks: Kids, Maker, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
02:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Fowler Automotive
Q&A with Noah Hathaway
Calling all film and television enthusiasts! Join us for an insightful Q&A panel featuring the dynamic Noah Hathaway. Hear firsthand experiences from the world of acting, from landing roles to navigating the industry in other creative positions. Whether you're an aspiring actor, a curious cinephile, or simply enjoy a good story, this panel promises to illuminate the artistry and dedication behind your favorite on-screen performances.
Moderator: Noah Hathaway
Panelists: Noah Hathaway
Tracks: Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV
02:00 PM | Location: Sooner B
K-pop Random Dance Event
Dance to your favorite K-pop hits from the past and today! Family-friendly and all ages.
Moderator: MadiHatter
Panelists: MadiHatter, Mae Waters, NobleDarkness, PrincessPineapple, Saya Leigh
Tracks: Kids, Performing Arts, Anime, Music, Pop Culture & Entertainment
02:00 PM | Location: University B
Kaiju Reign Supreme
With Godzilla Minus One and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire on the big screen and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters on the small screen, our favorite giant lizard has never been more accessible and popular. We discuss what made kaiju worth our admiration.
Moderator: Mark Finn
Panelists: A. Lee Martinez, Caleb Haldane, Dawn Frost Cosplay, La Blanke, Mark Finn
Tracks: Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction
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
03:00 PM | Location: University B
Agents of Chaos in Storytelling
Shakespeare’s Puck, DC’s Harley Quinn, Arcane's Jinx. Debate the indispensable character who shakes things up – the jester or class clown, even a wisecracking bad guy like Loki of Norse lore or Efnysien of Welsh mythology. Love or hate them, stories wouldn't be the same without the trickster.
Moderator: Chaz Kemp
Panelists: Ash King, Carolyn Kay, Chaz Kemp, Craig Wolf, M. Scott Carter, vickey malone kennedy
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fantasy