Children’s Programming

Cosplay

Title	Description
Big Build Costumes	Making a big build costume requires you to really step back and take a look at all the problem solving skills you have. Join our panelists as they take you through those phases and help you avoid the pitfalls.
Cosplay 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started	New to cosplay or looking to improve your skills? Cosplay 101 covers the basics—from choosing your first costume to essential crafting tips and convention survival hacks. Join us for a fun, beginner-friendly guide to bringing your favorite characters to life!
Cosplay Photography 101: The Good, the Bad and the How To	Panelists discuss the basics of cosplay photography, including how to find a photographer and styles.
Cosplay: From Reference to Recreation	Learn how to make detailed and accurate costume recreations from character references and artwork and bring your cosplay to life!
Foam, Fabric, and Fantasy: Building Your Dream Costume	This panel dives into crafting techniques for stunning cosplay outfits. Learn about foam armor, fabric coloring, painting techniques, and even adding lighting into your cosplay.
From Page to Stage: Recreating Iconic Character Looks	Ever wondered how to perfectly replicate a beloved character’s makeup and costume? Cosplay pros share their process for studying references and nailing every detail.
Quick Fixes: Con-Safe Makeup and Repair Hacks	Learn how to handle cosplay emergencies like smudged makeup, ripped seams, or broken props. Perfect for staying convention-ready all day. Experts will give you a list of key items to have in your to-go bag!
Special Effects 101: Adding the WOW Factor to Your Cosplay	Get advice from cosplay artists about creating scars, burns, and alien skin textures. Perfect for cosplayers looking to elevate their designs with realistic effects.
That Corset Life	Curious about wearing corsets in your costumes, out to parties, as daily wear? Come learn how to wear one proudly and safely. We’ll cover important things to look for when shopping, how to choose the right size and style for you, as well as cleaning, lacing, and more. All genders & sizes encouraged to attend.

Entertainment

Title	Description
DIY Music Production: Home Studio Essentials	Setting up a home recording studio can be tricky. Get tips on getting one ready to go from experts in the field.
Music and Mental Health: The Power of Sound	A discussion on how music can be used as a tool for mental health and emotional well-being.
Fandom and Music: Building Communities Through Sound	Examine how music fandoms form and thrive and their role in supporting artists and shaping music culture.
Building a Band: Collaboration in Music	Musicians discuss how to form and maintain a successful music group. Topics include balancing creative input, managing gigs, and marketing to niche audiences.
The Rise of Nostalgia: Why We Keep Rebooting the 80s and 90s	From Stranger Things to Transformers reboots, geek culture is steeped in nostalgia. This panel discusses why we’re so drawn to revisiting our childhood favorites and whether reboots do justice to the originals or dilute them.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Panel: Cult to Mainstream	A look at the evolution of the longest running movie ever. Note: this is NOT the movie, just a lot of geeking out about one of our cult favorites.

Late Night

Cartoons that Aren’t for Kids (18+)	Not everything that has been animated belongs on Cartoon Network and Boomerang. Some animated shows and movies were strictly for those of legal voting age. Our panel will discuss movies like Heavy Metal, Fritz the Cat, and others that you won’t find on lunch boxes.
Consent (18+)	In this panel we will discuss what consent really is, how to ask for consent, and how to give someone consent. We will also discuss sensitive topics including figuring out if consent was violated and what to do if it is.
How to Host a Late Night Party (18+)	Do you like convention parties? Have you thought about hosting one? We’ll cover the do’s and don’ts, setting the mood and theme, and what makes it a success or bust.
Kink 101 (18+)	Are you interested in the spicier side of the bedroom, but haven’t known where to get started? Looked at information online and been lost with the acronyms and abbreviations used? This is the panel for you! Join our newbie-friendly experts as they walk you through the beginning of your journey.
Kink and Fandom (18+)	Have you noticed how embedded into Sci-Fi kink seems to be? From ‘Kneel before Zod!’ to damsels bound by the villains and all the latex, kink has been a part of our stories. Join us as we explore how following the white rabbit has impacted our thoughts on the more exotic side of sex.
Kink Meetup (18+)	ConVivial’s very own Munch – A chance to connect with your fellow kinksters that are at the convention.
Polyamory and other forms of ENM	There are many types and ways to form relationships. This panel will focus on forms other than traditional monogamy. We will discuss the pros and cons of swinging, ENM, polyamory, and others. We will also discuss how to make these types of relationships work and the common pitfalls that can accrue.

Literature

Title	Description
Between Two Nerds: an Interview with R.S. Belcher	Join us for an exclusive Guest of Honor Interview with the incredible R.S. Belcher—award-winning author of The Six-Gun Tarot, Brotherhood of the Wheel, and more! We’ll dive into his writing process, worldbuilding, and the weird, wild inspirations behind his genre-bending stories. PLUS Rod has some huge news to share, and you’ll be the first to hear it! Don’t miss this chance to get the inside scoop, ask your burning questions, and be part of a momentous reveal!
Editing and Revising Your Manuscript	Panelists discuss techniques for polishing your draft to make it publication-ready.
Forgotten and Underrated Fantasy and Sci-Fi Authors	Highlighting lesser-known authors who have made significant contributions to the genres but don’t receive as much recognition, with discussions on their works and lasting impact.
Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing	A comparison of the pros and cons of self-publishing and traditional publishing routes.
The Business of Being an Author	Insights into the financial and marketing aspects of a writing career, from advances to royalties and more.
The Evolution of the Hero’s Journey	Explore the hero’s journey archetype from ancient myths to modern storytelling.
Time Travel Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts of Temporal Tourism	A panel discussing the hypothetical rules and etiquette of time travel, including avoiding paradoxes and blending into historical settings.
Werewolves in Folklore and Film	A brief overview of the werewolf legends, folklore, and movies.
World-Building 101	Panelists discuss developing immersive worlds for your stories, including geography, culture, history, and future plans.
Writing Across Genres	Authors discuss the challenges and rewards of writing in multiple genres, from fantasy to crime fiction.

Media

Title	Description
Building a Brand: Creating a YouTube Channel for Your Fandom	Want to share your fandom with the world and grow a YouTube channel around your passion? This panel covers the essentials of branding, content creation, and audience engagement to help you stand out in the crowded online space. Whether you’re a cosplayer, reviewer, or storyteller, learn how to turn your love for fandom into a thriving channel!
Dungeons & Dragons: From Tabletop to Mainstream	A look into the resurgence of D&D and its influence on pop culture.
Exploring the Multiverse: The Impact of Marvel’s Phase Four	Discuss how Marvel’s Phase Four movies and series are expanding the MCU and changing the landscape of superhero storytelling.
Horror Unmasked: The Genre That Refuses to Die	Once dismissed as niche, horror has exploded into the mainstream, becoming one of the fastest-growing and most passionate film genres. From indie innovators to box office hits, horror stands apart in its ability to evolve, connect, and terrify like no other. Join us as we explore what makes horror unique, why its fan base is so devoted, and how it’s taking over the industry.
I broke up with Adobe, now what do I do?	Panelists discuss digital art programs and why subscription services aren’t always your best bet.
Matriarchs of Fandom: Guess the Disney Movie	Come play games with the Matriarchs of Fandom! The winner will take home a prize!
Matriarchs of Fandom: John Williams and the Music of the Movies	John Williams has defined the sound of Hollywood, composing scores for Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, and more. This panel explores how his music shapes storytelling, evokes emotion, and influences modern composers. Join us for a deep dive into his legendary career.
Reboot or Revival? The Trend of Returning Favorites	Examine the surge of TV and movie reboots, revivals, and sequels, and their reception by audiences.
Superhero Cinema: Past, Present, and Future	A look at the evolution of superhero films and what’s next for the genre.
The Evolution of Fandoms	Explore how fandoms have changed over the decades, from Star Trek to TikTok trends.
The Role of Music in Pop Culture	Discuss how music shapes and reflects cultural trends from rock ‘n’ roll to hip hop.

Miscellaneous

Title	Description
Board Games You’ve Never Heard Of (But Should Be Playing)	Tired of the same old games? This panel showcases hidden gems that are perfect for game night.
Caftans & Coffee on Memory Lane	Come hang out in your favorite comfy caftan, and have coffee or Rooted Dandelion tea while talking about our favorite memories of the 70’s and 80’s.
Dice & Drama: Running Memorable TTRPG Campaigns	Dungeon Masters, Game Masters, and aspiring storytellers unite! This panel covers how to create immersive worlds, manage tricky players, and keep sessions engaging. Perfect for Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and indie TTRPG fans alike.
Focus and Fandom: Managing ADHD in a Hyperconnected World	Balancing focus, creativity, and productivity can be challenging for anyone, but especially for those with ADHD. This panel explores how to channel your unique strengths and build systems that work for you, using fandom as inspiration.
LARP Combat and Mythical Monsters	Come join ORCSLARP for a live action D&D-style demonstration of a land search! Learn about our full contact medieval/fantasy foam fighting LARP based out of Hampton, Virginia. Witness an example party being selected and see them venturing forth to face monsters from our land search encounters. What dangerous creatures will our heroes face and how will they defeat them?
Mythical Creatures Ornaments	Welcome to mythical creatures ornament time! Ornaments are not just for the winter holidays. Ornaments can be used all year long to decorate your personal areas. Do you love a specific mythical creature? Is a mythical creature missing from your decor? You can use plastic ornaments, foam, glue, glitter, and other bits and bobs to make an ornament of your favorite creature! Extra time? Make another ornament to give as a gift!

Paranormal

Title	Description
Cryptids: Myth or Real?	An overview of American Cryptid legends.
Famous Haunted Locations Around the World	Take a virtual tour of some of the most haunted places globally, exploring their histories and the ghostly tales that make them famous.
Ghost Hunting 101: Tools and Techniques	Learn the basics of ghost hunting, including essential equipment, techniques, and safety tips from an experienced paranormal investigator.
Ghosts Around the Campfire: Folklore and Urban Legends	Panelists share and discuss popular ghost stories, folklore, and urban legends from different cultures and regions.
Haunted Williamsburg: Legends and Lore	Explore the haunted history of Colonial Williamsburg with tales of restless spirits and ghostly encounters in one of America’s most historic towns. Dive into the legends and folklore specific to Williamsburg, uncovering the stories that have been passed down through generations.
The Psychology of Fear: Why We Love Ghost Stories	Explore the psychological reasons behind our fascination with ghost stories and the thrill of being scared.