Allison Stein

Allison Stein is an artist, author, TV addict, geek princess, and cat servant—not necessarily in that order. Look for her watercolor and mixed-media originals (and prints!) in the Art Show and her award-winning short fiction with Yard Dog Press and NobleFusion Press. A long-time member of Kansas City Science Fiction & Fantasy Society, Allison was social media and marketing manager for ConQuesT for many years. She is also a member of SFWA and the NobleFusion Writers Collective. By day, she is the lead technical writer for a Fortune 500 financial-technology company, where she writes software documentation that even technophobes can understand. In her spare time, she hoards art supplies and practices Advanced Google-Fu. Facebook.com/allison.stein, @allisonstein.bsky.social

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12:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

Hope vs. Despair: How Sci-Fi Imagines the Future

From Star Trek's utopian ideals to Cyberpunk's corporate dystopias, sf has always wrestled with our best and worst possible futures. Join us as we break down how these visions of tomorrow shape our present.

Moderator: David Rike

Panelists: Allison Stein, Ted Pennella, Charles Dane Clark, David Rike

11:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room

Thrifty Revisions: Giving Old Art a Space Age Makeover

Transform thrift-store finds into sci-fi masterpieces! In this hands-on panel, artists will take reclaimed paintings and prints, adding sci-fi elements, monsters, and otherworldly touches to create unique, genre-bending works of art. All supplies provided, and final pieces will be up for grabs in the Charity Raffle. Join us for a creative, fun, and impactful way to blend art, sci-fi, and philanthropy!

Moderator: Peri Charlifu

Panelists: Allison Stein, Peri Charlifu, C.C. Caldwell, Mel. White, Sally Hamilton

1:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

She's Got It Where It Counts: The Best Rides in Sci-fi

From sleek starfighters to junky clunkers held together by hope and duct tape, sci-fi has given us some legendary rides. Do you prefer the elegance of a starship, the raw power of a battle cruiser, or the charm of a barely functioning hunk of junk? Come defend your favorite intergalactic (or interdimensional) vehicle and debate which sci-fi ride truly reigns supreme!

Moderator: Stephen Patrick

Panelists: Allison Stein, Stephen Patrick, Evan T. Wardwell, Kenneth Walker, Major Bill Leaf

6:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

Dystopian Reality: When Fiction Becomes Fact

What happens when speculative fiction predicts real-world events? Discuss the eerie accuracy of works like 1984 and The Handmaid's Tale.

Moderator: Stephen Patrick

Panelists: Selina Rosen, Allison Stein, Raymond Markley, C.C. Caldwell, Stephen Patrick