FUNCTION SPACE
MarsCon 2000 has eight rooms dedicated to programming. This includes four rooms for regular programming, a ballroom for main stage events, and four poolside cabanas. Programming cabanas will host Krushenko’s (a forum for relaxed discussions and readings), Blue Mars (our video & film room), the Martian Music/Filk Room, and a Young Aliens Room (for youth-oriented activities). Of course, programming is by no means confined within the physical boundaries of these rooms. Programming events may be taking place in the Gaming Room, the hallways, the Con Suite, and, yes, even the parking lot!

GUESTS & PROGRAMMING
Each of our Guests of Honor will be participating in programming, and you will have many opportunities to meet them all. Mark Allen Shepherd (Morn) plans to speak about his experiences filming “Deep Space Nine” and working on the animated series “King Sticko.” Lisa M. Getto will share her observations from behind the scenes of “Babylon 5" and “X-Files.” Margaret Weis and Don Perrin plan to entertain questions about their writings and introduce us to the new role-playing system “Sovereign Stone.” Margaret will also be accepting short works of fiction which she has offered to critique at the convention, so bring your writing along for some expert advice. UFOlogist Donald R. Schmitt will regale us with tales of UFO investigations, Denise Boie will facilitate a group art project and discuss early forms of art, and Jack Borkowski will host a Cold Terror Fleet Assembly as well as participate in marathon Klingon programming events.

In addition to our scheduled Guests of Honor, we are very fortunate to have several local pros planning to lend a hand with programming for MarsCon. Thus far, the list of pros includes writers Paula L. Fleming, Lyda Morehouse, Robert Subiaga, Jr., P.M.F. Johnson, Sandra Rector, Joe West, John Koblas, and Dave Page, artists John Mundt, Terry Pavlet, Shawn Van Briesen, and Doug Mahnke, and video artist Matt Savelkoul.

OTHER PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS
MarsCon programming is open to everyone. That means even you may facilitate an event, and we encourage you to do it! Programming can be about any SF/Fantasy-related subject such as a favorite television show or movie, a particular author or genre of novels, computer gaming or RPG's, fan fiction or magazines, comic art or anime...you get the idea.

Of the many fannish events currently planned, we are especially looking forward to main stage performances by the Xenaversity of Minnesota and the IKV RakeHell fan clubs, the Skiffy Radio Show, a Wheel of Sci Fi Trivia Contest sponsored by the U.S.S. Czar’ak, and a truly twisted computer smash for charity sponsored by the U.S.S. Nokomis. There will be an open microphone reading of Dark Poetry, so bring yours to share. In keeping with our “Don’t Panic” theme, we will once again host an open mike reading of Vogon Poetry (poetry so bad, it might make you want to chew off your left arm), so bring your own to share or just kick back and enjoy the torture. We plan to have a sign-up sheet outside the Martian Music/Filk Room where we welcome live performances of music, including filk. Come and add your music to MarsCon!

THE USUAL SUSPECTS
As usual, programming will include our favorites, i.e., the Masquerade, the Drum Jam, Opening & Closing Ceremonies, the Charity Auction for Camp Heartland, a Dance, and a Punnel. Programming is run by volunteers, and there are many ways you can help out, so please feel free to contact Nina or Christine if interested. Write to us or send us e-mail via: programming@marscon.com. Thank you in advance for all your help!!

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