Stephen Patrick

12:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

Intergalactic Villainy: Why We Love Space Antagonists

Darth Vader, Frieza, Thanos -- what makes a great space villain? Dive into the psychology, design, and storytelling behind some of pop culture's most compelling intergalactic baddies, from anime to sci-fi and beyond.

Moderator: Stephen Patrick

Panelists: Lin Christie, Paul Carlson, Kenneth Walker, Thomas Gondolfi, aka Teddy Bear Man, Stephen Patrick

4:00 PM | Location: Sooner A

Distinguishing Factors: How Society Shapes Who We Are

Is individuality a form of freedom, or do societal expectations define us? This discussion examines how culture, identity, and personal expression are shaped by the push and pull of norms and self-determination.

Moderator: Stephen Patrick

Panelists: A.C. Smart, Ted Pennella, Stephen Patrick, Selina Rosen, Andrew Scheffe

6:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Bedlam 2 Boardroom

Author Readings

Hear the written word come to life! Join us for a special session where featured authors read selections from their works—ranging from sneak peeks of upcoming releases to fan-favorite passages. Whether it’s science fiction, fantasy, horror, or heartfelt memoir, these readings offer a unique chance to experience stories in the voices of the people who created them.

Moderator: Rhonda Eudaly

Panelists: Stephen Patrick, Rhonda Eudaly

7:00 PM | Location: Boomer A 18+

Bad Boys & Bad Girls: The Allure of the Antihero (18+)

Antiheroes: We love them, we hate them, but we can't stop thinking about them. In this saucy panel, we'll discuss the bad boys and bad girls of sci-fi, fantasy, and comics that we can't help but be attracted to. From their brooding stares to their smoldering charisma, we'll break down what makes them so irresistible, and why we want to fall for them, even when they're bad for us.

Moderator: Stephen Patrick

Panelists: Ela Evella, Stephen Patrick, Michael A. Stackpole, La Blanke, Mike Kennedy

11:00 AM | Location: Boomer A

Building Better Worlds: The Role of History in Fantasy & Fiction

Great fiction is built on great research. Panelists share techniques for using history to shape fantasy settings, inspire characters, and craft realistic conflicts that resonate with readers.

Moderator: Stephen Patrick

Panelists: David Rike, Kris Lackey, Stephen Patrick, Major Bill Leaf, Charlie N. Holmberg

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

10:00 AM | Location: Boomer B

The Future of Work: Automation, AI, and Universal Basic Income

As automation and artificial intelligence continue to transform industries, what happens to the concept of work in the future? Could jobs as we know them become obsolete, and if so, what does that mean for the economy and social structures? This panel will explore the potential for a future society where robots handle the mundane and humans are freed to pursue creative, intellectual, or leisure-based endeavors. Will Universal Basic Income be the solution, or will society find itself in a new kind of class struggle?

Moderator: Stephen Patrick

Panelists: Tim Chessmore, Jeff Provine, Stephen Patrick, Mel. White, Aislinn Burrows

12:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma E

Autographs

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

Profile: Stephen Patrick

1:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

Anime vs. Hollywood: Who Does Space Best?

Gundams or starships? Mecha battles or laser duels? Join us for a heated discussion comparing how anime and Western sci-fi approach space exploration, storytelling, and world-building. Audience participation highly encouraged -- who will win the ultimate showdown?

Moderator: Stephen Patrick

Panelists: La Blanke, Red Bard, Birdie, Cowboy Villain Cosplay, Stephen Patrick