#philcon 2018 programming

[philcon-programming]

Philcon 2018 Programming Pull-Out: Science Panels & Presentations

How Close Are We To Replicators? -- 3D printers have now been used to successfully print everything from rocket engines to human skin. How far are we from printing a cup of Earl Grey, Hot? Friday, 7pm - Crystal 2  Chicken Soup for the...Brain? -- We are coming to a new understanding of how the brain and mind interrelate. How will this change current methods of therapy? Friday, 8pm - Crystal 2  Paging Dr. Bashir: The Ethics of Hacking Humans -- Despite near-universal condemnation of eugenics, the entangled nature of science and capitalism in our society means that someone will inevitably found a company that offers to "enhance" your children...for a fee. How will government regulations, epigenetics, common sense, and morality factor into the possible outcomes? Friday, 10pm - Crystal 2  Space Force or Space Farce? -- Join us as we discuss the fact and (science) fiction of near-future space military operations.Saturday, 11amCrystal 2 Depictions of Technology in Star Wars and Star Trek -- How do these universes differ in the ways they depict their tech? How did the history of each world affect the invention and uses of medical devices, weaponry, methods of transportation, and robotic beings? Saturday, Noon - Crystal 2  Next Generation Weather Satellites -- How much warning did you get before the last blizzard? The next generation JPSS-1 satellite recently joined NOAA’s Earth Orbiting System- come learn how the advanced instrumentation is fueling new science, allowing us to track hurricanes at night, predict river flooding from melted ice, and warn us about other impending hazards. [Presented by Dr. Valerie J. Mikles] Saturday, 1pm - Crystal 2  The Moon, The Stars, and Mars: The Ethics of Colonizing Space -- How do we expect to change the galactic landscape in an ethical way, and what can we do as humans to decrease our impact on it? What does it mean to establish human settlements on worlds not our own? A discussion of space travel, space colonies, and morality. Saturday, 2pm - Crystal 2 Exoplanets and the TESS Mission -- Worlds beyond our own solar system were once just science fiction, but today we know there are more planets than stars in our galaxy. How did that happen?  Explore strange new worlds with Dr. Padi Boyd and the Chromatics, as they take you on a voyage of discovery with space science missions like the newly launched Transiting Exoplanet Survey satellite (TESS). Saturday, 4pm - Crystal 2   Mars or Bust! The Theory and Practice of Travel to Mars  -- Why do we want to go? How do we get there? How do we live there? What might we find? What are the dangers: radiation, low gravity, dust, our fellow humans? Is there life on Mars now? Was there once? and did our own evolution actually start on Mars? [Presented by John Ashmead] Saturday, 5pm - Crystal 2 The Dark Forest Theory -- Cixin Liu's Dark Forest trilogy and John Scalzi's Old Man's War universe have reignited the "hostile aliens" theory. Was the Voyager map a mistake? Or will they just come for more Chuck Berry? Saturday, 8pm -  Crystal 2  The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Current Technology Trends -- What's the hottest tech about to change our world?  Join us to discuss the promise, threat, and some things people usually don't want to talk about. Sunday, 10am - Crystal 2  The Future of Synthetic Biology and Public Biohacking -- Synthetic biology aims to create organisms that maintain and propagate themselves while producing a desired outcome, whether that is flowers that glow in the dark, cells that produce rare drugs, or architectural organisms that serve as living homes. From do-it-yourself biologists to biohackers to the International Genetically Engineered Machine, people are already bringing synthetic biology to life. We  will discuss technologies that are available now, illustrative examples, and possible dangers of synthetic life. Sunday, 11am - Crystal 2

* Philcon is running November 16 - 18, 2018 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey For a look at our other programming, please check out this link. (A Sched.com version will be available soon!)

[philcon-programming]

Philcon 2018 Programming Pull-Out: The “Business” Side of Things

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Self-Publishing -- When is it better to shop your book around to publishers, and when does it make more sense to put it out yourself? Friday, 6pm - Plaza 2 Indie Publishing 101: Becoming A Project Manager -- How to plan the project, manage time, and stay on budget. Saturday, 10am - Plaza 2 Indie Publishing 102: The Editing Process -- Beta-readers, developmental editors, copyeditors, proofreaders... What do I need, where do I find it, and how much will it cost? Saturday, 11am - Plaza 2 Indie Publishing 103: The Publishing Process -- From cover design to distribution options, where do you take your masterpiece? Saturday, Noon -Plaza 2 Indie Publishing 104: Marketing -- Indie writers talk about their marketing successes and fails. How do you set realistic expectations for the response to your efforts? Saturday, 1pm - Plaza 2 How Not to Die From Exposure -- Artists are always being asked to work for exposure. When is working for free (or “on-spec”) a bad idea? When is it a good idea? How do you know the difference? Saturday, 1pm - Plaza 5 Finance for Freelancers -- Advice and suggestions for creative professionals—writers and artists—on management and organization of their finances, personal planning for the future (savings, insurance, bequests), and whatever else may be of concern to those “working without a net” of corporate benefits. Saturday, 3pm - Plaza 5 Crowdfunding for Fun and...What Do You Mean We LOST Money??? -- Just how does a "Kickstarter" work? Will Patreon's recent changes impact your ability to attract and keep Patrons? Is it worth setting up a KoFi account? Saturday, 5pm - Plaza 5 Meet the Editors! --  Magazine and small press editors discuss what goes into creating their publications, from the economics of staying viable in the electronic age to getting appropriate submissions. Saturday, 8pm - Plaza 2 Retail Skills for the Introvert -- A discussion about digital customer service, self promotion, and sales skills templates that you can use every day to promote your work, and how these things are essential to selling your book or brand. Sunday, 1pm - Plaza 5 * Philcon is running November 16 - 18, 2018 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey For a look at our other programming, please check out this link. (A Sched.com version will be available soon!)

[philcon-programming]

Philcon 2018 Programming Pull-Out: Fantasy and Folklore

Creative Curses to Inflict on Your Characters -- Falling asleep for a hundred years is so passe. What are some fun, fresh, modern enchantments you can use to put your protagonists to the test? Friday, 6pm - Crystal 3

Fantasy Without Fantasy? -- How much actual supernaturalism or other fantastic elements (dragons, magic, elves, etc.) does a fantasy story require? There are examples of books marketed as fantasy, set in imaginary places, that contain no fantastic elements- How do they function within the genre? Friday, 8pm - Plaza 3 Victorian-era Fantasy -- The source of the popularization of Celtic myth, fairies, and ghost stories, what does modern fantasy owe to developments of the Victorian-era? Friday, 9pm - Plaza 2

Transhumanism in Fairy Tales -- How can thinking about folk and fairy tales help us to understand transhumanism in science fiction? Though transbiology and transhumanism are relatively recent terms, these concepts have long been part of folk narrative, especially mythology and fairy tales. This exploration of fairy tale precursors to the scientific imagination will help illuminate enduring questions about what it means to be human. [Presented by Linda J. Lee]Saturday, 10am - Crystal 2

Workshop: Pantheon Building -- Whether you are designing a new campaign setting for an RPG, or looking to create a world for your fantasy fiction, the creation of a pantheon will be an important part of the process. We'll discuss how the world shapes religion, and how religion shapes the people and culture. A useful guide to help writers organize their thoughts and to craft a believable set of gods and goddesses for their fantasy realms! Saturday, 11am - Suite 923

Mantras, Mudra, Sutra & MECHA!!! [90 min] --  An exploration of Vedic & Southeast Asian SF & F through the numerous instances, concepts and derivative works produced by both Western and Eastern presses. We'll talk about Scripture, Literature, Saga Poetry, Graphic Novels, RPGs and more, from the Rg Veda and Ramayana 3392 A.D. to Escher and Exalted RPG. Grab your Brahamastra and get ready to pilot some Vimana!  [Presented by Steam-Funk Studios]  Saturday, 7:30 - 9pm - Plaza 5

Liminal Spaces in Americana -- The impact of the mythology of the Midwest (and of Southern Gothic) on speculative literature. Saturday, 8pm - Plaza 3

The Living MultiVerse Diaries: Tropes & Tactics -- So that Magic Sword is looking dull? That Laser Rifle doesn’t quite pew-pew like it used to? We'll take a look at both fantasy and postmodern armaments in Fantasy and SF Roleplaying Games, with a specific eye to synergy and implementation, as well as item creation, placement and team management from either side of the table. [Presented by Steam-Funk Studios] Saturday, 9pm - Plaza 5

Things to Remember When Negotiating a One-Night Stand with The Fae [18+] -- A guide to keeping your characters safe, sane, and not turned into an equal volume of spiders. Saturday, 10pm - Plaza 2

Fairy Tales for the Modern Age -- Writers from Tanith Lee to Cat Valente to Seanan McGuire have incorporated and transformed fairy tales in their work. How have they managed to update the stories in a manner that feels both in line with the originals and relevant to the present day? Are their adaptations actually darker than the source material, or have the Disney versions just changed what we think of as the standard? Sunday, 11am - Plaza 2

* Philcon is running November 16 - 18, 2018 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey For a look at our other programming, please check out this link. (A Sched.com version will be available soon!)

[philcon-programming]

Philcon Programming Pull-Out: Writing the Science Side of Science Fiction

Writing for Aliens: Creating Arts Cultures -- Visual arts, music, dance, dramatic performance- even the creation of speculative fiction- can't be the province of only humankind. What might these things look like on other planets? What about types of art created for sensory systems we don't have? Friday, 5pm - Plaza 2 Black Holes Explained! -- What they are, what they are NOT, why it's A Bad Idea to confuse a black hole with a wormhole, and how to use them in scientifically accurate ways in your writing. Friday, 7pm - Plaza 3 Foundations of Worldbuilding: Planetary Systems & Space -- What effect would having two moons do to the oceans of your world? How do the orbital paths of your planets affect the transit times between them? What factors should you take into account when constructing *your* ideal star system? Saturday, 11am - Plaza 3 A Creative Apocalypse --  What creative and original - but scientifically plausible - ways are left for storytellers to destroy the world? Saturday, Noon - Plaza 3 Don't Open That Airlock! -- You want your audience drawn into the tension of suspenseful moments, not muttering to themselves, "Why didn't they just pack spare batteries?" during them. How do you develop plot devices that won't leave readers questioning your characters' intelligence? Saturday, 2pm - Plaza 3 Space Age Fashion: Dressing For The Future -- What elements contribute to the construction, aesthetic, and cultural significance of your characters' clothing? What does it imply about the world they live in? Sunday, 11am - Plaza 3 The Myth of the Mad Scientist -- Despite a long history in fiction of solo geniuses making the ultimate breakthroughs in their basement labs, collaboration is necessary for scientific advancement. So why do we glorify the loner scientist trope? Can we make collaborative science feel equally heroic? How do we portray science being done realistically while still meeting the needs of the story? Sunday, 1pm - Plaza 2 How Do Radios Really Work? -- A discussion for writers of range and scope, HAM radio operation, the rise and descent of CB radio, common malfunctions and simple fixes, and where they can be found in the case of zombies. Sunday, 1pm - Plaza 4 * Philcon is running November 16 - 18, 2018 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey For a look at our other programming, please check out this link. (A Sched.com version will be available soon!)

[philcon-programming]

Philcon 2018 Programming Pull-Out: Authors & Inspirations

Tesla, Gernsback, and the Birth of Science Fiction -- How Nikola Tesla influenced the imagination of Hugo Gernsback. [Presented by Miriam Seidel]Friday, 6pm - Plaza 3 Steve Ditko Requiem & Retrospective --  Steve Ditko was a major creative force in the creation of Marvel Comics. He was the original artist and co-creator of Spider-Man, crucial in the creation and visual design of Dr. Strange, originated  the DC characters The Creeper, Hawk, Dove, & Shade the Changing Man, as well as ones Alan Moore used in his original pitch for the Watchmen. Friday, 8pm - Plaza 5 The Fiction of Steven Brust -- Exploring the works of this year’s Principal Speaker. Saturday, 10am - Crystal 3

A Tribute to Ursula K. LeGuin -- A discussion of the life and works of this massively influential author, and a celebration of the 50th anniversary of her landmark EarthSea series. Saturday, 11am - Crystal 3 Remembering Gardner Dozois -- A gathering to honor Philadelphia’s own Gardner Dozois. In addition to his 15 Hugos as Best Editor, he was two-time Nebula winner for short fiction as a writer, the founder and editor of the Year's Best Science Fiction anthologies, and editor of Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine for 20 years. Come join us in celebrating his life. Saturday, Noon - Crystal 3 Harlan Ellison Retrospective -- Ellison was a prolific writer of short stories, novellas, teleplays, essays, and criticism, with over 1,700 works to his name. What impact did he have on genre storytelling? What were his best works? Saturday, 11pm - Plaza 3 Fifty Years of Pern -- Anne McCaffrey's longest-running series was a trailblazing hybrid of fantasy and science fiction. What impact has it had on SF, fantasy, and multi-genre works? How well does it hold up when viewed in the present era? Sunday, 10am - Crystal 3

Writing Like The Dickens -- Steven King has been called the modern Charles Dickens—and not only for his copious output.  Is that a reasonable assessment?  Is King entitled to Dickens' throne?  If you like your panels like your martinis—with an Olive or Twist—come join the discussion. Sunday, 10am - Plaza 2 The Creative Influence of Moorcock -- Analyzing the works of Michael Moorcock and their impact of the Steampunk and Speculative Fiction genres. How do the concepts of the Multiverse, String Theory, Cosmic Foam, and Plato’s Sphere come into play?  [Presented by Steam-Funk Studios] Sunday, 11am - Plaza 4

Gardner Dozois’s “The Peacemaker” -- A discussion of this Nebula-winning work, which will be led and audio-recorded by members of The Gene Wolfe Literary Podcast. Sunday, Noon - Plaza 3

Jungian Archetypes in SF & F -- Whether or not the teachings of Jung are current in psychology, they have had an enormous impact on literature and culture. Jung's ideas are the key to understanding writers as diverse as R.A. Lafferty and Ursula K. LeGuin. What has Jung contributed to fantastic literature? Sunday, 2pm - Plaza 3

* Philcon is running November 16 - 18, 2018 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey For a look at our other programming, please check out this link. (A Sched.com version will be available soon!)

[philcon-programming]

Philcon 2018 Programming Pull-Out: Fan-Centered Discussions

Building a Bug-Out Bag -- Bugging out or locking down, let's talk about how to prepare for various emergency situations. What do you need in your survival kit?  Friday, 7pm - Plaza 5 Social Event: Gaming Suite Meet and Greet -- Get together with fellow gamers and fans to kick off the weekend. Friday, 9pm - Suite 923 Angsty Fic Tropes and Why We Love Them -- What are our favorite fanfic tropes, and why are they so satisfying to read? Why don't we see these tropes as often in 'regular' fiction? Would we *want* to? Friday, 11pm - Plaza 2 At Loose Ends --  What books needed a sequel and never got one? Which series have been (or should be) beaten to death with a stick? Sunday, 2pm - Crystal 3

Social Event: Book Blogger Hangout -- You don't have to be a book blogger to join us! Saturday, 6pm - Suite 623

Social Event: Awaken the Stars Meet & Greet -- Fans of DeadCatWithAFlamethrower’s works have a chance to chat face to face. Saturday, 8pm - Suite 623

Room Discussion: My Patronus is a Monster Truck -- What are the best fan developments to come out of the Harry Potter fandom? Is there enough content to keep it alive despite waning interest- and expectations- in the recent additions to the canon? Saturday, 9pm - Plaza 2    **And let me take a moment to thank the people involved in This Post for inspiring the title**

Shows We're (Still) Not Over The Endings Of  -- Whether it was because of a surprise cancellation that left us with a massive cliffhanger, or the intentional plotting of a Machiavellian team of writers, some series ended in ways that- even years later- make us want to shriek. What finale left you agape?  Saturday, 10pm - Crystal 2

Why We Hate Big Bang Theory -- If you're a fan of the show, this panel is not for you. Everyone else, please join us for a delightful roast! Saturday, 11pm - Crystal 2 What Your Body Language Says About You -- From casual social situations to job interviews, what signals are you sending? Sunday, 10am - Plaza 4 The Impact of Learning to Write via Fanfiction -- A growing number of well-known and well-respected authors got their start by writing fanfic. Our panelists read the first published book by several authors who started out as fanfic writers, as well as interviews and other discussions of their experiences doing so, and compared the techniques seen in the books with fanfiction to extrapolate how a background in writing fic might affect one's literary style- and career. [Presented by the Phoenixville Writer's Workshop] Sunday, 1pm - Plaza 3 A Farewell to Adventure Time -- A fond look back on the little show that could. Sunday, 2pm - Plaza 4 *

Philcon is running November 16 - 18, 2018 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey For a look at our other programming, please check out this link. (A Sched.com version will be available soon!)

[philcon-programming]

New Items!

So You Want To Make A Podcast... Our presenters will discuss their approaches and experiences with creating a serial podcast. [Presented by Tee Morris, Michal Schick, and Jay Smith] Friday, 8pm - Plaza 4 The Big Score: The Soundtrack of Science Fiction We always know when Darth Vader is on the way, when James Bond is coming to the rescue, or when you’re entering the city limits of Bon Temps, Louisiana. Music forms an integral part of television and cinema, yet is rarely examined or celebrated. Or are there fans out there that collect soundtracks as some collect cards and comics? What is some of the best music from the genre? Which themes are true signatures? [Presented by Tee Morris] Saturday, 2pm - Crystal 3 * https://philcon.org/

[philcon-programming]

Philcon 2018 Programming Pull-Out: Reflecting On The World Around Us and The Worlds We Create

Diversity and Representation in 2018 --  From #InOurOwnVoices to "Comicsgate", there's a lot to be said about the evolving face- and body- of fiction across all media types. A frank discussion of the considerations involved when creating content intended to depict characters who are different from you, and the impact it can have on your readers, viewers, listeners, and fellow fans. Saturday, 11am - Plaza 5

What Does a "Strong Female Character" Actually Look Like? --  ...and how do I write one?? Saturday, 5pm - Plaza 3 Writing Intimate Relationships in the Era of They – Our notions about romance, sex, and marriage are evolving to keep pace with a world that continues to gain a more nuanced understanding of gender identity, the spectrum of human sexuality, and what a family is. Does your writing reflect an inclusive future, or one where the standards of 1950's America have remained the norm? Saturday, 6pm - Plaza 2 The Paradox of Writing SF --  Science Fiction is the genre best suited for ideas that challenge the status quo, because it is not bound by our reality as we know it. At the same time, SF has existed for long enough that it has become full of ossified paradigms that no longer force us to examine our perspectives. How do we keep our ideas relevant given the evolutionary nature of the genre while also dealing with the natural tendency of fiction to recycle cliches, frameworks, and touchstones that are familiar to us? Saturday, 9pm - Plaza 3

Science Fiction as Social Education -- How can science fiction help us become more socially aware? What allows science fiction to address social issues in unique ways not found in other forms of literature, and how can we meaningfully use it to better our society? Sunday, Noon - Plaza 2 Politics and Deep Space 9 -- DS9 was singular in the Trekverse for its dramatic and often troubling depictions of interstellar politics, from people of honor and ideals frequently being forced to question or compromise their beliefs, to those who make no pretense of using any ends to justify their means. For the 25th anniversary of its premier, a discussion of the series and its eerie prescience regarding real-world political conflicts and issues since its airing. Saturday, 5pm - Plaza 4 Social Progress at 24 Frames per Second  -- Many animated shows have been ahead of the social curve. Tezuka's Bagi protested animal experimentation in 1984. More recently, Golden Kamuy features an Ainu main character, while Code Geass depicts Japanese people being treated like Koreans have been treated in Japan. This panel will delve into the ways in which anime has challenged the social norms of Japan from the past to the present. Saturday, 1pm - Plaza 1

Tackling Sexuality and Gender Identity in Anime and Manga [18+] [90 min] -- The spectrum of sexuality and gender identities are constantly being recalibrated and redefined. Let us help you understand with the helpful visual aid of some of your favorite characters. We invite everyone that wants to learn more about pan / bi / demi / ace sexualities, aromanticism, and intersex / trans / genderfluid gender identities. Saturday, 10pm - Plaza 1 Video Games and Disability --  From ADHD and Autism to wheelchairs and walkers, video games across platforms offer a unique way to connect people who otherwise would not have an avenue or outlet to reach out to people. How else does the world of digital storytelling open avenues for disabled content creators and consumers? Friday, 7pm - Plaza 4 * Philcon is running November 16 - 18, 2018 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey For a look at our other programming, please check out this link. (A Sched.com version will be available soon!)