Welcome to our Program Ideas page! Below is a list of ideas for panels, presentations, and other programming, that have been submitted to us.

If you have an idea for programming, and/or if you'd like to participate and be on one of the panels or presentations below, click on the appropriate link!

Programming Ideas That Have Been Submitted To Us For 2025

Event Title: Convention Event Planners Meetup

Description:Are you an event planner for cons? Great! Let’s talk about what’s working, not working, and everything in-between.

Suggested by: Rae Lundquist on 12/18/24

Event Title: Last Fan Standing

Description: Pop culture trivia! Test your knowledge as you compete against other fans to be the Last Fan Standing. Based on the trivia show of the same name! Come win some fun prizes or just play along from the crowd.

Suggested by: Khori Vaerconum on 12/17/24

Event Title: Speed Friending!

Description: Speed Friending is one of MNeurodivergent’s signature events. Similar in idea to speed dating, but for friendship! Two rows of people sit across from each other. They then talk to that person across from them for 5 minutes. In order to help get the conversation going, we have sheets of ice-breaker questions available. Important note about speed friending: it is not separated by gender, age, race, sexual identity, etc. Everyone will have an opportunity to talk to everyone, time permitting. Come and have fun and make some new friends!

Suggested by: Mitchell P Schaps on 11/27/24

Event Title: What Are Furries and Why Are They at My Con?

Description:You’ve heard the term “furry” and “furries” spoken at the con, more within the last few years, but have no idea what they are and more importantly, why would they invade MarsCon of all places? Turka Wusky is here to explain what a furry is, and why they too would be wanting to take part in a sci-fi convention. All ages welcome panel.

Suggested by: Turka Wusky on 11/27/24

Event Title: Creating an Inclusive Mythology

Description: Mythology is more than fantasy or historical fiction. It takes what defines us as cultures and drives us as individuals. Mythology is every bit as powerful as any true story because you never really know how much truth there is in a legend. Join me in a discussion about crafting my own inclusive mythology for stories and learn how I took my historical and intelligence background to craft a modern mythology with ancient stories.

Suggested by: Faith MacGregor on 11/12/24

Event Title: My experience with aliens while serving with the USAF space programs: the 60 in 3 & 20 and back USAF space programs.

Description: I spent approximately 60 years with aliens, which only took 3 earth days (60 in 3 & 20 and back). The aliens were similar in appearance to caucasian humans. During my time with them, I also saw grays and sasquatch-like aliens, as well as insectoid species. My 50 year non-diclosure agreement (NDA) has expired and I can talk about some of what these programs are about. There will also be a Q&A if time permits.

Suggested by: Joe Swenson on 10/31/24

Event Title: How to Throw a Party Room

Description: Have you thought about doing a party room at con, but weren’t sure where to begin? Join us to talk about party rooms, and what it takes to do one.

Suggested by: Rae Lundquist on 10/20/24

Event Title: Haedong Kumdo Demostration

Description: Haedong Kumdo is a Korean Sword Art form using one or two swords.
Many action, fantasy, and anime have different sword work.
Come join us as we demonstrate basic movements, sword cutting, and new two handed sword forms.
There will be a follow up panel to come and play.

Suggested by: Steve Erickson on 10/20/24

Event Title: Haedong Kumdo Basic Cuts and Paper Cutting

Description: Come join the Kumdo demonstration group on how to learn to cut with a wooden sword. After about 30 minutes of instruction, put into practice what you have learned doing some cutting practice. 

Suggested by: Steve Erickson on 10/20/24

Event Title: A Year in Trek

Description: Join us as we take a comprehensive look back at the remarkable events and milestones that have shaped the Star Trek universe over the past year. With the diamond anniversary of this iconic franchise approaching, we’ll reflect on the journeys we’ve embarked upon across various series, films, and the exciting new projects on the horizon. Get ready for spoilers as we delve into:
The Fan events, including Universal Studios Hollywood’s Universal Fan Fest Nights: Star Trek Nights, “To the Journey” documentary, and Khan!!! The Musical! We’ll also talk about the conclusion of Discovery, Prodigy, and Lower Decks, and the highly anticipated movie event Section 31, along with upcoming seasons of Strange New Worlds and Starfleet Academy. A glimpse into the future with thrilling projects like a live-action comedy, an origin movie, Star Trek 4, and a musical Broadway show.

Suggested by: Tony Artym on 10/14/24

Event Title: Revolution Dance Party

Description: 2D Con in conjunction with MarsCon presents REVOLUTION! Join the DJs from 2D Con for a night of dancing at the ultimate intergalactic dance party. We’ve got an amazing lineup of DJs spinning remixes all night long. It will be out of this world!

Suggested by: 2D Con on 9/26/24

Event Title: Rockin Tattoos

Description: Come get some fresh ink from Rockin Tattoos, tattoo room. Featuring amazing tattoo artists with different styles, and designs from the nerd universe! Tattoo prices are dependent on artist rates and piece.

Suggested by: Rockin Tattoos on 9/26/24

Event Title: Sci-fi Series Revisited

Description: Let’s talk about our favorite TV shows which are currently in the rearview mirror. Maybe they are a distant, pleasant memory. Maybe we are trying to revive them or simply revisit. Alias, Buffy, Battlestar Galactica, Firefly, Heroes, Smallville, Earth 2, and of course Babylon 5.

Suggested by: CL on 9/16/24

Event Title: FX Makeup Techniques, Trauma Makeup

Description: Cuts and bruises and gashes, oh my! Have you ever wanted to up your cosplay makeup game and create realistic looking wounds and trauma looks? This FX makeup panel will show you step by step how to create bruising, cuts, and gashes, perfect for zombie/horror looks, or any “traumatic” cosplay! For beginners to intermediate.

Suggested by: Kevin Doheny on 9/16/24

Event Title: Hentai Game Show!

Description: Join us for an adult (18+) game show where contestants compete for prizes. Volunteers from the audience competeand play adult-themed games. These fun naughty games are for aliens and humans alike. Come show us your bawdy side, or just be a voyeur! Prizes donated by Fantasy Gifts.

Suggested by: Kevin Doheny on 9/16/24

Event Title: Hallway Costume Contest

Description: Our Hallway Costume Contest begins at the start of the con on Friday and goes until 5pm Saturday. The best part is you don’t have to sign up or do anything, other than wear your costume around con. We will have secret judges roaming the halls, and if you win, they will award you with a special button (bragging rights!), and your picture will be posted on our website and social media. There will be multiple winners during the weekend!

Suggested by: Kevin Doheny on 9/16/24

Event Title: New At Disney Parks

Description: Join us for an exciting and magical journey as we explore the latest and greatest updates coming to Disney Parks in 2025! Whether you’re a seasoned Disney fan or a first-time visitor, this program is your ultimate guide to all the new attractions, shows, dining experiences, and magical moments awaiting you at Disney Parks worldwide. Stay up-to-date with what’s new and discover how Disney continues to innovate and enchant visitors of all ages.

Suggested by: Tony Artym 7/7/24

Event Title: How Rogue Can You Go?

Description: A full-length Comedy Improv story to fill in the details of what occurred during the Opening Ceremonies by having the Audience answer the question “what if.”

What if…the audience dictated plot-twists, script direction, cast changes, and character development from interaction throughout the show.
What if indeed!

Suggested by: Variety Exhumed 7/31/24

Event Title: Scenes From A Hat, MarsCon Edition

Description: Improv comedy from a local long running improv troupe, TV, online, and stage show. SFAH has been making audiences laugh since 2017. 

Suggested by: Steve Murphy 3/15/24

Here are some great examples of Program (panel) Ideas that we’ve received in the past:

  • Sewing tips and tricks for newbies
  • How to become a Ghostbuster
  • Turning leather into cosstumes
  • Building costume confidence
  • FX makeup demonstration
  • Holy Bongwater (concert)
  • Even a Partial Dyson Sphere/swarm is a game changer.
  • 88 Starship Interstellar Exploration Update
  • How to write badly…and why you should
  • Comedy Writing
  • Hentai Game Show
  • Children’s Fantasy & Science Fiction
  • Cosplay Under Cover
  • ZARGS: Zombies, Aliens, Raptors & Graboids!
  • Arming your costume; building prop weapons on a budget
  • Live painting demo (prop painting)
  • Klingon belching contest
  • Discussions with Author Guests of Honor
  • Panel Karaoke
  • Craziest Japanese commercials
  • LGBTQ+ Fiction and Media
  • Everything you wanted to know about filmmaking (but were afraid to ask)
  • Don’t harsh the squee
  • Sci-fi & fantasy spies
  • Godzilla through the decades
  • Remote Viewing and the Gateway experience
  • Missing the Point: a discussion of fight choreography
  • Basic Kimu and sword techniques
  • Haedong Kumdo demonstration
  • Debunking the myths of AI (artificial intelligence)
  • Scenes from a Hat: improv comedy
  • Life on Jupiter
  • Those who cannot remember the past cannot rely on books