Aaron Bossig

1:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

Pitch Your Sci-Fi Spin-Off

Think you've got the next great Star Trek spin-off or an amazing side story for Star Wars? Pitch your idea to a panel of "studio executives" (panelists) and the audience. The wilder, the better!

Moderator: Aaron Bossig

Panelists: Jacob Blackmon, Vickey Malone Kennedy, Kenneth Walker, The Singing Costumer, Aaron Bossig

3:00 PM | Location: Sooner A

This Machine Kills Fascists: Resistance in Pop Culture

Pop culture has long been a stage for resistance, rebellion, and the fight against oppressive forces. From the anti-authoritarian lyrics of protest songs to the revolutionary themes in comics, sci-fi, and fantasy, creators have used their work against fascism and injustice. This panel explores how stories, music, and art inspire change, challenge the status quo, and give voice to the voiceless. Join us for a discussion on the enduring legacy of resistance in pop culture and how these themes resonate in today's world.

Moderator: Aaron Bossig

Panelists: Tommy B. Smith, Aaron Bossig, J.H. Fleming, Aislinn Burrows, Michael A. Stackpole

10:00 AM | Location: Boomer A

The History of Fan Media: From Zines to Streaming

Fan-created media has a rich history, stretching back to the early 1900s, when fans first started producing zines and fan fiction. This panel explores how fan media has evolved over the decades -- from grassroots fanzines to the rise of fan films, webcomics, and today's streaming platforms. We'll discuss the impact fan creators have had on mainstream media, how digital platforms have changed the game, and how fandoms continue to shape pop culture. Join us for a deep dive into the origins and growth of fan media, and discover how these passionate creators continue to influence the media we consume today!

Moderator: Aaron Bossig

Panelists: Mike Kennedy, Aaron Bossig, Dr Paisley, Tim Frayser

3:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

The Star Trek Expanded Universe: From Novels to Comics to Video Games

Star Trek has far outgrown its TV and film origins, with an expansive universe of novels, comics, and video games filling in the gaps and introducing new characters, missions, and universes. In this panel, we'll explore the Star Trek Expanded Universe, how it has enhanced the lore, and why it remains a vital part of Star Trek fandom.

Moderator: Aaron Bossig

Panelists: Joshua Caudill, Karen Thrower, Aaron Bossig, Kenneth Walker, Evan T. Wardwell

5:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma E

Autographs

Stop by their table in Exhibitor Hall, to get this guest's autograph.

Profile: Aaron Bossig

8:00 PM | Location: Boomer B 18+

Smut Roulette: The Wheel of Naughty Tropes (18+)

Spin the wheel and let fate decide your filth! This interactive storytelling game challenges panelists and audience members to create ridiculous, on-the-spot smut scenes based on randomly selected fanfiction tropes, kinks, and wild premises. How bad can it get? (Answer: very.)

Moderator: Black Nerd Rises

Panelists: L.L.Killjoy, Black Nerd Rises, Aaron Bossig, Dr Paisley

10:00 AM | Location: University B

Iconic Looks: Unforgettable Cinema Fashion

From Princess Leia's gold bikini to Sean Connery's unforgettable red ensemble in Zardoz, some movie outfits are burned into pop-culture history. This panel celebrates the iconic, outrageous, and often jaw-dropping looks that define cinema. We'll explore fashion statements that have become synonymous with the characters who wear them, and delve into why these looks stay with us long after the credits roll. Join us to discuss and maybe even debate the most memorable fashion moments in film history!

Moderator: Lilith Keller

Panelists: Aaron Bossig, Carousel Cosplay/Padme Peaches, Brooke Welsh, Lilith Keller

12:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

Humanity Among the Stars: The Ethical Implications of Colonizing Other Planets

As humanity looks to the stars, the possibility of colonizing other planets becomes ever more plausible. But what ethical questions arise when we consider colonizing worlds beyond Earth? From terraforming to the displacement of potential alien life, this panel will explore the moral quandaries surrounding space colonization, examining how these issues are handled in speculative fiction and how they may play out in the real world.

Moderator: Dara Fogel, PhD

Panelists: Dara Fogel, PhD, Charles Dane Clark, Robb Wetmore, Aaron Bossig

3:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

From Masquerades to Mega-Cons: The History of Fan Conventions & Cosplay

From sci-fi meetups to pop culture mega-events, fan conventions have shaped geek culture for generations. Join us as we explore the origins of conventions, the rise of cosplay, and the ever-growing impact of fandom.

Moderator: Aaron Bossig

Panelists: Honor Lychee, Buck Berlin, Kayla Argo, Aaron Bossig