Shay Griffith

Shay Griffith, a marketing coordinator by profession and a proud nerd at heart, embodies the perfect blend of creativity and strategy. With a passion for all things fantastical, horrific, and immersive, Shay's interests in fantasy novels, horror films, gaming, and art fuel both personal and professional endeavors. Raised on a diet of Tolkien and Lovecraft, Shay developed an insatiable appetite for storytelling and world-building, which naturally transitioned into a career in marketing. Whether crafting engaging social-media campaigns or designing eye-catching advertisements, Shay's creativity knows no bounds. Outside the office, Shay can often be found lost in virtual worlds, battling dragons, or exploring haunted landscapes. Her love for gaming not only serves as a source of entertainment but also fosters a deeper understanding of interactive storytelling—a skillset invaluable in the ever-evolving landscape of marketing. Shay is a storyteller, a strategist, and an unapologetic nerd whose passion for the fantastic shapes both their professional success and personal fulfillment.

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5:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma HIJ presented by Fowler Automotive

Opening Ceremonies

Soonercon 33 official opening. Emcee Jim Shorts will lead us in launching into the Gateway to the Galaxy!

Moderator: Jim Shorts

Panelists: Sentinelbait, Jim Shorts, Michael A. Stackpole, Mai Van, Shay Griffith, Tall Chick Cosplay

7:00 PM | Location: Boomer B 18+

Smash or Pass: Hear Me Out -- The Sci-Fi Sessions (18+)

If you saw that TikTok trend with the Hear Me Out cakes and repeatedly thought THAT'S NOT A HEAR ME OUT, then this panel is for you. Come bring your Hear Me Outs to the table and tell us why it's the Dune popcorn bucket.

Moderator: Shay Griffith

Panelists: Chelsea Haldane, C.C. Caldwell, Phoenix Noire BouRey, Levi Hornsby, Shay Griffith

3:00 PM | Location: Sooner B

ASTRA Academy

ASTRA Academy cadets will select the path they choose to follow. Are you interested in engineering? Do you like Science? Are you wanting to be a part of daily Operations on the station? Come take the oath to join the ASTRA Interstellar Alliance! Kids can also choose what planet they come from!

After being sorted and taking the oath, kids will go next door and create Alien Slime to take home!

Moderator: Elaina Hamilton

Panelists: Jim Shorts, Sentinelbait, Elaina Hamilton, Shay Griffith

4:00 PM | Location: University C (Theme Room)

ASTRA & X'har Sorak at Photo Set

Meet the cast of this year's themed story and get your picture taken in Engineering.

Moderator: Jim Shorts

Panelists: Sentinelbait, Tall Chick Cosplay, Shay Griffith, Jim Shorts

9:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Bedlam 2 Boardroom 18+

Sweary String Things - Bracelet Creation (18+)

Express yourself in a uniquely colorful and inappropriate way! In this beginner friendly workshop, you'll learn how to string together vibrant beads and letters to create a custom bracelet featuring your favorite, chosen obscenity. At the end of this workshop, you'll walk away with a hilarious and wearable piece or personalized sass. This workshop is 18+.

Moderator: Shay Griffith

Panelists: Shay Griffith

11:00 PM | Location: Boomer A 18+

AITA in Spaaaace! (18+)

Panelists share an AITA-style story from the perspective of a famous sci-fi character. Audience members guess which character the story is about and decide whether they're deemed an A-hole or not. Grab your thinking caps and get ready to play a game filled with plenty of laughs. (18+ Adult evening programming.)

Moderator: Amber Hanneken

Panelists: Caleb Haldane, Amber Hanneken, Matthew Cavanaugh, Jessica Kenney, Shay Griffith

2:00 PM | Location: University C (Theme Room)