MarsCon 2015
March 6-8, 2015
Heroes & Wizards & Fae
OHhh MYyy!!
Program Ideas Page (2015 edition)
MarsCon programming is driven by our attendees. Please share in the fun by posting your ideas for programming here—talks you’d like to hear or give, presenters/performers you would recommend, subjects or activities of interest to you and other fans…
If you’ve submitted ideas in years past you already know the plan: read the ideas list… if you see a program event you want to help with drop us an email. If you have an idea for an event that isn’t yet listed jump to the form and tell us about it. As always, MarsCon depends on our attendees for much of our programming. Thanks in advance for all of your wonderful suggestions.
Military SciFi, who does it and who does it well?
general discussion of Military Science fiction writers and which of them do it well. From David Weber to Ian Douglas and many others besides, lets discuss and figure it out.
Suggested by Mark on Thursday, February 12, 2015 at 21:42:52
Kung Fu Zombies vs Shaman Warrior
Mental illness for many communities is often explained as demonic possession. Beliefs like this stem from centuries of folklore about demons, ghosts, monsters, and witch doctors. I want to talk specifically about refugee communities and the second installment from my Kung Fu Zombieverse anthology of stage works.
Suggested by Saymoukda Vongsay on Friday, January 23, 2015 at 15:50:15
Wild Talents - Super-Hero Role playing in a World Gone Mad
Here's your chance to learn a new Super-Hero RPG. Wild Talents' uniquely simple "One Roll Engine" is a breeze to learn, keeps turn length equal, and has everyone roll at the same time! Everything from the world to the powers are infinitely customizable and the free-form gameplay makes an imagination the only requirement to play! Well, that and some d10's.
Suggested by Joseph Pogue on Thursday, January 22, 2015 at 07:21:18
This ain't no walk in the park! ...wait, yes it is.
An hour long walk along some of the trails in the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, across the street.
Suggested by Emily on Friday, January 16, 2015 at 18:38:22
[TCGF] Robo Rally
Program your 'bot to bash, push, and shoot your way through the deadly maze of factory florrs to capture all of the flags (or even just be the last 'bot standing). Created by Richard Garfield the creator of Magic the Gathering.
Suggested by Matt McMillan on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 23:49:53
[TCGF] Tsuro
Battle against other dragons to maintain your own flight path while causing the ruination of others. No two tiles are the same as you play this game. Easy to play but difficult to master.
Suggested by Matt McMillan on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 23:48:14
[TCGF] Magic the Gathering - Archenemy
Play in this format of 3, 4 or even 5 against 1. Play against the evil Archenemy who has additional schemes to throw at the party of Planeswalkers. Run by Twin Cities Game Fest. Prize support from Level Up Games.
Suggested by Matt McMillan on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 23:47:02
[TCGF] Settlers of Catan
Think you have played on every Settlers of Catan board? How about this hand crafted giant 3D board? Come and play on the ultimate board for Settlers!
Suggested by Matt McMillan on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 23:44:23
[TCGF] Quarriers!!!
You have heard of deck build games. Have you ever played a DICE building game? Field monsters to battle against other players to gain the ultimate Glory to win!
Suggested by Matt McMillan on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 23:42:31
[TCGF] Lords of Waterdeep
Play as one of the mysterious and secretive Lords of Waterdeep. Form parties of adventurers to go on quests and earn victory points to become the True Lord of Waterdeep.
Suggested by Matt McMillan on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 23:40:39
[TCGF] 7 Wonders
Can you build the greatest Wonder of the World? Play this exciting game where you never know what card is going to be passed to you to score points for your civilization in amyriad of different ways.
Suggested by Matt McMillan on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 23:39:28
[TCGF] Magic the Gathering - Quantum Leap
Format created by Matt McMillan. Casual multiplayer format using Legacy legal decks, and combines Vanguard and Planechase cards for a unique experience. Run by Twin Cities Game Fest. Prize support from Level Up Games.
Suggested by Matt McMillan on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 23:38:07
[TCGF] - Magic the Gathering: Legacy
Classic Magic the Gathering. Play your classic cards in this 8 man tournament. Run with Twin Cities Game Fest. Prizes sponsored by Level Up Games.
Suggested by Matt McMillan on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 23:36:18
[TCGF] Magic the Gathering - Modern
Try this newer format from Wizards of the Coast. 8 man tournament where everyone wins a prize. Run by Twin Cities Game Fest. Prizes sponsored by Level Up Games.
Suggested by Matt McMillan on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 23:34:52
[TCGF] Power Grid
Power up cities in this classic Euro game. Will you go classic with coal stations, or go high tech with Nuclear power. Will you go green with turbines or go with new sources like burning garbage? This great supply and demand resource game will challenge the most avid gamer.
Suggested by Matt McMillan on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 23:33:08
[TCGF] Star Trek Catan
Play Settlers of Catan with a twist. Captain the Enterprise as one of the classic crew members in this sci-fi take on a class game.
Suggested by Matt McMillan on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 23:31:13
[TCGF] Star Trek Attack Wing - Beat the Borg
Command the USS Enterprise, USS Voyager and a coalition of Klingon ships against Locutus, the Borg Queen and their armada. Each side has 300 pts. Ships will be provided.
Suggested by Matt McMillan on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 23:29:44
[TCGF] Magic the Gathering - Commander
Based on the casual format Elder Dragon Highlander (EDH) this sanctioned format from Wizards of the Coast is a fan favorite. Two pods of 4. Run by Twin Cities Game Fest. Prize support from Level Up Games.
Suggested by Matt McMillan on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 23:27:24
[TCGF] Magic the Gathering - Standard
Up to 8 people will play in this tournament hosted by Twin Cities Game Fest. Everybody is a winner! Prizes sponsored by Level Up Games.
Suggested by Matt Mcmillan on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 23:25:46
[TCGF] Battlestar Galactica
Become one of the many iconic characters on the Battlestar Galactica. Travel across the universe to find the 13th colony. However there is at least one 'toaster in the group. Can you make it or will the Cylons win?
Suggested by Matt McMillan on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 23:24:10
[TCGF] Vegas Showdown
So you and your rich buddies have a bet. Who can build the biggest and best Casino Hotel? Up to 5 players bid and buy their way to the top in this Vegas Showdown!
Suggested by Matt McMillan on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 23:22:48
[TCGF] Betrayal at House on the Hill
Explore the creepy house with your friends now, but be careful, once you reveal the haunt you may find that your friend may turn out to be your worst enemy! Up to 50 different scenarios await you!
Suggested by Matt McMillan on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 23:21:30
[TCGF] Munchkin
Bring your friends, fight the monsters, kick down the door and stab your buddies in the back. We have a selection of versions from Fantasy, to Sci-Fi that will allow you to get to Level 10 and become the Ultimate Munchkin!
Suggested by Matt McMillan on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 23:19:01
[TCGF] Firefly the Board Game
Have a feeling that you need to travel the 'Verse looking for your piece of personal fortune? Want to command your own crew? Now here is your chance! Play as a variety of captains that will do anything to get the next job done.
Suggested by Matt McMillan on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 23:17:10
A Day Trip to Mars
With the advent of open source projects, crowd funding, maker groups, and 3D printers any motivated small group of like minded individuals can build their own space vehicle. Lets get together and plan a day trip to mars with all that we need to take with.
Joe Swenson will host the panel
Suggested by Joe Swenson on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 19:46:31
Gravity, Europa Report, Interstellar: When Hollywood tries to do real-science fiction.
Panel Discussion: When today's Hollywood tries to do science fiction, what do they get, what don't they get, and what leaves you wishing to return to the days of Destination Moon and 20,000 Leagues under the Sea?
Suggested by G. David Nordley on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 15:00:52
Manga Time!!!
So much to read, so little time! Talk favorites, annoyances, and way to drawn out plot lines. Spread the word on the under rated, and geek over the widely popular.
Suggested by Bailey Humphries-Graff on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 14:01:06
K-pop A-Palooza
The Good, the Bad, and the Drama. Year in review! Deciding the Best and Worst groups of 2014. Will we ever get another BigBang Album? Fashion statements that hurt the eyes, and so much Music Video Drama!
Suggested by Bailey Humphries-Graff on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 13:49:41
Avatar: Legends of Aang and Korra
What did they get right? What components made for amazing story telling in a cartoon format? What made this appeal beyond the originally intended audience? What made these shows so unusual for American made cartoons? What valuable real world lessons did the creators pass along? What did they mess up? Did they stick the landing in both, either, neither?
Suggested by S.N.Arly on Sunday, January 04, 2015 at 14:26:40
Storytelling vs Story Writing
Is there a difference between these two arts, and if so, what is it? While they are often lumped together, are they really that closely related? What skills are absolutely essential to storytelling but useless to story writing and vice versa? What is the difference between the markets these two arts aim for? What are the advantages/disadvantages of one over the other? What tools or methods are out there for refining your storytelling skills, and how do they differ from writing? Skill, talent, both, neither?
Suggested by S.N.Arly on Sunday, January 04, 2015 at 13:38:10
Fairy Tales and Folk Tales
These are stories that aren't new, yet they fascinate us anyway. Historically, they have been used to entertain children, families, and the well to do. They're coming back with a vengeance in mainstream media. Why? What is it that keeps us coming back to the themes and storylines (however updated or true to the "original" version)?
Suggested by S.N.Arly on Sunday, January 04, 2015 at 13:36:49
The Affairs of Wizards
Wizards, and magic users of various names, are prevalent in fairy tales, folk tales, and fantasy. What purpose do they serve? How do we make them and their magic believable to a modern audience? How much of the process of magic needs to be explained and how much is best left to the reader or viewer's imagination? How do you make your wizards stand out as something new and interesting, and not just another Gandalf or Dumbledore knockoff? Who does this well? What tropes have been overused and need to be buried under a really large rock?
Suggested by S.N.Arly on Sunday, January 04, 2015 at 13:34:55
Heroism defined (aka: what is a hero anyway)
What makes someone a hero? Saving the village? The country? The civilization? The world? Sacrificing your dream for the sake of others? Is raising a family heroic? How big an action needs to be undertaken to be considered a hero? Is hero status something that needs to be maintained through the commitment of routine heroic acts or are you always a hero once you've received the title? Does gender matter (does a female hero do the same things as a male hero and vice versa; and can a male be heroic while doing feminized things)? Has the concept of the hero been overused and trivialized in the real world? Can everyone really be a hero?
Suggested by S.N.Arly on Sunday, January 04, 2015 at 13:19:33
The dark side of the fey
Traditionally capricious and dangerous, the fey are now often portrayed very differently. Why have we moved toward a purely cuddly and kindly fey? What authors are bucking the trend to draw on the more traditional characteristics and who does it well? Why does this work? What purpose do tales of the dark fey serve? Why should we "stay on the path"?
Suggested by S.N.Arly on Sunday, January 04, 2015 at 13:10:44
No capes, no masks: the non-superhero comic
When many people think of comics, they think of superheroes. However, there is a growing number of non-superhero comics out there. What are some great titles to take a look at? Come talk about your favorites.
Suggested by W. Scott Patterson on Saturday, January 03, 2015 at 22:54:26
The Curmudgeon Panel
Do you hate one of the holy grails of fandom, whether it be the original three Star Wars films, boldly going anywhere with either Kirk or Picard, or remembering the battle of Serenity? Then come to this panel! It's sure to be full of sarcasm, vitriol & maybe a little actual media criticism.
Suggested by W. Scott Patterson on Saturday, January 03, 2015 at 22:39:02
Giving your character some character
Giving your player character a little character can lead to some truly memorable experiences at the table. What are some ways you can make a fun & interesting character for all sorts of tabletop RPGs?
Suggested by W. Scott Patterson on Saturday, January 03, 2015 at 20:17:59
After con crash
It's the day after con & you're hit by the crash. All the fatigue hits you hard, as well as possibly a little depression or loneliness. What do you do to avoid the crash & stay motivated in your normal life?
Suggested by W. Scott Patterson on Saturday, January 03, 2015 at 20:07:05
The Older Gamer
Finding people to game with was easy in college. But now you have a job and a family. Is it possible to still be a gamer? How do you juggle being a gamer & an adult?
Suggested by W. Scott Patterson on Saturday, January 03, 2015 at 20:00:34
ASL Interpreter
New to the convention this year, MarsCon is offering an ASL Interpreter for those who might need her services. Please stop by OPS to get in touch with the interpreter and discuss your schedule together.
Suggested by Rocky on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 19:16:43
Crafts in Science Fiction
This panel is about how people express their interest in works of Science Fiction thru works of crafts. I will be discussing my cross stitch and attendees will be invited to discuss their own projects. It would be a good time to discuss technique and show off. A fannish stitch and bitch as it were.
Suggested by Rocky on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 19:01:47
Sword Art Training â how sword training will make you drive your car better
So you love the idea of wielding a sword â but is knowing how to sword fight applicable in today's world? We say, "yes!" In this panel we'll discuss how the skills acquired by training in Korean sword art Haidong Gumdo are useful in 21st-century society. From personal fitness to public speaking to driving on the freeway, you'll see how traditional training benefits all aspects of modern life!
Suggested by Master Robert Frankovich on Monday, December 08, 2014 at 17:58:26
Sword Art Masters
Witness fast cutting and fluid motion in this demonstration of Korean sword art Haidong Gumdo. In this panel you'll see techniques applicable to both battlefield and dueling combat, presented in dynamic performances by trained students. School owner Master Robert Frankovich will answer all your questions about how to properly wield a sword, what to look for when purchasing a blade, how to begin your own training, and much more!
Suggested by Master Robert Frankovich on Monday, December 08, 2014 at 17:57:03
Sword Art Now
ATTENTION FUTURE SWORD MASTERS â Welcome to your first day of training! If you have ever felt called to learn the way of the sword, this interactive panel is your opportunity to begin basic training in the Korean sword art Haidong Gumdo. You will learn the cuts and blocking maneuvers used by Gumdo sword masters, and then test your skills in one-on-one combat!
***The number of participants in this panel is limited â only 15 training swords will be available on a 'first come first serve' basis. Anyone not participating is still encouraged to attend; we will be answering questions along the way, and there will be time at the end for all attendees to get in some practice swings!
Suggested by Master Robert Frankovich on Monday, December 08, 2014 at 17:56:08
conSAFE
Self defense and personal protection for a safe convention. Come and learn some simple awareness concepts and personal protection techniques. A little investment to help ensure your con fun.
Suggested by Master Robert Frankovich on Monday, December 08, 2014 at 17:55:14
Basic History of Swords (Japanese and Korean)
Historical Outline
Japanese and Korean sword differences
Blade design and geometry
Suggested by Master Robert Frankovich on Monday, December 08, 2014 at 17:54:07
Real Sword or Wall Hanger?
Learn how to determine if a blade is usable for cutting or if it should hang on a wall and look pretty. Should it have a folded blade? What does the wavy line mean? Discover the qualities that make a quality sword. Find out about the metal used in the blade to the blade geometry that determines what targets it can be used on.
Suggested by Master Robert Frankovich on Monday, December 08, 2014 at 17:53:15
Swords of Anime and SciFi/Fantasy
Practical or Pure Fun
Jediâ s Lightsaber?
Keanu Reeves 47 Ronin sword?
Tom Cruise Last Samurai sword?
Bleach? Rouroni Kenshin? Inuyasha?
Suggested by Master Robert Frankovich on Monday, December 08, 2014 at 17:52:39
Who is this Guy and Why Iâ m I at His Panel?
This panel focuses on me and my career in gaming, music and the many things Iâ m involved in beyond just gaming.
Suggested by Eric Wile on Monday, December 08, 2014 at 17:47:16
So You Call Yourself a Gamer?
This panel is part history, part humor, part in your face and all about what itâ s like to be a gamer.
Suggested by Eric Wile on Monday, December 08, 2014 at 17:45:56
So You Want to Be a Public Speaker?
This panel is for those who want to get into public speaking but are not sure how, or those with stage fright. Maybe you just need some pointers to help you out.
Suggested by Eric Wile on Monday, December 08, 2014 at 17:44:32
Horror Stories Convention Edition 18+
This panel will end up covering some of the problems guests face with travel, hotels, booking, conventions and other guests.
Suggested by Eric Wile on Monday, December 08, 2014 at 17:43:13
How to Break into Unconventional Jobs in Gaming
This panel will cover networking, resumes, skills, certs, degrees, portfolios and much more. Also cover jobs not many people knew existed in gaming.
Suggested by Eric Wile on Monday, December 08, 2014 at 17:41:41
Game Design 101 Workshop
This workshop will cover the rudimentary elements on game design, but also give your hands experience as well. In this we will cover alpha and beta builds, concept work, design elements, engines and much more.
Suggested by Eric Wile on Monday, December 08, 2014 at 17:39:42
Identity Crisis
Exchanging bodies, uploading to cyberspace, being ressurected are not uncommon ideas in SF, but what is the connection of the upload to you? When you wake up and reboot in the morning, how do you know you are you? What if you wake up a thousand years from now in a body carefully designed to "feel" like it's "you." How would that be different from what you do every day? Will it matter?
Suggested by G. David Nordley on Thursday, December 04, 2014 at 21:08:34
Yes, we can go almost the speed of light! But it takes some engineering.
Where can we get the energy? How does one shield a ship from a high energy particle wind of passage? Interstellar journeys will still take years; how much supplies will we need, how much can we recycle. Are we looking at fifty years, a hundred, two hundred, or more? What will people be like when we finally go.
Suggested by G. David Nordley on Thursday, December 04, 2014 at 20:59:49
How Much Gravity do People Need?
Panel or Presentation, Will our space stations and interplanetary ships need to rotate (like the one in "Interstellar," or not? We don't know, but the Space Studies Institute intends to find out. What are the issues, how can they be resolved? How much will it cost and how much might it cost if they aren't.
Suggested by G. David Nordley on Thursday, December 04, 2014 at 20:55:48
Next Year at 100 kilometers!
Despite lots of investment, Reusable Suborbital Space Access has been slow to take off and the recent Virgin Galactic accident hasn't helped. What are the markets for reusable suborbital flights, and will we see any this year?
Suggested by G. David Nordley on Thursday, December 04, 2014 at 20:50:34
Do I 3-print it at home, or pay a printer?
Panel Discussion: It's really convenient to send a 3D file to a shop and collect the object the next day. But for some things, maybe doing it at home where one has more control over the product is more attractive. How do our panelists see 3-printing evolve over the next twenty years, and does our experience with 2D printing have any relevance? How will this all affect jobs and society?
Suggested by G. David Nordley on Thursday, December 04, 2014 at 20:46:07
When Robots do Everything, what will people do?
Panel: This is one of the oldest questions in SF, but it's starting to stare us in the face. Will the market take care of everything? Or will governments need to do something to keep things from getting really, really ugly?
Suggested by G. David Nordley on Thursday, December 04, 2014 at 20:39:17
Is Fusion still 20 years away as always?
Panel Discussion: Is Fusion still 20 years away as always, or has it gotten a little closer. Inertial confinement has reached one breakeven point, Lockheed is claiming a near-term demo, a Tokomak has reached "breakeven" and others are maybe around the corner. Will all this work pay off in our lifetime, and if it does, how will that change the energy picture.
Suggested by G. David Nordley on Thursday, December 04, 2014 at 20:35:16
2015: The Year of the Dwarf Planets
Panel Discussion: With missions to Ceres (Dawn) and Pluto (New Horizons) in 2015, we will learn a lot about those planets big enough to differentiate and pull themselves in hydrostatic equilibrium, but not big enough to have uneconomic gravity wells. What role will these bodies play in the future development of the solar System.
Suggested by G. David Nordley on Thursday, December 04, 2014 at 20:29:16
Libraries and Librarians in Fantasy
Libraries appear in fantasy works in many forms: Merlin's collection of books in The Sword and the Stone, the Beast's collection of books of the present and the past in Robin McKinley's Beauty, Terry Pratchett's Unseen University, and the lending library of magical artifacts in Polly Shulman's The Grimm Legacy. Mysterious librarians are also a favorite, from Mr. Coreander in The Neverending Story and Giles in Buffy. And now there is the new tv series The Librarians. Which enchanted libraries or librarians most capture the imagination and encourage a love of libraries and books in the reader?
Suggested by Kathryn Sullivan on Thursday, December 04, 2014 at 12:20:02
Animals in Fantasy
Animals play various roles in fantasy literature. Some behave naturally. Others have magical powers or are magical beings. What are the advantages and pitfalls of animals as characters? Which books really get it right?
Suggested by Kathryn Sullivan on Thursday, December 04, 2014 at 12:08:40
Sleepy Hollow (TV)
We're a couple of seasons into the adventures of Abbie and Ichabod and their valiant crew. The show has a diverse cast and a diverse fan base with deeply held opinions on what works and what doesn't. Let's get together and discuss.
Suggested by Catherine on Monday, December 01, 2014 at 19:45:13
Otaku Dilemma: Wait for Season Two or Read the Manga?
Your friends just turned you on to a hot new anime (think: "Attack on Titan" or "Yowapeda") and you burned through the first season in one sitting. Now you're wondering that age old question, should you jump in and read the manga or sit back and wait for season two to air? What are the pros and cons to reading "ahead"? Is there a reason that waiting is better, is there a reason NOT to wait?
Suggested by Lyda Morehouse on Sunday, November 30, 2014 at 13:16:16
Smackdown: Potter v. Dresden
Who is the better wizard? Who else would you throw into the mix. Get involved in this lightly moderated panel that gets you involved. Voice your opinions and be heard!
Suggested by Rocky on Tuesday, November 04, 2014 at 21:33:04
Ball Jointed Dolls
Aren't they the cutest? This panel will discuss their origins, where you can purchase them in the US, websites that you can use to get patterns, and everything about BJD's!
Suggested by Rocky on Tuesday, November 04, 2014 at 21:22:05
Geeky Musicals: More than Buffy and Dr. Horrible
There are more out there you say? Yes! Dive in and discuss how the nerd world has taken over the great white way.
Suggested by Rocky on Tuesday, November 04, 2014 at 21:15:53
Burlesque
Back by popular demand. Meet, question, and hear how the gentlemen and ladies of Twin Cities Burlesque scene got their start. Performances may happen as well. Open to those 18+ only, you will be carded at the door.
Suggested by Rocky on Tuesday, November 04, 2014 at 21:12:46
FanFiction - Who, What, and Huh?
From the basics for the beginners to your favorite websites to share your own stories.
Suggested by Rocky on Monday, November 03, 2014 at 22:24:40
Supernatural - The TV Series
From comics, TV, to the Creation Convention coming to MN in August, Supernatural has become an instant hit. Progressing from Monster of the Week to overall season arcs how has the show grown, thoughts on this seasons challenges, is there any problem that pie can't solve?
Suggested by Rocky on Monday, November 03, 2014 at 22:19:34
Genre Programming in the last 5 years
The burst of Genre programming lately: The Flash, Game of Thrones, Arrow, Grimm, Constantine, Walking Dead, Defiance etc. Is there such a thing as too much fantasy/sci fi? Is Hollywood jumping on the bandwagon and getting it wrong? Discussion of the shows, what is coming up, and what might have been missed.
Suggested by Rocky on Monday, November 03, 2014 at 22:07:10
YA and Genre in Movies
The Mockingjay Triology, Divergent, The Maze Runner and even *shrudder* Twilight are all YA genre series that have made quite a splash at the box-office and in book sales. What is the draw?
Suggested by Rocky on Monday, November 03, 2014 at 22:04:00
Programming isn't just for TV anymore
Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, YouTube among others are all making programs without being attached to network or cable stations. What are some of the non mainstream shows that are your favorites and how is this new type of programming opening up avenues for non traditional shows. This will also include a discussion on various streaming services and other devices to watch shows that are non cable or satellite related.
Suggested by Rocky on Monday, November 03, 2014 at 21:59:13
International Consumption
What non-US shows do you watch? What non-British shows do you watch? How do you get them? What is their appeal? An open discussion where you might pick up some new obsessions.
Suggested by Rocky on Monday, November 03, 2014 at 21:53:34
SYFY's SNAFU
Did the SCIFI channel execs finally realize that they made a mistake with their programming choices? Are they back peddling to what it used to be? Otherwise known as the I Told You So panel
Suggested by Rocky on Monday, November 03, 2014 at 21:50:12
Let's Thrift
How to thrift like a master, no tag popping necessary. We'll talk about things like how to shop around for costume items, The difference between Thrift and consignment shops, and how to tell if something is even worth the thriftier price.
Suggested by Bailey on Monday, October 13, 2014 at 23:25:27
What is Anime?
What really is Anime? What's the real difference between Anime and cartoons, and why do we classify them like that? Hear all the facts and argue it out yourself!
Suggested by Bailey on Sunday, October 12, 2014 at 20:54:10
Quidditch Match
A match for the ages! Gryffindor V.s Slytherin in the first ever MarsCup! Bring your brooms and prepare for some Muggle Quidditch!
Suggested by Bailey on Sunday, October 12, 2014 at 20:13:57
So you want to be a Comic Book Artist?
Are you an artist? Do you love comic books, graphic novels and manga? Come hear some tips for breaking into the comics industry!
Suggested by Christopher Jones on Tuesday, October 07, 2014 at 12:52:40
The Rise of Women Superheroes
Let's talk about some awesome female superheroes who have become breakout sensations in recent years! Why do we love them so much, and how can we get more?
Suggested by Christopher Jones on Tuesday, October 07, 2014 at 12:48:33
Tales from Behind the Table: What it's like to Exhibit at Comic Cons
Come hear about the nitty gritty of exhibiting at comic cons. We'll talk about some of our unusual experiences with convention attendees, conventions, what's worked well for us, and what hasn't. Here there be anecdotes!
Suggested by Christopher Jones on Tuesday, October 07, 2014 at 12:45:28
Parallel Man
Learn about the creation of Parallel Man, a locally-produced action/adventure sci-fi comic book, tablet game & animation! Parallel Earths, oppressive governments, and Carl Sagan.
Suggested by Christopher Jones on Tuesday, October 07, 2014 at 12:35:36
Vampires do not sparkle II: Electric Boogaloo
A follow up to the first Vampires do not sparkle panel from Marscon 2011 (See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSPSSSZZbDw for the original panel). How has vampire fiction changed in the last 3 years, and other musings.
Suggested by DJ Vladinator on Friday, October 03, 2014 at 13:16:52
Classical Duelling
An overview of classical duelling styles, possibly involving a live demonstration. Likely involving audience participation
Suggested by J Patrick on Wednesday, October 01, 2014 at 08:01:24
Society in Shadow
In the shadows of our world, a secret battle ensues among supernatural forces. You are the Expressed, and you fight to defend a civilization that can't know about you. Join this established live-action role-playing game near the beginning of a new story in the world of SiS after a recent world reset.
Suggested by Scott Folke on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 22:31:01
What to do when your players go left
How to plan and adapt to the inevitability of your players not performing the planned for actions or following your planned adventure path.
Suggested by Brandon Balfanz on Tuesday, September 02, 2014 at 12:41:20
Scars and wounds
Nothing enhances your roguish image more than a dueling scar. ??? ???? shows how to add realistic injuries to your make up.
Suggested by Rich on Thursday, August 21, 2014 at 19:13:21
Professor Arachnos Wizarding World of Wildlife
The care of magical creature.
Suggested by Mary Mac on Thursday, August 21, 2014 at 16:42:56
Jeremy Soule
can you contact Jeremy Soule facebook https://www.facebook.com/mrsoule to see if he can come.
Suggested by avery on Thursday, August 14, 2014 at 10:38:36
Living Language Dothraki
A discussion about the Conversational Language based on the HBO Series Game of Thrones developed by David J. Peterson
Suggested by Dama Dracos on Thursday, August 07, 2014 at 16:51:27
Ask a Submariner
Ever wonder what it's like to live 24/7 on a submarine? Some say it's as close to space travel as we can get on Earth. Come ask a group of real-life submariners about their experiences! All ages welcome!
Suggested by Hal on Thursday, July 31, 2014 at 18:24:55
dresden files
A talk about dresden files
Suggested by Tony on Monday, July 14, 2014 at 08:34:55
28 Hours Later: The Care and Feeding of Zombies
Panel discussion of modern zombie fiction, from books, to movies, and television. Dissect the almost-plausible medical science facts that make them interesting. As presented by zombie fans and panelists with day jobs in the health/safety realm. Which works get the pathology right, and which works do we like simply because they're fun? Why doesn't Daryl Dixon ever sharpen his arrows? Can you spread a virus if you have no working circulatory system? What else should Brad Pitt have picked up in his first pharmacy run in World War Z? A chance to ask "could this really happen in the zombie apocalypse?" and get real-world answers from panelists with some background knowledge.
Suggested by Fromaginator on Friday, July 11, 2014 at 20:21:44
Knights in Shining Humor: Know Your Meme
A look at the galloping heroes and heroines of medieval lore and why we still pepper them into our media centuries later despite their violent proclivities. From Genghis Khan to Sir Gawain, Monty Python to the modern mashup "A Knight's Tale," without forgetting Dirk the Daring and his video game crusade, come discuss your favorite armoured characters from literature and pop culture in the form of a trivia game and Q & A.
What was the purpose of a codpiece? What does Daryl Dixon have in common with China's Terracotta Army? Join us and find out!
Suggested by Fromaginator on Friday, July 11, 2014 at 19:59:41
Are Roleplaying And Strategy Games a Viable Tool?
As part of my Masters Degree, I performed an Action Research Project with a middle school, multi-age classroom using Roleplaying games and strategy games in a social studies setting to supplement the current curriculum. Come to hear the results of the study and to discuss practical application of games as an educational tool.
A panel for game fans, parents, and educators.
Suggested by Matthew Hellendrung on Sunday, July 06, 2014 at 00:27:21
Sword and Sorcery: Past, Present, Future?
A discussion of the Sword and Sorcery genre, from its history to the current trends (with an emphasis on literature, but some discussion of other media, especially films).
Suggested by Karen Joan Kohoutek on Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at 14:03:15
Falconry demo
A info session, possibly with a live falcon
Suggested by Alien Autopsy Suggestion on Sunday, June 08, 2014 at 08:34:34
Getting into the Mind of an Atheist Zealot
Uber villain or bit player, what are they like? Are there any useful generalizations? Are they likely to be suicidal and does that depend on how moralphobic they are?
Suggested by Robo Man on Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at 13:33:29
The Hobbit
A talk about part 3 of the Hobbit and what looks like the final time that we will be in middle earth.
Suggested by Tony Artym on Thursday, April 03, 2014 at 23:08:39
Downton Abbey
Season 5 is out, Come and talk about favorite moments from the biggest drama to ever come to the US.
Suggested by Tony Artym on Thursday, April 03, 2014 at 23:08:15
The Big Bang Theory
A talk about Big Bang Theory
Suggested by Tony Artym on Thursday, April 03, 2014 at 23:07:51
Harry Potter
A talk about all things Potter, From the 10 Books, The 11 Movies, Pottermore, Theme Parks, fandom and more
Suggested by Tony Artym on Thursday, April 03, 2014 at 23:07:22
Indie Filmmaking
A talk about making Indie films
Suggested by Tony Artym on Thursday, April 03, 2014 at 23:06:59
Marvel Phase 2
A talk about everything that Marvel is doing from Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., The Amazing Spider-Man 2, X-man Days of Future Past
Suggested by Tony Artym on Thursday, April 03, 2014 at 23:06:32
The Best and Worst of 2014
A talk about the Best and Worst films of 2014
Suggested by Tony Artym on Thursday, April 03, 2014 at 23:05:59
Please offer your program idea.
If nobody suggests it, it won’t happen. Thank you for your support!
MarsCon 2015
Heroes & Wizards & Fae - OHhh MYyy!!
March 6-8, 2015
Hilton Minneapolis/St Paul Airport/Mall of America
3800 American Blvd. E.
Bloomington, MN 55425
There’s more about MarsCon on Facebook and Twitter.
If you are searching for the Marscon in Williamsburg, VA click here.
© 2014-2015, FenSF