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!

2026 Program Suggestions

Event Title: Long Lost Common Ground in Science Fiction & Fantasy

Description: It is tricky finding a common frame of reference in this age where we have so many options. What is the one show we all watch, the authors or comics we all read? Some fans can’t stream, and some stream everything they can. How can we all get together for discourse and community when entertainment is so specifically tailored to each individual? Weird Al once stated, “I long for the days of the monoculture,” while explaining why he doesn’t focus as much on parodies anymore. This applies equally well to SF and most other fandoms. Can we find common ground?

Suggested by: CLaBee 914/25

Event Title: What’s Your Favorite Superpower?

Description: Compare notes with other fans, bring examples from popular fiction, enjoy the discussion.

Suggested by: CLaBee 914/25

Event Title: Fanship 101: Origin Stories

Description: What novel, short story, film, series, artwork, anime, comic or other experience drew you toward science fiction/fantasy? Discuss your origin story and hear how others have made their journey to fandom.

Suggested by: CLaBee 914/25

Event Title: Classic British Sci-Fi

Description: A deep dive into iconic series such as Doctor Who, The Prisoner, Blake’s 7, Red Dwarf, and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, as well as other notable titles from the 1960s and 1970s like Quatermass and the Pit, UFO, Space: 1999, and The Tomorrow People.

Suggested by: CLaBee 914/25

Event Title: Tabletop Games without Wizards of the Coast (TTRPGs – WotC)

Description: Wizards of the Coast has made some controversial business decisions. We’re not going to get into the details of that, but we will discuss alternatives to Dungeons and Dragons. What’s good? What’s new? What’s fun?

Suggested by: CLaBee 914/25

Event Title: Star Wars: Before the Prequels

Description: Early authors, creators and works. How it started, where it’s been, where it’s headed.

Suggested by: CLaBee 914/25

Event Title: Evolution of Sci Fi: Through the Decades

Description: Early authors, creators and works. How it started, where it’s been, where it’s headed.

Suggested by: CLaBee 914/25

Event Title: Star Wars: Inspiring the Rebellion

Description: Discussion of the resistance during formation of the Galactic Empire and throughout its reign, from Anakin Skywalker’s Clone Wars-era militia cells to galaxy-wide, decentralized movements formed after the Empire’s rise. We will touch on the motivations of key players in the final days of the Republic like Padmé Amidala, Bail Organa, and Mon Mothma, and other notable figures who were crucial to the Rebellion, such as Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, Luthen Rael, spymaster Ahsoka Tano, Saw Guerrera and Cassian Andor.

Suggested by: CLaBee 914/25

Event Title: Best Heroes vs. Worst Villains of All Time

Description: Bring examples of your personal favorites and discuss possible outcomes when the best of the best and worst of the worst are pitted against each other.

Suggested by: CLaBee 914/25

Event Title: MN MUFON Historic UAP viewings

Description: Tom Maher MN MUFON state director has some historic UAP viewings

Suggested by: Joe Swenson on 5/4/25

Event Title: Universal Studios Parks Around the World

Description: Join us as we explore the exciting world of Universal Studios theme parks across the globe! From the recently opened Epic Universe to thrilling attractions like Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas and the family-friendly Universal Kids Resort in Texas, we’ll cover it all. Plus, get a sneak peek at the upcoming Universal UK project, set to take the world by storm. Don’t miss out on this journey through Universal’s ever-expanding entertainment empire!
Moderators Tony Artym, Joseph Opsahl

Suggested by: Tony Artym on 3/28/2025

Event Title: Star Trek Universe: The Diamond Anniversary

Description: Join us as we celebrate 60 years of the second-oldest sci-fi series still going strong today! With nearly 1000 episodes spanning over 50 seasons and 14 films, we’ll cover it all. From the iconic moments that shaped the franchise to the latest exciting developments in the fandom, let’s dive into the legacy and evolution of Star Trek—from its humble beginnings to its ongoing influence on sci-fi and pop culture. Moderator Tony Artym.

Suggested by: Tony Artym on 3/28/2025

Event Title: The Dresden Files

Description: Join us for a deep dive into The Dresden Files, the thrilling urban fantasy series by Jim Butcher! We’ll discuss the adventures of Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden, Chicago’s first (and only) Wizard P.I. With Twelve Months (Book 18) now out, we’ll explore the series’ past, major developments, and speculate on what Jim Butcher has in store for Harry’s future—including the highly anticipated Mirror Mirror. This discussion will include spoilers from across the series, including Twelve Months. Come share your theories, favorite moments, and predictions for what’s next in Dresden’s world!
Moderators Tony Artym, Tim Strong

Suggested by: Tony Artym on 3/28/2025

Event Title: MarsCon Saved My Life!

Description: Join us as we share the incredible story of two individuals who crossed paths three years ago at Marscon. One was seeking a donation, while the other ended up saving his life. This powerful tale highlights the critical importance of organ, blood, and skin donations. Moderators Tony Artym, Julie Bonebrake.

Suggested by: Tony Artym on 3/28/2025

Event Title: Hentai Gameshow

Description: Join us for an adult (18+) game show where contestants compete for prizes. Volunteers from the audience compete and 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 and MarsCon. 

Suggested by: Kevin Doheny on 3/20/2025

Event Title: Hallway Costume Contest

Description: Our Hallway Costume Contest begins at the start of the con on Friday and goes until 4pm 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 3/20/2025

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

  • A Year in Trek
  • Sewing tips and tricks for newbies
  • How to become a Ghostbuster
  • Turning leather into costumes
  • 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