Philcon 2018: Full Schedule

Welcome to Philcon 2018!

6:00pm EST

Artists That Have Influenced Me

Our panelists reveal the artists and art movements that have influenced their works.

Speakers

Alan Beck

Alan F. Beck has been an artist, designer and illustrator for over 30 years doing work for many major corporations including book covers and magazine illustrations. His work has been exhibited in art shows and Science Fiction/Fantasy conventions all across the country. He has won... Read More →

Heidi Hooper

Heidi Hooper is the dryer lint Lady -- Believe it or Not! Her unusual art is featured in Ripley's Believe it or Not Museums all over the world and in their books. She's also a two time winner of the prestigious Niche award, as has been the Artist Guest of Honor at Albacon and Heliosphere... Read More →

Nathan Lilly

N.E. Lilly is the editor of SpaceWesterns.com, Everyday Weirdness, and Thaumatrope. He develops websites for Science Fiction professionals and organizations through GreenTentacles. He has designed artwork and illustrations for a variety of media and processes, such as stage productions... Read More →

Friday November 16, 2018 6:00pm - 7:00pm EST
Plaza IV Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill, 2349 Marlton Pike W, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Art

Host Organization Philcon

7:00pm EST

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?

Speakers

Muriel Hykes

Muriel Hykes (AKA Dr. Mom) At Philcon, and elsewhere in East Coast fandom, she participates in panels on nutrition, allergies, education, ADHD, learning disabilities, computers, and the future of just about everything (isn't that what SF is really about?) She and her rocket-scientist... Read More →

Robert C. Roman

Robert C Roman is an author of Science Fiction, Fantasy, Steam Punk, Space Opera, Superheroes, and Paranormal Romance. Robert has taken a long and winding path to get where he is today. Finally growing tired of life of adventure, Robert settled down with the Ur-Goth and began spawning... Read More →

Michael Ryan

Mike Ryan is a Twitch streamer (https://twitch.tv/toanstation) using playing games a vehicle to talk about games. He has been a fan of science fiction ever since the age of six. His love of the genre has expanded to include tabletop games, video games and anime.

Friday November 16, 2018 7:00pm - 8:00pm EST
Plaza IV Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill, 2349 Marlton Pike W, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Gaming

Host Organization Philcon

8:00pm EST

So You Want To Make A Podcast...

Our presenters will discuss their approaches and experiences with creating a serial podcast.

Friday November 16, 2018 8:00pm - 9:00pm EST
Plaza IV Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill, 2349 Marlton Pike W, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Media

Host Organization Philcon

10:00am EST

DCEU: A Light at the End of the Tunnel?

We all know that Warner Brothers has had a bit of the problem with their DCEU movies. But the latest trailers for Aquaman & SHAZAM look like they’re finally turning the page to a Brand New Day...

Speakers

Barna William Donovan

Barna William Donovan is a professor of communication and media studies at Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey. His first novel, CONFIRMATION: INVESTIGATIONS OF THE UNEXPLAINED, was published by World Castle Publishing in July 2018. He is also the author of three... Read More →

Orenthal Hawkins

Orenthal V. Hawkins is an IT professional and a self-described Super Geek and Ultra Nerd. Or is that Ultra Geek and Super Nerd? Anyway... He is also adorkable, geektastic & delightfully nerdy. He is also 100% original and not a reboot. From B-movies to anime, from Old Time Radio to... Read More →

Andre Lieven

Andre Lieven has been involved with SF conventions for [mumbly, mumbly]years and still loves it as much as in the beginning. His interests start with hard SF from Asimov and Clarke and range out to his old childhood favourites of Star Trek and Thunderbirds. All that lead to connecting... Read More →

Marshall Ryan Maresca

Marshall Ryan Maresca is a fantasy and science-fiction writer, author of the Maradaine Saga: Four parallel series set amid the bustling streets and crime-ridden districts of the exotic city called Maradaine. This includes The Thorn of Dentonhill, A Murder of Mages, The Holver Alley... Read More →

Saturday November 17, 2018 10:00am - 11:00am EST
Plaza IV Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill, 2349 Marlton Pike W, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Media

Host Organization Philcon

11:00am EST

Designing Original Costumes

Movie, game and comic characters are one thing, but what if you want to dress up as one from a book, or even your own original character? What do you need to take into consideration?

Speakers

Anastasia Holt

Anastasia has been sewing and costuming since she was 10 years old and started participating in convention since 2006. Anastasia started in recreation costumes and has expanded to original costumes. Anastasia has been participating in Masquerades since she was 14 years old and has... Read More →

Carl Paolino

Carl Paolino Studios

Carl Paolino is a veteran of the entertainment industry. As producer, director, screenwriter, and production designer, his credits include feature films, television series, music videos, Broadway shows, and television commercials. His animated productions include: MTV’s Celebrity... Read More →

Sarah Sanders

Sarah's costuming journey runs in a straight line from reenactment to LARPing to the convention costuming circuit. She likes to work on a new skill or try a new material for every new con season, and recently leveled up to the Master division.

Muriel Stockdale

Muriel Stockdale’s successful 35-year career in entertainment as a designer, director, filmmaker and artist honed her ability and desire to tell her stories. She has for her entire life been fascinated by myths, spirituality and science fiction. She began avidly reading and comparing... Read More →

Saturday November 17, 2018 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
Plaza IV Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill, 2349 Marlton Pike W, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Costuming & Cosplay

Host Organization Philcon

12:00pm EST

Giant Monster Appreciation Panel

What exactly is our fascination with dinosaurs, Godzilla, and other creatures that could step on us without noticing?

Speakers

Stephanie Burke

Stephanie Burke, known to friends and readers as Flash, has a warped sense of humor and she isn't afraid to let it show. From pregnant men to six-foot cockroaches, she's covered the of the weird, the unusual, and the just plain strange. Stephanie is the co-founder of the charity organization... Read More →

D.L. Carter

D.L. Carter was decanted from her incubation pod in the outback of Australia many decades ago. This terrifying event was closely followed by shrieks of "there, there it goes. Hit it with a brick!" These valiant attempts to correct the existence of D.L. were, unfortunately, unsuccessful... Read More →

Tony Finan

Tony suffers from photophobia caused by prolonged servitude in the Philcon film room, which he had run for over 15 years. He is an avid fan of the science fiction and horror film genres, specializing in British, Asian, and Zombie films. When not watching movies, he can be found behind... Read More →

Nicholas Kaufmann

Nicholas Kaufmann is the Bram Stoker Award-nominated, Thriller Award-nominated, Shirley Jackson Award-nominated, and Dragon Award-nominated author of nine books in the horror, fantasy, and adventure genres, including CHASING THE DRAGON (ChiZine Publications), DYING IS MY BUSINESS... Read More →

Eric Parmer

Eric Parmer has a degree in English Literature with a focus on all the weird stuff that English Literature really shouldn't cover. Russian Fairy Tales. Vampires. Slavic Sci-Fi. You know. The classics.

Steve Vertlieb

An award-winning writer, film historian, critic, archivist, musicologist and poet, Steve Vertlieb has been writing about motion pictures and symphonic film music in a variety of books, magazines, journals, tabloids, and on the internet, since 1969 and has been profiled in "Who's Who... Read More →

Saturday November 17, 2018 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Plaza IV Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill, 2349 Marlton Pike W, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Media

Host Organization Philcon

1:00pm EST

The Orville

Expected to be just another silly spoof, The Orville turned out to be a show that takes on serious issues in a lighthearted manner. How has The Orville been making its mark independent of the franchises that inspired it?

Speakers

Ty Drago

Editor, Publisher, Allegory

Since 1998, Ty has served as publisher and managing editor of ALLEGORY, an e-zine publishing quality science fiction, fantasy, and horror from new and established authors worldwide. He is also the author of nine published novels, has appeared in two anthologies, and has sold numerous... Read More →

Orenthal Hawkins

Chris Kreuter

Chris is a sci-fi author best known for the kid's novel The Intergalactic Adventures of the Rainy River Bees. The sequel, Revenge on the Rainy River Bees! comes out November 2019. He's also designed & published multiple board games as co-owner of Masquerade Games. By day, Chris is... Read More →

Andre Lieven

James Prego

Adjunct Professor of Biology

Dr. Prego is a naturopathic doctor from Long Island and a past recipient of the NYANP's Physician of the Year award. He is an adjunct professor of Biology at Molly College, NCC, and LIU. A longtime fan of science fiction, he enjoys discussing xenobiology, health in space, fusions... Read More →

Saturday November 17, 2018 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Plaza IV Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill, 2349 Marlton Pike W, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Media

Host Organization Philcon

2:00pm EST

King Kong

A discussion of the making and production of the original 1933 fantasy adventure classic and its lasting cultural significance, as well as its countless remakes, sequels, and reboots. Join film scholar Steve Vertlieb and writer Richard Stout for this loving remembrance of, perhaps, the greatest "Monster" film of all time.

Speakers

Samuel Delany

With four Nebula Awards and two Hugo Awards behind him, Samuel R. Delany became a Grandmaster of Science Fiction in 2014. His novels include BABEL-17, THE EINSTEIN INTERSECTION, NOVA, DHALGREN, STARS IN MY POCKET LIKE GRAINS OF SAND, the four-volume Return to Nevèrÿon, and his most... Read More →

Carl Paolino

Carl Paolino Studios

Richard Stout

Richard premiered his trilogy of kid spy movies featuring James Blond, Agent Uh-Oh 7, at Philcon, beginning with 1993's LEARNER'S PERMIT TO KILL. His horror makeup/special FX workshop "Monsters, Aliens, and Spirit Gum" has been popular both here and at I-Con. He and his wife Kathryn... Read More →

Steve Vertlieb

Saturday November 17, 2018 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Plaza IV Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill, 2349 Marlton Pike W, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Media

Host Organization Philcon

3:00pm EST

Finances 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.

Speakers

Russell J. Handelman

Russell Handelman has written both fiction and nonfiction. He lives next to a swamp in Connecticut.

Erin M. Hartshorn

SFWA Vice President

Erin M. Hartshorn did her graduate work in fish olfaction (and yes, she’s heard all of the jokes about how fish smell) before turning to words to make her living. Her freelance business makes others’ words look good through copyediting, proofreading, and indexing. Her fiction... Read More →

Susan Shwartz

Back after several years, Susan Shwartz's most recent books are a reprint of WHITE WING (with Shariann Lewitt , writing as Gordon Kendall) and THE SUBVERSIVE JOB HUNGER'S HAND BOOK. She is also responsible for HOSTILE TAKEOVER (Tor) and the VULCAN SOUL trilogy (with the late Josepha... Read More →

Ian Randal Strock

Fantastic Books

Ian Randal Strock is the editor and publisher of Fantastic Books (www.FantasticBooks.biz). As a writer, his fiction has appeared in Nature, Analog (from which he won two AnLab Awards), and several recent anthologies. His nonfiction has much wider distribution (including "Ranking the... Read More →

Saturday November 17, 2018 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Plaza IV Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill, 2349 Marlton Pike W, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Fandom

Host Organization Philcon

4:00pm EST

The 50th anniversary of 2001: A Space Odyssey

"Fifty years ago, Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke set out to make a new kind of sci-fi. How does their future look now that it’s the past?" This question was asked in a recent article in The New Yorker, and now we're asking you.

Speakers

Brandon Budda

Brandon Budda is a local Philadelphia-based podcast host and science fiction aficionado. He has a background in English and Philosophy. He is also the co-founder of Claytemple media and co-host of the Gene Wolfe Literary Podcast and Eldersign: A Weird Fiction Podcast. Brandon is also... Read More →

Samuel Delany

Daniel Kimmel

Daniel M. Kimmel is the 2018 recipient of the Skylark Award from the New England Science Ficion Association. A veteran film critic, he was a Hugo finalist for "Jar Jar Binks Must Die." He is the author of a number of short stories, as well as Compton Crook finalist for "Shh! It's... Read More →

Steve Vertlieb

Jeff Warner

Jeff Warner is a professor of autodidactism, stand-up philosopher, not-recently-published writer, former president of the Science Fiction Forum, freelance punslinger, and as a 'ninja-smof' a co-founder of a hat trick of sf conventions. "Geek, Nerd, AND Dork? I'm a Triple Threat... Read More →

Alyce Wilson

Alyce Wilson, a Philadelphia area freelance writer and editor, is the editor of Wild Violet (wildviolet.net), a weekly online literary magazine. She has published a poetry chapbook, "Picturebook of the Martyrs," an essay collection, "The Art of Life," and an ebook, "Dedicated Idiocy... Read More →

Saturday November 17, 2018 4:00pm - 5:00pm EST
Plaza IV Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill, 2349 Marlton Pike W, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Media

Host Organization Philcon

5:00pm EST

Politics and Deep Space Nine

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.

Speakers

Jonathan Alexandratos

Jonathan Alexandratos writes about action figures. They edited the first collection of academic essays on action figures, titled POINTS OF ARTICULATION: ESSAYS IN ACTION FIGURE STUDIES, which is out now from McFarland. Their award-winning plays have also been produced internationally... Read More →

Russell J. Handelman

Russell Handelman has written both fiction and nonfiction. He lives next to a swamp in Connecticut.

Orenthal Hawkins

Daniel Kimmel

Rebecca Robare

Dr. Rebecca Robare has a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience and has worked as a college professor, camp counselor, science writer, library book-shelver, dishwasher, brain wave recorder, and cognitive simulation builder, and statistical analyst. She currently works as a research analyst... Read More →

Susan Shwartz

Saturday November 17, 2018 5:00pm - 6:00pm EST
Plaza IV Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill, 2349 Marlton Pike W, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Media

Host Organization Philcon

6:00pm EST

Intentionally Retro SF

Allan Steele has recently published a Captain Future novel. Can SF, which deliberately evokes older science fiction, still be regarded as speculative, or is it an alternate universe fantasy?

Speakers

Aaron

Attendee

Aaron Feldman is a mechanical engineer, longtime fan, gamer, fic writer, vidder, and amateur post-modernist.

Russell J. Handelman

Russell Handelman has written both fiction and nonfiction. He lives next to a swamp in Connecticut.

Darrell Schweitzer

Darrell Schweitzer's books include three novels, THE WHITE ISLE, THE SHATTERED GODDESS, THE MASK OF THE SORCERER, and THE DRAGON HOUSE, plus nine short-story collections, the most recent of which is a volume of Lovecraftian stories, AWAITING STRANGE GODS, published by Fedogan & Bremer... Read More →

Jay Smith

Jay Smith is an award-winning audio dramatist, author, and podcast producer. He is the creator and writer of the online zombie horror series HG World, pulp adventure serial Hidden Harbor Mysteries, and the upcoming weird western series The Road to Renascence. His books include the... Read More →

Jeff Warner

Saturday November 17, 2018 6:00pm - 7:00pm EST
Plaza IV Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill, 2349 Marlton Pike W, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Literary

Host Organization Philcon

10:00am EST

What Your Body Language Says About You

From casual social situations to job interviews, what signals are you sending?

Speakers

Tobias Cabral

Tobias Cabral is a clinical psychologist, whose private practice (Serenity Psychology Services) is located in Langhorne, PA. He completed his undergraduate work at New York University and his Doctoral studies at Widener University's Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology. A lifetime... Read More →

Phil Giunta

Phil Giunta’s novels include the paranormal mysteries Testing the Prisoner, By Your Side, and Like Mother, Like Daughters. His short stories appear in such anthologies as A Plague of Shadows, Beach Nights, Beach Pulp, the ReDeus mythology series, and the Middle of Eternity speculative... Read More →

Mary Spila

Librarian, State Library of Pennsylvania

Mary Spila is not your stereotypical, mild-mannered librarian. She is an active member in the Society for Creative Anachronism. The spins her own yard, knits, and does tablet weaving. She reads everything within visual range. Current favorites are mixed genre fiction, History, and... Read More →

Sunday November 18, 2018 10:00am - 11:00am EST
Plaza IV Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill, 2349 Marlton Pike W, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Science & Technology

Host Organization Philcon

11:00am EST

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?

Speakers

Gil Cnaan

By day, Gil works as a data scientist at DuPont, working not only with big data, but AR/VR, and other emerging technologies. By night, he works as an event promoter and DJ, both with his own company, Storykeeper Events, and as a coproducer of the Philadelphia Renaissance Faire. He... Read More →

Savan Gupta

President & CEO, Steam-Funk Studios & Geeks Gone Wild

Professional Emcee, Author, Game Developer. Former Wizards of the Coast employee. Entering the realm of fandom from a prior background in Financial Operations and Business Management, he delights in bringing proven expertise to these geeky endeavors. Quite the fan himself, Mr. Gupta... Read More →

Tauney Kennedy

Living Historian, Co-Owner of Big Bear Trading Company, ad hoc Troupe Manager for Steam-Funk Studios, and Office Manager at The Nerdy Duo Productions. Recruited in April of 2013, Ms.Kennedy is a veteran performance director for Steam-Funk Studios, having co-written and produced portions... Read More →

Mark Singer

Jack of all trades but master of none, Mark is a long-time SF fan, gamer (board and rpg), autodidact, and voracious reader of history.

F. M. Yates

Appraiser, Atomic City Comics

If you've bought comics on South St. in Philadelphia in the past 30 (?) years, then you've probably bought them from Michael. As owner of Atomic City Comics, on South St. (The coolest street in Philadelphia), Michael has been the local Comic Book pusher for decades. Writer and performer... Read More →

Sunday November 18, 2018 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
Plaza IV Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill, 2349 Marlton Pike W, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Literary

Host Organization Philcon

12:00pm EST

Submitting Art to Magazines

Editors and art directors discuss their guidelines, pay rates, how they evaluate art for their magazine, and how to (politely) get their attention.

Speakers

Tess Kissinger

30 years ago at Philcon 1980 - Tess Kissinger met Bob Walters, and the rest, as they say, is history. Actually, paleontology. Tess and Bob are two of the most famous dinosaur artists in the world. Recently they were chosen by the US National Park Service to paint the 80 foot long... Read More →

Robert Walters

Sunday November 18, 2018 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Plaza IV Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill, 2349 Marlton Pike W, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Art

Host Organization Philcon

1:00pm EST

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.

Speakers

Earl Bennett

I was a product engineer on devices for the blind and deafblind individuals for twenty six years. I am currently working on production and q.c. test for Data Display Systems a producer of point of sales systems and in-store advertising devices and systems. I am now Lead Technician... Read More →

Bruce Dykes

Bruce has been a long time gamer and an SFF reader for even longer. His writing career has actually achieved negative time flow.

Charlie Robertson

How to make a Rock Robertson. Mix two Adventure genomes (predominantly endurance-selected North African with a splash of European), decant in Asia and inoculate through Global Travel, ensuring at least four continents of pathogenic exposure. Introduce a disdain for blind Authority... Read More →

Sunday November 18, 2018 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Plaza IV Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill, 2349 Marlton Pike W, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Science & Technology

Host Organization Philcon

2:00pm EST

Roundtable: A Farewell to Adventure Time

A fond look back on the little show that could. Audience participation appreciated!

Speakers

Phillip Thorne

Interested in everything, especially if it can be organized and analyzed, except for sportsball. "Everything" includes LEGO bricks, vintage science magazines, international travel plans, linguistics, and macroeconomic time series databases. Affiliated with Philcon since 2001 as repeat... Read More →

Sunday November 18, 2018 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Plaza IV Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill, 2349 Marlton Pike W, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Anime & Animation

Host Organization Philcon